recommended routeMattmark Winter Hike
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/ Mattmark-Stausee im WinterPhoto: Saastal Tourismus AG -
/ Gefrorener Mattmark StauseePhoto: Michelle Bumann, Saastal Tourismus AG
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/ Start bei ZermeiggernPhoto: Michelle Bumann, Saastal Tourismus AG
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/ Neben der Loipe geht's Richtung SüdenPhoto: Saastal Tourismus AG
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/ Weg kurz vor dem DammPhoto: Saastal Tourismus AG
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/ Blick zum Mattmark StaudammPhoto: Michelle Bumann, Saastal Tourismus AG
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/ Aussicht auf das TalPhoto: Michelle Bumann, Saastal Tourismus AG
This relaxing winter hike far away from the ski slopes leads over the cross-country ski run to “Ejiu sand” (a hamlet near Saas-Almagell) and over snow-covered hills to the Mattmark Dam and back to the village
closed
difficult
Distance 14 km
4:00 h
534 m
534 m
2,205 m
1,671 m
Shortly after leaving Saas-Almagell, you will reach the Mattmark AG compensating basin. The Zermeiggern chapel is located directly to the left. Initially built in 1707, this chapel was moved and rebuilt when the compensating basin was constructed in 1962.
After the barrier, the path continues next to the cross-country skiing trail through a snow-covered valley to the “Eiju-Sand”. The trail ends Here. Follow the groomed track over the bridge and the road zigzagging further up to the northern moraine where the trail enters an alpine winter landscape. At the next bridge (with a barrier), turn right and follow the signs up to the bottom of the dam. After the last ascent up the dam, enjoy the view over the Mattmark Lake in winter mode.
Author’s recommendation
Take your time and enjoy the peace and quiet far away from everyday life.
Take a sledge with you to shorten the return trip.
Author
Saastal Tourismus AGUpdate: June 23, 2022
Difficulty
difficult
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Mattmark Dam, 2,205 m
Lowest point
Saas-Almagell, 1,671 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Safety information
Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes.- 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 leaveanywaste 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.
- Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertainweather, 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.
- Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible, avoid going alone.
- A part of this trail follows the cross-country ski run.
Tips and hints
Saastal Tourismus AGObere Dorfstrasse 2
3906 Saas-Fee
Phone: +41 (0)27 958 18 58
E-Mail: info@saas-fee.ch
www.saas-fee.ch
Start
Village square, Saas-Almagell (1,671 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'640'126E 1'104'868N
DD
46.094136, 7.957468
DMS
46°05'38.9"N 7°57'26.9"E
UTM
32T 419411 5105035
w3w
///colleague.await.crank
Destination
Mattmark Dam
Turn-by-turn directions
The trail starts from the village square and leads through the village. After the ice rink, turn left and follow the road to Zermeiggern, where the chapel and the compensating basin are located. After the barrier, the path continues next to the cross-country skiing trail to “Eiju-Sand”. The trail ends here. Follow the groomed track over the bridge and the road zigzagging further up to the northern moraine. At the next bridge (with the barrier), turn right and follow the signs up to the bottom of the dam. The last stretch ascends along the dam to the end point.
Retrace the same route back to Saas-Almagell
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Take the SBB to Visp and change here to the Post Bus to Saas-Fee (bus 511).In Saas-Grund, change to the Post Bus going to Saas-Almagell (bus 513). Get off at th Saas-Almagell Dorfplatz or sports field stop.
Getting there
Saas-Fee/Saas Valley can easily be reached by car from all directions, whether from Switzerland or abroad. From the north, via Bern using the Lötschberg car transporter. From the east, cross the Furka Pass or use the Furka car transporter. From the south, via the Simplon Pass or using the Simplon car transporter, and from the west, via Lausanne along the Rhône valley to Visp and from there towards Saas-Fee.From Visp, drive south in the direction of Saas-Fee. At the "Killerhof" roundabout after Stalden, take the second exit towards Saas-Fee. In Saas-Grund, turn left after the church in the direction to Saas-Almagell. Follow the road until Saas-Amagell.
Parking
Public car park on the right-hand side after the tourist office.There are a few parking places at Zermeiggern.
Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'640'126E 1'104'868N
DD
46.094136, 7.957468
DMS
46°05'38.9"N 7°57'26.9"E
UTM
32T 419411 5105035
w3w
///colleague.await.crank
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Author’s map recommendations
Winter hiking map Saas-Fee/Saastal
1:50'000 Swisstopo map 284S Mischabel
Equipment
We recommend:- Good footwear
- Clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
- Hat or cap
- Sunscreen
- Bottle for water, picnic
- Camera
- Hikingpoles (optional)
- Printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, top right, to download)
Status
closed
Reviews
Difficulty
difficult
Distance
14 km
Duration
4:00 h
Ascent
534 m
Descent
534 m
Highest point
2,205 m
Lowest point
1,671 m
Morning
Afternoon
Avalanche conditions
·
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- 4 Waypoints
- 4 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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Rating
Photos from others