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Snowshoeing in Zermatt: 2 Magical Winter Trails
Snowshoeing should be on everyone’s bucket list, but Snowshoeing in Zermatt… that’s an experience you’ll never forget.
The familiar outline of the Matterhorn, known by many as the ‘Toblerone Mountain’ is prominently positioned. Sitting directly above the town of Zermatt, providing a breath-taking backdrop.
As one of the highest ski resorts in the world, many people are here for the fresh powder and network of ski runs. Most aren’t even aware of the Snowshoe trails they ski past, making it even better for us Snowshoers!
Snowshoeing is a very peaceful and calming way to get off the busier slopes and explore. Crunching through untouched snow, stopping every once in a while to take in your surroundings is extremely relaxing. Following trails where you may not see another person for hours, our idea of heaven.
If you want to try Snowshoeing for the first time or are just planning your next winter adventure, we’ve detailed below the two trails we tried when Snowshoeing in Zermatt.
Fun Fact: Zermatt is the starting point for the Haute Route that leads to Chamonix in France.
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What is Snowshoeing?
Snowshoeing is simply hiking with the help of snowshoes. The snowshoes distribute your weight over a larger surface area, meaning you don’t sink into the snow (or sink less!).
You don’t need any experience to snowshoe and the shoes can be easily hired, all you need are some sturdy waterproof hiking boots, we used our B2 hiking boots. You can hire the snowshoes from local shops in Zermatt, we used: Matterhorn Sport, for 19 CHF per person for one day hire.
Snowshoeing Techniques?
Snowshoeing on relatively flat terrain is straight forward. You may need to widen your gait and lift your knees a little higher than normal but that’s it, you’re just walking! It might feel funny at first whilst you get used to it but after that, you’ll be ploughing through the powder with a smile on your face.
Uphill
Downhill
How to get to Zermatt?
The best mode of transport to get to Zermatt is Train.
It’s not possible to drive to Zermatt because Vehicles with an engine are not allowed in the town due to concerns for air pollution.
From Geneva
By Train
From Geneva / Geneva Airport, catch the IR90 train to Visp, change here onto the RE41 or RE42 to Zermatt.
The scenic 4 hour train journey will cost approx. 102 CHF one way.
From Zurich
By Train
Catch the IC8 to Visp changing here to catch the RE41 or RE42 to Zermatt.
The 3 hours 15 minute train journey costs approx. 120 CHF one way.
Top Tip: Check out the Swiss Travel Pass, it may make your journeys cheaper!
Where to stay in Zermatt?
There are two options of where to stay in Zermatt. The first is in the town itself and the second is in the nearby village of Täsch.
If you’re on a budget, Täsch could be cheaper, but don’t forget to take into account the cost of the train into Zermatt each day. As of August 2022 a return will cost you CHF 16.40.
Zermatt
If you prefer to be central with everything on your doorstep then staying in Zermatt is for you. You won’t have the worry of how you will get home after dinner or lugging your ski/snowshoe gear on the train.
When we visited we stayed in Hotel Alpina. Centrally located, the 3-star hotel provides Bed & Breakfast with ski storage and a heated boot room.
With wooden cladded walls and a cosy atmosphere the rooms are reminiscent of that of a ski lodge. The breakfast was delicious, with a wide range of options to suit everyone.
Täsch
Only 4 miles out of town, Täsch is not only more budget friendly but also a quieter option if you prefer a more peaceful atmosphere.
We planned to stay in an Air BnB in Täsch originally, as it was much cheaper. In the end it suited us better to be in Zermatt as we wanted to eat out every night anyway.
Snowshoeing in Zermatt: 2 Magical Winter Trails
The repetitive movement of putting one foot in front of the other isn’t something new. Walking and hiking has historically been known as a relaxing hobby.
When combined with blankets of untouched white snow and impressive scenery it becomes otherworldly, magical. Snowshoeing is an experience like no other. It’s not just hiking in the snow or walking in funny shoes, it’s a challenge and broadens your winter hiking horizons.
Below we’ve detailed 2 magical trails for Snowshoeing in Zermatt. We hope to inspire you’re first or next snowshoeing adventure and hopefully take our Snowshoes out again and explore more winter wonderlands!
1. The North Face Trail
Route Description
As the name describes, the North Face Trail skirts the iconic Matterhorn‘s Northern face. On a clear day you will be rewarded with endless views, so make sure to account for the extra time to stop and take photos.
Starting at Schwarzee (2,583 m) the trail follows a Red Ski slope before branching off on it’s own. Follow the Pink marker poles, mostly half buried in the snow, crossing another two ski runs. It’s more than likely that you won’t see anyone else on this section of the trail, as most people in the resort will be skiing.
After crossing the untouched blanket of snow, you eventually begin to descend slowly towards woodland. Weaving through the pine trees and glimpsing the Matterhorn through the branches.
Eventually you arrive at Stafelalp (2,199 m), a mountain hut and restaurant only accessible by skiing or hiking.
Top Tip: Make sure to stop off at Stafelalp for some lunch. Renowned for its legendary Swiss fusion food.
