Snowshoeing

Rischinerwald trail

Der außergewöhnliche Blick auf die Winterlandschaft

Blatten Belalp

2/4°

As the name suggests, this easy and relatively short snowshoe hike leads from the valley station Blatten through the snowy Rischinerwald to Stalden, with a detour to the Gibidum dam above the Massa Gorge. Along the way, you will be pampered by Franz and his team.

Difficulty

Easy

Length

4.36 km

Duration

1:47 h
Der außergewöhnliche Blick auf die Winterlandschaft
Der Wanderweg verläuft entlang idyllischer Bergdörfer
Der Blick ins Tal mit Brig im Hintergrund
Hinterlasse deine Spuren im Schnee

Description

In the Blatten-Belalp region, snowshoeing is always something special. And this approximately 4.4-kilometer trail is also well suited for families and less trained winter sports enthusiasts due to its length and difficulty level. From the valley station of the Belalp cable cars, the path leads towards the Belstar restaurant «Zum Franz», where you are warmly welcomed by Franz and his team, in reference to the famous witches’ descent on Belalp. By the way, this is the last pit stop before you immerse yourself in the snowy Rischinerwald and hike on slightly hilly terrain to the Gibidum dam at 1436 meters. The 21-hectare lake is, among other sources, fed by the Great Aletsch Glacier. The fact that 65 percent of its catchment area is glaciated is special. Just as special as the view from the 120-meter-high arch dam over the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Turn-by-turn directions

Starting from the valley station of the Belalp cable cars in Blatten, walk along the road to the Belstar restaurant «Zum Franz». Below the restaurant, cross the Bruchibach and enter the Rischinerwald. Snow-covered fir trees line your route heading towards Stalden and the Gibidum reservoir. On the return journey, you can already turn back into the forest halfway along the way and thus reach the valley station in Blatten.

Start

Blatten valley station (1332m)

Destination

Blatten valley station (1333m)

Download GPX
Download KML

Author's recommendation

Visit the Belstar restaurant «Zum Franz» before or after the winter hike or both. Take the time to absorb the peace and the beautiful view by the Gibidum reservoir.

Technical information

Altitude

1484m

1328m

Ascent

+192m

Descent

-192m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Forest roads
  • Forest
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Reachable by train and bus. From Brig station take the post bus to Blatten (Belalp).

Approach

Motorway A9 towards Brig. Continue towards Naters to Blatten.

Parking

Day parking lot

For shorter stays of one day, our day parking lot suits best. It is chargeable.

Parking garage / parking lot

Guests staying with us for more than 2 days can park their car on the parking lot or in the parking garage. You can pay for the parking lot at the ticket machine or at the information and ticket counters in Blatten.

Parking costs CHF 12.00 per day in winter and CHF 9.00 in summer.

After payment of the visitor’s tax or as a member of Pro Blatten, you receive a 15% discount.

Rischinu parking lot

During the winter season, the parking lots at Rischinu are available free of charge. A sports bus will take you easily and comfortably from there to the valley station of the mountain cable cars.

More information can be found at: http://www.belalp.ch/regionorte/blatten-belalp/parkmoeglichkeiteninblatten.php

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good and waterproof footwear
  • Snowshoes
  • Hiking poles
  • Weather-dependent, waterproof and warm clothing
  • Headgear
  • Sunscreen
  • Provisions
  • Camera
  • Printout of the hiking route (click on «Print» to download)

Safety information

Use of the snowshoe routes and information on this website is at your own risk. Local conditions may cause route changes. Valais/Wallis Promotion assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website. 

  • Carry a map with you. Download the complete description of the hiking route with a large-scale map by clicking on «Print» at the top right of the page.
  • Only use marked trails and observe all signposts and instructions – for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and out of respect for wildlife.
  • Be considerate of other trail users and the landscape. Take your rubbish and that of others with you.
  • Bring additional sun protection. UV rays can be especially strong at high altitude in winter, even on cloudy days.
  • Plan your hike carefully. Consider the required fitness level of all participants as well as weather forecasts and seasonal conditions.
  • Inform third parties about the route and if possible never go alone.
  • Weather conditions in the mountains can change very quickly and without warning. Appropriate clothing and enough provisions and drinks are very important. When weather is unstable, it is better to turn back early.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Observe warning signs indicating dangers, in particular avalanche risk.

Additional information

 More information about the destination:

Blatten-Belalp

Literature

The tourism office in Blatten provides you with information material and brochures about hiking in the destination.

Maps

SwissTopo national maps: 1:50,000: 264S Jungfrau

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

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