- 3:50 h
- 9.68 km
- 509 m
- 509 m
- 1,721 m
- 2,231 m
- Difficulty: difficult
- Start: Ganterwald, 1'726 m ü. M.
- Destination: Ganterwald, 1'726 m ü. M.
The Wasenalp–Hohliecht snowshoe trail links tranquil winter landscapes with stunning natural scenery. The route passes the Wasenalp mountain inn on its way to the Fronbach Bridge, where the distinctive houses with their stone roofs in Wintrigmatte catch the eye. The trail then runs on level ground through open woodland before ascending into the ancient larch forest. Some of the larch trees are up to 600 years old and, with their gnarled forms, lend this tour its special atmosphere. After climbing around 300 metres in altitude, you reach the Hohliecht hill to the north of the avalanche barrier. From here, an impressive panorama opens up onto the Bortelhorn, Aletschhorn, Bietschhorn and other peaks of the Bernese Alps.
Pavements
- Unknown (78%)Asphalt (22%)
Best to visit
- suitableDepends on weather
Directions
- The snowshoe hike starts in the Ganterwald, behind the former hotel and restaurant, and heads initially towards Wasenalp. The marked trail runs directly past the Wasenalp mountain inn and continues gently towards the Fronbach Bridge. In Wintrigmatte, you’ll pass the traditional houses with their distinctive stone roofs.
The route then continues on relatively flat ground into the open woodland. After around 300 metres, the ascent into the old larch forest begins. You’ll steadily gain height amongst the impressive larch trees, some of which are up to 600 years old. After climbing just under 300 metres, you’ll reach the small hill known as Hohliecht, north of the avalanche barrier.
The return journey initially follows the same route back towards Wasenalp. From Wasenalp, the trail continues on to Rothwald. Passing chalets and huts, you’ll return to the starting point.
Tour information
Circular trail
Refreshment stop
Equipment
- We recommend:
- Good, waterproof footwear
- Snowshoes
- hikingpoles
- clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
- hat or cap
- sunscreen
- bottle for water, picnic
- camera
- printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, top right, to download)
Directions & Parking facilities
- Getting thereBy car, follow the A9 national road from Brig to Rothwald.ParkingThere is a car park in the Ganterwald. Vehicles may only be parked in the officially marked spaces. Parking on the national road is prohibited.Public transportationFrom Brig railway station, you can easily reach the starting point by taking the PostBus on route 631. The snowshoe walk starts at the Rothwald, Ganterwald bus stop.
Additional information
- View this tour on SwitzerlandMobility:
- N° Trail : https://schweizmobil.ch/en/snowshoe-trekking
More information about the destination:
- Brig Simplon Tourismus AG www.brig-simplon.ch/en
Literature
- The Brig Simplon tourist office offers brochures and information on hiking in the region.
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
- At Wasenalp, the mountain inn invites you to enjoy a delightful break with refreshments and a magnificent view.
Safety guidelines
- Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.
- Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
- Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals. Do not leaveanywaste in nature.
- Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
- Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
- Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertainweather, turn back in good time.
- Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
- Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger, especially the danger of avalanches.
Map
- SwissTopo maps 1:50'000 / 274 S Visp