Winter hikes

Winter trail Bettmersee - Gopplerlücke

Winterwanderung von der Bettmeralp via Bettmersee, Gopplerlücke zur Riederalp

Bettmeralp

Open

Relaxed winter hiking with a view: no major climbs and yet fantastic views of the entire sunny plateau and the Valais mountains, including the Matterhorn.

Difficulty

Easy

Length

5.33 km

Duration

2:00 h

Description

From the mountain station of the Bettmeralp cable car, walk through Bettmeralp village as far as the valley station of the Bettmerhorn cable car. From there, follow the path which leads gently uphill to Lake Bettmersee. There you head west along the level path past the cross-country ski trail and the Blausee Schönbodu piste. The winter hiking trail now rises gently towards the middle station of the Blausee chairlift. At the reservoir, use the underpass to cross the piste. The following level section, as far as the mountain station of the Golmen lift, is shared with tobogganers. From the Golmen Lift mountain station, the trail takes you back downhill: at first parallel to the ski piste as far as the Gopplerlücke Alpine stables, then on to the Gletscherbahn Moosfluh valley station. From there, follow the trail west to Riederalp Mitte.

Turn-by-turn directions

Bettmeralp – Bettmersee – Gopplerlücke - Riederalp Mitte

From the mountain station of the Bettmeralp cable car, walk through Bettmeralp village as far as the valley station of the Bettmerhorn cable car. From there, follow the path which leads gently uphill to Lake Bettmersee. There you head west along the level path past the cross-country ski trail and the Blausee Schönbodu piste. The winter hiking trail now rises gently towards the middle station of the Blausee chairlift. At the reservoir, use the underpass to cross the piste. The following level section, as far as the mountain station of the Golmen lift, is shared with tobogganers. From the Golmen Lift mountain station, the trail takes you back downhill: at first parallel to the ski piste as far as the Gopplerlücke Alpine stables, then on to the Gletscherbahn Moosfluh valley station. From there, follow the trail west to Riederalp Mitte.

Start

Bettmeralp, top station of aerial cable car (1923m)

Destination

Riederalp Mitte (1910m)

Author's recommendation

The Matterhorn is considered one of the world’s most beautiful mountains. On this route, you never lose sight of this impressive “four-thousander”.

Technical information

Altitude

2069m

1881m

Ascent

+181m

Descent

-194m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Groomed snow
Getting there
Information

Public transport

By train from Brig or Oberwald to Betten valley station. Take the Bettmeralp cable car (Aletsch Bahnen AG) up to Bettmeralp. 

Approach

Take Kantonsstrasse 19 to the Betten Valley Station exit. Take the Bettmeralp cable car (Aletsch Bahnen AG) up to Bettmeralp. 

Parking

Large pay car park near the valley station of the Bettmeralp cable car (Aletsch Bahnen AG).

Equipment

We recommend: 

  •  good footwear
  • clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • hat or cap
  • sunscreen
  • bottle for water, picnic
  • camera
  • hikingpoles (optional)
  • printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, top right, to download)

Safety information

Winter sports report

 

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. 

  • 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.

  •  Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible, avoid going alone.

Note(s) 
The altitude and the route mean that good footwear is absolutely essential for this winter hike. 

Additional information

Aletsch Arena AG 
Furkastrasse 39
CH-3983 Mörel-Filet 
+41 27 928 58 58 
info@aletscharena.ch
www.aletscharena.ch 

Literature

Get a free panoramic map at the cable car stations and info centres of the Aletsch Arena.  

Source

This activity is brought to you by Aletsch Arena AG. Valais/Wallis Promotion is not responsible for the content provided.

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