Ski tour | Piz Palü with mountain guide

Piz Palü: experience one of the most beautiful ski tours in the Engadin! Majestic at 3899 metres with a panoramic view of the Bernina massif.

Technics
Endurance
To the dates and registration

We will spend two days on touring skis, on the first day we will acclimatise and already be out and about in the area around the Piz Palü, a possible tour could be the "Gemsfreiheit". There are many off-piste runs in this area with short ascents and magnificent descents. We spend the night in the Berghaus Diavolezza, where the service, cuisine and location are sensational (included in the price). From here we can see our destination for the coming day, the Piz Palü at 3900 metres above sea level. We go to bed early and get up early. In the dark and with headlamps, we descend to the Pers Glacier. We climb leisurely through the Cambrenabrüche, past imposing crevasses towards the ski depot at 3730 metres above sea level. From here we continue on foot to the eastern summit of Piz Palü, where we enjoy the view and our performance. The descent is also worthwhile: in addition to hanging glaciers, crevasses and a magnificent view, we guide you safely back to the valley through magnificent skiing terrain.

  • Venue & meeting point

    • Meeting point: 10.30 Diavolezza mountain railway
    • If travelling by car is possible, a little earlier
    • Accommodation: Diavolezza mountain lodge

  • Requirements

    • Mastering the ski touring technique with its basics (skins, hairpin turns).
    • Safe downhill technique in open terrain and in different types of snow.
    • Condition for ski tours with around 1000hm at a comfortable pace (~300hm/h).
    • Condition for 1000m of descent in different types of snow.
    • Splitboarders are welcome, provided they are experienced.
  • Group size

    • Takes place with 2 - 3 guests per mountain guide.
  • Price and services

    • CHF 890.-
    • Including planning and realisation with mountain guide and his travel expenses.
    • Including overnight stay and half board.
    • Excluding travelling expenses, train ticket, personal consumption.
  • Material and equipment

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, preferably via the Contact form

Impressions: Ski tour Piz Palü

    in the ascent to Piz Palü
    Descent on the glacier
    Ski tourers in front of Piz Palü
    on the descent with Piz Palü in the background

Questions and answers about the ski tour to Piz Palü ?¿

  • What is Piz Palü?

    Piz Palü is a triumvirate in the Engadin, in south-east Switzerland, on the border with Italy, right next to the Bernina Pass. Piz Palü consists of east, centre and west peaks. It is almost 3900 metres high and surrounded by the mountains of the Bernina massif (Piz Cambrena, Bellavista and Piz Bernina).

  • How long does the ski tour to Piz Palü usually take?

    The ski tour to Piz Bernina usually takes 2 days. On the second day, you start early from the Berghaus Diavolezza and conquer the 1000 metres of altitude difference in around 3-4 hours. The descent on skis is quick and, if possible, you ski down to Morteratsch.

  • What level of difficulty can I expect on the Piz Palü ski tour?

    The ski tour to Piz Palü leads through a wild, rugged glacier. The crevasses are different every year and the route has to be redesigned. This glacier zone is called "Cambrenabrüche". In addition, the last part of the summit ascent is around 40-45° steep. Here you go up on foot with crampons. On the ski tour scale, the ski tour to Piz Palü is quite difficult (ZS).

  • What equipment is recommended for the ski tour on Piz Palü?

    For the ski tour to Piz Palü you need:

    • normal ski touring equipment plus
    • light crampons,
    • Climbing harness,
    • and pimples.

    The mountain guide also has the following with him:

    • Safety equipment such as ropes, slings and carabiners,
    • Rescue equipment such as pharmacy, satellite messenger,
    • Orientation material.

    We have for you a detailed packing list with packing tips compiled, also compact as PDF.

  • Which route is recommended for the ski tour to Piz Palü?

    The normal route up Piz Palü starts at the Diavolezza mountain station. From there, ski a few metres up to the Vadret Pers glacier and climb from here through the Cambrenabrüche to the shoulder of Palü. Here you make the ski depot and walk to the eastern summit of Palü. The descent roughly follows the ascent route. An additional ascent to the Gemsfreiheit and a long descent to Morteratsch are possible. It is also possible to cross the Palü and spend the night in the Rifugio Marco e Rosa.

