Details: Antrona Pass via Heidbodme

This trail starts at the scenic overlook at Heidbodme, with panoramic views of the peaks towering above the Saastal. The path then travels on a high route along the eastern slopes of the Furgg Valley to Antrona Pass, a remote and wild saddle on the Swiss-Italian border.

Heidbodme to Antrona Pass

Take the bus to Saas Almagell Dorftplatz and then the two stage chairlift to Heidbodme. (See the trailhead directions below.)  Before starting the hike, take some time at Heidbodme (7,698-ft.) to enjoy the wonderful views of the peaks rising along the west side of the Saastal (Saas Valley). Notable peaks include the Strahlhorn and Rimpfischhorn towering to the west of the Mattmark area and the peaks forming the cirque around Saas Fee, the Allalinhorn, Alphubel, Taschhorn, Dom and Lenzspitze. Directly across the valley are the Mittaghorn and Egginer rising to the south of the Plattjen area.

From the top of the  Heidbodme chairlift walk east toward Antrona Pass. Soon the trail starts climbing a series of steep switchbacks along the south facing slopes of the Almagellerhorn. At the 1.0 mile mark, ignore the trail branching left to the Panoramaplatz (panoramic viewpoint). Continue climbing toward Ougschtchumme (40-min) and Antrona Pass (2-hr 40-min).

At 1.3 miles the trail drops steeply for a short distance to cross a gully then resumes its steep climb, reaching Ougschtchumme (8,967-ft.) at 1.9 miles. Ougschtchumme enjoys wonderful views of the Nollenhorn and Stellihorn towering over the southwest side of the Furggtal (Furgg Valley). The low saddle at the head of the valley is Antrona Pass. The peaks rising along the Saas Fee and the upper Saas Valley fill the skyline to the west/southwest.

Past the viewpoint the grade eases as the trail crosses an avalanche chute, curves around a crag and then traverses the steep slopes beneath the Sonnighorn. At 2.9 miles reach the signpost for Beerterrigg (9,186-ft.). A short distance beyond the sign the trail descends a flight of steep log steps and then continues its descent, on easy to moderate grades, through rocky meadows.

At 3.6 miles the trail curves around a ridge and then climbs a hillside on moderately steep grades, crossing a few rock slides along the way. At 3.9 miles the grade abates and the path now ascends on easy to moderate grades.

Soon the meadows give way to rocky slopes sprinkled with small tufts of grass. Red and white blazed rocks and occasional metal posts mark the trail. Along the way the trail crosses a few streams and travels through moist areas of flattened rocks interspersed with mounds of moss.

At 4.7 miles the path starts climbing on moderate grades up a rocky hillside, weaving its way up and around large rock slabs. Red/white blazes will keep you on track. The markings can be hard to follow, especially if portions of the trail are covered in snow. If this is the case, follow the footsteps in the snow or plot your own course to the ridge.

At 5.1 miles pass a large boulder with an arrow point left toward Furggu (Furggstalden) and right toward Heidbodme. A final short climb up rocky slopes brings you to Antrona Pass (9,311-ft.), on the Swiss/Italian border, at 5.2 miles. The pass enjoys nice views of the peaks rimming east side of the valley and the Stellihorn to the west. To the southeast is Italy where views extend to the peaks forming the southern wall of the Troncone Valley. Looking down you will see the Lago del Cingino (Lake Cingino).

From the pass a trail descends toward Antronapiana in Italy, a multi-day excursion. The trail to Jazzilucke (Jazzilicke) climbs south/southwest along the ridge on a challenging route that leads to the Mattmark area. For more information see the Mattmark to Antrona via the Jazzilucke hike description.

When you are done enjoying the views retrace your steps to the Heidbodme lift for a 10.4 mile round trip hike. Alternatively, take the trail to Furggstalden which drops to the valley floor and then descends through pretty meadows, losing over 3,000-ft in 5.2 miles for a 10.4 mile hike.

If you are tired and/or pressed for time the route to Furggstalden is the best bet. For more information see the Antrona Pass via Furggstalden hiking description. If you have the time and energy then return via Heidbodme, which has the best views.