Challenge Trail (Nr. 141)
This snowshoe trail leads close to the Gornergrat Bahn railway line from Gornergrat down to Rotenboden. Snow, sunshine and a magnificent mountain panorama with the Matterhorn promise a memorable hike.
- Type Snowshoeing
- Difficulty easy
- Duration 1,00 h
- Distance 1,7 km
- Ascent 1 m
- Descent 267 m
- Lowest point 2815 m
- Highest point 3089 m
Description
Especially after fresh snowfall, this walk promises pure pleasure. Hikers following the leisurely trail barely notice the descent of about 300 vertical metres, so beautiful are the mountain vistas – taking in the Matterhorn, Klein Matterhorn, Breithorn and other peaks. Railway enthusiasts are also in for a treat, with fine views of the cog trains of the Gornergrat Bahn as they twist prettily and almost silently through the snow-blanketed landscape.
- From Gornergrat, set off left of the railway line
- Unusual route away from the ski pistes
- Pink markers approx. every 100 m along the route
- Photo subjects: Gornergrat Bahn cog railway and mountain panorama
- Stay on marked trail to avoid disturbing wildlife
- Guided tours bookable through the Zermatters
Gornergrat - Rotenboden (on the left side of the railway line)
(Hiking time in reverse direction: approx. 1h 30)
We recommend:
- Good, waterproof footwear
- Snowshoes
- Hiking poles
- Warm winter clothing appropriate for the weather
If you have not had enough of snowshoe hiking, you can continue along the Panorama Trail to Riffelberg.
- 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.
- It is forbidden to walk on the ski pistes.
- Please be considerate to other walkers and to plants and animals.
The snowshoe trails can be tackled without a mountain guide. Beware: they are not prepared in any way and are not controlled daily; nor are they secured from natural hazards such as avalanches or rockfalls. For safety, check the weather forecast and current avalanche bulletin.
All snowshoeing is at one’s own risk.
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.