  • When is the best time for a ski tour on Piz Palü?

    The best time for a ski tour on the Piz Palü is from mid-March to the end of April. Only then is there enough snow on the glaciers and it is possible to walk safely on the rugged glacier.

  • Is there accommodation near Piz Palü?

    The usual accommodation for the ascent of Piz Palü is the Diavolezza mountain inn. It is also possible to stay overnight in the Boval hut or the Rifugio Marco e Rosa.

Current spontaneous tours

  • Schafbergkante | Alpine Klettertour im Säntismassiv mit Bergführer

    Saturday, 11 October 2025
    To the offer
  • Überschreitung Mattstock | Kraxeltour mit Bergführer

    Sonntag, 12. Oktober 2025
    To the offer

Next highlights

  • Ridge climbing in alpine terrain | Rock course with application tours

    17 - 19 October 2025, Friday - Sunday, 3 days
    To the offer
  • Basic rock climbing course - climbing garden

    Sunday, 19 October 2025
    Sunday, 26 October 2025
    To the offer
  • Climbing tour | Fergenkegel south face with mountain guide

    24 - 25 October 2025, Friday - Saturday, 2 days
    To the offer
  • All last minute offers

    to the offers

Search for your dream tour

Text

Category

Period

Information on endurance and technique

Here you will find the organisation of our tours as a guideline. If you are unsure which level suits you best, feel free to get in touch - We can help you!

Technics

Technology 1 - for beginners

Easy tours, suitable for beginners. The terrain is easy and moderate. No previous mountaineering experience is necessary.

Ski toursSafe skiing on the black piste in the ski area. No previous knowledge of ski touring necessary.

Technique 2 - Leisurely tours

Easy to slightly challenging tours with short, steeper sections that we master together and with coaching. You are ready for this level after a basic or taster course.

Ski toursFirst off-piste experience up to approx. 30° slope gradient. You have mastered the basic techniques of ski touring and have some experience of hairpin bends.

Technique 3 - Medium tours

Medium-difficulty tours with short, technical sections that are easy to do with some previous experience. You have already done a few tours and feel confident with your equipment and technique.

Ski toursYou are confident in off-piste terrain up to a slope angle of approx. 35° and are proficient in hairpin bends in a variety of terrain. 

Technique 4 - First big tours

Challenging tours with longer, steeper passages that require a good level of experience and skill. We secure these sections with ropes and coach you through difficult sections. Suitable for adventure-seekers with solid basic training.

Ski toursSafe skiing in steep off-piste terrain (up to approx. 40°), solid hairpin technique. First experience with rope manoeuvres, such as roping up on the glacier and abseiling.

Technique 5 - Grand tours

Very demanding tours, with technical passages that require a good level of experience and skill. These are secured, but smooth, rapid progress is required. For experienced climbers with plenty of experience and a thirst for adventure.

Ski toursYou are a very safe skier on steep, unsecured terrain. You are a master of hairpin turns in difficult conditions and have experience with rope manoeuvres and glacier equipment.

Endurance

Endurance 1 - Easy tours

Easy tours with plenty of time to take a break and enjoy.

  • Elevation gain: approx. 500 - 800 metres per day, 
  • Pace: approx. 250 - 300 m / h.
Endurance 2 - Leisurely tours

"Normal" tour at a leisurely pace with 800 - 1000 vertical metres per day, ~300 hm / h.

Endurance 3 - Medium tours

Longer tours at a steady, fluid pace. A solid basic level of fitness is required here.

  • Elevation gain: approx. 1200 metres per day
  • Pace: approx. 350 m / h.
Endurance 4 - First big tours

Long and challenging tours at a brisk but constant pace. Ideal for active sports enthusiasts.

  • Elevation gain: up to 1500 metres per day
  • Pace: approx. 350 m / h.
Endurance 5 - Long tours

Very long tours with more than 1500 metres in altitude per day. Requires very good fitness and stamina.

  • Elevation metres: 1500 m + per day
  • Pace: approx. 400 m / h.

Log in or register to benefit from all functions!

Book

Google reCaptcha: Invalid site key.

Forgotten your password?

Google reCaptcha: Invalid site key.

Register

Google reCaptcha: Invalid site key.