Winterhiking in Switzerland

Switzerland is well-known for its hiking infrastructure, and not only in summer! Also in winter there are plenty of marked hiking trails. While most Swiss opt for skiing, even in the busiest resorts you can enjoy quiet paths, away from the hustle and bustle on the slopes. The last couple of years more and more hiking routes have been opened and for us it’s a wonderful way to be outside and enjoy a completely different atmosphere in the mountains (skiing is not really our thing). Winter hiking we reserve for our lazy afternoons, for more action we opt for snowshoe hiking.

It is the perfect way to enjoy the mountains in the winter. In almost all cases the winter hiking paths are away from the busy skiing slopes. You take up the lift with (what feels like) a million people, and within 15 minutes walking you have the mountains for yourself. The only sound that remains is the crunch of snow under your feet and the occasional “hmpf” of snow falling of branches.

How to find your route

The best option is to check the website of Swiss Mobility, the network for non-motorized traffic. In winter, here are all options listed that you can do in the snowy season; winterhiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and even sledging (the Swiss really like this, and not only the kids). The winterhiking routes are all on prepared trails, meaning that you do not need special equipment, other than warm and sturdy shoes. Snowshoeing trails are mostly not prepared, but both are marked by pink signs. The website provides all the information you need; distance, high meters, elevation profiles, and a description of the hike. All can be easily reached by public transport.

We noticed however, that this website does not list ALL winterhikes in the country. Most skiing resorts have their own trails, and can only be found on the website of the resort itself. We made a list of some of the resorts that offer this option:

• Adelboden And in January you can catch the FIS Skiing World Cup
• Andermatt with routes as well for Sedrun and Disentis
• Arosa. 60 km of trails, for every level
• Chässerrug (Toggenburg, Alt St.Johann). Beautiful views on the Säntis and Walensee.
• Crans-Montana winter hiking between Mont Blanc and Matterhorn
• Davos-Klosters Almost 160 km of trails! Tip: an organized walk at nightime with torches
• Engelberg 70 km of prepared winter hiking trails with views on mount Titlis
• Flims Laax Falera The Latern path is lit in the evenings from Thursdays to Saterdays
• Flumserberg. The closest resort from Zurich. Easily reachable by train and the gondola from Unterterzen. This resort offers 35 km of winterhiking trails
• Hoch Ybrig Short walks between 30 and 60 minutes
• Jungfrau Region Hiking with three massive peaks on the background
• Saas-Fee Hikes up to 14 km!
• Sörenberg The panorama route (3.7 km) is highly recommended, as it is located on the sunny side of the valley
• St Moritz for every level; either in the mountains or routes suitable for prams
• Verbier
• Zermatt winter fun with views on the Matterhorn