Pizol Panorama High Trail
Next exit: Pizolbahnen
The ski area is located in the heart of Sarganserland. And yet you often drive past it. Too often.
The Pizol is an underrated surprise package and, in addition to 50 kilometers of pistes, also offers winter hiking trails, snowshoe trails, toboggan runs and a colourful range of winter highlights. We tested the Panorama High Trail for you.
Mission (im)possible
The conditions for our family outing are anything but easy. It can't be too strenuous for grandma and grandpa. We parents want a break from everyday life and would like to be cooked for. For our teenager Nils, everything is boring anyway. Unless you can make a few cool TikToks. And then there's
4-year-old Finn, who prefers to do very little walking but has lots of fun. Is that even possible?
The hike in a nutshell
Type of tour:
Round trip
Stage destination:
Pizolhütte or Laufbodenstübli
Highlights:
High alpine scenery at 2,222 m.a.s.l. & far-reaching views as far as Lake Constance
Flying high
We take the cable car and chairlift from 600 m above sea level (valley station in Wangs) up to exactly 2,222 m above sea level and get off at the Pizolhütte. This trip alone was a highlight. The alpine scenery up here leaves us all speechless for a moment. The Pizol Panorama High Trail is categorized as "easy" and therefore perfect for our excursion. At 3.7 kilometers long and with only 30 meters of elevation gain, it was exactly what we were looking for.
Unbelievable but true
Everyone was happy. The flat route and the numerous benches along the way won over grandma and grandpa. If you want to hike even less, you can simply take a break at Lake Wangser See and meet up again there on the way back. Nils couldn't believe that the "uncool family outing" still had TikTok potential. And the highlight for little Finn was when he was allowed to whizz around on the sledge.
High enjoyment at 2,222 m.a.s.l.
It was clear to us from the start of the tour that we wanted to sit down on the sun terrace of the Pizolhütte after completing the hike. That was additional motivation. For once, for everyone equally.
The imposing mountain peaks seemed close enough to touch and we were spoiled by the sun and the delicious food. It was the perfect way to end the day, before we were then whisked back down into the valley. Everyone without exception.
Our tips
In principle, this tour is feasible throughout the winter. There is a lot of sunshine at this altitude. However, we do not recommend this tour in very cold temperatures due to the altitude and exposure.
In good weather, you can do the tour at any time of day . However, please note the operating times of the mountain railroads to ensure a timely return journey.
As with all winter activities, the onion principle also applies here. Several thin layers ensure a perfect body climate during exercise or breaks. Sunglasses and sun cream, gloves and headgear are essential anyway. A small rucksack with tea or snacks is ideal for stopping at the various rest points or stowing away items of clothing.
Thanks to its central location in Sarganserland, the Pizol is easy to reach. Both valley stations (Bad Ragaz and Wangs) have sufficient (paid) parking spaces. If you are traveling by public transport, the train station in Sargans (or Bad Ragaz) is the first choice.
We started the tour from Wangs. From there, you can take the cable car and chairlift up to the Pizolhütte. If you prefer, you can also start the tour from Bad Ragaz and travel to the valley station of the Pizol cable cars. From here, you can also take the cable cars and chairlifts up. The hike then starts at Laufbodenstübli.
The tour can be classified as easy. The total distance is only 3.7 kilometers and 30 meters in altitude and is therefore ideal for families or mixed groups with different levels of difficulty who simply want to experience a great day together. There are plenty of benches along the route where you can take a short break.
The tour is great for photographers. There are countless photo opportunities along the route. We found the view directly from the Pizolhütte, up towards the Pizol summit, to be the most impressive.
No, unfortunately not. You can find our accommodation tips a little further down.
The winter sports report on the Pizol is updated daily. There you will always find the latest information on trail conditions and operating times.
The hike can be started from Wangs or Bad Ragaz. The hike is designed as a circular tour so that you can return to the starting point.
The Panorama High Trail is suitable for dogs. Please note that you are partly in the ski area. To ensure a harmonious coexistence between winter sports enthusiasts and dog owners, we ask for mindfulness and mutual respect. Therefore, make sure you keep your dog on a lead when crossing slopes or at blind spots. This hike is ideal for environmentally safe dogs, as the ascent must be made by cable car. On nice weekends, it is therefore very busy. As soon as you leave the ski slope and join the winter hiking trail, it gradually becomes quieter.
Please dispose of dog waste in the designated areas.
Looking for more winter hikes?
In the Heidiland vacation region you will find over 25 groomed winter hiking trails.
You can find all tours including GPX data, photos, descriptions, etc. in our tour portal.
