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"Top 10" winter activities in Leukerbad

Published on December 17th 2015

Leukerbad is the largest spa and wellness resort in the Alps, but not only that ... it also has 50 km of ski runs, over 60 km of winter hiking trails and 30 km of cross country ski tracks. In addition, the resort can claim to be on of the training grounds of the Swiss ski team. This sporty destination offers a broad range of activities, suitable for all levels.  Discover our selection of excursions and try them without further delay!

1. Explore the historic Gemmipass path

Hikers will enjoy this unique trail between the Valais and the Bernese Oberland. Having enjoyed one of the most spectacular views of the Valais’ peaks, you will cross the frozen waters of the Daubensee to reach the halfway point at the former customs post ‘Schwarenbach’, now a hostel. This walk of about 3 hours and a distance of 9 km will lead you to Sunnbüel, where you can take the cable car to Kandersteg and from there the train back to Leukerbad.

2. Go down the famous Schwalbennest – Flaschen ski run

The Schwalbennest – Flaschen run is probably the most beautiful one in the area out of the 50 km of slopes on the Torrent. It starts at the highest point of the Torrent massif, from where you can enjoy a magnificent panorama before you enjoy the endless descent of 9.7 km, with an altitude difference of over 1000 vertical meters.

3. Take a sledge down the “Gemmiwind”

The "Wind of Gemmi" is at 2,350 meters above sea level, in the heart of beautiful scenery. This amazing toboggan run of about 1.5 km will take you down to the Daubensee, from where you can take the cable car back to the start.

4. Try snow kiting on the Daubensee

If you are fond of extreme sports, you'll love this. It is the equivalent of kite surfing in winter. To do this, you just need a pair of skis and kiting equipment. You can start your training on the frozen Daubensee, which offers great conditions.

5. Go snowshoeing and observe the chamois

There are over 18 km of snowshoe trails, divided into 4 separate tracks, in and around the Gemmi and Albinden regions. Don’t forget to take your binoculars to watch the chamois!

6. Enjoy a delicious raclette in a mountain restaurant and go sledding by moonlight

The charming restaurant ‘Weidstübli’ that is entirely decorated in larch wood and located on the Torrent-Leukerbad downhill slope, welcomes you every Wednesday for a typical Valais evening. Enjoy a delicious raclette while listening to folk music, and take the sledge back - by moonlight!

7. Make the most of cross-country skiing at the top of the Gemmi Pass

A haven for cross-country skiers, the Gemmi area located at over 2,000 meters altitude, invites you to practice your favourite winter sport on a network of tracks of over 18 km. Two tracks, groomed daily, await you on the frozen Daubensee.

8. Admire majestic Alpine peaks on a scenic hike

The gentle ‘Rinderhütte’ hike will dazzle your eyes with panoramic views beyond majestic, snowy peaks over the Rhone valley. The route will take you to the middle station of the cable car, where you can enjoy a glass of white Valais wine while taking a bath in the sun.

9. Get pampered with a typical Valais treatment

There’s nothing like a spa treatment applied by expert hands to escape for a moment and to let go ... Discover the benefits of Valais Vinotherapy, a technique that uses products from grape seeds, which will help to renew your skin and to regain your energy.

NB The SPA and wellness area of the Hotel Le Bristol offers a range of local treatments with white fir, marjoram and grape seeds.

10. Watch the snow dance from the warmth of the thermal waters

Indulge in a moment of incomparable relaxation in the warm thermal waters of Leukerbad. Watch the magic spectacle of snowflakes swirling around the Alpine peaks that surround the resort. It is these same flakes, which, after a journey of over 40 years through the mountains, return to the surface, laden with precious minerals, to provide you with an unforgettable experience and a sense of complete well being.

NB So that you can enjoy some very special moments, the Hotel Le Bristol offers the largest and most modern, private thermal baths and wellness centre in the resort.

Just like its sources, Leukerbad offers an almost inexhaustible choice of activities. It is undoubtedly the combination of "sport & relaxation", which is the resort’s main asset. What better way to recover in winter after a day’s exercise, than to dive into the thermal waters to warm up and relax? So, why don’t you?

(MG)