Winter hiking

Pensioners' Trail / Lower High-Altitude Trail (Nr. 109)

This trail meanders peacefully through the snow-blanketed forest, offering glimpses of three parallel worlds: the village, the Alpine forest and the Gornergrat Bahn.

Winter wonder land along the
  • Type Winter hiking
  • Difficulty easy
  • Duration 1,00 h
  • Distance 2,2 km
  • Ascent 55 m
  • Descent 78 m
  • Lowest point 1650 m
  • Highest point 1727 m

Description

The trail climbs gently to a level where the views alternate between lush woodland and the rooftops of Zermatt. But the Pensioners' Trail is by no means intended only for older walkers. It leads from the Winkelmatten chapel up to the tracks of the Gornergrat Bahn: a good chance to see the working mechanism of a rack-and-pinion railway close up. The trail then flattens out; below, to the left, lie the hotels and houses of Zermatt, offering an occasional glimpse of an interior. Finally the path leads into the snow-blanketed forest, and an atmosphere of tranquil wintry seclusion.

  • Appropriate for children from age 4
  • Suitable for pulling sledges
  • Beautiful larch woods
  • Steps back down to the village

Winkelmatten (chapel) - along the path: Pensioners' Trail / Lower High-Altitude Trail - Schönegg

(Hiking time in reverse direction: approx. 1h)

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Hiking poles (optional)
  • Warm winter clothing appropriate for the weather
Rest on one of the many benches along the trail and take in the stunning views of the Matterhorn.
  • Plan every mountain tour carefully and adapt to participants’ fitness level as well as the weather and season.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
  • Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible avoid going alone.
  • Do not leave the marked routes; do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • It is forbidden to walk on the ski pistes.
  • Please be considerate to other walkers and to plants and animals.

Tip: “Be searchable”. Equip yourself with an additional RECCO rescue reflector*. Whether summer or winter. Available in our Online-Shop or our information desk.
*The additional reflector does not replace an avalanche beacon.

Map and arrival

detailed map