good question, I think 3 or 4 days is a nice length. One of the trips I've enjoyed the most is the Rhätikon Höhenweg in the Grisons canton. Reachable via the train through Zurich, it's a few days out finishing in Lichtenstein and then the train back. Obviously there's some nice tours around the Valais area like the Muverans or Dents du Midi. What sort of time of year are you looking for?

Problem with Switzerland is that unless you go above 3000 metres there seem to be trails everywhere.  I do go off trail when I can but even then it is a case of crossing some little used pass and then rejoining a an existing trail.

Best would be to go to Scandinavia or Scotalnd (cheap easyjet to Edinborough)

Staying in huts and going off trail is almost impossible and what is more annoying there are sign posts everywhere so no need to consult map or compass unless (oh joy) a mist comes down and you lose the trail or you go in winter.

Are you wanting to hike in winter.  Some huts are open and some have winter rooms available. with heating and blankets.

If summer try the walkers haute route Verbier to Zermatt ( touristy but a good hike).   Mauvoisin, cabane de Chanrion, cabane des Vignettes, Cabane de Berthol, Zermatt is less touristy but includes easy glaciers (ropes and crampons required.  Tour du Combin.  There are lots of possibilities but best best is to chose your region, get a best walks of the area book and then the Club alpin Suisse guide for the region and a map showing the footpaths and you can with a lot of planning come up with interesting variants.  Advanatges of the CAS guides are that they give info as to whether cols are passable or not but in the case of glacier cols you need to check the latest info as with the retreating of the glaciers some easy cols are now desperate.

You can also chose an area and just set off in a certain direction, but you need to book the huts to be sure of accomodation

hello

the thing in Switzerland is that normally you go touring at this season with skitouring and it's better to have a guide with you if you are not a good knower of the glaciers...even if they are melting, is'it not quite ready yet : O )

A beautifull trip to do is what we call La Haute Route is crossing from Zermatt to Chamonix. But no idea if it's possible to do with snowshoes. How did you planed to do this and at which season?

The tour des Muverans is a classic one, very nice and with some " people " around (few ones) if you have any problem. the cells phones are not covering all places and.... yes you know. ; o /  

VAlérie

Yes , useful to know if you intend to go in winter but Cham Zermatt ought to be possible in snowshoes but you have to be fully aware of the avlalnche danger, read the signs and be equipped.

Fenetre d'arpette possible but avalanche danger all the way from la Tour

Verbier Arolla possible if you cross thze col des Chaux rather than follow the senter des Chamois. I assume the pas de Chèvres ladders can be climbed in wionter but rope advisable, alternative col de Riedmatten very steep on western side rope and crampons probably needed. Arolla Zermatt do-able on snow shoes but descent to Zermatt very crevassed. 

Jura traverses also possible but difficult to find huts open.  Gives a good feeling of wilderness also possible on cross country skis

Should have clarified... meant the summer, although I will definately do a bunch of snow shoeing in the winter.  And, no need for off trail, getting a kick out of turning a remote corner and being able to order a beer... I grew up hiking the rockies and Sierra Nevada in the states... can't do that.  Just looking for a collection of 3 and 4 day weekenders.

sounds fantastic.  Thinking summer and fall, mostly.

definately thinking summer, but snowshoe day trips have been fun!

I have read good comments on Le Tour du Ruan that would fit your 4 day weekender plans.

So in summer everthing is so easier.. : o ))

I 'll add that the huts in Italy have very great food and it's a pleasure after struggling against nature to find a Mum (even with a huge barth) cooking for you.

I'll let you know, when the snow has melt if I have any precise selection.

It's always a pleasure to see the "Cervin" around Zermatt.

I did once a two days walk from la vallee du rhone to Zermatt, wild, approching the Cervin through the Matterhorntall...after just continue till Italy.

With pleasure.