Montalin

Overview

The Montalin is the western most summit within the "Hochwang" chain and offers a spectacular view to all sides. It lies to the east of Chur, which is the capital of the canton of Graubuenden (South-Eastern Switzerland). The NW face looks to the Rhine valley and is highly unstable and crumbly whereas the SE side more safely and accessible is. The SE side is mixed terrain containing grass and rocks.

If you look from the valley (or Chur) up to the Montalin, it is easy to spot because of the summit cap which lies perpendicular to the NW face.

The Montalin makes also a perfect ski mountain during winter and is easy to access.

Getting There

There are two main starting points from where you can ascent, depends if it is winter or summer.

(Make sure you get one of the maps of this areas, because there are so many other routes that you could get confused)

Summer / on Foot (takes about 4 hours to the summit)
Go to the east end of Chur called "Waldegg". There is a parking area (make sure you pay the parking fee otherwise you risk a ticket) where you can park your car. From there you will see some trail marks which will lead you to the "Ochsenberg" (this is all in the forest). You will cover about 800 meters in altitude only with switchbacks, but it offers nice views down to Chur and the surrounding area. From the Ochsenberg you turn NE and travers up to the distinctive ridge. From there you get an idea why it wouldn't be a good idea to climb the NW face, its very unstable, so watch out! At Point "1737" (on the map) you will leave the forest and travers all on the grassy/rocky ridge to the NE. The NE side is somewhat flater than you might have imagined, nevertheless it's comfortable to go along this trail. You will pass by a "Maiensaess" (little hut) called "Saldein" (it's marked on the map). From there a more rocky way continues all the way up to the summit. The last 200 meters before the summit contain of switchbacks. The summit is wide and grassy and there is a summitlog. If you are lucky you can encounter ibexes around the summit (see photos).

Winter / on Skis (takes about 3 hours to the summit)
In the winter you have to start from a little village, 8 km east of Chur, called "Calfreisen". You get there either by car (direction "Arosa" from Chur) or you take a public bus which leaves 4 times a day from the trainstation in downtown Chur. Make sure that there is no avalanche danger at the Montlin. The route leads you through S and SE slopes, which can contain "wet-snow" avalanches, especially in the afternoons, so start early in the day! From Calfreisen you ascent towards the N (see trail signs), pass the E side of "Balnettis" (which is an alp) to Point "1453". From there you follow up the distinctive N ridge of the "Gomser Chopf", at halfway (Point "1906") you turn to the W and continue all the way up to the summit which you ascent (the last part) from the S. The descending route is equal to the ascent route.

Red Tape

There are no permits nor fees. Make sure you pay for the parking.

DO NOT GO INTO THE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AREAS
The areas are clearly marked (winter and summer). If you get caught (even by local farmers) you are in big trouble! which you derserve....
You may encounter ibexes which are around the summit, leave them alone or photograph them please with enough distance. you can use you shiny new telephoto...

When To Climb / Mountain Conditions

Summer or winter is possible.

Check the weather under:
Weather

Chech for avalanches under:
Avalanches

Camping

Not recommended. You can stay in a number of hotels and guesthouses in Chur.

Links

Buses and Trains
Railways
Here you ca find any connection of railsways and buses throughout Switzerland

Toursimservice of Chur
Chur
includes accomodation infos (site also available in English)

Maps

SwissTopo Maps (Availabe at Bookstores or some good newspaper counters)

LK 1: 25'000, Nr: 1196 "AROSA"

Special Skitouring Map

LK 1: 50'000, Nr: 248S, "PRÄTTIGAU"

Images

View Montalin Image Gallery - 9 Images