Snowshoeing in Switzerland …
As the days begin to get shorter our minds turn to new seasons and what’s in store. We have been asking walking women to share their stories of holidays throughout the year.
We start with snow shoeing as for the first time we did a trek in February 2025. Full days outside, fresh air in the lungs, exercise to the heart and brain – all part of our fitness regime to keep active long into later life. Have you ever thought of taking up snow shoes ?
Read on to hear what Julie has to say ….
I don’t exactly remember how I stumbled across Walking Women, but I was intrigued. I wasn’t sure exactly when and where I would jump into one of the trips but something about snowshoeing in Switzerland made it my landing spot.
I don’t live in an area where snowshoeing is within easy reach. My only previous experience, though limited, was a total blast in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. Sure, I could have made my own snowshoeing adventure in the Sierras, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe–any number of closer places–but it wouldn’t be Switzerland would it? And it was the best decision.
Flying into Zurich was a breeze. But arriving just one day before the start of the snowshoeing trek was tough–probably the only change I would make is to arrive earlier.
I booked into the Leonardo Hotel (recommended by Walking Women), and it made for an easy transfer from the airport into the heart of Zurich to explore the day away.
Pre-trek nerves, jet lag, excitement–whatever the reason–sleep did not come as easy as I had hoped!
The start of our trek in Sorenberg…
The WhatsApp group made it straightforward to connect with my travel partners, including one who was staying at the same hotel. We met on Friday morning over coffee and a really great conversation. Ginny met us at the hotel and on we went to the train station to travel to Sorenberg.
After we connected with our wonderful local guide Karin, it was time to get buckled into our snowshoes and set off. While I had a looked at a map and roughly understood our route, standing there looking up at the mountains and blue skies and out across the meadow of snow
I was overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude to be in this place at this moment
As we wound our way up the hill and through the open fields and forest, we found our snow legs and synchronized our steps with our ski poles. Before long we arrived at our first stay, Salwedi, a beautiful inn nestled in the snow-filled foothills. I was thrilled to make my way into my beautiful room – the sun was streaming in, my bed was calling,,, but I had so much more to do before I could nestle down!
Joining my trekkies upstairs at the bar for a refreshment, we continued conversations started on the journey, learned more about the area and our upcoming days. Dinner soon followed and the last of our trekkies arrived, completing our circle of 6.
Dinner was delicious, nourishing and carefully detailed in presentation. We ate, talked, laughed deep into the evening. And then it was time for that beautiful bed, chasing that fall off a cliff, deep sleep.
Morning! Bag packed. Breakfast. Warm bread, fresh butter–what a wonderful start to the day!
Ready to go and see more of the Swiss countryside. I was so relieved with my clothing and gear choices – warm base layers, and several more layers to take off as needed. Saturday started with blue sky, crisp cold air, and a full day ahead. Our guide expertly took us through the snowshoe trails, stopping to explain certain features of the special reserve that we were in.
The first UNESCO designated biosphere reserve in Switzerland – Entlebruch
Our trek actually takes place in a special and unique place. Comprised of pre-Alpine moorland and karst landscapes. As we started into this protected region, what really struck me was the stillness and absence of anyone but us. We saw lots of evidence of snow hares and heard the occasional bird song. Many times I just stopped and took it all in as we were surrounded by mountains of various proportions and compositions.
We moved amongst each other, carrying on different conversations as we made our way to our next Inn. It was during this day that I looked up and around, surrounded by mountains, big blue skies, standing in brilliantly white snow and silence that I had the feeling of being such a tiny part of the universe.
For one of our breaks, we stopped along a well-traveled trail for a bit of sunshine and the opportunity for snacks, hot tea, and even the option to purchase freshly made cheese.
At this midday resting spot was one of the few places where we encountered other parties out hiking or snowshoeing on this day of the journey.
On our approach into Hotel Kemmeriboden-Bad, we left the meadows and trails, to trek along a winding, downhill road. It was completely different terrain on this portion of the trip, carved into a hillside, with a river running alongside.
The rock walls were lined with icicles, and very few vehicles passed us on this route.
The sun had disappeared behind the mountain tops when the 200-year-old hotel came into view. It was truly a winter wonderland, complete with an igloo in which you could dine and outdoor hot chocolate with warming fires and blankets. Reception was welcoming, with a well-appointed bar and a restaurant full of delicious regional food. The property had much to see and do, with hiking trails into the surrounding area; one could easily spend a weekend exploring outdoors and indulging indoors.
Dessert was a must (and well deserved) as merangue/meringue is the house specialty and even believed to have been invented there!
Dinner was outstanding and we were fortunate to have a wine expert in our group, with her choice further enhancing our meal. Breakfast did not disappoint and was even more luxurious than the previous morning with fresh bread, butter, eggs, meats, again all locally sourced. Quite hard to leave but we were on a schedule and had a bus to catch at the end of the day!
Leaving Hotel Kemmeriboden-Bad was bittersweet after such a short stay, but I was excited to get back on the trails as we embarked on our final day. Upon making our way back to the snowshoeing trails, we happened across a group of dog owners training their dogs to find items buried in the snow, skills related to avalanche rescues. As a dog owner, I enjoyed a few minutes watching the dogs bound through the snow, all focused on the task at hand. Although we were no longer in the Entlebruch, the surrounding landscape was also beautiful, with a few more people from time to time as we made our way toward Hapkern. Our snowshoe trails often paralleled cross country ski trails, which meant we took care at trail crossing so as to not disturb the cross country ski tracks groomed into the snow.
We enjoyed our lunch break on the open steps of a farmer’s hay barn, appreciating the sunshine and the surrounding mountains. Off we went, as we had miles to go and an appointment to keep.
As the afternoon started to wind down and we approached our transport to Habkern, this area had a decidedly different feel with more people out on the trails, soaking up the last bits of the weekend on lovely winter day. I couldn’t help but imagine this trip and these trails in the fresh green grass of summer after snowmelt.
It was late Sunday afternoon as we approached our inn Gasthof Baren in our minibus and it felt good to be sitting. The streets were empty when we arrived, but the views toward Interlaken and one of the surrounding beautiful blue lakes was a great finish to the day. Our accommodations were in the traditional Bernese style and our hosts were welcoming.
It was time to celebrate the end of our snowshoeing..
with yet another hearty and delicious meal. We had a wonderful evening of locally sourced fresh vegetables and proteins, delicious dessert. There was lots of laughter, a toast (or two) to ourselves for enjoying this wonderful trip, and sharing plans for what would be next.
Walking Women and Karin, our Guide, truly made this a fantastic journey. Other than making this trip a bit longer to enjoy the beauty of the Bernese Overland and Entlebruch, I can’t think of a thing I would change. I enjoyed spending time with all of the ‘snowwalking’ women on this trip and look forward to perhaps seeing them on a future trip.
And good news the 2026 looks to be fantastic as more days have been added to enjoy this unique winter wonderland. I hope you go, try it and enjoy
