Snowshoeing Switzerland - 22 Top Deals and Prices 2025

Deeply snow-covered and often secluded landscapes make snowshoeing a unique winter experience. Away from the hustle and bustle you make your trail, alone, with friends or with the family. In Switzerland, a snowshoe hike is usually combined with a wonderful view of the white mountain landscape.

You hike over hills and through forests where the fir trees have thick white caps. You will discover traces of many animals and admire frozen waterfalls with artistic formations of icicles.

Almost all winter sports resorts in Switzerland now prepare marked snowshoe trails. They are safe and easy to walk on. On the prepared trails you will undertake a fabulous journey of discovery through the Swiss winter wonderland. But even on the less demanding trails, you should always follow the signalized route. This is for your own safety.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is easy to learn. It's just as simple as walking: if you can walk, you can snowshoe. Just like with hiking, you place one foot in front of the other. Snowshoes provide a larger surface area compared to regular hiking boots, thanks to a wider and longer base.

You don't need much more than a pair of snowshoes, waterproof and warm winter boots or trekking shoes, and trekking poles. You simply strap the snowshoes onto your regular hiking boots.

Snowshoeing is also easy to do with kids and dogs. You can enjoy a fantastic snowshoe tour together and discover the most beautiful trails. Just be mindful of the fitness level and the difficulty and length of the route. Stomping through deep snow is always a bit more strenuous than walking on groomed paths.

In the end, the health benefits of snowshoeing are well known. You train your balance and fine motor skills. Additionally, exercising in nature and breathing in the fresh mountain air boost your immune system, strengthen your muscles, and improve vein function. Snowshoeing is, therefore, a very healthy sport that requires little effort.

On a guided snowshoe tour, experienced guides also love to venture a bit more adventurously through nature. During the tour, you're usually rewarded with a fantastic panorama. Guided snowshoeing in the Bernese Oberland allows you to enjoy a truly special mountain panorama.

Swiss Activities Tips for Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing quickly becomes a truly special experience. Choose your dream landscape or combine it with other activities. We’ve done the research for you and compiled some snowshoeing tips.

• Enjoy a night snowshoe adventure guided by an experienced guide. These snowshoe tours are most beautiful under a full moon. They are offered in places like Interlaken or Stoos.

• A culinary hike with an aperitif brings a winter dream to life. You can find a campfire in the snow on guided hikes in places like Château-d'Oex or Melchsee-Frutt.

• After your snowshoe hike, you can visit a mountain restaurant to wrap up the adventure with fondue or raclette. It’s especially nice with friends or family as a great ending to a winter hike.

• Combining your snowshoe hike with a nice sledding run makes for an awesome experience, whether you're alone, with family, or a group of friends.

• To quickly gain altitude and head snowshoeing in the mountains, using a cable car is a great option. This way, you can save your energy for trekking through the snow in stunning landscapes.

• You can pair an evening snowshoe hike with night sledding. Some sledding tracks are lit up in the evening. You can find them in our Night Sledding Guide with 60 routes. This further increases the fun factor.

• The San Bernardino Pass turns into a winter sports paradise in winter. You can use 20 km of groomed paths for snowshoeing.

• Many cable cars not only rent out sleds but also snowshoes and poles. You can pick them up at the valley station and return them there later.

Snowshoeing Walking Technique

With the right snowshoes and walking technique, you’ll be able to stroll comfortably through mountains and valleys in winter. When using snowshoes, you should aim to walk as normally as possible. However, a more or less pronounced rocking step is unavoidable due to the width of the construction.

On a snowshoe tour, you'll encounter very different types of terrain. To move efficiently and conserve energy, it's recommended to use different stepping techniques.

