Sunset Snowshoe Tour High Above Montreux

The Sunset Snowshoe Tour starts on Rochers-de-Naye, the mountain that rises behind Montreux like a stage backdrop, a rocky summit at about 2,040 metres that gives a wide view of Lake Geneva, the Savoy Alps on the French shore and the Valais peaks in the distance. A cog railway climbs from Montreux to the top in about an hour, and the ride itself is part of the experience, starting at the lake shore and rising through villages, vineyards, meadows and forest to the bare rock of the summit. In winter, the line carries skiers and walkers, and in the late afternoon it becomes the starting point for guided snowshoe tours that finish with a descent in the dark.

A sunset snowshoe tour follows a simple pattern. Participants take the train up in the afternoon, put on snowshoes at the summit and follow a guide across the snow-covered slopes and meadows of the summit area at an easy pace. Snowshoes spread the weight of the walker over a larger surface, so that you can walk on deep snow without sinking, and they are easy to use on gentle terrain, which means that no experience is needed. The guides, who are professional mountain leaders, explain how to walk, point out the landscape and take care of safety on the snow. As the sun sinks toward the horizon, the snow and the peaks turn from white to pink and orange, and the lake far below begins to glow in the evening light, an effect that many people consider the highlight of a winter visit to the Montreux Riviera’s winter scene.

After sunset, the group usually returns by torchlight or headlamp, which adds a sense of adventure to the descent. The return journey on the cog railway completes the evening, and the last train takes participants down to Montreux, where the lights of the town and the lake are a pleasant sight. The tour takes a few hours in all, and the exact timing depends on the season, since sunset comes early in midwinter and later in spring. Participants usually need to bring or hire snowshoes and poles, and the details of what is provided vary by operator.

It is important to dress well. Temperatures at 2,000 metres in winter can be well below freezing, and the wind can be sharp, so wear warm layers, waterproof outer clothing, gloves, a hat and sturdy boots, and bring sunglasses and a small rucksack with a hot drink. The tour is cancelled in poor weather or avalanche risk, so check the operator’s policy and book ahead. At the summit there is a marmot park in summer and a restaurant, though facilities in winter are limited.

The Sunset Snowshoe Tour suits couples, small groups and anyone who wants a gentle winter adventure with a spectacular view. It is a good way to see the Swiss Alps from above Montreux without the effort of a long hike.