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Snowshoeing recommended route

Alpe Äpnet – Hannigalp-Trail

Snowshoeing
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 Valais/Wallis Promotion Verified partner  Explorers Choice 
  • The trail leads through the forest
    / The trail leads through the forest
    Photo: Grächen und St. Niklaus Tourismus und Gewerbe
  • / Despite the forest you can enjoy a lot of sunshine
    Photo: Grächen und St. Niklaus Tourismus und Gewerbe
  • / Hikers in the forest
    Photo: Grächen und St. Niklaus Tourismus und Gewerbe
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m 2200 2100 2000 1900 1800 1700 2,0 1,5 1,0 0,5 km SiSu Zwergenparadies Familien-Bergrestaurant Hannigalp Alpe Äpnet Feuerstelle „Schweizer … Äpnet
A fairly demanding snowshoe tour from Alpe Äpnet passing through snowy landscapes and the larch forest of Grächen, the high point of the the Hannigalp Trail. You’ll be rewarded for the climb once you reach the end.
moderate
Distance 2.5 km
1:19 h
351 m
11 m
In summer, the cattle graze on the idyllic pastures of Alpe Äpnet, filling up on juicy alpine grass and fresh herbs. However, even in winter, when the cows are no longer up there, it’s still a picturesque location. Make sure you get your fill of this energy before starting the Hannigalp Trail, which begins on open terrain before heading into the snow-capped larch forest. Be sure to pace yourself, because the trail starts to climb again after the first section on level ground. Which makes sense, as the route ends on Hannigalp at 2,114 metres above sea level. Enjoy the tranquillity and look forward to a culinary reward on the panoramic terrace at the heart of the Hannigalp ski area. Even though you’ll spend most of the hike in the forest, you’ll get regular opportunities to enjoy the magnificent Alpine panorama, including the Weisshorn.

Author’s recommendation

Grächen forest is at its best under fresh snow, when the snowshoe hike becomes a truly unique and unforgettable experience.  
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Risk potential
Highest point
Hannigalp, 2,118 m
Lowest point
Alpe Äpnet, 1,767 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Exposition / cardinal direction
NESW

Safety information

Use of the snowshoe trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

  • 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 leave any waste 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.
  • Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible, avoid going alone.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, 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.

Tips and hints

More information about the destination: Grächen

Start

Alpe Äpnet (1,778 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'631'711E 1'116'425N
DD
46.198536, 7.849446
DMS
46°11'54.7"N 7°50'58.0"E
UTM
32T 411229 5116749
w3w 
///crackled.firmly.rash

Destination

Hannigalp

Turn-by-turn directions

Hike from Grächen to Alpe Äpnet, then strap on your snowshoes and cross the ski slope along the edge of the forest. Shortly afterwards you’ll head into the romantic wintry forest of Grächen and take the path towards Hannigalp. The return journey follows the same route. Those looking for a more leisurely hike can take the Fairy Tale Cable Car back to Grächen.

Note


all notes on protected areas

Public transport

Accessible by train and bus. From Visp or St. Niklaus train station, take the bus to Grächen.

Getting there

Motorway A9 direction Visp. Main road direction Saas-Fee / Zermatt junction Grächen.

Parking

Grächen is partially car-free. Two parking garages are available at the entrance of the village.

Coordinates

SwissGrid
2'631'711E 1'116'425N
DD
46.198536, 7.849446
DMS
46°11'54.7"N 7°50'58.0"E
UTM
32T 411229 5116749
w3w 
///crackled.firmly.rash
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendation by the author

The tourist office in Grächen has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region.

Author’s map recommendations

SwissTopo Maps 1:50'000: 274S Visp

Equipment

We recommend:  

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

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Photos from others

Difficulty
moderate
Distance
2.5 km
Duration
1:19 h
Ascent
351 m
Descent
11 m
Scenic Refreshment stops available Flora and fauna Forest roads Forest Linear route
1600 m 1800 m
Morning
1600 m 1800 m
Afternoon

Avalanche conditions

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