[Anonymous]

18 December 2022 at 18:32:10 #828761

hi i do not have snowshoeing experience and will be travelling solo to zermatt during winter

is it advisable to hike route 141 (http://www.zermatt.ch/en/Media/Planning-hikes-tours/Challenge-Trail-Nr.-141) solo as a beginner? the difficulty is classified as “easy”

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[Anna]

Reply 1 of 4 • 19 December 2022 at 12:45:24 #948995

Hi cc123,

This trail is marked as easy so should be suitable for a beginner. If you are hiking alone, make sure you follow the signage and stick to the marked routes. Also, be sure to check the weather forecast before starting your hike.

You can find more information about other snow activities you can do in winter here: http://www.myswissalps.com/activities/winter/snow

regards,

Anna

[Mark]

Reply 2 of 4 • 19 December 2022 at 20:01:35 #948996

Hi cc

I think you will find snow shoeing technically not difficult. However it can be strenuous if the snow is deep or the trail uphill but that is unlikely on a beginner trail. Also keep in mind it is easier to become fatigued at higher altitude. Anyway I doubt you will have any trouble as there is not too much skill required.

Enjoy, mark

[User]

Reply 3 of 4 • 21 December 2022 at 15:44:31 #948997

hi Anna

are the trails marked by bright coloured poles?

are the poles easy to spot and how likely is it for me to go off-trail? my concern is the poles may be placed too far apart and i walk in the wrong direction + the snow covered ground hides the path (assuming the snow is fresh and no one has hiked the path after the snowfall)

[User]

Reply 4 of 4 • 21 December 2022 at 16:51:13 #948998

Hi cc123,

The signs are pink, so you can spot them. Here, you can check pictures about it: swissfamilyfun.com/snowshoe-trails-beginners/.

Make sure to have a printed copy of the map of the chosen trail (you can get it from the closest tourist office), or make detailed, zoomed in screenshots on your phone before you leave – so you can have a look at the map even if you do not have reception.

Only leave a sign if you can already see the next one, so you won’t miss the trail. Don’t leave the marked trails. More tips: http://www.myswissalps.com/hiking/winter.

Snowshoeing is more difficult than winter hiking or walking. So, leave enough time for a route. It does not require specific skills, but for a start do not go for a long trail, start with short and easy ones.

Ildiko