Safety information

Anyone who sets out to get to know the winter hiking area in the Zermatt – Matterhorn destination will find a large and varied range of offers: there are a total of 70 km of marked winter hiking trails to blaze and explore – here some notes.

  1. Stick to the marked winter hiking trails in winter (purple signposts).
  2. Check the status of the trail before you set off too.
  3. In case of avalanche risk, check that the trail is open (information panels at the lift station).
  4. The weather can change quickly in the mountains, hence take always a warm sweater and a winter coat with you.
  5. Wear winter boots and take enough food and drink with you.
  6. Do not go alone. Let other people know where you are planning to hike and inform them when you arrive back.
  7. Observe changes in the weather and turn back in case of doubtful weather.
  8. Do not set foot on a glacier or leave the marked winter hiking paths without a mountain guide.
  9. Do not harm plants and animals.
  10. Never walk straight through forests or across fields; always use existing roads and paths.
  11. Be courteous to skiers, other hikers and pedestrians.
  12. “Be searchable”. Equip yourself with an additional RECCO rescue reflector*. Whether summer or winter. Available in our Online-Shop or our information desk. * The additional reflector does not replace an avalanche beacon
  13. Stay up-to-date with the weather and avalanche status: Snow Report
  14. More information is available in the Swiss avalanche bulletins (www.slf.ch)