Snowshoeing
Alpe Äpnet – Hannigalp-Trail
Grächen
8/10°
A fairly demanding snowshoe tour from Alpe Äpnet passing through snowy landscapes and the larch forest of Grächen, the high point of the the Hannigalp Trail. You’ll be rewarded for the climb once you reach the end.
Difficulty
IntermediateLength
2.47 kmDuration
1:19 h
Description
In summer, the cattle graze on the idyllic pastures of Alpe Äpnet, filling up on juicy alpine grass and fresh herbs. However, even in winter, when the cows are no longer up there, it’s still a picturesque location. Make sure you get your fill of this energy before starting the Hannigalp Trail, which begins on open terrain before heading into the snow-capped larch forest. Be sure to pace yourself, because the trail starts to climb again after the first section on level ground. Which makes sense, as the route ends on Hannigalp at 2,114 metres above sea level. Enjoy the tranquillity and look forward to a culinary reward on the panoramic terrace at the heart of the Hannigalp ski area. Even though you’ll spend most of the hike in the forest, you’ll get regular opportunities to enjoy the magnificent Alpine panorama, including the Weisshorn.
Turn-by-turn directions
Hike from Grächen to Alpe Äpnet, then strap on your snowshoes and cross the ski slope along the edge of the forest. Shortly afterwards you’ll head into the romantic wintry forest of Grächen and take the path towards Hannigalp. The return journey follows the same route. Those looking for a more leisurely hike can take the Fairy Tale Cable Car back to Grächen.
Start
Alpe Äpnet (1778m)
Destination
Hannigalp (2117m)
Author's recommendation
Grächen forest is at its best under fresh snow, when the snowshoe hike becomes a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Technical information
Altitude
2118m
1767m
Ascent
+351m
Descent
-11m
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Getting there
Information
Public transport
Accessible by train and bus. From Visp or St. Niklaus train station, take the bus to Grächen.
Approach
Motorway A9 direction Visp. Main road direction Saas-Fee / Zermatt junction Grächen.
Parking
Grächen is partially car-free. Two parking garages are available at the entrance of the village.
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion
