Gross Ruchen

Mountain Alpine peak in Uri, part of the Glarus Alps

In Canton Uri, Gross Ruchen is an alpine peak frequented by climbers and mountaineers; established routes demand alpine experience and offer glacier and ridgeline views.

Main image
Gross Ruchen
Gross Ruchen massif, Canton of Uri, Switzerland (no fixed address)
46.8102, 8.7748

How to Get to Gross Ruchen #

Access is via mountain trails from settlements in the Canton of Uri. Typical approaches start from valley roads leading off the A2 motorway (toward Andermatt/Göschenen) - use local maps and alpine route guides, and plan transport from the nearest village by car or regional bus. Professional guiding services in Uri can organize transport and logistics.

Tips for Visiting Gross Ruchen #

  • Only attempt routes with up-to-date route descriptions and local alpine guides - faces and ridges can change rapidly.
  • Check swiss avalanche bulletins and local weather forecasts before heading into the high alpine approach.
  • Bring alpine boots and rock-protection gear; the lower slopes may be unstable in late spring.

Best Time to Visit Gross Ruchen #

Summer (June-September) is the usual window for attempts; approach conditions vary quickly and local alpine knowledge is essential.

Climbing season
June-September · 0-12°C (32-54°F at higher elevations)
Most stable weather window for ridge and summit routes; glaciers and snowfields largely in retreat.
Late spring
May-June · -5-8°C (23-46°F at altitude)
Snow still present; avalanche risk higher and routes more committing.

Weather & Climate near Gross Ruchen #

Climate

Gross Ruchen's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -11°C to 9°C. Abundant rainfall (1650 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit
AugustJulySeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
-28°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

27 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-10° -5°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
8.9h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -11°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-11° -5°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

27 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-10° -5°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

29 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-8° -3°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

137 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
13.4h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

30 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-3°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
14.8h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

150 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
15.6h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (162 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

162 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
15.2h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

154 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
14.0h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

139 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
10.7h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-7° -2°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

141 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-9° -4°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

135 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.5h daylight

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