Ski Touring in Brandnertal
In the tranquility of nature
Explore the pristine slopes of Brandnertal on a ski tour off the beaten path, or experience the thrill of ski touring on the specially marked and prepared routes. Whether relishing the silence on untouched powder slopes or sharing the joy of safe routes with fellow ski tourers, both offer an experience that connects and enriches. Feel the freedom and adventure as you glide through the snowy wonderland, discovering hidden corners of the mountain world that can only be reached this way.
Four marked and maintained ski touring routes await you in Brandnertal. My personal recommendation: The tour evenings in Bürserberg and Palüd – a unique opportunity to experience the charm of a night-time ski tour.
Petra from Bürs
loves safe ski touring on marked trails
What information do you need?
Planning, Equipment & Guide
Your safety is our top priority when ski touring. In addition to the right clothing and equipment, it’s essential to always be aware of your location, the weather conditions, and the avalanche situation. On Tschengla in Bürserberg, there’s an avalanche transceiver training area where you can practice using avalanche emergency equipment.
This equipment is essential and can be purchased or rented at sports stores and rental shops in Brand and Bürserberg:
- Avalanche transceiver for quick location
- Avalanche probe and shovel
- First aid kit for emergencies
Winter report
Check the winter report before your tour. It provides all the essential information for your ski tour and safety.
Explore safely with the guidance of local ski or mountain guides.
Tour suggestions for beginners
Brandnertal offers a unique concept for ski tourers who prefer to ascend via safe paths or ski slopes. Specially marked routes primarily follow hiking trails leading up to the mountain station, preventing collisions on the slopes and ensuring your safety. If you prefer, you can also tour with an experienced guide.
The key points at a glance:
- Easy routes with moderately steep sections
- Avalanche-safe ascent to the ski hut or mountain station
- Approx. 5 km long, with an ascent of 450 - 500 m
- Walking time: approx. 1.5 - 2 hours
- Descent via the piste to the starting point possible
The Capercaillie at Loischkopf
A source population of capercaillie was discovered on the Loischkopf, which plays a crucial role in gene exchange with other populations in the region. Numerous measures have been developed in a comprehensive protection concept to preserve the capercaillie and its habitat.
Ski touring evenings
On select slopes, ski touring is possible by moonlight – a truly unforgettable experience. However, please stick to the designated slopes on the selected days. All other pistes are closed from 5:00 PM for grooming, and use is at your own risk. There is no protection or marking.
- Ascent and descent on pistes no. 21, 22, and 26, as well as on the designated ski tour routes (Burtscha tour and Faregg tour), every Tuesday until 10:00 PM.
- Every Wednesday until 10:00 PM, ascent and descent on piste no. 11 (or ski route no. 11a) to the Palüdhütte.
Note: Please check the daily winter report for the latest slope conditions and hut opening times before your tour.
More routes for advanced riders
Schesaplana, 2,965 m | Brand
Starting point: after the end of Brand, 1,120 m
Altitude: 1,850 m
Difficulty: medium
Avalanche risk: high
Season: February - May
The ski tour to the highest peak of the Rätikon is an absolute highlight. The very long, physically demanding tour with several steep sections is rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view from the summit.
Along the road from the Innertal valley to the valley station of the Lünerseebahn cable car. Continue to the end of the valley and follow the right-hand gully to the level of the summer trail. Mostly without skis over the Bösen Tritt and the subsequent steep flank to the Lünersee. The further ascent is via the western Lünersee accompanying trail. From the middle of the Lünersee, you can start crossing the flank in good conditions. The trail climbs gently into a hollow that leads to the Totalphütte. After the Totalphütte, follow the left ridge to the Schesaplana Grenzrücken. Follow this, then turn right into the ravine and steeply up to the summit ridge just to the left of the highest point. The last few meters are mostly on foot to the summit cross. Descent as ascent.
Oberzalimkopf, 2,340 m | Brand
Starting point: Palüdbahn valley station, 1,060 m
Altitude: 1,280 m
Difficulty: medium
Avalanche risk: medium in the steep mouth; high below the summit
Season: January - April
Start on the piste approx. 270 m up to the valley floor of the Untere Zalimalpe. Then follow the goods road on the left side of the valley to the crossroads at the entrance to the Zalimtal. From here, continue along the left-hand goods road into the valley. After the wooded, lowest section, ascend along the wide valley floor. At the head of the valley, cross an increasingly steep hollow to just below the height of the Oberzalimhütte and cross to the right on a flat ascent. From the hut, which is not open in winter, continue to the right and on the right side of a mountain pine-covered ridge onto a small shoulder. Now cross to the left into a steep hollow and ascend this until you reach the ridge to the right of the summit structure. Ski depot under the ridge rocks. Now follow the ridge - immediately after a rocky upswing on the left - to the summit. Descent as ascent.
Schillermulde, 1,847 m | Bürserberg
Starting point: Einhornbahn valley station or Tschengla hiking parking lot, 1,200 m
Altitude: 630 m
Difficulty: easy
Avalanche risk: low - medium (due to the final slope to the pass)
Season: December - March
From the Tschengla hiking parking lot, follow the road to the foot of the slope at approx. 1,230 m. Over the mostly open slopes, keep slightly to the right into the Furkla valley, approx. 1,600 m. On the right side of the small valley between Schillerkopf and Mondspitze to below the yoke and at the end in hairpin bends steeply onto the ridge or more comfortably onto a small shoulder on the northern slope of the Schillerkopf. Descent as ascent.
Alternative: Mondspitze, 1,967 m
The Mondspitze is more interesting in late winter due to the heavy mountain pine growth. Follow the route to the Schillermulde as far as the ridge. Then head straight for the east ridge of the Mondspitze and head just left of the ridge in hairpin bends to the summit. Descent as ascent.