Snowshoeing from Oberhutten to Stierva

Obermutten is an ancient Walser settlement with a few traditional wooden houses still standing. It is already at 1,850 meters, ideal for strapping on snowshoes right away. 

Snow is drifting down and the clear ski tracks from the previous day have almost completely been blown away. There is no one around today. With low-hanging clouds and strong winds, there is little enthusiasm for climbing the planned summit. Fortunately, it does clear up a bit from time to time.

We take a short break at a traditional hut to pull out the thermos of hot tea and a snack. A good thing we refueled, because afterwards it turns into a real slog as we traverse the steeper slope that I had marked as potentially more risky. In terms of wind-drifted snow it’s not too bad, but because of the warmer Föhn wind the snow quality is far from ideal.

Relieved, we reach the top of the slope and set off on the long descent toward Stierva. On a snow-free grassy knoll it’s time for lunch. The panorama is impressive, with broad forested valleys and white mountains all around.

The lower we go, the softer the snow becomes. While one person glides down smoothly, another suddenly sinks straight through. It doesn’t get any easier, but we do need to start hurrying to catch the bus in Stierva, which doesn’t run often. With a small final effort, we make it just in time.