Follow the dirt track from behind Stafelalp, from here onwards you will no longer need the snow shoes. Without diversion, continue on this track, crossing a ski run and passing a reservoir before reaching a tarmac road. It’s well signposted from this point to Furi, where you can catch a cable car or bus to your next destination.
Hiking Highlights
Get up close and personal with the Matterhorn, this trail easily ranks in one of our top favourite hikes.
The magical feeling of crossing untouched snow is one we will never forget and something everyone you experience at least once.
From weaving through pine forests to descending snow covered trails. You quickly escape the crowds on the ski runs and descend into the snowy wilderness.
For those who love delicious food, stopping by Stafelalp is a must when visiting Zermatt.
Top Tip: Book a table at Stafelalp to avoid disappointment, it was heaving when we went and there was only a small bar area for those without reservations.
2. The Winter Wonder and Discovery Trail
Route Description
Beginning at Riffelalp, the trail head is only accessible from the Gornergrat train. Catching it from Zermatt, a one way ticket to Riffelalp costs approx. 28 CHF (as of August 2022).
Riding up the rickety 19th century trainline, get off at Riffelalp, the second stop. Take the wide footpath towards the hotels eventually arriving at a ski slope and playground. This snowshoe trail is fairly well signposted and at this point you will see a sign with a picture of a snowshoe. Follow the sign directing you up the slope alongside the hotel until you reach a small flat section. Turn left, heading into the woods, with patches of tree root, dirt and snow, you may need to remove your snowshoes if there’s not much snow.
Follow the path as it winds through the dense forest and eventually crosses the Gornergrat train tracks. Once on the mound on the other side of the road, look behind you to admire the Matterhorn and maybe even watch a train or two pass by.
Eventually you reach a fork in path, right takes you to the hut for lunch. If you don’t want to visit the hut for lunch you can branch left, as this is the route we continue on after visiting the hut.
Top Tip: If you love good homecooked food, it is definitely worth visiting Mountain Lodge Ze Seewjinu. Even if it’s just to taste their refreshing homemade ice tea, which was delicious!
Lunch time
Having branched right at the fork you eventually arrive at Mountain Lodge Ze Seewjinu. A perfect spot for some food and refreshments!
After refuelling, return back along the forest path you came in on, turning right at the fork you passed earlier to begin the descent downhill. With the black ski slope on you right, follow the path as it zig zags and winds its way down the hill until it reaches a small bridge.
Cross over the river and, depending on the time of year, this could be a good place to remove snowshoes. Hiking up the dirt track, you eventually reach a small collection of houses. Follow the path to the left as it continues through the houses and eventually passes a Mountain Hut, Findlerhof. Renowned for good food and a picturesque view of the Matterhorn it’s a great spot for a quick drink or snack before descending into Zermatt.
Continue on the dirt path as it snakes down the valley, culminating in switchbacks through the forest until you reach the railway.
Depending on where you are staying in Zermatt you can either cross the tracks here or turn right and continue through the forest to get to central Zermatt.
Hiking Highlights
Winding through pine forests, across peaceful snow covered slopes, and descending alongside a black ski run, the diverse terrain means there’s never a dull moment on this trail.
There’s plenty of photo opportunities and delicious food along the trail, a highlight being the views from the Mountain Huts nestled amongst the stunning mountainous landscape.
More Snowshoeing in Zermatt
Maybe two days snowshoeing just isn’t enough for you! If we had had more time we would definitely have squeezed a few more trails in.
If you fancy trying some alternative trails or need a few more ideas, you can find more snowshoe routes detailed here.
What is the Weather like in Zermatt?
Winter (Nov. – Mar.) see’s plenty of snow and cold temperatures, highs of around 2 degrees Celsius, the coldest month being January.
Spring (Apr. – May), temperatures begin to rise, with a high rate of rainfall. An ideal season for budget travellers, early Spring you may still catch snow and by May it’s great hiking weather, with some ice still looming.
Summer (June-Aug.) has the highest temperatures, a great time for summer hiking in the Swiss Alps.
Autumn (Sept. – Nov), temperatures begin to cool and another great season for budget travellers.
When Should I Go Snowshoeing in Zermatt?
The best time to Snowshoeing in Zermatt is between December and April.
Once you reach late spring, the snow begins to melt as temperatures rise and you have to wait for the fresh snow to return in the winter.
However, in summer, there are some stunning hiking trails, you don’t have to snowshoe or ski to see the stunning scenery Zermatt has to offer.
What to Pack?
Other than your Snowshoes, generally just wear ski clothes or similar, as you need to be both warm and waterproof. Ski jacket and trousers, hiking boots and a warm hat!
Things we always carry in our day packs: Water bottle, spare socks, waterproof jacket and trousers, spare warm layer (eg fleece), gloves, hat, sunglasses, snack bars, emergency shelter and a small first aid kit.
If you want any more tips and advice or if you’re planning a snowshoeing trip and want to tell us about it, get in touch through social media.
We hope this inspired you and thanks for reading!
Nick and Eve