• On flat terrain, you can walk with a normal step. It's essential to stay as upright as possible, keeping your center of gravity positioned directly above the snowshoe.
• As the incline increases, it's best to activate the ascent aid. If the slope is minimal (under 25 degrees), you can opt for the frontal step in the fall line, maintaining the usual stepping sequence, much like when hiking.
• If the incline becomes steeper, you'll use the so-called duck step, also known as the V-step. The snowshoes will form a V shape that widens with the slope. If this is challenging, you can keep one step in the fall line conventional and form the V with the other snowshoe, whichever works better for you.
• If the ground is icy and hard, stomp the snowshoes firmly into the ice or hard snow with every step.
• For very steep spots, it’s best to use the stair technique, setting the snowshoes perpendicular to the slope.
• If the steep slope is too long for this technique, approach it in switchbacks, which makes the path longer but significantly conserves energy.
• When the terrain slopes down again, the technique will depend on the surface conditions.
• In soft snow, you can glide down the slope with slightly bent knees and a slight lean back.
• In hard and icy snow, take short steps leading with the claw and keep your weight centered over the shoe.

The Right Snowshoe

Three types of snowshoes (Classics, Originals, and Moderns) are taking over the market.

For alpine use, plastic snowshoes (Moderns) are suitable as they're quick to put on and take off.

The Classics, with their heel straps and open axle bindings, are particularly well-suited for walks in flatter terrain.

Slip-bindings with ratchet closures offer a perfect mix of comfort and support. The classic strap binding is only reasonable in a modernized form.

Before you set off, make sure to check which shoe is best suited for the current snow conditions.

• Classics: The aluminum frame snowshoes regarded as typical snowshoes are usually offered in three sizes. Here, lift is weighed against portability: The larger the snowshoe, the more buoyant it is in deep snow. However, it also becomes heavier in your backpack or during a snowboard descent.

• Originals: The oversized wooden frame snowshoes are perfect for valley walks and moderately steep deep snow tours. They are particularly recommended in fresh snow.

• Moderns: The plastic snowshoes are ideal in forests, on steep slopes, and on solid or hard snow due to their maneuverability. These models can be extended with an attachment to reduce sinking in deep snow.

Renting Snowshoes

Before buying your own snowshoes for your first snowshoe hike, you should try them out first. You can rent both snowshoes and gear. Most winter sports shops offer snowshoes for rental. The daily rental, including poles, is usually under 19 CHF. You can also rent snowshoes and poles at some local mountain inns or starting point huts.

Snowshoeing in Switzerland - The Most Beautiful Routes

Between adventure and solitude, you step into your own trail, climbing into snow-covered valleys and hills. Switzerland boasts over 3000 km of prepared winter hiking trails and more than 1200 km of marked snowshoe routes. Discover the breathtaking winter landscapes in Hoch Ybrig or around St. Moritz, linger on sunny terraces, or relax in a warm cozy hut.

Here are some beautiful snowshoe hikes in Switzerland:

Snowshoeing in the Bernese Oberland

We present seven snowshoe tours in the Bernese Oberland.

Wetterhorn Trail (circular route): Hotel Wetterhorn - Lauchbühl - Hotel Wetterhorn

On this snowshoe hike in Grindelwald, you enjoy uninterrupted views of the Eiger from the Ischboden hut. You can also see the winter sports areas Grindelwald-First, Schynige Platte, and Grosse Scheidegg.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 4 km
• Duration: 01:50 h
• Ascent / Descent: 240 (↑ m) / 240 (↓ m)

Schwarzwaldalp: Schwarzwaldalp (snowshoe trail): Schwarzwaldalp via Ulf Teiffenmatten - Alpiglen - Grosse Scheidegg - Gratschärem - Schwarzwaldalp

You walk between Meiringen and Grindelwald in the wild and romantic Rosenlauital and Reichenbachtal, enjoying a gorgeous mountain panorama. The Chalet Schwarzwaldalp Hotel invites you to take a cozy break.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 10.9 km
• Duration: 04:30 h
• Ascent/Descent: 580 m

Bussalp – Bort: Bussalp snowshoe trail: Bussalp - Pfaffenegg - Steesiboden - Matten - Holewang - Bort

On this snowshoe tour, you are accompanied by the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, the Finsteraarhorn, and the Schreckhorn. You get breathtaking views of the legendary peaks of the Bernese Alps.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 7.28 km
• Duration: 3 h
• Ascent/Descent: 249 (↑ m) / 485 (↓ m)

Wengen: Wengen - Leiterhorn

On this snowshoe hike, you're accompanied by stunning views of the mighty Jungfrau. Spectacular moments reveal themselves along the 4000-meter mountain range down into the deeply carved Lauterbrunnen Valley.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 5.4 km
• Duration: 02:30 h
• Ascent / Descent: 520 m

