Hint

Intro

A winter wonderland in Rothwald – this trail leads through larches up to the Mäderlicka restaurant with views as far as Italy before descending into the Durstbachschlucht gorge. Before starting the journey back, you can make a stop on Wasenalp and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and the Rhône Valley.

Description

This snowshoe trail begins at the ski lift valley station in Rothwald. It immediately descends into the upper Rothwald forest and then into Jochtwald forest. On the way up to the Mäderlicka panoramic restaurant, the path crosses the ski lift. Once at the top, you can gaze up at the Mäderlücke that gives the restaurant its name and then turn your attention to the Wasenhorn, located on the border between Valais and Italy. In fact, if you listen carefully, you may catch snippets of Italian here and there. The ski area is well known across the border for its open larch forest and wonderfully shady off-piste skiing possibilities.

For snowshoe hikers, the descent begins here, from the highest point of the tour down into the imposing Durstbachschlucht gorge and further into the forest until Durstbachbrücke bridge. Here, there is a fork in the trail. Snowshoe hikers should follow the prepared Wasmerstrasse/piste to reach Wasenalp. The small hamlet with a chapel and mountain restaurant is the perfect place to stop for a break. The location in the larch forest and the views towards the Rhône Valley, Belalp, Glishorn and Bietschhorn and the UNESCO Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage Site are simply magical.

Behind the restaurant, you’ll follow the marked trail via “Hackber” on a zigzagging course down to “d’Obru Egge”. It’s a relatively flat route to the Hotel Ganterwald, where you’ll find a bus stop. Hikers can also reach the starting point by foot via the sidewalk of the national road. For those looking for a challenge, we recommend doing the trail the other way round – the steep ascent up to the gorge will really take it out of you!

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Rothwald, Schutzhaus
Destination
Rothwald, Ganterwald
Ascent
520 m
Descent
560 m
Distance
7 km
Duration
4 h
Physical requirements
Difficult
Signalization
Signalisation in both directions
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/snowshoe-trekking/route...

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Contact

Brig Simplon Tourismus
Bahnhofstrasse 2
3900  Brig

Phone  +41 (0)27 921 60 30
info@brig-simplon.ch
brig-simplon.ch

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 358

Distance

7 km

Duration

4 h

Ascent

520 m

Travel information: Rothwald

Current Offers

  • Brig Simplon Pass Postbus from Brig or Domodossola

    You travel by post bus from Brig or Domodossola via the Simplon Pass. It connects Switzerland with... from CHF 43
    Offer details


    valid: 09.10.2026 - 25.10.2026

    Learn more about Simplon Pass Postbus from Brig or Domodossola
  • Breiten-Mörel-Filet-Bister Riederalp paragliding tandem in Valais

    During this tandem flight, you'll discover Riederalp and its surroundings from a new perspective!... from CHF 150
    Offer details


    valid: 09.10.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Riederalp paragliding tandem in Valais
  • Breiten-Mörel-Filet-Bister Brine spa & fitness entry: Salina Maris

    Salina Maris – The only Swiss recognized brine spa in the AlpsThe largest spa area (800 m²) in the... from CHF 17
    Offer details


    valid: 09.10.2026 - 21.02.2028

    Learn more about Brine spa & fitness entry: Salina Maris
  • Brig Admission to Brigerbad thermal baths

    The Brigerbad thermal and wellness oasis offers recreation and relaxation all year round on over... from CHF 30
    Offer details


    valid: 09.10.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Admission to Brigerbad thermal baths
  • Blatten-Belalp Belalp paragliding tandem in Valais

    Soar from Belalp with an experienced professional over the stunning natural landscape of the Canton... from CHF 150
    Offer details


    valid: 09.10.2026 - 31.10.2026

    Learn more about Belalp paragliding tandem in Valais
  • Riederalp Mountain breakfast Riederfurka

    Gourmet Mountain Breakfast DeluxeIt is the perfect start to a wonderful day of hiking or a sunny day... from CHF 37
    Offer details


    valid: 09.10.2026 - 18.10.2026

    Learn more about Mountain breakfast Riederfurka
  • Blatten-Belalp Cable car ride to Belalp | Blatten Belalp

    A visit to Belalp promises experiences close to nature, cultural highlights and magnificent views of... from CHF 14
    Offer details


    valid: 09.10.2026 - 21.02.2028

    Learn more about Cable car ride to Belalp | Blatten Belalp
  • Visp Tapas Tour in Visp

    With small tastings, you can discover the diverse gastronomy of Visp in just one evening. You'll... from CHF 69
    Offer details


    valid: 09.10.2026 - 30.10.2026

    Learn more about Tapas Tour in Visp