Winter hiking

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Winter hiking

Winter hike Simplonpass

Experience the untouched landscape of the Simplon Pass on foot - in winter. The historic Alpine crossing is open and accessible even in the cold season. The winter hiking trail is designed as a circular hike and starts at the top of the pass at 1992 metres above sea level.

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First you hike along the winter hiking trail from the Simplon Pass, the historic border crossing between Switzerland and Italy, towards the Simplon Dorf. It is advisable to complete the circular hike in good conditions, as the route is then prepared. Before reaching the end of the hike, you will pass through various untouched landscapes with breathtaking views. The Barralhaus and Alte Spittel are particularly exciting along the circular hiking trail. The Barralhaus is an impressive and fascinating H-shaped building that was originally built for seminars and then used by the Swiss army. The Alte Spittel is the former hospice built in 1650 by Kaspar Stockalper. At this place, one has the possibility to leave the path at the nearby bus stop or to continue walking until one arrives again at the Simplon Pass.

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Turn-by-turn directions

First you hike on the winter hiking trail from the Simplon Pass, the historic border crossing between Switzerland and Italy, towards Simplon Dorf. It is advisable to complete the circular hike in good conditions, because then the route is groomed.

Before the goal of the hike is reached, you hike through various untouched landscapes with breathtaking views. Particularly exciting: along the circular hiking trail are the Barralhaus and the Alte Spittel. The Barralhaus is an impressive and fascinating H-shaped building that was originally built for seminars and then used by the Swiss army. The Old Spittel is the former hospice built by Kaspar Jodok Stockalper in 1650, at which point you can either leave the path at the nearby bus stop or continue until you get back to the Simplon Pass.

Start: Simplonpass (1991 m)
Destination: Simplonpass (1867 m)

Author's recommendation

Post bus stops are located at several waypoints.

There are restaurants on the Simplon Pass:  

  • Hotel Monte Leone
  • Hotel Simplonblick

Technical information

  • Altitude

    1992 m 1844 m

  • Ascent

    24 m

  • Descent

    151 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 2.0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 3.0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 5 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 5.0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Scenic
  • Insider tip
  • Loop
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Family friendly
  • Cultural/historical value
  • Groomed snow

Public transport

From the SBB railway station in Brig, you can easily reach the Simplon Pass by PostBus. The hiking trail starts at the Simplonpass, Monte Leone stop.

Approach

By PostBus or private vehicle.

Parking

You can park your car free of charge on the Simplon Pass.

Equipment

Our recommendation:

  • hiking poles
  • snowshoes
  • good and waterproof footwear
  • weather-dependent (waterproof) and warm clothing
  • headgear
  • sun protection
  • camera

printout of the hiking trail (click "Print" to download).

You can rent snowshoeing equipment in Brig from the glacier sport. (41 27 923 46 46)

Safety information

The Simplon Pass is situated at around 2,000 metres above sea level. Pay close attention to weather conditions and the danger of avalanches . Brig Simplon Tourismus and the operators accept no liability. The winter hiking trail is not signposted.

Additional information

You can find more information at:

www.simplon.ch

Literature

Visit the tourist office in Simplon Dorf for more information and literature.

Maps

Hiking maps are available from the Brig and Simplon Tourist Offices.