Powdered Sugar Forest in the Mythen Region

Powdered Sugar Forest is a tour with a theme instead of a fixed route. The Mythen region has so many beautiful winter forests that it would be a shame to commit to just one in advance. A few days before the tour, I check the snow, the weather and the avalanche bulletin and choose the route that’s looking its best. That might be around the Ibergeregg, above Oberiberg or in the Alpthal valley. You’ll receive the route, meeting point and time by email three to five days beforehand.

We meet at the starting point, which is always reachable by bus from Einsiedeln or Schwyz. Anyone trying snowshoes for the first time gets a short introduction. Ten minutes in, it’ll feel completely normal.

Then we head into the winter forest. Fir trees almost disappearing under their snow caps, fox and hare tracks in the snow, and that special silence you only find in a forest in winter. Every now and then the trees give way to clearings and alpine pastures, and the Mythen appear between the branches. There’s plenty of time for breaks, chats and photo stops. I’ll take care of the photos, you just enjoy.

Depending on the route, we stop at an alpine inn along the way or have a picnic with tea from the thermos. By the afternoon we’re back, in good time for the bus and train home.

The Mythen region between Einsiedeln, Schwyz and the Ybrig is a little winter paradise right on Zurich’s doorstep. The two Mythen peaks rise from the landscape like rocky teeth, and below them lie wide moorlands, gentle alpine pastures and forests that look dusted with powdered sugar after a snowfall. The nature reserve around the Ibergeregg is one of the most beautiful moorland landscapes in Switzerland, and especially quiet in winter.

Einsiedeln and Schwyz are about an hour from Zurich by train. From there, buses run to Oberiberg, the Ibergeregg and the Alpthal valley. I’ll send you the exact connection to the starting point along with the route. If you’re coming by car, there’s parking at all starting points.

Depending on the route, we stop at an alpine inn or a mountain restaurant. Still, pack a small snack and something warm to drink, in case we decide on a picnic in the snow.

After booking, you’ll receive a detailed packing list. The essentials: warm clothing in layers, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, gloves, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a snack and a warm drink.

Bring your own snowshoes and poles, or rent them from me. An avalanche safety kit (transceiver, shovel, probe) is mandatory on this tour. You can rent that from me too, and I’ll show you how everything works before we set off.

Travel to and from the starting point

Food, drinks and refreshment stops

Rental equipment (optional add-on)

The tour goes ahead in almost any weather. Light snowfall is part of the experience and makes the forest even more beautiful. In stormy conditions or increased avalanche danger, I’ll choose an alternative route or we reschedule. If I cancel the tour, you’ll get your money back or can rebook free of charge. If the group variant doesn’t reach the minimum of four participants, I’ll let you know at least two days in advance.

Insurance is the responsibility of participants (accident, illness, liability). I recommend a Rega patronage membership and cancellation insurance.