Winter Trip to Flumserberg: Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking with Scenic Views

Sometimes it does not take much for true winter bliss: a glance out the window at the brilliantly blue winter sky, the knowledge that the higher elevations got a proper dose of fresh snow, and the spontaneous decision to head for the mountains. That is exactly how our winter getaway to Flumserberg came about.

Spontaneous winter getaway to Flumserberg

Although, strictly speaking, it was more of a backup plan. The originally planned short trip had to be canceled by the mountain hotel we had booked because of technical problems with the drinking water pipe. So we needed a last-minute change of plans.

Flumserberg quickly came out on top. This winter sports area in Eastern Switzerland scores points not only for its ski slopes, but also for several marked snowshoe trails and scenic winter hiking paths. We combined two of them, both with dreamy views of the surrounding peaks and soothing peace and quiet away from the slopes.

Snowshoe tour at Flumserberg: loop on the Plattis snowshoe trail

The first snowshoe trail starts at the valley station of the Panüöl chairlift. The fastest way to reach the starting point from Zurich is via Unterterzen. From there, the gondola takes you up to Tannenbodenalp, followed by the Maschgenkamm cable car for the next climb. For the final stretch, the Panüöl chairlift takes you slightly back down again to the start of the tour, with magnificent views of the Spitzmeilen area along the way.

The entrance to the snowshoe trail is well signposted and hard to miss. The short loop across the Plattis plateau is considered easy and has no noteworthy difficulties. At least in theory. In reality, we found a somewhat different picture: with knee-deep fresh snow, no one had broken trail yet. Instead of a relaxed warm-up loop, we were unexpectedly in for an intense workout. But it was worth the effort. The panoramic view of the surrounding peaks, above all the distinctive, tooth-shaped Spitzmeilen, together with the glorious winter weather, more than made up for it.

Key facts about the snowshoe tour on the Plattis snowshoe trail

The Plattis snowshoe trail starts at the valley station of the Panüöl chairlift and is marked as route 730. The exact route was not always immediately obvious to us along the way. In some places, the pink marker poles are spaced fairly far apart, and in sections the winter hiking trail toward Alp Fursch runs parallel to it.

However, since the terrain is very open and the trail does not run far from the ski slopes, there is hardly any danger of seriously losing your way.

Technically, this snowshoe tour is rated easy. The route is mostly flat and leads through open terrain, without steep ascents or descents. There are no exposed sections or demanding downhill stretches to tackle, which makes the tour especially attractive for beginners.

Starting point	Panüöl (5,922 ft)
Getting there	From Flumserberg, Tannenboden via gondola and chairlift
Distance	2.7 kilometers
Elevation gain/loss	↗ 98 m ↘ 103 m
Duration	1:15 h
End point	Panüöl (5,922 ft)
Food option	Alprestaurant Panüöl (open daily during the winter season until 4:00 PM)

Winter hike at Flumserberg: the scenic Prodalp–Panüöl trail

Back at the starting point near the valley station of the Panüöl chairlift, we keep an eye out for the entrance to the Panüöl–Prodalp snowshoe trail. We spot the sign and follow what we believe is the trail marker toward Prodalp. But after a few yards, we realize that we have taken the wrong path and are actually on the beautifully groomed winter hiking trail. Not a big deal, our thighs are still burning a little anyway from the first loop on the Plattis trail.

Both the snowshoe route and the winter hiking path head in the same direction toward Prodalp. And even if, like us, you accidentally find yourself on the winter hiking trail with snowshoes, you still have the option of switching onto the snowshoe trail from time to time, since it crosses the winter hiking path at several points.

The highlight of this short and enjoyable route is the impressive mountain panorama of the Sarganserland region, which remains constantly in view. Just before reaching the Prodalp mountain restaurant, the Churfirsten peaks also appear on the horizon. In terms of panorama, definitely a 10 out of 10.

Key facts about the Panüöl–Prodalp winter hike

The Panüöl–Prodalp snowshoe trail is marked with route number 731 and leads gently downhill from Panüöl to Prodalp. If you prefer a bit more of a workout, you can also do the route in the opposite direction. The winter hiking path is partly shared with the cross-country ski trail. These sections are groomed for both uses: the left side is intended for hikers, the right side for cross-country skiers.

Along the way, you pass through the «Schilstal» wildlife refuge. Please pay attention to the signs and stay exclusively on the marked trails.

Starting point	Panüöl (5,922 ft)
Getting there	From Flumserberg, Tannenboden via gondola and chairlift
Distance	3.8 kilometers
Elevation gain/loss	↗ 19 m ↘ 242 m
Duration	1:30 h
End point	Prodalp (5,184 ft)
Food option	Alprestaurant Panüöl and Bergrestaurant Prodalp

Extra tip: spend the night in the Flumserberg ski area

Last winter, we spent two nights right in the middle of the Flumserberg ski area, at Berghotel Seebenalp. The nostalgic charm of what was once a spa hotel does not fully carry through inside. The rooms were renovated at some point in the 1980s or 1990s, and today it would probably be done a little differently.

Even so, in my opinion it is a great place to stay for anyone who wants to enjoy the almost empty slopes at Flumserberg early in the morning or later in the afternoon, or simply treat themselves to a short break amid the winter landscape. A winter hiking trail from Tannenboden also leads to Berghotel Seebenalp, by the way.

Overnight stay in a double room with shower and toilet, including half board: CHF 135 per person. There are also family rooms and dormitory-style accommodations that are even more affordable. You can find more information on the Berghotel Seebenalp website.

Practical tips for your winter getaway to Flumserberg

• From Zurich, you can reach Flumserberg via Unterterzen in around 1 hour. Take the train to Unterterzen, then continue by gondola to Tannenbodenalp – this section is still included with the GA Travelcard/Half Fare Card.
• From Tannenbodenalp onward, you need a winter hiking or snowshoe ticket to use the mountain lifts. It is available in two versions. For the tour described here, you need the «large winter hiking ticket». The price for adults aged 20 and over is CHF 31. You can buy the ticket at the valley station of the SeeJet 8-person gondola in Unterterzen. If you do not have a GA Travelcard, you pay an additional CHF 7 for the Unterterzen–Tannenbodenalp section.
• The winter season usually runs from mid-November until Easter (late March/early April). You can find up-to-date information on operating hours on the Flumserberg ski area website.
• The snowshoe trails are technically easy and do not include any steep or exposed sections. However, if there is a lot of fresh snow, you do need a certain basic fitness level, as breaking trail can be strenuous. If you prefer something more relaxed, just follow the groomed winter hiking paths.
• Avalanche knowledge is not required for the two routes described, since they run within the winter sports area. Still, as always: check the weather forecast and pay attention to the local signage.