This short winter hike at the Elm ski resort is an out-and-back trail, hiking to a restaurant where you can enjoy refreshments and the fantastic view from their terrace. If you have snowshoes, you can hike another 2 km out to a wildlife observation point.
The groomed trail is not particularly difficult, but the uphill climb will get your heartrate up. Since it’s a short outing, I suggest adding the 4 km sled run after the hike for a little fun and excitement.
| Location: | Eastern Switzerland, Canton Glarus |
| Address: | Elm Sportbahnen gondola |
| Car: | Parking GPS: 46°54’48.7″N 9°09’46.0″E 1hr15mins from Zürich |
| Transit: | Bus stop: Elm, Sportbahnen 1hr45 from Zürich |
| Trail: | 3.5 km there and back, about 1hr15 |
| Difficulty: | easy, safe, groomed snow |
| Elevation: | highest point 1613m, 160m up/down |
| Prices 2023/24: | cable car return: CHF 19/adult, CHF 11/child |
| Open: | winter season: mid Dec to mid March cable car daily: 8:30 – 17:00 |
| Services: | restaurants, ski and sledding |
| More info: | www.sportbahnenelm.ch • webcams • piste map |
Location
Elm is a mountain resort in eastern Switzerland, canton Glarus. It is easily accessible by car or bus.
Area overview
Here is the Elm winter map, so you can see where the winter trail is in relation to the ski lifts.
Here’s a close up of our winter hiking trail to Bischofalp and snowshoe trail to the wildlife observation point. Early in the trail, you can also see a fork that goes up to the Munggä Hüttä restaurant instead. That restaurant is good, but the hike up is tougher and in the forest.
Trail Map
Here is the trail map for the Elm winter hike. The trail is an uphill walk to Bischofalp Berghotel that has a restaurant and terrace with mountain views. Then you hike back the way you came. The trail is groomed snow, suitable for regular hiking shoes.
See trail map on Komoot • Schweiz Mobil • OutdoorActive
Longer snowshoe version: If you have snowshoes, you can extend the hike by adding a 2 km loop at the far end of the winter hiking trail. See snowshoe trail details.
Getting there
This winter hike is at the top of the Elm-Ämpächli cable car that leads from the valley up to the ski resort.
By car: drive to Elm and follow signs to the ski area, west of the Elm village (Schiesserblock 22-24, 8767 Elm). Park in the big parking lots (free) next to the cable car station. On very busy days, you may have to park on the side of the road and/or take a shuttle bus from the Elm village.
By transit: take a train to Schwanden, then a bus to Elm, Sportbahnen. The bus drops you off directly in front of the cable car station.
Ticket prices
For this winter hike, you’ll need a return ticket on the Elm-Ämpächli cable car. In 2021/22, this return ticket costs CHF 18/adult and CHF 11/child (6-16). No discounts for travel cards. See current ticket prices.
If you plan to sled after the hike, you could just purchase a single ride up the cable car, since you are sledding back down. If you want to sled multiple times, then buy a sledding multi-ticket or day pass. You can rent sleds at the top of the cable car.
Opening times
Winter season at the Elm ski resort is typically from mid December to mid March, depending on snow conditions. This winter trail is groomed during this time. The cable car runs daily 8:30 – 17:00. Lifts and trails may close due to poor weather or snow conditions. Check the current lift and trail status.
What to wear & bring
You should wear warm layers appropriate to the weather forecast and waterproof outer layers to stay dry in the snow. For footwear, you should wear waterproof hiking shoes or snow boots with good traction. You don’t need snowshoe attachments. If you have traction cleats, bring them just in case parts of the trail are icy. I would bring hiking sticks for balance (best with snow baskets so they don’t sink into the snow).
It’s a short hike with restaurants at the beginning and middle. But I would still bring water and snacks. See also: What to pack & wear on a winter hike.
Where to eat
At the top of the Ämpächli cable car, there is a self-service cafeteria with lots of seating. At the far end of the winter trail, you’ll reach the Bischofalp Berghotel, which has a restaurant. Both restaurants are near a ski lifts, so they will be busy.
Photo story of the trail
Starting the trail
From the Ämpächli cable car station, turn left and follow these pink winter hiking signs.
The trail starts through this tiny cluster of ski houses.
The path is wide with groomed snow. The first 10 mins are relatively flat and easy.
Absolutely gorgeous mountain views from this trail.
Fork in the path
After about 500m (8 mins), you reach a split in the trail. Keep following the pink signs towards Bischofalp. The right fork leads up to the Munggä Hüttä restaurant instead.
Looking back at the fork in the trail. That trail up to the left is for Munggä Hüttä restaurant. The trail on the left leads back to the start.
Just keep following the path toward the mountains.
Hiking uphill
At this hut, the trail starts the uphill climb, gaining about 150m over 1 km. It felt a little tough at times and I need to take a few breaks.
A few sections in the shady forest, but not for long.
Still uphill, good for a little fitness.
At the cluster of huts ahead, the winter hiking trail does a sharp right turn up the mountain. The snowshoe trail continues straight, does a loop to a viewpoint, then returns here.
Last uphill bit before the restaurant.
Take a break at the restaurant
Arriving at the Bischofalp restaurant, the end of the winter hiking path. You can stop here for refreshments or a full meal. After your break, you’ll follow the same path back.
Lots of skiers taking a break here as well.
Hiking back
Now walking back the way we came, but not boring as the view looks different in this direction.
So Swiss, these views.
Almost back to the Ämpächli cable car.
Optional sled run
After the hike, you can rent a sled at the Ämpächli cable car station (cash only) and sled 4 km down the mountain. In 2021/22, a single sled rental costs CHF 7/adult and CHF 5/child, cash only. If you want to sled multiple times, you’ll need to rent the sled for longer and purchase more rides on the cable car. Learn more.
It’s one of our favorite sled runs, beautiful views and lots of fun twists and turns along the way.