Kandersteg: Kandersteg - Höh Trail

On this panoramic snowshoe circular tour in Kandersteg, you enjoy magnificent views. You’ll see the entire mountain range of the UNESCO World Heritage site Jungfrau-Aletsch with the Blüemlisalp massif. The stunning view into the Kandertal also captivates.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 3.2 km
• Duration: 01:30 h
• Ascent / Descent: 162 m

Brienzer Rothorn: Snowshoe trail: Sörenberg, Rothornbahn - Alp Schlacht - Blattenegg - Salwideli mountain inn

Nature lovers will experience true highlights on this beautiful and challenging snowshoe tour. The raised bog area provides sustainable impressions, while the Rothorn chain and Schrattenfluh create a breathtaking mountain panorama. You wander through the idyllic landscape of the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch.

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Distance: 8 km
• Duration: 03:40 h
• Ascent / Descent: 440 m

Isenfluh: Sulwald snowshoe trail: Isenfluh - Sulwald - Isenfluh

With this view over the majestic trio of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, you will be in awe. Up at the top, you are almost at eye level with them. The rather arduous ascent is quickly forgotten with this view. You’ll come back down quite swiftly on your snowshoes.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 2 km
• Duration: 01:15 h
• Ascent / Descent: 170 m
• Snowshoeing in the Lake Lucerne Region
• You can find a guided snowshoe hike starting from Isenfluh in our offerings.

Snowshoe Hiking Central Switzerland

The following four routes for snowshoe hiking can be found in Central Switzerland.

Entlebuch: Snowshoe Trail: Heiligkreuz - Alphütte First - Howald - Doppleschwander - Heiligkreuz in the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch

This enjoyable snowshoe tour starts in the well-known pilgrimage site of Heiligkreuz and leads relatively flat from Doppleschwander Howald back to the mountain restaurant First. The panoramic view towards Sörenberg and the Bernese Alps is fabulous. You can see the trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau alongside Brienzer Rothorn and Schrattenfluh.

• Difficulty: Medium
• Distance: 7 km
• Duration: 03:15 h
• Ascent / Descent: 380 m

Klewenalp Beckenried: Snowshoe Trail: Beckenried Klewenalp - Beckenried - Klewenalp

In the snowy paradise of Klewenalp-Stockhütte, you'll get your fill as a snowshoe hiker. This unique snowshoe tour takes you up to Twäregg. As a reward, you'll enjoy a magnificent panoramic view. Twäregg is a gem of a viewpoint.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 4 km
• Duration: 01:40 h
• Ascent / Descent: 100 (↑ m) 300 (↓ m)

Kriens: Snowshoe Route: Fräkmüntegg - Bonern-Rehlöcher - Fräkmüntegg

On this relatively easy snowshoe tour along the Pilatus, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Lucerne, over the central plateau, across Lake Lucerne, and the northern Pre-Alps. You also wander along a small section of the sledging trail. A very relaxed outing for the whole family.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 3 km
• Duration: 01:40 h
• Ascent / Descent: 180 m

Siehlsee/Euthal: Snowshoe Circular Walk: Euthal - Schweig - Euthal

This snowshoe hike will inspire you for even more challenging tours. You'll wander through secluded areas and over snowy meadows, with views of the Chli Aubrig along the way. If you're already experienced, you can continue hiking up to the Chli Aubrig.

• Difficulty: Medium
• Distance: 5 km
• Duration: 02:15 h
• Ascent / Descent: 220 m

Snowshoe Hiking Rigi

The Rigi offers some beautiful winter hikes. One of them is as follows:

Snowshoe Loop Hike: Rigi Burggeist - Hinter Dossen - Schneealp - Scheidegg (Viewpoint) - Scheidegghüttli - Rigi Burggeist

In the Rigi-Scheidegg-Burggeist area, you can enjoy the tranquility of the Alps. A stop at the mountain inn Scheidegg is always worth it. In particular, the delicious Gersauer Cheesecake has charmed many guests.

