Snowshoeing in Switzerland
What could be nicer than trudging through virgin, glittering powder snow in bright sunshine? Far away from whirring drag lifts and crowded ski slopes, I can really relax while snowshoeing through deep snow-covered forests and over white plateaus. We have been addicted to snowshoeing for a long time and have explored a wide variety of routes over the last few years. Below you will find all my tips for varied snowshoe hikes, including route descriptions and a map showing the trail. There are also route suggestions for beginners.

But first let’s clarify the most burning questions:
What do you need for a snowshoe hike?
The great thing about snowshoeing is that you don’t need extensive or expensive equipment. Of course, suitable snowshoes are important (more on that below). In addition to snowshoes, you need sturdy, waterproof, ankle-high winter or mountain boots (I have been using a crampon-proof mountain boot from Scarpa for this purpose for several years) and poles with a winter plate. When it comes to clothing, we recommend using the tried and tested onion principle (remember: you sweat even in winter!). If you are planning snowshoe hikes away from the marked trails, you should also pack an avalanche transceiver set consisting of an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel.
Which snowshoes are the best?
If you don’t yet own snowshoes and are unsure which model is best, you should ideally seek advice from a specialist shop and test two or three models. In many specialist shops you can rent snowshoes (like skis or snowboards) by the day. Personally, I am a big fan of the MSR snowshoes because they are particularly light and offer great support even on steep terrain.
How do you walk with snowshoes?
The first steps with snowshoes are unusual. Flat terrain is suitable for getting started – the walking technique hardly differs from normal walking and you, as a beginner, will soon realize that this is not magic. It is important that your body’s center of gravity is centered over the snowshoes and that you take your steps evenly and parallel. In my opinion, the most challenging part is running steeply downhill. A slight back position and slightly bent knees support stability here. You will soon notice that with a little momentum you can climb the Ringsten and that it is best to “glide” downhill in a new track (not an existing one).
Is snowshoeing strenuous?
As with hiking, snowshoeing also puts a strain on the body – especially in fresh snow or on tours that involve a lot of altitude. As a rule, it takes longer to cover the same distances when snowshoeing than when hiking normally. So plan enough buffer time and don’t overwhelm yourself on the first tour. Ideally, to get started you should look for tours with a length of > 5 km and continually increase the distance and the level of fitness required for them.