Winter Hike /Schweiz Mobil
Vorder-Höhi-Weg
Amden, Arvenbüel
- Distance
- 8.0 km
- Duration
- 2:55 h
- Ascent
- 360 m
- Descent
- 360 m
- Fitness
- Moderate
- Route type
- Loop
01/ Overview
The route
This winter hike leads from the Arvenbüel through magical winter landscapes to the Vorder Höhi. It always offers impressive panoramic views: over the Toggenburg, the Alpstein, the Churfirsten and the Leistkamm.
The winter hike begins on the edge of Arvenbüel, by the Arvenbüel, Arven bus stop. The route climbs steadily across open meadows and pastures. The terrain remains broad and open throughout; over the eight kilometres, the route gains a total of around 360 metres in elevation. After just over an hour, it reaches Vorder Höhi. The pass connects Amden with Starkenbach in the St. Gallen Alps.
Shortly afterwards, the circuit reaches its highest point: near Rotberg, at around 1'550 m, roughly halfway along the route. From here, the route turns back towards Arvenbüel. It initially descends across the open slopes, then continues over gentler undulating terrain. After just under three hours, the circuit ends back in Amden, Arvenbüel; the Arvenbüel, Arven bus stop is right by the finish.
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.
Winter hiking is more fun in the snow! Check local conditions before heading out.
How we check: SLF only publishes its snow maps from November 1. Until then we roughly estimate the snow depth at the lowest and the highest point of the route every day from the nearest SLF measuring stations. 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
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.
