Canton Zug, 22.12.2021

Five winter excursion destinations between snow and ice

We have selected some excursion destinations for all those who want to explore Zug in the winter.

Slowing down: that's what the holidays around Christmas should be about. But if you do want to go on a trip with friends and family during this time, you don't have to travel far in Canton Zug. The canton offers various opportunities to pass the time in the winter, and to create some nice memories. So that you won’t be short of ideas, we’ve summarised some options for inspiration.

  1. Grilling in the forest

There is nothing more magical than a walk through the wintry forest. The snowy trees, the artistically shaped icicles that hang over many a rock face, and the many animal traces that can be seen allow nature lovers to immerse themselves in a world of their own.

But here’s a trick to make the winter walk into a special experience: wrap yourself up in thick coats and winter boots, look for an outdoor fireplace and do some grilling in the middle of the snow. You can grill everything that works in the summer: sausages, vegetables or even ‘snake bread’ (dampers). This is great fun for young and old. But don't forget: the wood you’ll find in the forest is wet and doesn’t burn well in damp weather. It‘s best to take some wood with you in your backpack.

But where can you go to enjoy a winter barbecue? Popular fireplaces can be found everywhere along the Lorze. For example, in the Lorzentobel near the Höllgrotten in Baar or further up towards Neuägeri. There are also numerous fireplaces on the Zugerberg that invite you to comfortably linger. If you want to enjoy the charm of Lake Zug in addition to the already enchanting winter ambience, you’ll find what you’re looking for on the Chiemen peninsula. You can travel there  from Immensee or from Risch. If you come from Immensee, you will find a cosy fireplace – which is even equipped with benches – shortly after turning onto the lakeside path by the forest. And for all those of you who want to escape the stress  and are looking for a little contemplation, here’s an insider tip: walk a little further to the outer tip of the Chiemen. Your stress is guaranteed to subside there.

  1. Adventures on the Zug ski slopes

Not everyone is looking for limitless relaxation, some adrenaline junkies need the kick. In winter, of course, there is nothing more exhilarating than a descent down a ski slope. There are a number of these in the canton of Zug: for example, on the Raten in Oberägeri, at the Nollen in Unterägeri, in Menzingen or on the Zugerberg. The slopes themselves are probably less demanding than those in other regions of Central Switzerland. But this option is a suitable entry level, especially for families with children. But not only for children, of course: even those who have never been on skis before can make a good start here. In addition, the ski resorts offer the opportunity for skiers to try out a snowboard, or vice versa.

And don’t forget the après-ski experience. If you need a hot chocolate or Ovomaltine after a strenuous day on the slopes, you’ll find refreshment stops right next to the ski lifts. The Nollenstübli In Unterägeri, for example, is popular, as is the Restaurant Raten in Oberägeri.

Beautiful weather and snow are an enchanting mix.                   Photo: Maria Schmid,  Oberägeri
A snow walk can be combined with a winter barbecue.             Photo: Maria Schmid, Oberägeri
Many people have learned to ski at the Nollen ski lift.               Photo: Matthias Jurt,  Unterägeri
The flat trail in the Schurtannen area is also suitable for beginners: Here, the International School have moved their PE classes outside.                                                                                          Photo: Stefan Kaiser, Zug
Tobogganing is a pleasure in the canton of Zug.                        Photo: Maria Schmid,  Oberägeri
Ägeri on Ice is a highlight For children                                          Photo: Stefan Kaiser,  Unterägeri
Last days of the outdoor ice rink by the Herti stadium.             Photo: Christof Borner-Keller,  Zug

  1. Snow sports for endurance freaks

Cross-country skiing has been regarded as a trend sport par excellence for several years. Mega-events such as the Engadin Ski Marathon have contributed significantly to the popularity of winter sports, and it also has the reputation of being health-promoting, as many different muscle groups are used. Several cross-country trails are in operation in the Zug mountain communities. In addition to the ski slope, cross-country trails are also operated on the Zugerberg. The routes also lead past restaurants such as the Hintergeissboden. The night trail is also recommended, and there is something fulfilling about doing a few laps on the small course on a starry night. There are also opportunities for cross-country skiers in Unterägeri and Menzingen.

You can choose between two trails in Unterägeri: the 3.6 km long Seeloipe (Lake run) and the 8 km long Rämselloipe. The latter is not only more challenging because of the larger route, but also because there are more inclines and descents to overcome. But, rest assured: those who dare to do the trail will find themselves immersed in a winter wonderland on sunny winter days. The Menzinger trail in the Schurtannen plain is a good 5 kilometres long and quite flat; so even beginners can try their first steps on the slippery narrow skis without feeling overwhelmed.

  1. Tobogganing in slow motion or at full throttle

Most people will probably remember a story from their childhood in which a sled was involved. A well-known wisdom: if you get into deep snow with a sledge, you’ll only move around as if in slow motion. But these toboggans can be at full throttle when on frozen ground.

Quite a few people from Zug would probably mention the Zugerberg as a place to go tobogganing. But the tobogganing operation from the mountain station to the valley station will not be available this season, as the city of Zug announced in autumn, because the mountain railways tracks are being rebuilt. But if there’s enough snow, you can make use of the hill behind the Restaurant Vordergeissboden.

In general, a hill and enough snow is all you need for tobogganing, and everyone knows one or the other secret place within their own community. But beware: If you want to jet down a meadow with your sledge, you should first check with the landowner that this is allowed. Caution is just as important if a snowy forest path is used, as you could meet pedestrians and vehicles.

  1. Sliding about on the ice rink

Whether you say "Schlifschüele" or "Schliitschüenle", sliding about on the ice is fun one way or another. The fact that Lake Zug has long since ceased to freeze does not detract from the joy, as there are several ice fields in the canton of Zug during the winter. For example, there is the Ägeri on Ice in the Buechwäldli wood in Unterägerer. In addition to an ice rink, there is also the opportunity to eat, for example in the fondue chalet. Ägeri on Ice is in operation until 9 January. There’s a similar installation In the city of Zug, with Zug on Ice. Snacks are served in the small hut there, and mulled wine is served. The ice rink is reeserved for school classes in the morning.

The Bossard Arena should not be forgotten in the list of ice fields, of course. Some nostalgic people may say that the outdoor ice field doesn’t have the same charm as that of the old Herti Stadium, which used to be surrounded by trees.

When it snowed, the ice surface was also covered by a fine film of snow. The wardrobe was cramped, and had its very own smell, and the small kiosk with the long, edible jelly snakes ensured that the young – and the young at heart –had laughing eyes and full stomachs. But enough of reminiscence and back to the present:, the romantic factor may be missing In the new stadium, but if you are interested in the sporting aspect, you will also find enjoyment on the new ice surface. The new area probably also offers more comfort!