Ski touring in Graubünden: Discover the best routes in January

If you're looking for powder, you'll find it in Graubünden in January. Tranquil valleys, stable snow conditions, and majestic peaks make the region a paradise for ski tourers in the depths of winter. Whether you're planning your first tour or aiming for challenging summit slopes, around Chur, the Engadine, or the Viamala Gorge, you'll find the perfect route to suit your skill level and available time. In this guide, we'll show you the best ski tours in Graubünden in January – with specific examples like Piz Scalotta, the scenic Val da Fain, and the demanding Piz Sesvenna. You'll also get comprehensive tips on equipment, safety, and tour planning. Find your favorite line in the fresh January powder – let's go!

• Introduction: Why Graubünden is ideal for ski touring in January
• Top ski tours for beginners
• Recommended tours for advanced hikers
• Ski touring highlights for experts
• Discover the Chur ski touring region and surroundings
• Equipment and safety tips for January tours
• Comparison table: The best ski tours by difficulty level
• Professional tips and how to avoid common mistakes
• FAQ – Ski tours in Graubünden in January
• Conclusion

Introduction: Why Graubünden is ideal for ski touring in January

Location and climatic advantages

With its diverse mountain ranges, from the Viamala to the Upper Engadine, Graubünden is the largest alpine region in Switzerland in terms of area. The high valleys and mountain passes often lie above 1500 m and benefit from a dry, cold continental climate – ideal conditions for a substantial snow cover as early as January.

Snow reliability in lower and middle elevations

Tours starting at altitudes above 1600 m, such as Juf, Bivio, or the Julier Pass, are often well-covered in snow early in winter. Regions like Avers or Val da Fain boast reliable powder conditions, especially when there's less snowfall at lower elevations. Thanks to the high altitude of many routes in Graubünden, you can enjoy numerous rewarding tours here as early as January.

Avalanche situation in January

Unlike in spring, the avalanche situation in January is often characterized by weak layers of snow. While north-facing slopes are often powdery and not very wet, this is precisely where the risk lies. You should therefore always check the daily avalanche bulletins on SLF.ch and plan conservatively. Routes over ridges and wide hollows are particularly popular with ski tourers – such as the tour to Piz Campagnung or Piz Scalotta.

Top ski tours for beginners

Choosing the right tour for beginners

As a beginner, you'll want to focus on well-secured, easy routes – with moderate gradients, clear landmarks, and terrain with low avalanche risk. Important in January: sunny slopes, a stable snowpack, and ideally a high starting point like Bivio or S-charl guarantee safety and enjoyment.

Recommended tours in detail

Piz Scalotta (Surses)
The starting point is the mountain village of Bivio (1769 m). The route leads across undulating, open terrain with a gentle gradient to the 2992 m high Piz Scalotta. With 800–900 meters of elevation gain and a duration of 3–4 hours, the tour is perfect for ski touring beginners. Navigation is straightforward, and the terrain is generally safe from avalanche risk. The sunny exposure often ensures good visibility even in challenging weather conditions.

Piz Pazzola (Viamala)
From Clugin near Andeer, the ascent to the summit of Piz Pazzola (2600 m) takes approximately 3-4 hours and covers about 850 meters of elevation gain. The south-facing climb offers excellent views of the Hinterrhein Valley and the striking Viamala Gorge. It's an ideal hike after a prolonged period of high pressure – however, fresh snowfall can make avalanche conditions challenging.

Mot Tavrü (Lower Engadine)
This classic sunny-side tour starts in the idyllic village of S-charl (1810 m). The ascent leads across well-defined, avalanche-safe terrain to Mot Tavrü (2846 m). With 850 meters of elevation gain and a hiking time of approximately 3 hours, the tour is easily manageable even in less than ideal weather conditions. It is ideal for beginners and those returning to hiking.

Recommended tours for advanced hikers

What advanced users should consider

Do you already have ski touring experience, are you well-equipped, and are familiar with avalanche conditions and route planning? Then the following routes offer you a bit more of a challenge – be it in terms of steepness, terrain choice, or length. Nevertheless, all tours are quite manageable with stable weather and snow conditions. The reward: magnificent panoramas and superb skiing pleasure away from crowded, busy routes.

Route highlights for January

Tschimas da Tisch (Upper Engadine)
The starting point is the Julier Pass Hospice (2284 m). The ascent leads through the wide Val d'Agnel to the 3006 m summit. With 950 meters of elevation gain and a duration of 3.5–4 hours, this is a rewarding panoramic tour with views of Piz Lagrev. Thanks to the high altitude, snow conditions are usually good – and despite its popularity, it is surprisingly uncrowded.

Piz Surgonda (Julier Pass)
A classic tour from the Julier Pass near La Veduta. A good 1000 meters of elevation gain in 4-5 hours, varied terrain, open slopes and a technically easy final slope make this tour ideal in January for intermediate-level skiers who enjoy the experience.

Piz Campagnung (Surses)
The starting point is Bivio. A climb of 1100 meters and around 4-5 hours await you, leading up southeast-facing terraces with plenty of sunshine. The view into the Upper Engadine is breathtaking – especially in the late morning under stable high pressure.

Val da Fain – towards Piz Alv (Bernina region)
Start from the parking lot on the Bernina railway line towards Val da Fain. Through shady gullies and hollows, ascend approximately 1000–1100 meters in altitude in about 4–5 hours – often with very good snow conditions! The destination is usually the shoulder below Piz Alv (not the summit itself).

Piz Mez (Avers)
A short, compact ski tour with a high starting point in Juf. With only 700–750 meters of elevation gain over a 2.5–3 hour ascent, Piz Mez is an ideal half-day tour with views over the Avers Valley. Take care in case of fresh wind-drifted snow – due to the exposed slopes.