On a ski tour with huskies - two days of winter adventure in the Ursern Valley

When strength, tranquillity and nature come together, special experiences are created. On this two-day ski tour with my huskies, I was able to immerse myself deep into the winter mountain world around the Oberalp Pass together with guests – slowing down, connecting with nature and supported by four-legged friends.

A warm start in Göschenen

We meet early in the morning for a warm coffee in Abfrutt near Göschenen. Here, the guests get to know my huskies and me. I tell them about the dogs and their breed and explain how to put on the harnesses and tow straps so that the huskies can provide us with optimal support on the ski tour.

Patient, focused and full of energy – the huskies before the start.

Once everyone has chosen their husky, we get the dogs ready and drive together to Andermatt. From there, we take the train up to the Oberalp Pass – the actual starting point of our tour.

Together, we prepare the huskies for the tour – putting on their harnesses, doing a final check, and then we're ready to go.

With huskies through the Maighels valley

Before we set off, we carry out a safety check and inspect the equipment. Then we finally set off into the snow-covered winter landscape. In the bitter cold, we first glide gently downhill, where the huskies are already pulling hard and have to be slowed down. Then we put on our skins, take off our jackets and begin the ascent. With my lead dog Nala, we make rapid progress into the beautiful Maighels valley. In the distance, we can already see our destination for the day: the Maighels hut. At a steady pace, we pull one behind the other through the valley, surrounded by imposing peaks. Our thoughts become calm, our focus entirely on the moment.

The Maighels hut, our destination for the day in the Maighels valley and our overnight stop on the two-day ski tour.

Hut life & starry skies

Once we arrive at the Maighels hut, we first provide the huskies with fresh water. They enjoy the sub-zero temperatures, but they still get thirsty. I then explain the hut routine to the guests. The afternoon is for relaxing, enjoying and unwinding – both humans and animals come to rest.

In the evening, we discuss the route for the next day. Outside, we enjoy the impressive starry sky with a warm cup of coffee, in undisturbed darkness far away from artificial light sources. The huskies spend the night outside in the snow, snuggled up close together.

Over the pass into the Unteralp Valley

The next morning, we are greeted loudly by the huskies. After breakfast, we harness them again and set off towards Passo Bornengo.

On the road on the second day of the ski tour through the winter mountain world.

At the top of the pass, the view towards Ticino opens up – a special moment. We enjoy the silence, the view and a hot tea from the thermos flask.

Summit reached: humans and dogs treat themselves to a short break and enjoy the view.

We unhitch the dogs for the descent. In clear order – first me, then the huskies and finally the guests – we descend to the Vermigel hut. There is water for the dogs and cake for us. Then we head back to Andermatt through the Unteralp Valley. On flat stretches, we harness the huskies again – gliding back to civilisation in a relaxed manner.

Peace, space and winter twilight at the end of the day.