Snowshoeing

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Snowshoeing

Aminona-Aprili Trail

This snowshoe route is ideal for those in search of wild nature, tranquillity and rejuvenation. Throughout the route there are panoramic views of the Rhône Valley and the chain of 4000m-high mountains known as the «Imperial Crown».

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The route starts in Aminona, where there is a large car park, a café with a terrace, and a tourist information point. The route alternates between forests and open pasture via La Cure, a restaurant with a sunny terrace where you can try local specialities. From this point onwards it is a fairly sustained climb via Aprili where you will find a small rural chapel. You then pass in front of the Cave du Sex, whose terrace will be ready to welcome you when you return for your next hike in the summer. In the meantime, continue in the direction of the Columbire Ecomuseum. The museum is dedicated to the transhumance and is situated within the stunning traditional «mayens» (springtime mountain pastures). The restaurant has a large terrace with a panoramic alpine view that will take your breath away. Head down to Aminona where there are free buses to take you back to the resort.

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Turn-by-turn directions

The tour starts near to the tourist information and the bottom station of the cable car in Aminona. First, the track leads you to the Restaurant La Cure and continues direction Aprili with its idyllic chapel. After it leads up to the "Cave du Scex" and goes down again to the Colombire Eco-museum. From here you get back down to the starting point at the tourist information. 

 

Start: Aminona, cable car (1521 m)
Destination: Aminona, cable car (1521 m)

Author's recommendation

Discover the eco-museum at the "Hameau de Colombire" which tells you more about artisanal live of Valais' ancestors. 

Technical information

  • Altitude

    1883 m 1514 m

  • Ascent

    380 m

  • Descent

    380 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 2 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 4 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 5 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Scenic
  • Insider tip
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Forest roads
  • Clear area
  • Forest

Public transport

By bus or by funicular from Sierre to Crans-Montana. Follow the red markings on the floor to reach the funicular from Sierre train station. In Crans-Montana, take the local bus to Aminona.

Approach

A9 highway exit at Sierre-Ouest, follow the national road via Chermigon until Crans. Then drive on eastwards to Aminona. 

Parking

Parking at the cable car in Aminona. Follow the local car park routeing.

Equipment

We recommend: 

  • Good, waterproof footwear
  • Snowshoes
  • hiking poles
  • clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • hat or cap
  • sunscreen
  • bottle for water, picnic
  • camera
  • printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, top right, to download)

Safety information

Use of the snowshoe trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

  • Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
  • Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals. Do not leave any waste in nature.
  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
  • Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible, avoid going alone.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger, especially the danger of avalanches.

Additional information

More information about the destination:  

Literature

Additional brochures and maps are available at the tourist office. 

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:50'000: 273S Montana