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ROUTE 3

Douglass Hut (1976m) – Schesaplana (2965m)

Start	Douglass Hut (1976m)
Valley base	Brand
Distance	5km (ascent only)
Height gain	989m
Grade	3
Time	3hrs (+ 2hrs descent)
Location	West of the Lünersee at the head of the Brandnertal

The ascent of the Schesaplana, highest of the Rätikon peaks, will no doubt be on the list of most experienced mountain walkers and scramblers visiting the area. By this route the mountain is not technically difficult to climb under ‘normal’ summer conditions, but snow patches should be expected, and there’s a certain amount of loose rock, grit-covered ledges and some exposed passages to be wary of. Caution should be exercised, and the ascent taken seriously.

Follow Route 2 above as far as the Totalp Hut (1hr 15mins) where a sign directs you onto a path west into the stony basin of the Totalp (‘dead alp’) which, despite its name, displays a rich variety of alpine plants. Across the basin the path, waymarked blue and white, climbs in zigzags and in a further 50mins arrives at a junction with the Gemslücken path which cuts to the left.

The way now climbs more steeply in numerous zigzags to gain an upper basin choked either by scree or snow. From here the route slants up the right-hand side of the basin, then angles across to the left in order to reach the frontier ridge. The large cross on the summit of the Schesaplana is now visible for the first time as you turn right to climb the ridge directly to it. The views are extensive and varied. Near at hand both Drusenfluh and Sulzfluh attract in the southeast, the Brandner glacier is seen below to the north, while the Swiss side falls away to a mass of green valleys.

Descend by the same route in 2hrs, taking special care to avoid knocking loose stones onto others below.

From the Schesaplana, the vivid Lünersee captures your attention