Silvretta Ski Traverse – A 4 Day Hut to Hut Adventure Across the Glaciers
A classic ski touring haute route through the Silvretta, crossing glaciers, climbing iconic peaks and moving from Switzerland to Austria in four unforgettable days.
Late March and early April are the perfect time for a Silvretta ski traverse, one of the most classic hut to hut ski touring adventures in the Alps.
It is often considered the ideal first high altitude ski traverse, perfect for those approaching their first multi day backcountry experience on glaciers. At the same time, it is equally rewarding for more experienced skiers looking to climb some of the most iconic and technical peaks of the range, such as Dreiländerspitze, Piz Buin and Piz Silvretta.
One of the great strengths of the Silvretta is its flexibility. Whatever the weather conditions, there are always different options to adapt the route. There are easier variations, less steep glacier crossings, and multiple ways to exit into the valleys or reach different huts. This makes the traverse both safe and highly adaptable.
It is one of the classic Haute Routes between the Engadin and Vorarlberg, where Swiss and Austrian alpine traditions meet. Here you find beautiful huts, a strong mountain culture, and skiing of a very high level, surrounded by a stunning glacial environment that contrasts with the valleys below.
You can start this journey from the quiet village of Guarda, a peaceful gem in the Engadin, or from the opposite side in Ischgl, a lively ski resort famous for its après ski scene. Both offer perfect gateways into the magical world of the Silvretta.
It is a journey I never get tired of skiing.
This time, I returned for a special trip: a four day ski traverse across the Silvretta together with my partner Jasmin, under perfect weather conditions.
Day 1 – From Guarda into the Heart of the Silvretta
Our loop begins in Guarda, an idyllic village in the Engadin. A small gem of the Lower Engadin, with narrow streets, silence and peace, and the beautiful colorful drawings painted on the walls of the old houses.
Switzerland always delivers incredible alpine scenery, and in spring the contrast between green valleys and snow covered peaks is something special. It is always a pleasure to start a journey here.
From Guarda we enter the long Val Tuoi, a gradual and beautiful approach into the heart of the Silvretta. The valley slowly opens, pulling you deeper into the mountains step by step.
We stop for the usual coffee at Chamanna Tuoi, a small hut sitting right under the giant Piz Buin. We are on the south side of the Silvretta, sunny and warm, where the snow is usually hard in the morning and soft in the afternoon.
But today we arrive around 9 and the snow is already starting to soften.
The goal of the day is to reach the Jamtal Hütte, crossing the Jamjoch, the pass that leads to the north side and the glacier world of the Jamtalferner.
The climb to the pass is fully in the sun. It is warm, and we end up skinning in light layers, slowly taking clothes off as we go higher.
As soon as we reach the pass, everything changes. The exposure shifts to the north, the air becomes colder, and the glacier wind reminds us where we are. We quickly put some layers back on.
From the pass we decide to climb the Hintere Jamspitze (3156 m / 10,354 ft). We leave the skis just below the summit and continue on foot to reach our first peak of the traverse.
From the top the views are immense. Glaciers, peaks, endless space.
On the way down we notice a skier who has fallen below the summit. We stop to help secure the equipment on the snow, so that the rescue helicopter can land safely without blowing everything away.
After this short moment, we start our descent toward the Jamtal Hütte.
The snow has been a bit affected by the wind and the last snowfall was about a week ago, but thanks to the north facing slopes and the cold temperatures of the past days, we still enjoy some really nice turns on the glacier.
Arriving at the Jamtal Hütte is an experience in itself.
The hut is run by a German couple, and everything here has its own character. There are no slippers waiting for you in the ski room, but you can buy their handmade colorful slippers and they even write your name on them.
At check in they tell us to put our sleeping liner in the microwave near the entrance. At first I think they are joking, but then I realize they are completely serious. It is one of the hygiene measures they introduced after covid.
Tonight we have a double room with a sink, which feels like real luxury for a mountain hut.
We head to the terrace for the classic ritual of the first day. A cold beer and a Kaiserschmarren in the sun.
What a feeling. From the quiet streets of Guarda to the heart of the Silvretta in a single day.
Dinner is abundant, warm and generous.
Life in the huts of the Silvretta feels very, very good.
Perfetto, hai ragione — lo rendo più fluido, narrativo, meno spezzato, più “racconto vissuto” come piace a te.
Day 3 – Dreiländerspitze, Climbing One of the Silvretta Giants
We wake up early at the Jamtal Hütte, with that quiet feeling of a big day ahead. The plan is to move across into the Ochsental, reaching the Wiesbadener Hütte through the Ochsentaler Scharte, but today is not just a transfer day. There is something more waiting for us.
In the soft light of the morning we start skinning up the valley, climbing back onto the glacier from the opposite side of yesterday’s descent. The snow is still firm, the air crisp, and step by step we move deeper into the silent heart of the Silvretta. The climb to the pass flows naturally, without difficulties, and as we cross to the other side the landscape opens once again into a wide, glacial world.
Right in front of us rises our objective for the day, the Dreiländerspitze (3197 m / 10,489 ft), a sharp, elegant peak of rock and ice that stands out among the surrounding summits. There is something about its shape that immediately draws the eye. It looks alpine, more serious, a step above the smooth glacier terrain.
We approach the mountain slowly, following its long ridge, skinning as high as possible before leaving the skis just below the final section. From here the rhythm changes. We put on crampons, take out the ice axe, and begin the final ascent on foot.
The ridge is never extreme, but it demands attention. The rock, the snow, the exposure, everything asks you to stay present. We move carefully, finding our way upward, occasionally clipping into some fixed protections along the route. In about half an hour of focused climbing we reach the summit cross.