• Difficulty: Medium
• Distance: 4 km
• Duration: 2 h
• Ascent / Descent: 155 m

Snowshoe Hiking Pilatus

You can find a simple and scenic snowshoe hike at Pilatus.

Snowshoe Trail (LU 14): Krienseregg - Gibbelegg - Dorschnei - Krienseregg

At Pilatus, there are several snowshoe tours to choose from. This one offers great fun for the whole family. Not far from the city, you can enjoy a peaceful snowshoe hike. Along the way, your views include Lucerne, Lake Lucerne, and the northern pre-Alps.

• Difficulty: Medium
• Distance: 5.4 km
• Duration: 1:45 h
• Ascent / Descent: 196 m

Snowshoe Hiking Titlis Engelberg

As a change from a leisurely lakeside stroll on well-maintained paths, there's this snowshoe hike:

Snowshoe Hiking Titlis Engelberg: Snowshoe Loop Trübsee Station - Engelberg - Trübsee Station

On this loop, sporty nature lovers and all those who enjoy the outdoors will find the perfect snowshoe terrain. On one hand, there are stunning panoramic views of icy glaciers, and on the other, you'll be close to an idyllic mountain lake. The path from the emerald-green Trübsee leads to a beautiful viewpoint. With the cable car from Engelberg, you can quickly get to the starting point of this snowshoe hike.

• Difficulty: Medium to Hard
• Distance: 5 km
• Duration: 2:50 h
• Ascent / Descent: 320 m

Snowshoe Hiking in Graubünden

Graubünden offers countless snowshoe trails. Here are four that you might enjoy:

Lenzerheide Snowshoe Loop: Val Sporz - Lenzerheide - Val Sporz

If you've gathered some experience as a snowshoe hiker, the holiday region Lenzerheide between Chur and Tiefencastel is the perfect spot for you. The trail takes you over meadows and through fir forests to the highest point at the hamlet of Sporz.

• Difficulty: Medium
• Distance: 5 km
• Duration: 02:20 h
• Ascent / Descent: 220 hm

Chur Snowshoe Tour: Chur - Brambrüesch - Pradaschier - Churwalden - Chur

The tour over Dreibündenstein is considered a hidden gem and offers fantastic views of the oldest city in Switzerland and the picturesque Graubünden Alps. The moderately challenging ascent is rewarded with a 360-degree panorama.

• Difficulty: Hard
• Distance: 8 km
• Duration: 04:40 h
• Ascent / Descent: 660 (↑ hm) / 540 (↓ hm)

Arosa Snowshoe Loop: Maran - Prätschalp - Maran

This easy loop is not only a perfect introduction to snowshoe hiking, but it also takes you through a beautiful alpine mountain panorama. You’ll quietly wander through one of the loveliest areas of this region.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 2 km
• Duration: 55 min
• Ascent / Descent: 80 hm

Flims Snowshoe UNESCO Tour: Nagens - Nagens

This stunning route offers two natural wonders: the Sardona tectonic arena, a phenomenon of global significance, and the Martinsloch, a natural spectacle that attracts onlookers from all over the world.

• Difficulty: Medium
• Distance: 5 km
• Duration: 02:45 h
• Ascent / Descent: 320 hm

Snowshoeing Engadine

In the Engadine we have selected four snowshoe trails for you:

Pontresina snowshoe circuit: Muottas Muragl - Plaun dals Müls - Muottas Muragl

Both beginners and experienced snowshoe hikers will enjoy fantastic moments on this enchanting circular trail. You hike in the panorama of the Engadine mountain peaks past a lake plateau frozen in ice and ponder on the philosophers' path

• Difficulty: easy
• Distance: 3 km
• Duration: 01:30 h
• Ascent / Descent: 170 hm

Celerina snowshoe tour: Celerina S. Gian - Pontresina cross-country skiing center

You hike through deeply snow-covered, fairytale-like moor clearings and past old, gnarled trees. You will also come across a lake and be surrounded by the local stone pines, pines and larches. On this snowshoe trail you will feel like in a real magic forest.

