Pazolastock / Piz Nurschalas

We start at the Oberalp Pass at the lighthouse, a replica of the former rear light of Hoek van Holland. It has stood here since 2010 and symbolizes the connection between the source and the mouth of the Rhine.

We are not the only ones! We don't have to worry about making a good ascent track. With the sun on our faces, we ascend south to the ridge, where we switch from the north to the south side. There are a few meters of descent here, which we manage with climbing skins under our skis. Then it’s just a few turns to the summit.

We decided to descend via Lake Toma, so now we descend a few hundred meters again. You never know whether to keep the skins on or not! Because in good conditions, the ridge to Fil da Tuma can be skied. Otherwise, carrying is required. After this airy passage, we swing down to the snow-covered Lake Toma, a special experience if you know the place from summer. Where the water leaves the lake is where our descent continues, to the plain Plidutscha and onward to Tschamut.

Variant 1: descent on the east side via Nurschalas Grondas to Alp Milez

Variant 2: descent on the west side over Pazolaälpetli to Nätschen and Andermatt

The water of the young Rhine leaves the lake through a steep gully that descends down to Plidutscha. This is rideable in good conditions and is an absolute insider tip. Yay!

From the Oberalp Pass, head south to the ridge, and then from the south side up to the summit. Continue south along the ridge to Fil da Tuma. Descend to Lake Toma and down to Plidutscha. From Alp Milez, you can drive on the pass road to Tschamut or stay on the right valley side and follow the Rhine down to Tschamut. This finally involves a short climb of about 10 minutes.