Snowshoeing

Share

Snowshoeing

White Magic Trail (Nr. 143)

This snowshoe hike can be quite a challenge, depending on snow conditions. The route leads 741 vertical metres down the mountain. But walkers’ efforts are well rewarded: the view over the village of Zermatt is magical.

  1. Slide 1
  2. Slide 2
  3. Slide 3
  4. Slide 4

At first the trail leads over the pastures of Alp Hermetji before entering sparse woodland, where chamois may be seen, depending on time of day. In winter, these mammals have a thick, shaggy coat. Hikers who sit down for a while and remain still may well spot one, although chamois do not move about a great deal in winter. Pink poles mark the route approx. every 100 m Chance to observe wildlife along the way Guided tours bookable through the Zermatters

Available offers

Your accommodation in a click

On our e-Shop, you can easily find and book the accommodation of your dreams from a wide selection of offers throughout the canton.
Book now
Show elevation profile

Turn-by-turn directions

Schwarzsee - Hermetje - Furi (to the Furi - Zmutt road)

The last part of the walk follows the road back to Furi - snowshoes no longer required.

(Hiking time in reverse direction: approx. 2h 30)

Start: Schwarzsee (2,583 m) (2585 m)
Destination: Furi (1,867 m) (1866 m)

Author's recommendation

Chamois may be spotted already on the gondola ride to Schwarzsee.

Technical information

  • Altitude

    2587 m 1861 m

  • Ascent

    6 m

  • Descent

    725 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 5 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 6 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Fauna
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cableway ascent/descent
  • Clear area
  • Forest

Public transport

By train to the Matterhorn village: 3½ hours from Zürich airport or 4 hours from Geneva airport. Change at Visp onto the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (Matterhorn Gotthard Railway). From Visp, the railway leads through the Mattertal valley past idyllic small villages to Zermatt.

Zermatt is also the start and finish point for the world-famous Glacier Express panoramic train journey (Zermatt to St. Moritz or Davos).

Approach

Zermatt is car-free. Private vehicles are permitted only as far as Täsch (5 km before Zermatt). The Täsch–Zermatt road is closed to the public.

Onward travel to Zermatt is either by private taxi or shuttle train. Trains depart every 20 minutes; the journey takes about 12 minutes, and ends at the Bahnhofplatz in Zermatt.

Parking

Täsch has car parks with both covered and open-air parking – e.g. at the Matterhorn Terminal or privately operated facilities.

Onward travel: see “Getting there”.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good, waterproof footwear
  • Snowshoes
  • Hiking poles
  • Warm winter clothing appropriate for the weather

Safety information

  • Plan every mountain tour carefully and adapt to participants’ fitness level as well as the weather and season.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
  • Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible avoid going alone.
  • Do not leave the marked routes.
  • It is forbidden to walk on the ski pistes.
  • Please be considerate to other walkers and to plants and animals.

The snowshoe trails can be tackled without a mountain guide. Beware: they are not prepared in any way and are not controlled daily; nor are they secured from natural hazards such as avalanches or rockfalls. For safety, check the weather forecast and current avalanche bulletin.
All snowshoeing is at one’s own risk.

Tip: “Be searchable”. Equip yourself with an additional RECCO rescue reflector*. Whether summer or winter. Available in our Online-Shop or our information desk.
*The additional reflector does not replace an avalanche beacon.