Magyar Természetjáró Szövetség weboldalai MTSZ MTSZ térképportál Turista Magazin TuristaShop Kéktúra Gerecse50 A kéktúrázás napja
Try Pro for free
Choose a language
Plan a route here Plan similar route
Winter Hiking recommended route Winter Hiking  · Canton of Valais

Alpe Äpnet Trail

Responsible for this content
Valais/Wallis Promotion Verified partner 
  • The snowy landscape of Grächen
    The snowy landscape of Grächen
    Photo: Grächen und St. Niklaus Tourismus und Gewerbe

Selected alternatives for you
    Culture, history, relaxation... The winter hike connecting Grächen to Alpe Äpnet has a lot to offer. As such, it is perfectly suitable for families and snowshoe hikers eager to learn.
    moderate
    Distance 4.1 km
    1:13 h
    148 m
    149 m
    1,762 m
    1,614 m
    Fresh air, magnificent views, and interesting discoveries: the winter hiking trail linking Grächen to Alpe Äpnet impresses, surprises, and excites, especially because of the panorama offered to snowshoe enthusiasts. The route through the snowy Grächen forest is no less enchanting. The Drieri and Eggeri bisses, which mark the way to Alpe Äpnet, are essential parts of an irrigation system dating back to the 12th century and still in use today. On the way, it is recommended to stop at Restaurant Zum See and enjoy its local specialties. The view of the Weisshorn and the ice-covered lake perfects the experience. Once you reach Alpe Äpnet, cross the valley trail and descend towards Egga. Thanks to the chapel named after this district, you can immerse yourself in Grächen’s history before finally returning to the village.

    Author’s recommendation

    The view of the village below is unique. And if the snow has freshly fallen, Grächen takes on a magical appearance. On the way, don't miss the opportunity to pause at the Restaurant Zum See.
    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    Alpe Äpnet, 1,762 m
    Lowest point
    Grächen, 1,614 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Road 17.84%Unknown 82.15%
    Road
    740 m
    Unknown
    3.4 km
    Show elevation profile

    Safety information

    The use of the routes and information on this website is the responsibility of each hiker. On-site conditions may cause route changes. Valais/Wallis Promotion declines any liability for the accuracy and completeness of the website information.
    • Bring a map. Download the full route description with a large-scale map by clicking the "print" icon at the top right of the page.
    • Only take marked paths and observe all signs — for your safety, for livestock protection, and not to disturb wildlife.
    • Be respectful of other users, plants, and animals. Do not litter in nature.
    • Take special care to protect yourself from the sun at altitude. UV rays can be very strong, even on cloudy days.
    • Plan your hike carefully: consider the physical level of each participant, weather forecasts, and the season.
    • Weather conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly in the mountains. It is essential to have suitable clothing and sufficient food and water reserves. In uncertain weather, turn back in time.
    • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
    • Take note of constant danger warning signs, especially avalanche danger.
    • Inform your relatives about your route and, whenever possible, prefer hiking in groups.

    Tips and suggestions

    Learn more about the destination: Grächen

    View this route on SwitzerlandMobility :  N°861 Alpe-Äbnet-Waldrand-Weg

    Roadbook

    The starting point of the winter hike to Alpe Äpnet is located on the village square in Grächen. Strolling between the chalets, you pass by the sports center until the edge of the forest. Then take the large left turn, follow the flat path, cross the Grächen forest, and reach the Restaurant Zum See, then Alpe Äpnet. The Drieri and Eggeri bisses accompany you throughout your journey. After crossing the valley trail near the refuge, head towards Ritti, Egga, and finally, return to the village.
    Rest stop
    Tip
    Nearby
    Top Partner
    Waypoint
    Start point
    End point
    Low point
    High point
    Forecast
    Today {low} to {high} and {precipitation} of {precipitation_type}
    show {x} more
    Photo
    Video
    Lake in Grächen
    Alpe Äbnet

    Public transport

    Accessible by train and bus. From the Viège or St. Niklaus station by coach to Grächen.

    Directions

    A9 highway direction Visp. Cantonal road direction Saas-Fee / Zermatt to the Grächen junction.

    Parking

    Grächen is a partially car-free village. Two parking lots are available at the village entrance.

    Coordinates

    SwissGrid
    2'630'932E 1'116'148N
    DD
    46.196085, 7.839344
    DMS
    46°11'45.9"N 7°50'21.6"E
    UTM
    32T 410445 5116489
    w3w 
    ///sweetly.inflamed.durations
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Book recommendation by the author

    The tourist office in Grächen provides brochures for hiking in the region.

    Author’s map recommendations

    SwissTopo national maps 1:25,000: 1308 St-Niklaus

    Book recommendations for this region:

    Show more

    Equipment

    We recommend:
    • Good shoes
    • Clothing suitable for the weather and cold: always have a waterproof jacket
    • Hat or cap
    • Sunscreen
    • Water bottle, picnic
    • Camera
    • Walking poles (optional)
    • Printed version of the route (click "print" to download)

    Localization

    Parts of this content were machine translated from French.

    User Questions

    Don't see what you need here?
    Ask a question and get an answer from the author, the official DMO or the community.

    No ratings (yet)
    Be the first to leave a rating or write a review!
    Share your experiences and advice to help millions of people find and plan their next outdoor adventure.
    Write a review
    Rating submitted
    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    4.1 km
    Duration
    1:13 h
    Ascent
    148 m
    Descent
    149 m
    Highest point
    1,762 m
    Lowest point
    1,614 m
    Scenic Refreshment stops available Fauna Clear area Accessibility Out and back

    Weather at the starting point

    10-day forecast

    Statistics

    • My Map
    • Content
    • Show images Hide images
    Features
    Maps and trails
    Nothing selected - click and drag in the elevation profile to zoom
    Distance
    Duration
    Ascent
    Descent
    Elevation profile
    Logo agrar Logo aofk Logo mol Logo otp