Pfulwe
The ascent on touring skis from Fluhalp up to the Pfulwe takes around two hours. Arriving at the Pfulwe, you can enjoy panoramic views of some of the most incredible four-thousanders in the Alps - the Allalinhorn and Rimpfischhorn, the Monte Rosa massif, Matterhorn, Dent Blanche and as far as the Weisshorn. The effort of the ascent is worth it, as the descent that follows covers around 1,100 metres on powder snow slopes to Täschalp and then further downhill to Täsch. From Täsch, you can head back to Zermatt either by taxi or using the shuttle train.
- For beginners and less experienced skiers
- Peace and seclusion despite being accessible
- Long, powder snow descent
Author’s recommendation

Rest Stop
Rothorn Ristorante PizzeriaSafety information
- Always go with a mountain guide on a tour
- Stay up-to-date with the weather and avalanche status: Snow Report
More information is available in the Swiss avalanche bulletins (www.slf.ch) - Always maintain visual contact with accompanying persons
- Use key sections and extremely steep slopes individually
- Never go into a wild game protection zone (these are marked and one will be fined)
- Always switch the avalanche transceiver (LVS device) unit to transmission
- Always carry a shovel and a probe
- Pay close attention to daily atmospheric warming and continually re-evaluate the situation
Tip: “Be searchable”. Equip yourself with an additional RECCO rescue reflector*. Whether summer or winter. Available in our Online-Shop or our information desk.
*The additional reflector does not replace an avalanche beacon.
Tips, hints and links
Further information & mountain guide agencyStart
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Rothorn – Fluhalp – Pfulwe – Täschalp – Täsch
We recommend to book a mountain guide who knows well the place.
Note
Public transport
By train to the Matterhorn village: 3½ hours from Zürich airport or 4 hours from Geneva airport. Change at Visp onto the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (Matterhorn Gotthard Railway). From Visp, the railway leads through the Mattertal valley past idyllic small villages to Zermatt.Zermatt is also the start and finish point for the world-famous Glacier Express panoramic train journey (Zermatt to St. Moritz or Davos).
Getting there
Zermatt is car-free. Private vehicles are permitted only as far as Täsch (5 km before Zermatt). The Täsch–Zermatt road is closed to the public.Onward travel to Zermatt is either by private taxi or shuttle train. Trains depart every 20 minutes; the journey takes about 12 minutes, and ends at the Bahnhofplatz in Zermatt.
Parking
Täsch has car parks with both covered and open-air parking – e.g. at the Matterhorn Terminal or privately operated facilities.Onward travel: see “Getting there”.
Coordinates
Equipment
We recommend:
- Ski touring equipment: touring ski-boots, touring skis with touring bindings, ski poles, skins, crampons
- Climbing harness
- Backpack, shovel, probe
- Avalanche transeiver
- Warm weatherproof clothing
- Warm gloves and warm hat
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Warm drinks
- Snack (high energy foods such as chocolate, dried fruit etc.)
Important! Requirement: very good skiing skills and abilities, ski touring experience, surefooted with no fear of heights
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