Snowshoeing is a sport that just about anyone can do, no matter what their skill levels are. This is a type of transportation that was once used by our ancestors. There was no indigenous tribe that didn’t develop its own type of snowshoes. Back then snowshoes was made by woods, branches and animal skins but today at Zermatt it is made of much more high-tech material. If you can walk in mountaineering boots, you will also be able to hike on snowshoes across the glittering snow through undisturbed winter landscape, far away from the piste. This is a very good activity for people vacationing in Zermatt with their families, including children. You can rent snowshoes from many of the town’s shops.
There are many snowshoeing trails in Zermatt. You can either go on a tour hosted usually hosted by hotels, or you could go on the 4 basic snowshoeing trails that Zermatt offers.
On Nordwand Trail, you will be starting from Schwarzsee along the north wall of the Matterhorn and the dreamlike landscape of the Stafelalp. From the restaurant Stafelalp you can walk back along the winter hiking path to Furi. The trails are marked every 100 meters with a pink pole so you don’t need a guide. The walk is apporximately 6.7 kilometers and about an hour and 15 minute walk.
The Challenge Trail starts from Gornergrat to Rotenboden. This trail is also marked every 100 meters with a pink pole and can be accessed without a guide. The walk is apporximately 1.7 kilometers and about an hour walk.
The Panorama Trail is an absolutely beautiful trail that starts from Rotenboden to Riffelberg. The trail is marked every 100 meters with a pink pole and can be accessed without a guide. The walk is apporximately 2.5 kilometers and about an hour and 30 minutes walk.
The White Magic Trail starts from hiking to intermediate section of Matterhorn Express from Schwarzsee paradise. From there you follow the pink poles that is marked every 100 meters until you reach the road to Furi. After turning right you will arrive in Furi shortly. You can access this area without a guide and the walk is apporximately 3 kilometers and about an hour and 30 minutes walk.
Since most snowshoeing trails aren’t at the top of the mountain, there is a good chance you might see wildlife as you stomp through the snow. If you do, please remember that the animals are very fragile especially during winter. If you get too close, they will flee in panic and in the process they use up a lot of energy resulting some animals to die. So please respect the nature and try to stay on the existing trails avoiding the feeding grownds. And do not go hiking at dusk.
Also since the trails are not laid, prepared or checked, they are not secure against natural dangers such as avalanches and rock falls. So be sure to check the avalanche bulletins before you go.
Those in mind, you can walk through the beautiful mountains of Zermatt with the exquisite view of the Alps. Also some trails have restaurants nearby for you to warm-up or to fill your body.
