Winter hiking

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Winter hiking

Mattmark Winter Hiking Trail closed

This relaxing winter hike far away from the ski slopes leads over the cross-country ski run to “Ejiu sand” (a hamlet near Saas-Almagell) and over snow-covered hills to the Mattmark Dam and back to the village

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Shortly after leaving Saas-Almagell, you will reach the Mattmark AG compensating basin. The Zermeiggern chapel is located directly to the left. Initially built in 1707, this chapel was moved and rebuilt when the compensating basin was constructed in 1962. After the barrier, the path continues next to the cross-country skiing trail through a snow-covered valley to the “Eiju-Sand”. The trail ends Here. Follow the groomed track over the bridge and the road zigzagging further up to the northern moraine where the trail enters an alpine winter landscape. At the next bridge (with a barrier), turn right and follow the signs up to the bottom of the dam. After the last ascent up the dam, enjoy the view over the Mattmark Lake in winter mode.

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Turn-by-turn directions

The trail starts from the village square and leads through the village. After the ice rink, turn left and follow the road to Zermeiggern, where the chapel and the compensating basin are located. After the barrier, the path continues next to the cross-country skiing trail to “Eiju-Sand”. The trail ends here. Follow the groomed track over the bridge and the road zigzagging further up to the northern moraine. At the next bridge (with the barrier), turn right and follow the signs up to the bottom of the dam. The last stretch ascends along the dam to the end point.

Retrace the same route back to Saas-Almagell

Start: Village square, Saas-Almagell (1671 m)
Destination: Mattmark Dam (1671 m)

Author's recommendation

Take your time and enjoy the peace and quiet far away from everyday life.

Want to shorten the journey back? Bring a sledge (not an official toboggan run - descents at your own risk).

Technical information

  • Altitude

    2205 m 1671 m

  • Ascent

    534 m

  • Descent

    534 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 4 .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
  • Scenic
  • Insider tip
  • Out and back

Public transport

Take the SBB to Visp and change here to the Post Bus to Saas-Fee (bus 511).

In Saas-Grund, change to the Post Bus going to Saas-Almagell (bus 513). Get off at th Saas-Almagell Dorfplatz or sports field stop.

Approach

Saas-Fee/Saas Valley can easily be reached by car from all directions, whether from Switzerland or abroad. From the north, via Bern using the Lötschberg car transporter. From the east, cross the Furka Pass or use the Furka car transporter. From the south,  via the Simplon Pass or using the Simplon car transporter, and from the west, via Lausanne along the Rhône valley to Visp and from there towards Saas-Fee.

From Visp, drive south in the direction of Saas-Fee. At the "Killerhof" roundabout after Stalden, take the second exit towards Saas-Fee. In Saas-Grund, turn left after the church in the direction to Saas-Almagell. Follow the road until Saas-Amagell.

Parking

Public car park on the right-hand side after the tourist office.

There are a few parking places at Zermeiggern.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Bottle for water, picnic
  • Camera
  • Hikingpoles (optional)
  • Printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, top right, to download)

Safety information

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. 

  • 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 leaveanywaste 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.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertainweather, 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.
  • Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible, avoid going alone.
  • A part of this trail follows the cross-country ski run.

Maps

Winter hiking map Saas-Fee/Saastal

1:50'000 Swisstopo map 284S Mischabel