Curuna Lada

Curuna Lada, known in German as Breite Krone, is a 3,079 m summit in the Silvretta range, within the municipality of Valsot in Lower Engadine, canton of Graubünden. It sits on the Swiss-Austrian border, and most routes to the top start from the Austrian valleys of Fimbatal and Jamtal.

Where is Curuna Lada?

The peak rises in the Silvretta group on the Swiss-Austrian frontier, at roughly 46.871 N, 10.241 E. Curuna Lada is the Romansh name and Breite Krone the German one; both mean "broad crown", a nod to the mountain's wide, bulky outline. Austrian guidebooks and tour descriptions mostly use the German name.

How do you climb it?

This is an alpine objective for people with mountain experience, not a casual walk. The usual approaches meet at the Kronenjoch saddle.

• From the Heidelberger Hütte: the hut lies in the Fimbatal, reached from Ischgl. The route heads south up the valley, and the last stretch turns southwest toward the rocky summit block.
• From the Jamtalhütte (2,165 m): the route follows the Futschöltal up to the Kronenjoch. The hut is reached from Galtür or from Bielerhöhe (toll road). This option covers about 6.2 km and roughly 976 m of total ascent, including a short counter-climb to the Kronenjoch.

From the Kronenjoch the summit takes under half an hour. The glacier on the north side is described as free of crevasses, so a rope is usually unnecessary on the final section. Still, judge conditions on the day.

When should you go?

Ski-tour descriptions give February to early May as the best window. In winter and spring, watch for avalanche danger in the Futschöltal and at the exit to the Kronenjoch. Tourentipp rates the ski ascent 2 out of 6 for difficulty, so it is reachable on skis without advanced technical skills.

What else is nearby?

The surroundings are classic Silvretta terrain: glaciated valleys, high huts and ski-touring routes. From the Fimbatal a branch leads to the Fuorcla da Tasna pass and Piz Tasna, so you can combine two objectives in one hut stay. On the Swiss side you can descend toward Valsot and Lower Engadine, for example to Scuol.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Curuna Lada? 3,079 m above sea level.

Are Curuna Lada and Breite Krone the same mountain? Yes. They are the Romansh and German names of one Silvretta summit.

Which hut is the best starting point? Choose the Heidelberger Hütte (Fimbatal, access from Ischgl) or the Jamtalhütte (2,165 m, access from Galtür). Both routes join at the Kronenjoch.

Do you need a rope? The northern glacier is described as crevasse-free, so a rope is usually not needed at the summit. On glaciated ground, the assessment is yours to make.

When is the best time for a ski tour? February to early May.