Guided Snowshoe Hike & Navigation Course by the Mythen – Map Reading, Route Planning & Compass Bearing

With today’s technology, it has become so easy to spend time in the mountains without any navigation skills. All the apps and modern tools that now exist are amazing and it would be a shame not to use them, however, it’s also really important to be able to be in the mountains without them.

During this snowshoe hike by the famous and stunning Mythen, the focus will be on learning or getting a refresher about how to use basic navigation tools: map, compass, features around us…

This trip is led by Celine Kahn, mountain leader.

What’s the plan?

We will meet at 09.00 at Brunni SZ, Rest. Brunni bus stop. The focus of the day will be to improve your navigation skills. For that, the day will be split into stages, alternating walking times and various activities.

Stage 1: Introduction of the navigation tools

Learn to read the map with its main features and legend, plan our itinerary, understand the compass.

Stage 2: Where am I?

Locate yourself on the map using features around you.

Stage 3: What is around me?

Knowing where you are on the map, identify the summits and other features around you using your map and compass. Learn to read your surrounding landscape.

Stage 4: Find your way without visibility

Using our compass and azimuth bearings, we will play some games to practice having to move on a terrain without any visibility (snow, fog…).

Technical information

• WT2 hike
• 12km
• 630m ascent / 630m descent

Requirements

No previous snowshoeing experience needed.

Insurance

It is the participant’s responsibility to get health and accident insurances that cover mountain rescue, including extreme sports. Becoming a Rega patron is highly recommended (CHF 40 per year only for emergency medical assistance from the air).

How to get there

If you are traveling by public transport, we recommend you take the following:

• Zürich HB 07:43 – 08:52 Brunni SZ, Rest. Brunni (via Wädenswil & Einsiedeln)
• Brunni SZ, Rest. Brunni 17:31 – 18:48 Zürich HB (via Einsiedeln & Wädenswil) – depending on the time the event finishes

If you are traveling by car, you can park in front of the restaurant.

Kit list

Must have

• Winter hiking boots
• Snowshoes and poles: can be rented out – see “Equipment rental”
• Pen, pencil and/or highlighter
• Small backpack with waterproof cover
• Fleece
• Down jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Hiking or skiing trousers
• Warm hat
• Thin gloves
• Thick gloves
• Sunglasses
• Head lamp
• Water
• Packed lunch

Nice to have

• Compass if you have your own
• Thermal bottle with tea
• Snacks

Equipment rental

You have the possibility to rent snowshoes and poles for an additional CHF 15.

You will receive an email with a form to fill in a few days before the event, where you can inform us about which items you’d like to rent. These can be paid by cash or Twint on the event day.

Pricing

The price for this event is CHF 100.

Included in price

• Day snowshoe hike with a mountain leader
• Navigation course
• Hot drink and croissant at arrival
• Printed topographical maps of the area + compass

Not included in price

• Transport
• Packed lunch
• Snowshoes and poles

Group size

Min. 4 / Max. 8 participants

By signing up for this event, you agree that you have read, understood and will adhere to our Terms and Conditions.