Snowshoe hikes can be done almost in any weather. A tour in snowfall, where everything is covered in the most beautiful white sugar and you stomp through the deep snow, is just as fascinating as a tour in bright sunshine. A tour early in the morning with the sunrise, a day tour with wonderful resting possibilities in mountain huts, a full moon tour or evening tour under the starry sky - there are so many possibilities to discover this sport with us in the Bernese Oberland.

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What previous knowledge is necessary for a snowshoe tour?

You don't need any special previous knowledge to walk with snowshoes. Walking is a little unusual for the first few metres, as you have to walk with your legs a little wider than you are used to. However, you get used to it after just a few metres.

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In principle, snowshoeing is suitable for everyone. The length and difficulty of the tour should be adapted to personal abilities. Beginners would do well to choose only short tours with a low difference in altitude. It is important that you only go on a snowshoe tour that is signposted so that you can find your way around. If you choose a route that is not on fixed snowshoe trails, it is better to join a guided tour where safety standards are guaranteed. (For more information on routes and snowshoe trails, see "Signalised snowshoe tours" - link) See also link "Guided tours".

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Can children go on a snowshoe tour?

Children usually have a lot of fun on snowshoe tours. But on a tour with children, the focus should be on adventure, such as a fastball fight, building an igloo or looking for animal tracks in the snow.

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Clothing for snowshoe hikes

Jacket

The best clothing is winter/functional clothing (breathable) like for skiing or winter hiking. You should dress according to the onion principle, so that you can also take something off depending on the warmth when you are walking. Because when snowshoeing, you also start to sweat in between.

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Trousers

Functional trousers with a snow guard are ideal. This prevents snow from getting into the shoes. If this is not available, you can take a pair of snow gauntlets with you. If you don't have any functional trousers, you can also combine hiking trousers with rain trousers (depending on the outside temperature). Under no circumstances are jeans suitable. Denim attracts moisture and can even freeze, depending on the temperature.

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Shoes

Ankle-high and above all waterproof hiking boots with a firm sole are suitable as "snowshoe shoes". Ideally, one takes a winter trekking shoe. These are particularly suitable for those who freeze quickly.

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Hiking or ski poles

Sticks are part of the standard equipment. They are important for walking technique and balance. Hiking or ski poles can be used. Make sure that the poles have plates. The bigger the better. These can also be bought individually in specialist shops.

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Backpack

A common hiking backpack is usually well suited for a snowshoe tour. An optimal size is between 20 and 30 litres. It can hold clothes, warm drinks, food and other equipment.

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Safety equipment

As soon as you move off the marked and secured trails, you need an avalanche transceiver (LVS), an avalanche shovel and an avalanche probe. In addition, a first aid kit with a rescue blanket.

You don't necessarily have to buy the safety equipment yourself. In Thun, the mountain sports shop Bächli Bergsport offers the appropriate equipment for rent.

To the rental offer from Bächli-Bergsport

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The basic equipment includes:

• Functional clothing
• Waterproof jacket and trousers (ideally with snow skirt)
• Hiking or winter shoes
• Hiking or ski poles (with plate)
• Gloves
• Cap
• Sunglasses
• Sun cream
• Backpack approx. 20 to 30 litres
• Hot drinks in a thermos flask
• Something to eat/snacks

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Optional safety equipment

• First aid kit with emergency blanket
• Cell phone (emergency call 112)
• Avalanche transceiver
• Avalanche shovel
• Avalanche probe

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Signposted snowshoe routes

Snowshoe routes are signalled (snowshoe pictogram is marked in pink), but basically not tracked routes for snowshoe hikers. The technical difficulty level is defined by the gradient and cross slope in the terrain and is indicated on the start information boards and optionally on the destination signposts in the colours blue, red and black.

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Blue:

Suitable for beginners/beginners. Easy terrain in ascent and descent, no difficulties such as crossings or steep sections. Potentially dangerous sections are secured by suitable measures. No special previous knowledge necessary.

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Red:

Suitable for snowshoers with some experience. Moderately steep terrain with occasional steeper or exposed passages in the ascent and descent or crossings that require an adapted technique. Belaying measures are limited to particularly steep or exposed sections. Surefootedness and a head for heights are required.

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Black:

Suitable for experienced snowshoers. Partly steep and exposed terrain that requires good snowshoe walking technique. Belaying is limited to particularly exposed areas with a risk of falling. Surefootedness, no fear of heights and a good physical condition are required.

Users of snowshoe routes must know the level of difficulty of the selected routes and be able to meet the corresponding requirements for surefootedness, head for heights and physical condition. They must also be aware of the dangers in the mountains (avalanches, ice and rock fall, danger of slipping and falling, weather change). Safety equipment is recommended depending on the difficulty of the tour.

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Signalling

Signposts and confirmations are pink, with white lettering and a white pictogram.

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Possible snowshoe trails in the region:

Snowshoe Trail Wiriehorn Snowshoe Trail Wiriehorn

Snowshoe Trail Grimmialp Snowshoe Trail Grimmialp

Snowshoe Trail Chüematte - Niederhorn Chüematte Trail

Snowshoe Trail Lombach / Habkern Snowshoe Tour Lombachalp (Habkern) (signposted)

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Guided day tours, evening snowshoe tours

Would you like to join a guided tour and discover the wintry region in a different way? You can find offers for day and evening snowshoe tours here:

Bergfalke Alpine School - Snowshoe Tours

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Private tours

Would you prefer a private tour with a mountain guide on your desired date and location directly from a Hauenstein Hotel? The Bergfalke Alpine School, which is located in Thun, will put together an individual programme with the necessary equipment for you on request.

Further information under: Alpine School Bergfalke

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Safety - Avalanche and Technique Course

Have you ever asked yourself, where can I climb at all? Am I sure that this slope is not avalanche-prone? Do I know the elementary basic rules of avalanche awareness? Tours off the secured slopes are more popular than ever, but think about your safety too. At the Bergfalke Alpine School, avalanche and technique courses are held regularly. After such a course you will know which tours you can undertake on your own and know the most important basic rules and equipment. Book course

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Respect your boundaries

Note that on the snowshoe tours you are in the living room of the wildlife.

Chamois, ptarmigan and other wild animals are forced to use their energy sparingly in winter due to the cold and the meagre food supply. If they are disturbed and put to flight, their survival is at risk. In the worst case, they may even die of exhaustion.

However, if you walk with respect and treat the wild animals with consideration, you can enjoy nature without a care in the world. You may find animal tracks or, with a bit of luck, see one or the other wild animal.

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Four rules for on the road

• Observe wildlife rest areas and game reserves. They provide retreats for wild animals.
• Stay on paths and designated routes in the forest. This allows wild animals to get used to people.
• Avoid forest edges and snow-free areas. They are the favourite places of wild animals.
• Keep dogs on a leash, especially in the forest. Wild animals flee from free-roaming dogs.