The cross-country ski trail begins at the Loipe-Höttli (little trail hut), just a few steps from the Gonten railway station. The word "Gonte" means puddle in Innerrhoden dialect and refers to the location of the small Innerrhoden community in the almost flat valley basin with an extensive moorland. The Loipe-Höttli is the centre of Innerrhoden's cross-country skiing and has a long tradition. It was opened in 1969 as the first ski touring centre in the region.

At first, the trail is flat and passes through the meadows of the Gontner Hochtal. Affording views of the Kronberg and the imposing Säntis chain, the track leads towards the Hüttenberg forest. After a wide left turn, you enter the snow-covered Gontenmoos moorland with its scattered "Toobeschopfe". This protected area includes an upland moor and several fens of national importance. Due to the lack of wood at the time, peat was extracted on a large scale. The small wooden huts, called "Toobeschopfe" in Innerrhoden dialect, used to serve as drying and storage places. Today, the pretty "Schopfe" characterise the unique moorland landscape. The trail passes the Gonten golf course in a wide S-shaped bend. At Paradies, you reach the halfway point, with the trail turning around just before the forest's edge. You slowly leave the houses of Gontenbad behind you and follow the route past beautiful Appenzell farmhouses back to Gonten.