• Difficulty: easy
• Distance: 4 km
• Duration: 01:30 h
• Ascent / descent: 130 (↑ hm) / 80 (↓ hm)

Sur Savuogn / Ramosch snowshoe circuit: Ramosch - Ramosch

The initially rather steep snowshoe route leads through open terrain to Vnà. On the sunny slope, high above the Inn valley, you trudge through one of the driest places in Switzerland

• Difficulty: Hard
• Distance: 8 km
• Duration: 04:25 h
• Ascent / Descent: 580 hm

Cavaglia snowshoe circuit: Cavaglia - Cavaglia

Families especially appreciate this leisurely snowshoe hike on the plateau of Cavaglia. Here you trudge in the footsteps of the pioneers of railroad construction.

• Difficulty: easy
• Distance: 4 km
• Duration: 01: 30 h
• Ascent / Descent: 110 hm

Snowshoeing Valais

Valais offers snowshoe tours of various levels of difficulty. We have selected these for you:

Crans Montana snowshoe circuit: Crans-Montana - Crans-Montana

On this easy circular trail you will enjoy the tranquility of the beautiful nature with a view of the majestic Valais Alps. If you like, you start towards the end of the day and hike into the sunset

• Difficulty: easy
• Distance: 3 km
• Duration: 01:15 h
• Ascent / Descent: 140 hm

Crans Montana Aminona snowshoe hiking tour: Aminona - Aminona

If you are looking for peace and relaxation in the majestic panorama of the four-thousand-meter peaks, this is the tour for you. You will trudge steadily uphill over meadows and forests and enjoy a breathtaking mountain view from the large sun terrace.

• Difficulty: difficult
• Distance: 8 km
• Duration: 03:50 h
• Ascent / Descent: 420 hm

Bettmeralp - Fiel Snowshoe Trail: Bettmeralp - Schweibuflüe - Biel - Flesch - Bettmeralp

Always with the mighty four-thousand-metre peaks in view, you hike through dreamy hamlets and idyllic forests until you finally enjoy the magnificent view of the snow-covered Valais Alps at the highest point of your tour

• Difficulty: medium
• Distance: 4 km
• Duration: 02:10
• Ascent / Descent: 260 hm

Blatten Rischinerwald snowshoe trail: Blatten valley station - Rischinerwald - Stalden - Rischinerwald - Blatten, valley station

This short, easy trail leads through hilly terrain and through the magnificent, snow-covered Rischinerwald. Characteristic Valais granaries and wooden houses blackened by the sun characterize the beautiful trail

• Difficulty: medium
• Distance: 5 km
• Duration: 02:50 h
• Ascent / Descent: 280 hm

Snowshoe Hiking in Zermatt

In the winter paradise Zermatt, you’ll find these easy to moderately challenging snowshoe hikes:

Zermatt / Schwarzsee Snowshoe Tour: Schwarzsee - Zermatt Furi

If you start this tour early enough, you’ll enjoy the sun against an impressive black wall. Here, the rugged north face of the Matterhorn dominates the landscape. It’s not the easiest tour, but it’s an unforgettable experience.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 8 km
• Duration: 04:25 h
• Ascent / Descent: 70 (↑ hm) / 800 (↓ hm)

Zermatt Riffelalp Snowshoe Tour: Riffelalp - Findeln

This idyllic hike through a charming larch and Swiss pine forest takes you all the way to Findeln. Once you arrive at the hamlet, you can relax on the sun terraces of the mountain restaurant and enjoy a magnificent view of the Matterhorn.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 3 km
• Duration: 01:50 h
• Ascent / Descent: 140 (↑ hm) / 300 (↓ hm)

Zermatt Rotenboden Riffelberg Snowshoe Tour: Rotenboden - Riffelberg

On this tour, you’ll have magical moments. You’ll wander along the Riffelsee and enjoy a wonderful tranquility. Soon, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking panorama: views of the Matterhorn, Weisshorn, and Obergabelhorn.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 3 km
• Duration: 01:30 h
• Ascent / Descent: 30 (↑ hm) / 260 (↓ hm)

Riffelberg - Gornergrat - Riffelberg:

This snowshoe route starts with a large loop and takes you over mostly gently climbing slopes up to the Gornergrat at 3090 meters above sea level. On this snowshoe trail, you’ll enjoy a spectacular view that is almost unique among the four-thousanders. Just be prepared for an elevated heart rate in the thin air.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 6.7 km
• Duration: 4 h
• Ascent / Descent: 600 hm

Snowshoeing in Saas Fee

In Saas Fee, beautiful snowshoe tours often start or end at Kreuzboden.

