18^Jan Sun
09:55

Route: We first follow https://en.kronberg.ch/erlebnisse/winter/schneeschuhwandern/gontenbad-kronberg.html up to Kronberg. From there we follow https://en.kronberg.ch/erlebnisse/winter/schneeschuhwandern/schwaegalp-kronberg.html (https://schweizmobil.ch/de/schneeschuhwandern/route-669) in reverse down to Schwägalp. Alternatively, it's possible to take a cable car down to Jakobsbad.

Please have the route downloaded on your phone in case we split, the recommended app is SwissTopo: https://swisstopo.app/i/5/68F3E6MM.

Conditions: As of Thursday avalanche level is at level 1 for the first part of the trail, and 2 for the second part of the trail (level 3 above 1800m, but our route stays below that), no new snowfall forecasted until Saturday. The tour might be cancelled/modified based on the real-life conditions encountered.

Pace: Moderate (on the faster side - with multiplier approximately 1.2x compared to the SwissTopo time). Some experience with snowshoeing is recommended. This hike is not suitable for beginners - both of the routes individually are described as "hard".

Starting point: Gontenbad train stop

End point: Schwägalp, Passhöhe bus station

How to get there: Train IR13 from Zurich HB departs at 8:08. Change in Gossau SG. https://a.sbbmobile.ch/s/q2stjqd5 

How to get back: Bus, going twice per hour.

What to take:

• Snowshoes + poles (with wide baskets).
• Winter hiking equipment.
• Food (we’ll have picnic lunch somewhere on the way).
• Usual stuff: water, sunscreen, sunglasses.

Photos: I might take photos during the hike that might afterwards be shared on the HB group. If you don't want to be on the pictures, please let me know in advance. I will also create a Google Photos album and asked everyone to contribute their photos.

Disclaimer: I'm not a guide - everyone hikes at their responsibility and risk.

Photo credit: myself, picture from the previous hike