Winter Hike /Schweiz Mobil
Riffelalp-Winkelmatten-Weg
Zermatt, RiffelalpZermatt, Winkelmatten
- Distance
- 5.0 km
- Duration
- 1:40 h
- Ascent
- 40 m
- Descent
- 580 m
- Fitness
- Hard
- Route type
- One way
01/ Overview
The route
A hike that combines charm and unspoilt nature from Riffelalp to Winkelmatten chapel in Zermatt, via a rural forest path.
The winter hike begins at Riffelalp station, high above Zermatt. After a short ascent, the route reaches its highest point at just over 2'200 m. Al Bosco lies close to the trail at Riffelalp, after which open terrain leads into the mountain forest.
The long, steady descent now begins. The trail continually loses elevation among trees and clearings; after around two kilometres, it passes directly by Restaurant Ritti. Further on, stretches of forest alternate with more open slopes. Restaurant Moos lies slightly off the route.
Towards the end, the first houses of Zermatt draw closer. At Winkelmatten, the trail passes directly by the Chapel of the Holy Family, with Sonnmatten also nearby. After around five kilometres and just under 600 metres of descent, the winter hike ends at the Zermatt, Kapelle Winkelmatten bus stop.
02/ Along the route
What's along the way
Where the route climbs and where it descends. Hover the profile to find the spot on the map.
03/ Conditions
Current conditions
What to know before you set off. Closures and snow are re-checked every day.
How we check: Every night we match the route against the official closures and detours from the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). Any reported closure that touches the route shows up here.
How we check: We look up a live public transport connection from your starting point to the stop closest to the trailhead. If it ends further away, the nearest stop may be a cable car or bus that isn't running right now.
Winter hiking is more fun in the snow! Check local conditions before heading out.
How we check: Snow depth estimated daily at the lowest and the highest point of the route. Estimates: check the situation on site.
04/ Getting there
Getting there
From your door to the trailhead and home again, by train and bus or by car. Computed live from the timetable.
Or from
Outbound
Return
05/ Weather
Weather on the way
Forecast for the lowest and the highest point of the route.
Weather
06/ Trail & landscape
Trail & landscape
Which paths you walk on and the landscape they lead through.
07/ Snow
Snow on the route
Snow depths, new snow and forecast. Estimates: check the situation on site before you set off.
Snow Info
Comparative snow depth is only available from November 1 to June 30.
08/ Export
Take the route with you
Load the track onto your GPS device, print a route sheet for the trail or send the route to your hiking group.
Share
Send the link to friends or your hiking group.
Export GPX File
For hiking apps, GPS watches and navigation devices.
Print Route Sheet
A4 with map, elevation profile, waypoints and emergency numbers.