Hohsaas Trail Snowshoe Route: Kreuzboden - Weissmieshütte - Hohsaas

You walk in high alpine terrain up to the Hohsaas mountain station and enjoy a fantastic view of the 18 peaks over 4,000 meters in the holiday region Saas-Fee.

• Difficulty: Hard
• Distance: 4.7 km
• Duration: 02:35 h
• Ascent / Descent: 743 m

Kreuzboden Trail Snowshoe Tour: Saas-Grund Valley Station - Ziebel - Brunne - Café Triftalp - Kreuzboden

On this tour, you hike over the hamlet of “Brunne” and the Triftalp up to Kreuzboden. From there, you’ll experience an amazing view of the village of Saas-Fee and the Mischabel range.

• Difficulty: Hard
• Distance: 5.3 km
• Duration: 3 h
• Ascent / Descent: 845 m

Snoeshshoeing in Appenzell

The Appenzell region offers terrain with rather challenging snowshoe hiking paths.

Appenzell Snowshoe Trail: Meistersrüte - Hoher Hirschberg - Meistersrüte

Beginners and snowshoe enthusiasts who prefer a relaxed pace will find this path just right. The “Hoher Hirschberg Trail” takes you through the snowy hilly landscape of Appenzell. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the Alpstein and the peaks of Vorarlberg.

• Difficulty: Medium
• Distance: 7 km
• Duration: 02:50
• Ascent / Descent: 280 m

Säntis Snowshoe Hiking Trail: Schwägalp - Chammhaldenhütte - Langälpi - Kronberg

This varied route is especially favored by snowshoers with good fitness. The climb begins gently and becomes steep later, but the wonderful panorama is well worth the effort.

• Difficulty: Hard
• Distance: 5 km
• Duration: 02:35 h
• Ascent / Descent: 480 (↑ m) / 180 (↓ m)

Weissbad Snowshoe Hiking Route: Weissbad Lehmen - Ahorn - Wartegg - Studen - Kronberg

This sunny route offers experienced snowshoe hikers both the challenge they seek and tranquility. After the ascent, a magnificent panorama unfolds, extending to Lake Constance and beyond the national border into Germany.

• Difficulty: Hard
• Distance: 6 km
• Duration: 02:40
• Ascent / Descent: 740 m

Snowshoe Hiking in Zurich

Near Zurich, you can find this beautiful snowshoe hike:

Snowshoe Tour: Atzmännig Mountain Station - Atzmännig Valley Station

Between Toggenburg and the Zurich Oberland, a thrilling snowshoe hike awaits you. Along your route, enjoy stunning views of the hilly landscape of the Pre-Alps.

• Difficulty: Medium
• Distance: 6 km
• Duration: 4 h
• Ascent / Descent: 320 (↑ m) / 680 (↓ m)

Snowshoe Hiking in Ticino

In Ticino, we present two snowshoe hikes that you can undertake as an experienced snowshoe hiker.

Cardada Snowshoe Loop: Faido Cari - Faido Cari

On this enchanting snowshoe path, you trek along the "Path of the Mountain Dwellers". Before that, you traverse the beautiful forests of Faura di Duibina.

• Difficulty: Hard
• Distance: 7 km
• Duration: 3:50 h
• Ascent / Descent: 480 m

San Bernardino Snowshoe Loop: San Bernardino - San Bernardino

You hike through one of the vastest landscapes in the country. Expect exciting ups and downs as you continue over the glacier-shaped hills of the San Bernardino massif.

• Difficulty: Hard
• Distance: 10 km
• Duration: 5 h
• Ascent / Descent: 580 m

Snowshoe Hiking in Vaud

The Jura mountains in Vaud with its forests is particularly impressive on a snowshoe tour.

Col du Mollendruz-Chatel Snowshoe Loop: Col du Mollendruz - Col du Mollendruz

You hike through an impressive forest to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Vaud Jura. The rather strenuous ascent is rewarded with a fabulous panoramic view of the entire alpine range.

