Winter Hiking in Switzerland
During winter in Switzerland (mid December to mid April), most summer hiking trails are closed due to snow. But you can still hike in the mountains on winter trails.
On winter hiking trails, aka “Winterwanderweg”, the resort grooms the snow on the path, so you can hike in regular hiking boots.
For snowshoe trails, the snow is not groomed, but the route is marked with poles for safety and to avoid protected wildlife areas.
Below you’ll find the winter trails we like, from easy to difficult. Hope you find something you like!
See all our winter hikes on an interactive map in our Swiss Winter Guide.
Winter hikes
These are groomed winter trails that do not require snowshoes.
Winter hikes near Zürich that you can access with a car or bus, so you can avoid riding a gondola and reduce your cost.
The most beautiful winter hikes within a day trip distance of Zürich, including short and easy options for kids and beginners.
- Eastern Switzerland
- Zürich Region
The best winter hiking trails near Lucerne for casual hikers and families, where the snow is groomed making it easy to walk with regular hiking shoes.
- Lake Lucerne Region
- Lucerne Region
Snowshoe trails
These are official marked snowshoe routes, not groomed.
The best snowshoe trails for beginners in Switzerland, with short distances and easy terrain. Most hikes on this list are near Zürich or Lucerne.
Snowshoe routes we like in eastern Switzerland, including Zürich, Heidiland, Glarnerland, and Toggenburg regions.
- Eastern Switzerland
- Zürich Region
Winter hiking tips
Switzerland has a large network of winter walking trails in the alps, where the snow is groomed so you only need regular hiking shoes not snowshoes. Here’s everything you need to know to get started winter hiking.
A list of the clothing, accessories and gear our family typically uses for a winter hike or snowshoeing.
Here’s a guide on how to get started snowshoeing in Switzerland based on our family’s experience, with suggested trails for beginners and tips on how to buy snowshoes, what to wear and how to stay safe.
