Snowshoeing by Moonlight

Meeting point at the Riederalp ski school. Wrapped in warm layers and equipped with poles and sturdy winter boots, I arrive at 4:30 p.m., where a small group and, most importantly, our guide Martin are already waiting. Before handing out the snowshoes, he cracks a joke. As we quickly discover, he always has a witty remark ready – along with plenty of fascinating insights about the region. A mountain guide for many years, Martin has lived through countless adventures and shares anecdotes from his life as we go. But first: we grabe our snowshoes and head off to the gondola base station. From there we head up to Moosfluh, where our first highlight awaits – the viewpoint overlooking the Great Aletsch Glacier. Covered in fresh snow, the giant of ice looks even more majestic.

As Martin tells us about the glacier, the gondola makes its final runs of the day. Suddenly, our small group is alone at Moosfluh. Silence settles over the snow-covered landscape, and I realize how special this moment feels, far from everyday life. Once everyone has strapped on their snowshoes, Martin signals it’s time to set off.

We don’t take the groomed winter trail along the slope. Thanks to our snowshoes, we follow Martin single file through untouched terrain. He guides us skillfully over gentle hills and past small Swiss stone pines, sometimes left, sometimes right, steadily descending toward Riederalp. We walk effortlessly across a thick layer of fresh snow that crunches with every step. Now and then we cross empty ski runs before heading back into pristine surroundings. The lower the sun sinks behind the peaks, the more the cold creeps into my limbs. At the next stop – another of Martin’s jokes included – I add an extra layer before we continue.

By the time we cross another slope, the sun has disappeared behind the mountains. It’s not yet dark, and I can already spot our destination: a small mountain hut. Its sun-burned wood stands out against the white landscape and promises a warm break. Martin opens the door and invites us inside. He had been here earlier to light the stove. A generous Valais platter awaits us: dried meats, sausages, various cheeses, nuts and dates. We gather around the wooden table as Martin lights the gas lamps and warms the mulled wine. Soon steaming cups are passed around.

As Martin takes his place at the head of the table, it’s time for Valais legends, handed down through generations. Each eerie tale begins with a short melody on his harmonica. The rustic hut, the dark night outside and our convivial company create the perfect setting for these entertaining – and often thought-provoking – stories. I feel transported to a time when storytelling filled the evening, long before smartphones or TV. That’s what makes it so special to revive this tradition of storytelling nowadays.

After the final legend, we tidy up, pull on our warm jackets and switch on our headlamps. Although it’s a full moon, it hides behind clouds as we step into the winter night. All the more striking is the feeling of walking through darkness, guided only by the beams of our lamps. Just before reaching Riederalp, the moon emerges in full glory – the perfect ending to a mystical evening.

Source: Anja Rüdin, Content Manager at Valais/Wallis Promotion

Publication: February 2026