recommended route
Winter Wonder Trail (Nr. 146)
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/ Winter Wonder Trail: Its name says it all.Photo: Kurt Lauber, Zermatt Tourismus -
/ Snowy forest along the Winter Wonder Trail.Photo: Kurt Lauber, Zermatt Tourismus
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/ Zermatt - Matterhorn: Schneeschuhwandern Zermatt ǀ WinterwanderungVideo: Zermatt Tourismus
The snowshoe trail starts at the Riffelalp Resort and heads through forested areas and glades to Grünsee lake (crossing the Gornergrat Bahn rails at one point). Animal tracks can be seen along the way and if you keep your eyes peeled, you may see the odd wild animal or two. The trail continues to the snowy glacier foreland at Gant and on to the other side of the valley. Anyone who did the 5 Lakes Walk in the summer will recognise many places. At the end of the trail, you can go back to Zermatt or climb up to the Sunnegga top station and take the underground funicular.
Author’s recommendation
Rest Stop
Al Bosco - - Riffelalp Resort 2222 m.ü.M.Alexandre - Riffelalp Resort 2222 m.ü.M.
Mountain Lodge Ze Seewjinu
Walliserkeller - Riffelalp Resort 2222 m.ü.M.
Alphitta
Safety information
- Plan every mountain tour carefully and adapt to participants’ fitness level as well as the weather and season.
- Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
- Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible avoid going alone.
- Do not leave the marked routes.
- It is forbidden to walk on the ski pistes.
- Please be considerate to other walkers and to plants and animals.
The snowshoe trails can be tackled without a mountain guide. Beware: they are not prepared in any way and are not controlled daily; nor are they secured from natural hazards such as avalanches or rockfalls. For safety, check the weather forecast and current avalanche bulletin.
All snowshoeing is at one’s own risk.
Tip: “Be searchable”. Equip yourself with an additional RECCO rescue reflector*. Whether summer or winter. Available in our Online-Shop or our information desk.
*The additional reflector does not replace an avalanche beacon.
Tips and hints
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
At Riffelalp Resort - Grünsee - Gant - Moosjisee - Findeln (Eggen)
(Hiking time in reverse direction: approx. 2h 40 )
Note
Public transport
By train to the Matterhorn village: 3½ hours from Zürich airport or 4 hours from Geneva airport. Change at Visp onto the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (Matterhorn Gotthard Railway). From Visp, the railway leads through the Mattertal valley past idyllic small villages to Zermatt.
Zermatt is also the start and finish point for the world-famous Glacier Express panoramic train journey (Zermatt to St. Moritz or Davos).
Getting there
Zermatt is car-free. Private vehicles are permitted only as far as Täsch (5 km before Zermatt). The Täsch–Zermatt road is closed to the public.
Onward travel to Zermatt is either by private taxi or shuttle train. Trains depart every 20 minutes; the journey takes about 12 minutes, and ends at the Bahnhofplatz in Zermatt.
Parking
Täsch has car parks with both covered and open-air parking – e.g. at the Matterhorn Terminal or privately operated facilities.
Onward travel: see “Getting there”.
Coordinates
Equipment
We recommend:
- Good, waterproof footwear
- Snowshoes
- Hiking poles
- Warm winter clothing appropriate for the weather
Basic Equipment for Snow Shoe Walking
- Sturdy, comfortable and waterproof hiking boots appropriate for winter use (B1+ recommended)
- Layered, moisture wicking clothing
- Long, warm technical socks plus liners and spares
- Rucksack (with rain cover)
- Water- and windproof mountaineering jacket and trousers with ankle adjustment or separate gaiters
- Lip protection (SPF 30+)
- Water- and windproof gloves plus thin fleece inner gloves
- Neckwear
- moisture wicking skull / knit cap
- Sunglasses
- Ample supply of drinking water and snacks
- First aid kit
- Blister kit
- Bivy / survival bag
- Survival blanket
- Headlamp
- Pocket knife
- Whistle
- Cell phone
- Cash
- Navigation equipment / map and compass
- Emergency contact details
- ID
Technical Equipment for Snow Shoe Walking
- Hiking poles fitted with snow baskets
- Snowshoes
- The 'basic' and 'technical' equipment lists are generated based on the selected activity. They are not exhaustive and only serve as suggestions for what you should consider packing.
- For your safety, you should carefully read all instructions on how to properly use and maintain your equipment.
- Please ensure that the equipment you bring complies with local laws and does not include restricted items.
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