Clariden from Clariden Lodge

Route Character

Nearly continuous glacier ascent with usually low risk of crevasses. The only steep part (~40°) is at the summit. In the case of slow snow, the descent can unfortunately end quite early due to the slight inclination.

Starting Point & Village

Starting point: Starting point is the lodge Claridenhütte.

The usual approach route in winter leads over the Gemsfairenjoch. Free parking at the valley station of the Urnerboden cable car. The cable car itself has a telephone at the valley station, with which you can contact the operators. The cable car will then travel as required. Costs 12, - CHF (single) or 18, - CHF (incl. return journey).

See also: http://www.claridenhuette.ch/ Village: Urnerboden

Ascent & Route

From the lodge it goes gently uphill over moraines to below the south face of the Gemsfairenstock. There you encounter the glacier.

Attention: From there on, glacier ascent. The use of glacier equipment may be necessary!

Now you follow the flat glacier further towards W/SW and always stay in the flatest terrain.

The summit ascent to the Clariden then leads to a small ridge (~3150m). From there one traverses steeply up to the edge, from where one climbs the last 60 meters again in less difficult terrain.

From the summit you have a magnificent panoramic view of the Glarus Alps and far into the lowlands towards Zurich. Eye-catcher is the massive mountain stick of the Tödi.

Descent & Variants

Descent like ascent.

Alternatively, you can continue to the Planura hut. For this you can ride from the already mentioned ridge over a steep southcouloir in direct line to the glacier plateau.

Photo Gallery

A selection of 10 photos from the tour:

Map and Avalanche Risk

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