Snowshoe Trail /Schweiz Mobil
Schneeschuhtrail Bischofalp
Elm, Ämpächli
- Distance
- 5.0 km
- Duration
- 2:35 h
- Ascent
- 320 m
- Descent
- 320 m
- Fitness
- Moderate
- Route type
- Loop
01/ Overview
The route
A solitary trek through the winter paradise of Elm, even with winter sports facilities so close at hand? Yes – if you follow the Bischofalp snowshoe trail! Just above the tree line, this easily navigable trail gives you direct views of the circle of 3,000-meter peaks around Elm and the famous Martinsloch rock window.
The start is in Elm, Ämpächli; from the bus stop Empächli, about 25 m away, the route first leads across wide, open slopes. The terrain gains around 320 vertical metres in the first kilometres, until the highest section at just over 1'770 m on the Taufsteinrücken is reached. The view opens over the surrounding pastures, making walking on the broad snowfields rewarding.
On the return a short section follows that runs off the marked tracks through alpine meadows before the path again sinks into sparse woodland. Occasional clearings repeatedly afford views back to the ascent. Finally the route descends back into the valley and returns to Elm, Ämpächli, where the circuit ends. The distance is just under 5 km and takes about two and a half hours.
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.
Elm: Ämpächli - Ober Ämpächli
From 4 May 2026 – Until 30 Nov 2026
Infolge Bau- & Unterhaltsarbeiten sind aktuell folgende Strecken gesperrt: - Bergrestaurant Älpli bis Ober Ämpächli - Dunggelboden bis Hengstboden - Ober Ämpächli bis Rietmatthüttli - Pleus Doppelmast bis Steinböden (Bergstation) Bitte benützen sie die markierten Umleitungen
Elm: Ober Ämpächli - Rietmatthüttli
From 24 Sept 2026 – Until 30 Nov 2026
Infolge Bau- & Unterhaltsarbeiten werktags zwischen 07:00 – 17:00 ist die Strecke zwischen Ober Ämpächli bis Rietmatthüttli gesperrt. Bitte benützen sie die orange markierten Umleitungen.
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.
Snowshoeing 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.
Larches count as conifer forest here.
07/ Snow
Snow on the route
Snow depths, new snow and forecast. Estimates: check the situation on site before you set off.
Snow Info
Relative snow depth not available where long-term average is below 10cm.
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.
