This is a long route through an isolated valley to get to the Stuttgarter Hütte, and especially in early season (we did it on the opening night of Stuttgarter Hütte, before the lifts were running) the route is very quiet. It starts with a climb through the ski resort up to Gampen and Kapall, before turning right along a wide path across the scree slope. In sections there may be small snow crossings, and early in the season the short wire-secured sections are missing wires.
Once up on the ridge, the path is easy-going along to the left turn. The Leutkircher Hütte is visible up ahead, and could be added as an extension for lunch if wanted. Immediately after the left turn there is a sign that Alpine experience is required; this may seem strange given the width and gentleness of the path, but it later becomes significantly more tricky.
As you go along the path, keep an eye out for marmots. They are plentiful in this valley, and we saw our first almost as soon as we started our descent. Pay attention to their burrows too, to avoid tripping up. Further along, the path detoured around some landslips, and then got rather technical as we crossed a scree slope and traversed a ledge across a cliff face. Surefootedness is definitely required here.
Once past this steep traverse, the path becomes significantly easier, across a meadow towards the Erla Alp hut. There is a river crossing with stepping stones, and then you reach a MTB track to the hut. Here there were cooled drinks available with an honesty box. The path onwards goes up to the left side of the hut (and was blocked by a calf’s enclosure, which we had to skirt around), climbing initially steeply and then zigzagging its way upwards. Here we saw many more marmots. The pass looks a long way off, but the path is good so progress is quick.
From the Erlijoch pass, you can see all the way back to Leutkircher Hütte and the rocky traverse, and ahead to Stuttgarter Hütte. A short and gentle descent follows to the Stuttgarter Hütte.
Description based on a hike by Charlie Harding on 17 June 2022.
