Stotzigen Firsten

Stotzigen Firsten is a summit of roughly 2,750 m above the village of Realp in the canton of Uri, set in the Urner Alps near the Furka Pass and the Urseren valley. It is a staple ski-touring objective in the Gotthard region and, in summer, a rewarding high-alpine hike.

Where is Stotzigen Firsten?

The ridge rises above the Urseren valley between Realp and the Furka Pass. The valley links Andermatt with Realp and forms a key corridor through central Switzerland. Published heights differ slightly: the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) lists point 2747 m, another route listing gives 2,737 m, and the north top is sometimes quoted at about 2,752 m.

How do you get there?

Realp is the starting point and has a station on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. By car, approach from Andermatt or use the Furka car-shuttle train. Day parking in Realp is charged from 6:00 to midnight. From the Furka Pass side, a postal bus makes one-way routes practical.

What is the winter ascent like?

In winter this is a popular ski tour. The SAC grades the normal route from Realp PD, with about 1,210 m of climbing and 3.5 to 4 hours uphill. The route follows the broad northeast shoulder, where snow tends to hold up well. When avalanche conditions elsewhere are poor, this peak and neighbouring Winterhorn are standard fallback tours around the Gotthard area. Always read the avalanche bulletin before setting out.

Can you climb it in summer?

Yes. A route described by regional tourism starts at the Furka Pass and covers about 11.6 km in around 4 hours 10 minutes. It passes small mountain lakes, then descends the Witenwasser valley alongside the old Furka steam railway line to Realp station. Since start and finish differ, many walkers park in Realp and ride the postal bus up to the pass.

A longer option runs from Furka over Stotzigen Firsten and the Rottälligrat ridge to the Rotondohütte. The SAC rates it T3, with roughly 5 hours of ascent and 680 m of climbing, crossing the Mutten basin.

When should you go?

For ski touring, pick a period with stable snow cover, typically winter into spring. For hiking, wait until the Furka area is clear of snow, and check the forecast, since weather changes quickly at altitude.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Stotzigen Firsten? About 2,750 m. The SAC gives 2747 m; other sources differ by a few to a dozen metres.

Can I reach it by public transport? Yes. The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn serves Realp, and a postal bus runs to the Furka Pass.

How difficult is the winter route? The SAC grades the normal route from Realp PD, with a climb of around 3.5 to 4 hours.

Is there a summer hiking route? Yes, from the Furka Pass down to Realp, about 11.6 km and just over 4 hours.