Untouched snowy slopes, billowing powder – every season, ski touring fills social media with breathtaking images. From the ski piste, I had often watched groups zigzagging uphill in kick turns and carving elegant tracks into deep snow on their descent. But actually doing a ski tour myself? My previous ski holidays had never quite allowed for that.

So how and where do you even begin with ski touring?
Fortunately, my experienced colleagues from the mountain sports team were there to support me, answer all my questions, and ease my uncertainty. One-day introductory and avalanche training courses, plus a few smaller ski tours later – I was ready.

The icy air brushes against my face as I step out of the Aletsch exit at the Jungfraujoch. I’ll admit it – I’m tense and excited. But the perfect weather quickly washes away most of my worries. With my alpine harness on and gear checked, our mountain guide carves ahead smoothly and elegantly over the freshly snow-covered glacier. The other participants follow at a distance. Now it’s my turn. Go!
Still a bit cautious, I make my first turns – they become smoother with every curve. If it weren’t for that lingering tension, a cheer might have escaped my lips. The glacier flattens out toward the Konkordiaplatz. A few small turns here and there, the panorama rolls by like a movie.

At the Konkordiaplatz, our tour leads us southwest. Skins on, water drunk, an energy bar eaten – soon we’re ascending the Grosser Aletschfirn toward the Lötschenlücke. Roped up, I follow the track of our mountain guide. I rhythmically push one ski forward after the other as Aebniflueh and Aletschhorn stand like silent sentinels on either side.

The gentle incline of the terrain lets me truly enjoy the tour. At the end of the glacier, the Hollandia Hut rises proudly above the Lötschenlücke, drawing closer with every ski length. Made it! I look back toward the Konkordiaplatz, where we began our ascent just a few hours ago.

Soon the skins are packed away and the group is ready for the descent. The first section of the Langgletscher leads us in tight turns through steep, icy terrain – a twisting maze that quickly brings my respect for this tour back in full force. As the slope eases, the fun returns. Past larch trees, the Lötschental leads us toward Blatten. With a few strong pushes along the cross-country trail, we reach the village. The mountain guide walks along the group, offering congratulations – the ski tour is over.

We reflect on the day over a refreshing drink at Hotel Breithorn. While past ski touring experiences are being exchanged, I’m already dreaming of the next adventure – I’ve caught the addiction too: the craving for untouched slopes and billowing powder.

This tour report was written by Stefan Fischer. He works in the office of Outdoor’s mountain and snow sports school, where he advises our guests and organizes tours and courses for them.

2 days
Want to experience the famous one-day ski tour across the Lötschenlücke? On the first day, you’ll learn the essential basics to tackle the tour on the second day.
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1 day
The ski tour across the Lötschenlücke (3164 m) is arguably the most famous day tour in the Swiss Alps. Together with the Jungfrau Railways, we’ve created an exclusive special offer for you – including train and cable car ticket. Only Outdoor offers this much value.
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This ski tour in the Jungfrau region is ideal for beginners, seniors, or simply those who love to enjoy. You can look forward to three unforgettable days on various glaciers in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jungfrau-Aletsch.
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