Mar 30, 2011 - 12:09 PM
Hi erica.gale! April is too early for pass routes indeed. Passes will still be covered in snow and legs of the route may either be blocked, or accessible but dangerous. So you're better off searching for hikes at lower altitude, but these can be stunning as well. Some relatively easy hikes are listed at our
Wallis hiking page (if this is the region you're aiming at). Please note though that some cable cars and mountain trains won't be operating yet. An alternative to the Gstaad-Montreux route you have in mind may be the western leg of the
Via Jacobi. This is a relatively easy route at lower altitude, part of which runs along Lake Geneva. Regional and national routes can be found at the
Wanderland Schweiz website. There are height profiles available, helping you to decide whether the route is suitable for hiking in late April.
Best regards,