Up there, everything feels wide and still.
The panorama is immense. Glaciers stretch in every direction, and just nearby the Piz Buin rises in all its power, a dominant presence in the landscape. It is one of those moments where you stop speaking for a while, just taking it in.
The descent requires the same attention as the ascent. Step by step we move back along the ridge, return to our skis, and finally let ourselves glide down toward the Wiesbadener Hütte. After the concentration of the climb, the feeling of skiing again is pure relief.
The hut appears below us, sitting quietly in the Ochsental. Compared to the Jamtal, it feels a bit less eccentric, but still warm and welcoming in its own way. We settle into a small shared room with just a few other people, drop our gear, and head outside.
The ritual is always the same, and always perfect. A cold beer in the sun, a plate of Kaiserschmarren, and the satisfaction of a full day in the mountains. From the terrace we look at tomorrow’s objective.
The original plan was ambitious, to link both Piz Buin and Piz Silvretta (3244 m / 10,643 ft) in a single push. But at this point in the season, with a bit of accumulated fatigue in the legs, we decide to keep it simple and choose just one.
I had climbed Piz Buin a few weeks earlier. It is a beautiful mountain, technical but accessible, with a short final section on crampons and ice axe that leads to one of the most iconic summits in the area.
Inside, the atmosphere of the hut is exactly what you hope for after a day like this. The wooden stube, with its warm stove and soft light, is filled with people sharing stories, playing cards, and studying maps for the next day.
Dinner is generous, comforting, and there is even a second serving.
Exactly what we need before another day out on the glacier.
Day 4 – Silvretta Horn and Into Switzerland
At the Wiesbadener Hütte we are still in Austria, but today we cross back into Switzerland, moving toward the Silvretta Hütte.
We leave early in the morning, skinning up the valley once again and stepping back onto the glacier. After a steeper section where the ski crampons come in handy, we continue climbing until we reach the base of our objective, the elegant pyramid of the Silvrettahorn (3244 m / 10,643 ft).
It is a beautiful and sharp mountain, standing proudly above the glacier.
We leave the skis below the final slope and continue on foot. The terrain steepens quickly as we climb toward the ridge, and soon we are moving together, roped up, with crampons and ice axe, following the narrow crest toward the summit.
There is no one else around.
Reaching the top like this, just the two of us, is something special. Every summit is always meaningful, but sharing it with Jasmin makes it even more so.
After a short moment on the summit, we descend along a slightly easier slope and return to our skis.
What follows is one of those descents you remember.
The Silvretta Glacier is wide, open and gentle, a perfect place to ski freely and enjoy the movement. The snow is soft, the terrain smooth, and the feeling is simply pure pleasure. Near the end of the glacier we even stop to take a look at a beautiful ice cave, a small hidden detail in this vast landscape.
Arriving at the Silvretta Hütte, you immediately feel that you are back in Switzerland.
The hut is modern, smaller than the others, but incredibly well cared for in every detail. The dining room and the wooden stube are beautiful, combining traditional alpine style with a refined and welcoming atmosphere.
We sit down and, without thinking too much, end up tasting one slice of each of the four cakes displayed in the window. A fresh tea, kindly offered on arrival, completes the moment.
Compared to the previous huts, this one feels quieter, a bit more remote, but it has its own charm. A small corner of paradise, tucked away in the mountains.
From here, tomorrow we will complete our loop and return to Guarda, but the possibilities for ski touring in this area seem endless.
Day 5 – Back to Guarda - Engadin
On the final morning we climb once more, moving up onto the glacier and crossing toward the Cudera.
The effort of the ascent is quickly rewarded. Around late morning, under perfect timing, we begin our final descent.
The snow is exactly what you hope for. Soft, smooth, classic spring firn, the kind that lets you ski freely and confidently, enjoying every turn. The slope is at times steep, but always enjoyable, and we descend all the way down toward the Chamanna Tuoi.
From there, the terrain becomes gentler. The skiing is fast and flowing, sometimes a bit flat, but still pleasant, leading us gradually out of the high mountains.
And then, almost suddenly, we are back in Guarda.
The snow disappears, replaced by green meadows and early spring flowers, but the same silence and peaceful atmosphere that we felt on the first day is still there.
We take off our boots, let the gear dry in the sun, and cook a simple pasta next to the van.
A quiet and perfect way to end this beautiful Silvretta traverse.
Conclusion – A Classic That Never Gets Old
The Silvretta ski traverse is, without a doubt, one of the most complete and rewarding ski touring journeys in the Alps.
It offers the perfect balance between accessibility and adventure. It is ideal for those approaching their first hut to hut ski traverse on glaciers, but at the same time it opens the door to more technical ascents for those who want to push a bit further, climbing peaks like Dreiländerspitze, Piz Buin and Piz Silvretta.
The variety of terrain, the flexibility of the routes and the possibility to adapt the itinerary to different conditions make it a very reliable and enjoyable experience throughout the spring season.
What makes it truly special, though, is the combination of elements. The wide glaciers, the elegant peaks, the welcoming huts, and the unique blend of Swiss and Austrian alpine culture.
At DolomiteSafari we organize the Silvretta Ski Traverse, guiding you through this incredible landscape with a flexible and tailored approach, adapting the route to conditions and your level, and making sure you experience the best of what this region has to offer! We can start together in Bolzano (2,5 hours of driving) or meeting directly at Guarda or Ischgl!
If you are looking for a true alpine experience on skis, this is a journey you should not miss. And for me, it is one I will never get tired of skiing!!!
