Snowshoeing is a great alternative to enjoy nature away from the hustle and bustle of the ski slopes in the winter. A certain level of fitness is recommended as snowshoeing is more strenuous than normal hiking.
You should have the following equipment:
- Snowshoes
- Trekking or ski poles, those with a basket are most suitable
- Waterproof trekking or hiking boots
- Ski or functional trousers (waterproof)
- Backpack with drink and energy bar
- Gloves, hat
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Change of clothes and a warm jacket to layer on top
When purchasing a pair of snowshoes it is useful to know that some brands (e.g. Tubbs) offer special models for women. These have narrower frames for a female gait and you (she) will walk lighter. Also, it is important that the shoe has a heel lift bar at the back. In steep terrain you fold it up to bring the foot into a level position and reduce strain on the calves.
Snowshoe trails are marked with pink signs or poles. Sometimes these trails are also normal hiking routes and walking them with snowshoes is rather boring. It is much more fun to move in deep snow. Therefore you should look out for the routes that are actually for snowshoeing. The sign to indicate such a trail looks like this:
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] To start with, I recommend a guided snowshoeing tour to get a feel for it. Ski resorts generally offer them. Alternatively you can find plenty of different tours on these websites: globaltrail.ch, bergfex.ch [/perfectpullquote]
Snowshoeing walk Trübsee (Engelberg)
Address: Titlisbergbahnen, Gerschnistrasse 12, 6390 Engelberg
Start: Trübsee cablecar station
Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
Distance: 6 km
Level: medium
Website: www.titlis.ch
This walk starts at the Trübsee cablecar station. From here you walk to the right and around the Trübsee lake. After about 10 minutes you follow the pink signposting to the right and uphill. Once you arrive at the top, the trail continues straight on and then to the left. You follow the pink poles and wander up and down through hilly terrain, passing the Älplerseil cablecar station. From here the route continues further to the left and uphill, and you get back to the Trübsee.
I find this route very varied. You mainly walk through untouched nature. You can either follow the prepared path or get into deep snow to make it more sportive. On a clear day you have an amazing view into the valley.
Snowshoeing walk Ibergeregg – Furgelenstock
Address: Hotel Passhöhe, 8843 Oberiberg
Starting: Passhöhe Ibergeregg
Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
Distance: 6.2 km
Level: Medium
Website: www.ibergeregg.ch
Starting from the car park at Hotel Passhöhe there are two signposted snowshoe trails. The trail to Furgelenstock leads left, straight up and parallel to the ski slope. After this first steep part you have to continue straight on at the top for a little while. Unfortunately this part of the trail is not marked, but walking around the top you will see the pink signs toward the left. From here onwards you stay on the marked path towards Furgelenstock, which after a big turn to the right and a further steep ascent leads directly to the Furgelenstock. The view here is absolutely unique! You have a 360-degree vista and direct view of the Grosser Mythen mountain.
Either you just walk back the same way or, if you want to extend your tour, after the short descent you follow the signposts to the right instead of walking straight on. After a short bit downhill and crossing the ski piste (please be careful and do this at the top of the piste!), you move left along the path until you end up at the car park again. Just before you reach the car park, you pass the mountain pub Sonnenhütte. You could stop here for a drink and enjoy the wonderful view. And then it’s only five more minutes back to the car park.
Excerpted from our winter magazine, written by Claudia Foertig.
