Säntis / Schwägalp ski resort
Säntis / Schwägalp is a ski resort in the canton of Appenzell Outer Rhodes, in the municipality of Hundwil. The village sits at 1350 m and the ski area (Säntis) tops out at 2502 m (Säntis), a vertical drop of 1152 m. The forecast at the top of the page is computed for the village altitude; the “Summit weather” section gives temperature, snow, wind and freezing level at 2502 m.
Snow and season in Säntis / Schwägalp
Above 1000 m expect reliable winter snow and cool nights even in summer; ideal for skiing and hiking.
To judge conditions, compare the snow line (≈ 300 m below the freezing level) with the village (1350 m) and the slopes (2502 m); above 50–60 km/h of summit wind, exposed lifts may close; a warm front lifts the freezing level within hours, a cold front brings snow down to the valley.
Climate of Säntis / Schwägalp: 1991–2020 normals
In Säntis / Schwägalp (1350 m), the mean annual temperature is 5.6 °C. The warmest month is August (13.3 °C on average) and the coldest February (−1.2 °C). About 2015 mm of precipitation falls per year, peaking in December (206 mm) with a minimum in April (126 mm). The mean monthly maximum reaches 23.1 °C and the absolute minimum −11.9 °C.
Mean monthly precipitation (mm) — bar height relative to the wettest month.
| Month | Mean T | Abs. max | Abs. min | Precip. (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | −0.5 °C | 9.2 °C | −11.3 °C | 189 |
| Feb | −1.2 °C | 9.8 °C | −11.9 °C | 155 |
| Mar | 0.7 °C | 10.5 °C | −10.0 °C | 180 |
| Apr | 3.4 °C | 12.7 °C | −6.5 °C | 126 |
| May | 7.4 °C | 17.1 °C | −1.6 °C | 161 |
| Jun | 10.9 °C | 21.7 °C | 2.1 °C | 174 |
| Jul | 12.9 °C | 23.1 °C | 4.7 °C | 199 |
| Aug | 13.3 °C | 23.0 °C | 4.3 °C | 191 |
| Sep | 10.0 °C | 19.6 °C | 1.0 °C | 153 |
| Oct | 7.4 °C | 17.1 °C | −3.1 °C | 138 |
| Nov | 3.0 °C | 13.5 °C | −7.5 °C | 145 |
| Dec | 0.3 °C | 9.9 °C | −10.3 °C | 206 |
| Year | 5.6 °C | 23.1 °C | −11.9 °C | 2015 |
Source: MeteoSwiss open data (1991–2020 normals) — stations Säntis (2 km, 2501 m), Ebnat-Kappel (16 km, 623 m), St. Gallen (20 km, 776 m), adjusted to the elevation of Säntis / Schwägalp (1350 m) using a 0.55 °C/100 m lapse rate. Indicative, rounded values.
Nearby ski resorts
- Weather Unterwasser (6 km · 910–2262 m)
- Weather Wildhaus (6 km · 1090–2076 m)
- Weather Ebenalp / Kronberg (6 km · 870–1640 m)
- Weather Amden (16 km · 910–1700 m)
- Weather Kerenzerberg (22 km · 700–1500 m)
- Weather Flumserberg (25 km · 1220–2222 m)
⛷️ Ski resorts Canton Appenzell Outer Rhodes
Nearby municipalities
- Weather Nesslau
- Weather Wildhaus-Alt St. Johann
- Weather Schwende-Rüte
- Weather Urnäsch
- Weather Schönengrund
- Weather Appenzell
- Weather Gams
- Weather Gonten
Frequently asked questions about the weather in Säntis / Schwägalp
How high is Säntis / Schwägalp?
The village of Säntis / Schwägalp is at 1350 m and the ski area rises to 2502 m (Säntis), a vertical drop of 1152 m.
What is the temperature difference between the village and the summit in Säntis / Schwägalp?
Expect about 7 °C less at the summit (2502 m) than in the village (1350 m), using the mean lapse rate of 0.6 °C per 100 m. The “Summit weather” section shows the forecast computed at 2502 m.
When does it snow in Säntis / Schwägalp?
In the village (1350 m) the mean temperature stays below 2 °C from December to March (1991–2020 normals), when precipitation mostly falls as snow. Higher up, snow can fall in any season.
Where can I see the weather on the slopes of Säntis / Schwägalp?
The “Summit weather” section on this page gives, for Säntis (2502 m), min/max temperature, 7-day snowfall, wind and gusts, plus the freezing level and the estimated snow line.
What is the warmest month in Säntis / Schwägalp?
The warmest month in Säntis / Schwägalp is August, averaging 13.3 °C (1991–2020 normal). The coldest is February at −1.2 °C.
How much does it rain in Säntis / Schwägalp per year?
Säntis / Schwägalp receives about 2015 mm of precipitation a year. The wettest month is December (206 mm), the driest April (126 mm).
When is the best time to visit Säntis / Schwägalp?
For warmth and sunshine: August (13.3 °C on average, — h of sun). The coldest month is February (−1.2 °C). Check the 15-day forecast above for your dates.