This snowshoe trail is near the Elm ski resort, but far from the ski slopes so everything is quiet and peaceful. The loop starts in the forest and emerges into beautiful snow meadows surrounded by tall mountain peaks.

The trail leads to the Obererbs Ski Hut, a popular refuge for back-country skiers and winter hikers. They have a cafe, toilets and rooms for an overnight stay. We had the pea soup, which was hearty and delicious.

A little surprisingly, the restaurant can be crowded on sunny weekends with other ski tourers and snowshoe hikers. So be prepared to wait for a table and squeeze in with other guests.

The higher parts of the trail can be very sunny, making you strip off some layers. But the lower part of the trail are mostly shaded by the peaks, especially in December and January. So bring warm layers and thick gloves in case temps drop and you find yourself shivering.

Trail

This is Schweiz Mobil Route 990, marked with pink poles.

Trail stats: moderate • 2 hours • 5km loop • 430m up and down.
See trail map.

I think this trail is best done clockwise, so the steep uphill is on the ungroomed snowshoe path and your downhill is on the semi-groomed access road to the hut. Much easier than what we did the other way round.

How to get there

The trail starts behind the Panixerstübli Restaurant - Walenbrugg 1, 8767 Elm. There are a few parking spots there.

We noticed that a lot of people park further down the road near the Elm, Büelstafel bus stop. The service road up to the Obererbs hut starts there. So you can simply start by hiking up that winter road and join the snowshoe trail higher up.

Bus service on this line is infrequent (see schedule). Plus you have to call at least 60 mins ahead to request a stop at Elm, Büelstafel. Better to take a car.

Costs

You don't need a cable car to reach this trail, so no additional costs.
You can rent snowshoes at the sport shop by the Elm ski resort down the road.

More info: Schönhalden website • weather • webcam