• Difficulty: Medium
• Distance: 7 km
• Duration: 3:35 h
• Ascent / Descent: 380 m

La Givrine - La Cure Snowshoe Trail: La Givrine - La Cure

This snowshoe tour takes you through serene, untouched nature. Throughout the entire route, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the alpine range.

• Difficulty: Medium
• Distance: 7 km
• Duration: 2:45 h
• Ascent / Descent: 280 m

Snowshoe Hiking in Fribourg

A rather sporty tour can be found in Fribourg.

Snowshoe Hiking Tour: Schwarzsee - Aettenberg - Zollhaus

If you have a certain level of fitness, this trail is perfect for you. The rather sporty tour takes you steeply uphill and downhill. The view of the Senser Oberland and the snow-covered alpine huts definitely makes the climb worthwhile.

• Difficulty: Hard
• Distance: 10 km
• Duration: 5:45 h
• Ascent / Descent: 620 (↑ m) / 780 (↓ m)

Snowshoeing for beginners

Trudging off the beaten track through the crunching snow sounds tempting, but also exhausting. If you haven't dared yet, here are eight easy Swiss beginner snowshoe trails. Each of the listed trails carries the difficulty character easy to medium.

Stoos - Rieter: Small round trip over Rieter

• Duration: 01:25h
• Distance: 3.5 km

Rigi Kulm - Chäserenholz - Rigi Kulm: This panoramic snowshoe hike is perfect for beginners and inexperienced.

• Duration:01:30
• Distance: 2.2 km

Stock Trail Stockhorn:

• Duration: 01:30
• distance: 2 km

Melchsee-Frutt - Teufiboden:

• Duration: 01:40h
• Distance: 4 km.

Prättigau Furna - Ried:

• Duration: 01:45h
• Distance: 3.4 km

Klewenalp - Stockhütte:

• Duration: 01:45h
• Distance: 4 km.

Rosswald - Fleschboden - Rosswald:

• Duration: 01:50
• Route: 3 km.

**Zermatt Täsch - Attermenzen - Randa: **

• Duration: 02:00
• Distance: 3.6 km.

Snowshoeing for beginners: 4 tips

Snowshoeing is the ideal winter sport for beginners. In general, snowshoeing has several advantages. You are not necessarily dependent on expensive cable cars, the equipment is manageable (snow and hiking boots, poles, winter clothing) and you can go without major preparations. Fitness is also of secondary importance. If you like it leisurely, you can make your tracks on flat terrain or in the hilly foothills of the Alps.

• Make sure you have the right snowshoes. For the first tours it is worthwhile to rent snowshoes first.
• Choose good footwear and preferably wear cold-insulating winter boots.
• Wear breathable clothing made of polyester or nylon. A spare dry shirt also belongs in your gear.
• Poles and backpack are also part of the equipment. Athletic snowshoers use poles not only for balance, but also for pushing off.

Safety when snowshoeing

If you're hiking off marked trails, you should be concerned with safety

Despite modern equipment, the most important safety factor is your head. During your tour you make prudent decisions. Criteria such as weather forecasts, avalanche bulletin, slope inclination and exposure are taken into account.

Often, the tour can be downloaded to your smartphone along with GPS tracks. On the way, you can use the White Risk app to compare the planning with the actual conditions

Snowshoeing safety can be learned in courses. If you are with a guide, he or she has already taken all safety precautions. Always make sure that you don't go off the trail and that you stay on the official and marked hiking route

Equipment for snowshoeing

From insulated winter boots to a special backpack to functional underwear and multi-tools, you can add as much snowshoeing gear as you want. What you need apart from the right snowshoes are telescopic poles with snow cups, waterproof shoes and appropriate clothing

In unfamiliar terrain, you will also need orientation aids such as a multifunction watch or GPS. The often forgotten gaiters also make your life easier, because then no snow gets into your shoes

In winter, underwear made of warming Powerfleece and sweat-absorbing Fieldsensor are functional materials. Your shoes should also be waterproof and warm.

Snowshoeing is a beautiful sport that requires relatively little equipment and practice. Once you try it, you'll want to do it again.