From the Bächlitalhütte (Normal route) Gaulihütte SAC 2205 m
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- Difficulty
- PD+
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- Ascent
- 4:30–6:30 h, 900 m
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- Descent
- 1050 m
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- Exposure
- NE, E, NW
Shortest hut approach, with relatively low avalanche risk, often shortened with an overnight stay at the Bächlital hut. It is possible to approach from Gärstenegg in one day, but this is very long at over 6 hours (see variant). Crossing of the Obri Bächlilicken is made easy via a series of ladders and chains.
Route description
Bächlitalhütte - Obri Bächlilicke
After a short descent from the Bächlitalhütte (2328 m), the glacier can be reached in around 30 minutes to the west. Climb the initially steep section of the glacier via its right-hand (northern) edge to gain the Bächligletscher proper. Bear south across the glacial plateau, then once it starts to steepen again, commence a wide arc through W to NW, following its curve round and finally up to the Obri Bächlilicken (3074 m) on the western skyline.
Obri Bächlilicke (pass)
Metal ladders, which make the crossing more feasible, are not hard to find. Chains protect the slightly less steep western descent.
Obri Bächlilicke - Gaulihütte
A nice, shady descent. Ski northwards through the valley to the Gaulisee (2146 m). Cross the (hopefully) frozen lake, west of the small peninsula (P. 2180), then bear northeast through a ravine (summer path). Surprisingly steep skiing leads down through the groove to a flattening southwest of point 2029. From here make a sharp dog-leg back left (SW) around the rocky rib into another gully. Follow the easiest way up in the vicinity of the summer path; at some point you can leave it and cross lower to the right (N) into a final gully, before joining it once more. Finally switchback right (NE) and locate the well hidden hut.
Most conveniently in the area of the hut trail, initially quite steep, through the confusing glacier grinding area to the Gaulihütte.
Variant: from Gärstenegg
For more details see Bächlital hut approach; iinstead of the final climb to the Bächlitalhütte, you can stay low and join the main route at 2300 m.
Additional information
- Departure point
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- Remarks
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4.5 hrs from Bächlitalhütte, around 2 hrs and 650 m altitude more from Gärstenegg.
Confusing terrain below the Gaulihütte!
- Waypoints
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Gerstenegg, top station (1705 m)
Departure point for the ascent in one day; Bus from Innertkirchen on request to the valley station of the KWO-Werkbahn Handegg – Gerstenegg
(http//:www.grimselwelt.ch/skitouren; KWO: + 41 33 982 29 11; Bus: + 41 58 448 20 08; Grimseltaxi: + 41 33 973 12 09).
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- Route number
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62a