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.
Gross Ruchen at a Glance#
Address: Gross Ruchen massif, Canton of Uri, Switzerland (no fixed address)
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.
Weather & Climate near Gross Ruchen#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -10° - -5° | -15° | 130 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 6.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 8.9h |
| February | Poor | -11° - -5° | -16° | 114 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 6.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.2h |
| March | Poor | -10° - -5° | -15° | 130 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 6.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -8° - -3° | -12° | 137 mm | overcast | 78% | 5.6 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.4h |
| May | Poor | -3° - 1° | -6° | 126 mm | overcast | 78% | 5.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.8h |
| June | Poor | 0° - 5° | -2° | 150 mm | overcast | 77% | 4.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.6h |
| July | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 162 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.2h |
| August | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 3° | 154 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.0h |
| September | Poor | 1° - 6° | -1° | 139 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 5.1 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | -2° - 2° | -5° | 132 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 5.8 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -7° - -2° | -11° | 141 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 6.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| December | Poor | -9° - -4° | -14° | 135 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 6.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
