North Flank

Overview

The North Flank of the Brisi is the only side of the mountain that provides a walk up to the summit. It can be skied in the winter under safe avalanche conditions. The North Flank rises about 400 meters from the base of the Brisi to the summit, and a marked path switchbacks up the east end of the North Flank, over steep grassy and rocky slopes. The path is marked every several meters by red and white paintings on rocks. In winter these and the path will obviously be covered with snow. In spring, a large snowfield can be climbed instead of the trail, offering a more direct way to the top. This snowfield can also be glissaded down in good conditions.

The base of the North Flank is lined with about 10 meter tall cliffs, and the trail winds its way from the Alpine grass lands and forests to the base of these cliffs just about in the middle of the North Flank. The trail then follows a weakness in the cliffs and ends up on the North Flank itself. Nothing is over class 1 or maybe easy class 2.

Getting There

From the Selamatt parking area, look for the marked yellow Wanderweg sign and follow the road first through a small group of farm houses. After these, the road turns into a trail and begins to ascend up the hillside. Follow the Wanderweg signs in the direction of Brisi and Fruemsel. Eventually the trail will top out the steep forested slope onto a more broader, grassier, very large step. Here the Churfirsten are seen for the first time in the hike. The Brisi will also be very visible. Follow trails in the general direction of the Brisi. It's hard to get lost as there are Wanderweg signs all over the place directing you were to go. Eventually you'll come to the junction where the Brisi path turns off from the main trail. From here on out, follow red and white painted rocks to the summit.

Route Description

From the trail junction, follow red and white paint markings on rocks/posts on a faint trail that ascends gradually through forests and meadows. Soon you will be ascending steeper ground to the base of the North Flank. Follow the trail to the weakness in the cliff band and scramble onto the rocks, through a small gate, then onto the North Flank itself. The trail now switchbacks up to the summit ridge and soon the actual summit, marked by a wooden cross. Easy route finding. If desired, climb the long snow field to the right (west) to the summit. This will only be an option in the spring. Re trace your steps back from the summit. About 1300 meters of gain from Alt St Johann, should take about 6-7 hours roundtrip.

Essential Gear

Nothing special is required to hike in the summer. An ice axe and crampons may be considered of climbing the spring snow field. Winter ascent would need snowshoes or skis.

Images

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