Rothwald: Slopes, Larch Forest and Mountain Trails

Rothwald is associated with Ried-Brig in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. Two themes are central to planning a holiday: the Rothwald Wasenalp ski area on the Simplon and hikes through larch forests, to Wasmerseeli or with panoramic views. If you are looking for a hotel in Rothwald, it helps to first organise your travel dates and planned activities. In winter, the focus is on groomed slopes and freeride opportunities; hiking routes vary in their route and time requirements, from circular trails and snowshoe trails to the hike from Bortelhütte to Simplon Pass.

Skiing in Rothwald/Wasenalp

The small Rothwald/Wasenalp ski area has 25 km of slopes and two ski lifts; details about slopes and lifts may vary by season. In addition to groomed slopes, there are numerous freeride opportunities; their availability depends on snow and safety conditions. The elevation ranges from 1,750 m in the valley to 2,270 m at higher elevations. The ski area is in the Brig/Aletsch region in the canton of Valais. When planning, slopes and freeriding differ not only in what they offer, but also in the conditions: snow and safety are decisive for freeriding.

Hiking Trails and Landscape

The Rothwald Panorama Trail snowshoe route passes through wooded terrain and offers panoramic views over the Ganter Valley when the weather is suitable. It is accessible only when the Seepiste is open. The Wasenalp–Hohliecht snowshoe trail offers a different landscape: it climbs into an old larch forest, where some of the larches along the trail are up to 600 years old. These snowshoe trails therefore offer a choice between views over the Ganter Valley and ancient trees.

The hut hike from Bortelhütte to Simplon Pass is 11.35 km long, moderately difficult and takes about 3 hours and 55 minutes; trail conditions depend on the weather. The route passes through impressive larch forests near Rothwald/Wasenalp. Bortel Hut is also a stage stop on the high-altitude trail from Rosswald to Rothwald. The Rothwald–Wasmerseeli circular hike offers a different highlight: it includes a short detour to the mountain lake Wasmerseeli. In summer, the lake offers tired hiking feet a chance to cool off and refresh.

The routes vary in their time requirements and landscapes: the hut hike has a specified distance, difficulty level and approximate duration, while the circular hike combines the trail with a short detour to the lake. The Panorama Trail and Wasenalp–Hohliecht, in turn, pass through different forest landscapes and each offer their own views or connections with nature.

Visitors can grill at the fire pit on the circular hike; check its condition on site before using it. Rothwald is accessible from Brig by PostBus. Plan your journey according to the timetable for your travel date. Free parking is available in Ganterwald and Rothwald; as parking rules may change, check them before setting off. When planning your trip, it is worth considering each route and its conditions individually.

Discover more destinations: Brig, Belalp, Zwischbergen, Birgisch, Naters, Rosswald, Termen, Mund

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