Between lakes and peaks – ski tour to the Glatt Grat

Tina and Ben are enthusiastic ski tourers. Lucerne – which is where they’re from – is a springboard for a good many tours, some of which can be completed in as little as half a day.

Lucerne is a good starting point for ski tours long and short. That includes the tour from Klewenalp above Beckenried via the Brisenhaus to the Glatt Grat. There are many ways of getting to Klewenalp from Lucerne. Tina and Ben aren’t in a hurry, so they turn this relatively short, easy tour into a leisurely day trip.

In full ski touring gear, Tina and Ben board the scheduled boat to Beckenried at 9.12 a.m.

Lake Lucerne also has its charm in winter. During the trip you feel like you’re amid wild fjord scenery somewhere in the Far North. The pair make themselves comfortable and enjoy the peaceful crossing over the wintry lake with a coffee and muesli.

On arrival in Beckenried, the pair take the Klewenalp aerial cableway up to the ski area. Tina and Ben ski as far as the Biel tepee village, where they stop to apply skins to their skis. A short, sharp climb brings them via the saddle to the plateau, then it’s a leisurely ascent to the Brisenhaus.

From the Brisenhaus, the Glatt Grat can be reached via another climb. If you feel you’ve done enough climbing, you can stop off at the Swiss Alpine Club hut here and relax for a bit. The hut is staffed during the day in winter; you need to book a few days ahead if you intend to stay the night.

On the Glatt Grat, Tina and Ben decide at the last minute to make a round trip out of the excursion. They ski down to the Brisenhaus before heading for Niederrickenbach. The descent is like the ascent, not very steep but great fun in good snow.

They reach Niederrickenbach via a slightly hilly winter walking trail, after which it’s an aerial cableway down to Dallenwil.

At Dallenwil, Tina and Ben happily take the train back to Lucerne and compare notes about their day.