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Snowshoeing recommended route

Aminona-Aprili Trail

Snowshoeing · Switzerland
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Valais/Wallis Promotion Verified partner  Explorers Choice 
  • Snowshoeing trail from Aminona to Cave de Scex and back
    Snowshoeing trail from Aminona to Cave de Scex and back
    Photo: Crans-Montana Tourisme & Congrès
m 2000 1900 1800 1700 1600 1500 1400 5 4 3 2 1 km Cave du Scex
This snowshoe route is ideal for those in search of wild nature, tranquillity and rejuvenation. Throughout the route there are panoramic views of the Rhône Valley and the chain of 4000m-high mountains known as the «Imperial Crown».
moderate
Distance 5.6 km
2:30 h
380 m
380 m
1,883 m
1,514 m

The route starts in Aminona, where there is a large car park, a café with a terrace, and a tourist information point. The route alternates between forests and open pasture via La Cure, a restaurant with a sunny terrace where you can try local specialities. From this point onwards it is a fairly sustained climb via Aprili where you will find a small rural chapel.

You then pass in front of the Cave du Sex, whose terrace will be ready to welcome you when you return for your next hike in the summer. In the meantime, continue in the direction of the Columbire Ecomuseum. The museum is dedicated to the transhumance and is situated within the stunning traditional «mayens» (springtime mountain pastures). The restaurant has a large terrace with a panoramic alpine view that will take your breath away. Head down to Aminona where there are free buses to take you back to the resort.

Author’s recommendation

Discover the eco-museum at the "Hameau de Colombire" which tells you more about artisanal live of Valais' ancestors. 
Profile picture of Delia Inniger
Author
Delia Inniger
Update: July 01, 2020
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Risk potential
Highest point
Cave du Scex, 1,883 m
Lowest point
Aminona, 1,514 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Cardinal direction
NESW

Track types

Show elevation profile

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:  

Start

Aminona, cable car (1,521 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'606'537E 1'131'190N
DD
46.332068, 7.523538
DMS
46°19'55.4"N 7°31'24.7"E
UTM
32T 386360 5132002
w3w 
///roofed.flipping.vouch

Destination

Aminona, cable car

Turn-by-turn directions

The tour starts near to the tourist information and the bottom station of the cable car in Aminona. First, the track leads you to the Restaurant La Cure and continues direction Aprili with its idyllic chapel. After it leads up to the "Cave du Scex" and goes down again to the Colombire Eco-museum. From here you get back down to the starting point at the tourist information. 

 

Note


all notes on protected areas

Public transport

By bus or by funicular from Sierre to Crans-Montana. Follow the red markings on the floor to reach the funicular from Sierre train station. In Crans-Montana, take the local bus to Aminona.

Getting there

A9 highway exit at Sierre-Ouest, follow the national road via Chermigon until Crans. Then drive on eastwards to Aminona. 

Parking

Parking at the cable car in Aminona. Follow the local car park routeing.

Coordinates

SwissGrid
2'606'537E 1'131'190N
DD
46.332068, 7.523538
DMS
46°19'55.4"N 7°31'24.7"E
UTM
32T 386360 5132002
w3w 
///roofed.flipping.vouch
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendation by the author

Additional brochures and maps are available at the tourist office. 

Author’s map recommendations

SwissTopo Maps 1:50'000: 273S Montana

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)

Questions and answers

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Rating

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Photos from others


Difficulty
moderate
Distance
5.6 km
Duration
2:30 h
Ascent
380 m
Descent
380 m
Highest point
1,883 m
Lowest point
1,514 m
Circular route Scenic Refreshment stops available Cultural/historical interest Insider tip Forest roads Clear area Forest
1600 m 1800 m
Morning
1600 m 1800 m
Afternoon

Avalanche conditions

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