Winter wonderland
Winter hiking and snowshoeing
Do you love snowy woods, crunchy snow, peace and solitude? On a winter hike or snowshoe tour, you’ll be far away from the ski lifts and pistes in a flash. In and around Andermatt, many routes are signposted and easy to reach.
Network of hiking trails
In the Andermatt region, there are winter hiking trails to suit every taste. The network of carefully groomed and well-signposted trails extends from Realp in the Ursern Valley to Disentis in the Surselva: from the frozen Arnisee reservoir in the scenic snowy woods to the sun-filled hike from Sedrun to Disentis. You can choose from any number of possibilities, depending on the weather and what you’re up for.
Public transportation
The villages in the Andermatt, Sedrun and Disentis ski region are linked by the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway, and the trip across the Oberalp Pass offers an unparalleled view of the snowy mountain peaks. That means that you can travel conveniently to the various starting points, or return by train after a hike.
Charming pass roads
In winter, the roads over the Furka, Gotthard, and Oberalp Passes are closed to vehicle traffic. The passages, so busy in summer, lie quiet beneath a thick blanket of snow. This affords you a wonderful opportunity to discover these regions. The Saint-Gotthard Massif, for instance, beckons with quiet and solitude. Heading toward the Furka Pass, you’ll reach the Albert Heim hut of the Swiss Alpine Club. From there, you’ll have a sensational view of the mighty peaks nearby – looking out from the cosy sun terrace with a hot drink in your hand. The hut is almost always serviced. When descending, another stop beckons: the Hotel Tiefenbach. Not snow covered, but just as charming: the Lukmanier Pass. From the top of the pass, hours-long snowshoe tours will lead you through an area whose scenery is unmatched.
Summit destinations with a view
Do you enjoy challenging destinations with a 360-degree view? A snowshoe tour from Realp to the Stotzigen Firsten, from the Albert Heim hut to the Chli Bielenhorn, or from the Oberalp Pass to the Piz Cavardi requires technical skill and good conditioning. The reward: unforgettable views of countless high alpine peaks.
Safety first
When snowshoeing, you’re travelling off the safe pistes. The trails are marked, but they sometimes cross through territory that is exposed to avalanches. Experience in open terrain, skill in using avalanche gear, and serious preparation, as well as an overview of the current avalanche situation, are essential requirements for every tour. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, or if you’re unsure about your off-piste abilities, we recommend that you arrange for a mountain sports expert to accompany you.
