From Sustenpass | Mountain hiking | Swiss Alpine Club SAC

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From Sustenpass Voralphütte SAC 2126 m

Difficulty

T5
Ascent

4–5 h, 680 m
Descent

780 m

The logical route from Chalchtal to Voralptal

When you look up at the steep north flank from Sustenpass, you can hardly believe that a feasible path leads through it. This logical crossing from the shady Chalchtal to the flower-rich Voralptal has suffered greatly in recent years from the loss of the small Chalchtalfirn (glacier). A recent renovation and adjustment of the route however makes it again practicable. Problems remain on the Voralp side however; where the path at the edge of the Wallenburfirnen (glacier) is also constantly being changed by the forces of nature.

Voralphütte with Horenfellistock in the background. © Müller Bruno

View from the Sustenjoch northwards to the Sustenpass. (09/2010) © Arnold Barmettler

The steep east flank of Bockberg is crossed via the grassy slope (half in shade) at mid height. (09/2010) © Arnold Barmettler

On the steep east flank of Bockberg, Sustenjoch in the background. (09/2010) © Arnold Barmettler

The N-flank beneath the Sustenjoch - hard to believe there is a way up it. (07/2009) © Müller Bruno

The narrow path up to the Sustenjoch (09/2010) © Arnold Barmettler

View from Sustenjoch on towards Wallenburfirn and Voralptal. © Christoph Jegge

Lots of scree on the path below the Sustenjoch. (08/2023) © Christoph Jegge

Interesting, partly arduous and dynamic terrain at the end of the Walenburnfirn. (08/2023) © Christoph Jegge

The bridge over the Voralpreuss a little before the Voralphütte. © Müller Bruno

Arrival at the Voralphütte SAC. (07/2010) © Bruno Müller

Route description

Sustenpass - Sustenjoch - Voralphütte

From Sustenpass (2224 m) follow the white-blue-white marked path up to and across the Bockberg's east flank, and descend into the Chalchtal. The Chalchtalfirn, which used to be crossed, has melted back so far that the path now leads over scree and rocks (safety chains) to the foot of the steep N-facing flank below the Sustenjoch. The ascent leads through the flank, which is partially secured with fixed ropes and chains (these have only been fixed where the rock quality allowed secure anchoring; the parts with loose or brittle rock are therefore not protected). Beware the risk of falling stones if there are other people on the flank! From the Sustenjoch (2655 m) the path leads down over snow fields or scree along the eastern edge of the Wallenburfirn to the Voralphütte (2126 m). This section changes again and again and boulder hopping antics are to be expected.