The Alpine Walk

Encompassed by mountain peaks glistening in the sun, snowshoe walk across the Bernese Alps.

• Start this unique two day journey with a leisurely journey up the Rhône to the spectacular Dala Valley and on to the village of Leukerbad.
• Catch the Gemmi cable car up to the Gemmipass and enjoy some of the local cuisine overlooking the Dala valley from 2350 meters.
• Prepare yourself with a pair of snowshoes and take off into the gleaming winter landscape.
• Walk the historic, bronze-aged Gemmipass (11km).
• Stop half way and savour the Valasian specialties at the secluded Berghotel Schwarenbach 2061 m above sea level.
• Continue onto Sunnbüel and down into the town of Kandersteg.
• Enjoy a hearty dinner at one of the local restaurants.
• If you're not ready to turn in for the night, settle in at the bar for a while or get to know the locals at the kegelbahn.
• Stay overnight in Kandersteg and enjoy the original country character of this old town.
• Wake up refreshed and ready to test your skills.
• Explore the village or polish up on your ice-skating skills on the natural ice-skating rink - grab a hockey stick if you dare!
• Try your hand at the age old and unique sport of curling.
• While away the day before heading back via train through the mountains to your resort.

YOUR DAYS
When the slopes sparkle white and the mountain peaks glisten in the sun, then it's time to embark on a new adventure! An unforgettable journey across the Bernese Alps, you'll prepare yourself with snowshoes (just in case) and walk through the gleaming winter landscape, savouring the pure mountain air, from the Gemmipass 2350 m (at the top of Leukerbad) across to Sunnbüel 1936 m (at the top of Kandersteg).

The Gemmi, is a very old pass which is said to have been used as early as the Bronze Age and is nowadays a popular pass route. It's a very pleasant, easy hike, providing impressive panoramas of the Valais Alps and an unique view from the top of the Gemmi Pass. Along the way we'll stop at Berghotel Schwarenbach, located at 2061 m (originally built in 1742 as a customs house). In the seclusion of the High Alps, the Stoller family (second-generation inn keepers) offer us a relaxing refuge and a hearty meal within the walls of one of the oldest mountain inns in Switzerland. Having recharged the batteries we'll continue onto Sunnbüel and down to Kandersteg, a gem of an alpine village, with traditional wooden chalets and breath taking, unspoilt scenery.

At the end of a fulfilling day you'll spend the night in Kandersteg; at 1200 m it truly is a winter wonderland. After a well earned rest, you'll spend the following day testing your balance on the ice. Fitted out with a pair of ice skates, you'll test your balance on either an indoor or natural outdoor ice-skating rink. For added interest, grab an ice hockey stick and take aim at the puck! Whilst we're in this icy environment we'll also try our hand at the ancient, yet unique sport of curling. Originating in the 17th century, curling is the sport where players slide heavy polished granite stones along the ice towards their target, a fun, light-hearted way to spend the afternoon before you make the journey home via train.

ACCOMMODATION CHOICES
Swiss Trip recommends two choices of accommodation in Kandersteg. Both are positioned centrally in the village and offer good comfortable rooms with breakfast.

HOTEL zur POST
	Offers the true character of Kandersteg and is a favorite of Swiss Trip. It is located centrally in Kandersteg and offers 20 rooms plus a small chalet out the back that sleeps 6. The rooms are warm, very clean with a shower, toilet and bathroom. Some rooms have balconies. The hotel is known for its cuisine, kegelbahn and the great people that run it. Facilities include:
HOTEL-CHALET ADLER
	A great comfortable family run hotel. The Hotel-Chalet Adler offers 32 rooms in the traditional wooden style of the Alps. Each room has a shower, toilet, bathroom, telephone, radio, minibar, TV and balcony with a great view over the town. The hotel also features a nice pool, sauna, restaurant and bar. Facilities include:

HOW TO ARRANGE THIS DAY TRIP
Swiss Trip recommends contacting us before taking on this trip. Although the walk is safe and does not require a guide, it's worth speaking to people who know what condition the path is in and what the weather is going to be like before you go.

This is one of Swiss Trips favorite trips and in most cases we'd be happy to join you and show you around if you'd like that.