Snowshoeing

Holzji snowshoe trail

Blatten Belalp

Closed

Starting in Blatten, the trail leads via Rischinen, Egga and Holzji to the Aletschbord, where you can enjoy a fine view of the Great Aletsch Glacier.  

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

6.51 km

Duration

3:20 h

Description

The starting point for this snowshoe hike is Blatten near Naters. Between the hamlet of Rischinen and the Aletschbord, you will experience nature at its most beautiful.

Via Egga you walk in the direction of Holzji, where you can observe wild animals from the wildlife observation post. Continue through the snow-covered forest to a clearing from where you can enjoy a unique view of the Great Aletsch Glacier. Walk along the path to your destination, the Aletschbord, and enjoy the panoramic view of the Valais mountains and the largest ice flow in the Alps.

At the historic Hotel Belalp, you can fortify yourself with food and drink for the return journey, which takes 30 minutes along the panoramic road from the Aletschbord to the cable car.

 

Turn-by-turn directions

Blatten bei Naters – Rischinu – Egga – nature observation post – Holzji – Aletschbord

Starting in Blatten b. Naters, walk to Rischinen and then to Egga. Here you join the Holzji Trail, which leads mostly through the forest. The itinerary continues to the wildlife observation station; from here, it takes just a few more minutes to reach the Aletschbord.

 

Start

Blatten bei Naters (1329m)

Destination

Belalp, Aletschbord (2095m)

Author's recommendation

Look out for wildlife at the Holzji nature observation station and enjoy the view of the Glacier. You can stop at the Bergführerstübli or Hotel Belalp.

Technical information

Altitude

2132m

1330m

Ascent

+816m

Descent

-50m

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
  • Insider tip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Family-friendly
  • Clear area
  • Forest
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Accessible by train and bus

Approach

From Brig station, take the PostBus  to Blatten (Belalp).

 

Parking

Short-stay car park

For durations of less than one day, the best option is the short-stay car park (fee payable).

Indoor / outdoor car parks

Guests who stay for longer than 2 days in Blatten-Belalp can park in the outdoor or indoor car parks. Payment can be made at the ticket machines or at the information and ticket counters in Blatten.

The car parks cost CHF 12.00 a day in winter and CHF 9.00 in summer.

Guests who have paid the tourist tax or who are members of Pro Blatten enjoy a discount of 15%.

Rischinu car park

During the winter season, the car park in Rischinu may be used free of charge. A regular shuttle bus carries guests to the base station of the cable car and gondola in comfort.

 

Further information:  http://www.belalp.ch/regionorte/blatten-belalp/parkmoeglichkeiteninblatten.php

http://www.belalp.ch/gettinghere/bycar.php

 

Equipment

Clothing suitable for snow sports, snowshoes, gloves and weatherproof footwear are all recommended.

In addition, walkers are recommended to carry the same safety equipment as for a ski tour: 

·          avalanche transceiver

·          shovel

·          probe

Safety information

Always check the latest avalanche bulletin ( www.slf.ch/en ).

In cases of uncertainty, please consult the local cable-car company, Belalp Bahnen AG:   / +41 27 921 60 40. 

Additional information

Literature

Source

This activity is brought to you by Blatten-Belalp Tourismus. Valais/Wallis Promotion is not responsible for the content provided.