Alpe Äpnet – Hannigalp-Trail
Snowshoeing
· Wallis
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
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
Cardinal direction
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)
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
2.5 km
Duration
1:19 h
Ascent
351 m
Descent
11 m
Highest point
2,118 m
Lowest point
1,767 m
Morning
Afternoon
Avalanche conditions
·
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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