Snowshoeing at its best: Switzerland’s longest snow trails

Contents:

• 1. Gemmi–Kandersteg: High-alpine snowshoe hike for advanced walkers

• 2. Rigi Panorama Circular Walk: Winter walking with views of the Swiss Alps

• 3. Albula Trek: An unforgettable snowshoe hike through the mountains of Graubünden

• 4. Engstligenalp: Spectacular long-distance ski tour in the heart of the Bernese Alps

• 5. Glattalp: Snowshoe hike through the unspoilt mountain landscape of Central Switzerland

• 6. Tour de Monts Jura: Long-distance ski tour with breathtaking views

• 7. Val Trupchun: A winter hike through the unspoilt nature of the Engadin countryside

• 8. Simplon Pass: Challenging ski tour with spectacular Alpine panoramas

• 9. Aletsch Glacier: Snowshoe hike along the longest glacier in the Alps

• 10. Gantrisch Panorama Trail: Winter walking with views of the Bernese Alps

1. Gemmi–Kandersteg: High-alpine snowshoe hike for advanced walkers

The spectacular Gemmi–Kandersteg route takes you from the summit of the Gemmi Pass for around 15 kilometres through an impressive high-alpine landscape. This demanding snowshoe tour stretches across the snow-covered plateaus and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Valais and Bernese Alps. The route is not suitable for beginners, as the high altitude and winter winds can be challenging. After this tour, the Hotel Ermitage in Kandersteg is the perfect choice for a restful night’s stay. The hotel offers a cosy atmosphere and comfortable rooms, where you can relax and warm up after a long day in the snow.

2. Rigi Panorama Circular Walk: Winter walking with views of the Swiss Alps

The Panorama Circular Walk on the Rigi – also known as the ‘Queen of the Mountains’ – offers a picturesque circular walk with spectacular views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps. This 7-kilometre route is perfect for a winter hike and, thanks to its gentle gradient, is also suitable for families. The well-maintained paths lead through snow-covered forests and across open spaces, offering magnificent views in fine weather. A suitable place to stay nearby is the Hotel Rigi Kaltbad. It is ideally situated for starting or finishing the winter hike at your leisure. The hotel’s spa area offers the perfect opportunity to relax tired muscles and enjoy the view of the snow-covered landscape.

3. Albula Trek: An unforgettable snowshoe hike through the mountains of Graubünden

This 20-kilometre snowshoe tour takes you through the snow-covered landscape of the Albula Valley in the canton of Graubünden. The route offers stunning scenery with frozen waterfalls and snow-covered forests, and with a bit of luck you may spot traces of wildlife along the way. The Albula Trek is challenging and is particularly suitable for experienced snowshoe hikers. For a relaxing evening after this adventurous trek, the Hotel Albula & Julier in Tiefencastel offers cosy accommodation. This traditional hotel in the heart of Graubünden is the perfect place to unwind and serves as an ideal base for the rest of your winter holiday.

4. Engstligenalp: A spectacular long-distance ski tour in the heart of the Bernese Alps

At Engstligenalp near Adelboden, ski touring enthusiasts can look forward to an impressive high-mountain landscape. The 16-kilometre tour takes you across vast snowfields and offers experienced ski tourers the chance to enjoy the winter tranquillity of the Bernese Oberland. Thanks to the plateau, the route is particularly suitable for advanced skiers who can navigate open terrain with confidence. After a day on touring skis, we recommend spending the night at the Chalet-Hotel Beau-Site in Adelboden. The hotel’s rustic atmosphere and warm, welcoming ambience are ideal for rounding off a day in the mountains with a good dinner.

5. Glattalp: A snowshoe hike through the unspoilt mountain landscape of Central Switzerland

Glattalp, a real gem in Central Switzerland, is the perfect place for anyone who appreciates peace and quiet and unspoilt nature. This snowshoe tour, which covers around 10 kilometres, is particularly suitable for advanced walkers looking for a moderately difficult route who already have some experience walking in the snow. Its remote location and reliable snow conditions guarantee a tranquil winter landscape where you’ll rarely encounter other walkers – ideal for anyone seeking an authentic experience of nature away from the hustle and bustle. The perfect place to unwind after this tour is the Wellness Hotel Stoos. Here, you can relax your tired muscles in the spa area and enjoy the view of the snow-capped mountains – an ideal way to round off a day spent in the great outdoors.

6. Tour de Monts Jura: a long-distance ski tour with breathtaking views

The 22-kilometre Tour de Monts Jura, on the border with France, is a ski tour for the adventurous. This route winds through the Jura mountains, offering fantastic views of Lake Geneva and the Mont Blanc massif at every turn. As the route is steep and challenging in places, it is only recommended for experienced ski tourers. The charming Auberge Aux Deux Sapins in Montricher is an ideal place to stay overnight. Here, after your tour, you can enjoy the hospitality and tranquillity of the Jura region.

7. Val Trupchun: A winter walk through the unspoilt natural landscape of the Engadin

For anyone who enjoys walking, the route to Val Trupchun in the Engadin is ideal. This winter hike, around 14 kilometres long, takes you through a stunning snow-covered valley landscape and offers a unique opportunity to spot wildlife. Deer and chamois can often be spotted in this wintry setting. This walk is suitable for experienced winter walkers who enjoy trekking along snow-covered paths. After a day in the wintry mountain landscape, the Chesa Stuva Colani in Madulain is the perfect place to unwind. The traditional and stylish atmosphere of the inn provides just the right setting to round off your experiences in Val Trupchun in comfort.

8. Simplon Pass: A challenging ski tour with spectacular Alpine views

The Simplon Pass in Valais is renowned for its challenging ski tours, and one of the longest routes leads from here up to the Breithorn. This tour is around 18 kilometres long and offers advanced ski tourers an impressive experience in alpine terrain. The route requires experience and reliable kit, but rewards you with fantastic views and a genuine high-mountain experience. In the village of Simplon itself, the Hotel-Restaurant Grina is the perfect place to stay overnight. The hotel is renowned for its cosy rooms and down-to-earth cuisine, which is just the thing after a strenuous day on the slopes.

9. Aletsch Glacier: Snowshoe hike along the longest glacier in the Alps

The Aletsch Glacier offers a unique backdrop for snowshoe tours. A particularly beautiful route runs along the edge of the glacier and offers impressive views of the longest glacier in the Alps. The route is around 12 kilometres long and is suitable for experienced snowshoe walkers. In the Riederalp region, the Hotel Haus Bella Vista offers cosy accommodation with panoramic views. Here, after an exciting day on the glacier, you can relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the snow-covered mountain landscape.

10. Gantrisch Panorama Trail: Winter walking with views of the Bernese Alps

The Gantrisch Panorama Trail in the Gantrisch Nature Park is a picturesque winter walk for those who enjoy the finer things in life. This route, approximately 8 kilometres long, winds through the snow-covered landscapes of the nature park and offers magnificent views of the Bernese Alps. The route is well suited to winter walking and is also suitable for families. The Gantrisch Bed and Breakfast is an ideal place to stay; with its warm and welcoming atmosphere, it offers the perfect base from which to explore the region. After a winter hike, the cosy ambience invites you to relax and prepares you for new discoveries.

Conclusion: Switzerland offers a wide variety of long snow-covered routes that will delight any winter adventurer. Whether you explore nature on skis, snowshoes or on foot, the snow-covered landscapes and charming accommodation along the routes make every outing an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the magic of winter and discover Switzerland’s most beautiful snow-covered landscapes in your own way.

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