ORTOVOX route tip: Haute Route Graubünden

Stage 1: La Veduta – Piz Surgonda – Jenatsch Hut

Approx. 5h   1220m ascent   10km

The La Veduta parking lot (Julier Hospice) just before the Julier Pass is a good starting position for the ascent to Piz Surgonda and further to the Jenatsch Hut. Initially, you gently ascend in the valley basin to the Fuorcla Alva (2791m). Then it gets a bit steeper up to Piz Surgonda (3196m) before you can enjoy the wonderful snow on the descent to Val Bever. At the end, it goes up another 200m to the Jenatsch Hut.

Stage 2: Jenatsch Hut – Piz Laviner – Preda – Madulain – Chamanna d’Es-cha

Approx. 9h   1550m ascent   16km

First, from the hut head east traversing the southeastern flank of Crasta Jenatsch until reaching the large hollow of Vadret Laviner. From there, keep northwest over the south flank onto the southwest ridge. A ski depot is located at 3080m, from where you reach the summit of Piz Laviner (3137m) over rock steps.

The descent to Naz is enjoyable. From there (Preda), continue by train to Madulain.

The ascent to the hut continues from there through Val Müra via the hiking trail towards Alp Es-cha dadour to Chamanna d’Es-cha.

Stage 3: Chamanna d’Es-cha – Piz d’Es-cha – Kesch Hut

Approx. 5h   850m ascent    8km

On the moraine ridge, proceed northwest to below the Porta d’Es-cha. The safety chains on the last steep ascent are often covered with snow in winter. On the other side of the Porta, it briefly goes steeply downhill and then steeply uphill to Vadret da Porcabella. From there you reach the east foot of the summit rocks and the ski depot (3270m).

Now ascend the steep snow slope, over the northeast ridge up to the summit of Piz d’Es-cha (3418m).

The descent follows the ascent route to the Porta and further on the left side of the glacier to Kesch Hut.

Stage 4: Kesch Hut – Scaletta Horn – Grialetsch Hut

Approx. 5-7h  1100m   14km

The stage begins with the descent through Val Tschüvel and Val Funtauna to Alp Funtauna at 2192m. From there, follow the stream northwards to Scaletta Pass and turn east onto the steep moraine slope and glacier. Keep right and pass over Scaletta Horn. From the southeast, follow the south ridge on the eastern side to the summit.

Stage 5: Grialetsch Hut – Schwarzhorn – Flüela Pass

Approx. 4h  840m 13km

The route begins with a short descent to Fourcla da Grialetsch, then heads north over terraces to Fuorcla Radönt. The Vadret da Radönt is crossed westward up to the steep ramp to Schwarzhorn Saddle. Via the south ridge, you reach the summit of Schwarzhorn (3146m).