Vergalda loop
Groomed loop at the upper end of Gargellen: 3.3 km via the hamlet of Vergalda to the little chapel and back along the edge of the piste – 167 m of ascent, a good hour.
Vergalda is the last hamlet at the upper end of Gargellen, where the Vergalda valley branches off towards the Swiss border. The Vergalda loop leads from the cable car valley station (1,422 m) along a groomed path to the houses of Vergalda, up between them to the little chapel at the highest point at 1,589 m, a short stretch along the road and then back along the edge of the ski piste to the starting point. 3.3 km, 167 m of ascent, about an hour and a quarter – classified by the state of Vorarlberg as an easy winter trail, although the climb to the chapel is short but noticeable.
According to state data, three quarters of the route is groomed; along the piste edge you share the way with skiers, so stay alert. The view stretches across the whole village to the Madrisa (2,770 m) and the Rätikon ridges; at 1,423 m Gargellen is the highest village in the Montafon, and for centuries the valley was a smugglers' route into the Prättigau. Refreshments in Gargellen and at the valley station. From our house: bus 670 to the Schafbergbahn stop (about 20 minutes) or 12 minutes by car, free parking at the valley station and at the upper end of the village in Vergalda.
🧭 Route description
The plotted track follows the marked trails according to OpenStreetMap; see the map, elevation profile and GPX file above. Please follow the signposting on site.
💡 Tips & refreshments
Keep children and dogs (on a lead) close on the piste edge. The climb to the chapel is often frozen hard – spikes. The valley floor falls into shade early in the afternoon, so midday is the better time.
🚌 Getting there by public transport
Landbus 670 Schruns–St. Gallenkirch–Gargellen (hourly), stop Gargellen Schafberg cable car; approx. 20 min from St. Gallenkirch.
🅿️ Parking
Free parking at the Schafberg cable car in Gargellen and at the end of the village (Vergalden).
Emergency: Alpine rescue 140 · Euro emergency 112 · Ambulance 144
All information without guarantee. Please check weather, opening hours and cable car operating times before setting off. Alpine tours require personal responsibility, suitable equipment and experience.
Last updated: 13 Sep 2026 · Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)