Category: Bernese Oberland

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After discussions, Schilthorn remains a member of the Top4 ski pass

After discussions, Schilthorn remains a member of the Top4 ski pass. Photo Top 4 Kleine Scheidegg Ski Eiger, Mönch Jungfrau Winter.

After discussions, Schilthorn remains a member of the Top4 ski pass.

From HTR.ch 

In mid-May 2019 it was decided to continue the Top4 ski pass without the Mürren-Schilthorn ski area. After discussions with the Schilthornbahn, the partners have come back to their decision and in the winter sports season 2019/2020 will continue to accept the Top4 subscription in all subareas.

Buyers of the Top4 ski pass can now ski at no extra charge in the Mürren-Schilthorn area.

After discussions, Schilthorn remains a member of the Top4 ski pass.The Schilthorn Panorama Restaurant has a 360 views of the Alps. Photo: Schilthorn/Piz Gloria
After discussions, Schilthorn remains a member of the Top4 ski pass.The Schilthorn Panorama Restaurant has a 360 views of the Alps. Photo: Schilthorn/Piz Gloria

On the occasion of its collective bargaining conference, the association partners of the Jungfrau Ski Region decided in mid-May 2019 by a large majority to adjust the scope of the Top4 subscription and without starting the Mürren-Schilthorn area into the upcoming winter sports season. The network includes the Jungfrau Railways, the Grindelwald-Männlichen gondola lift, the Schilthorn cable car, the Wengen-Männlichen aerial cableway, the Bumps ski lift, the Wengiboden ski lifts and the Bodmi double ski lift. The decision to continue the Top4 ski pass without the Mürren-Schilthorn ski area has now been withdrawn.

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Over 1 Million Skier Visits for the Jungfrau Ski Region

Over 1 Million Skier Visits for the Jungfrau Ski RegionPhoto by Jungfrau Ski Region. Kleine Scheidegg Lauberhorn - Starthuesi .

Over 1 Million Skier Visits for the Jungfrau Ski Region

In the 2018/2019 winter sports season the Jungfrau Ski Region recorded 1.05 million ski visits and increased the number of visitors by 5.9 per cent compared to the 2017/2018 season.

After the challenging start to the 2018/2019 winter sports season, more ski visits were registered over public holidays as well as during the main holiday season in the Jungfrau Ski Region than during last year’s season. Not least, the long-lasting good weather and the excellent snow conditions in February contributed to the positive result. With 1,045,955 skier visits from the beginning of the season up to 28 April 2019, the entire Jungfrau Ski region recorded an increase of 5.9% on the winter sports season 2017/2018. However, visitor numbers are still lower than in the successful winter sports season of 2007/2008.

Over 1 Million Skier Visits for the Jungfrau Ski Region Grindelwald. First Winterski - Wetterhorn. - Photo by Jungrau Ski Region.
Over 1 Million Skier Visits for the Jungfrau Ski Region Grindelwald. First Winterski – Wetterhorn. – Photo by Jungrau Ski Region.

Biggest growth for Grindelwald and Wengen
The Jungfrau Ski Region consists of the sub-ski areas of Grindelwald-First, Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen and Mürren-Schilthorn. Overall, the areas of Grindelwald and Wengen recorded the largest increase in visitors. In the First area, 6.2 per cent more winter sports enthusiasts were registered than in the previous year. In the Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen area, a total of 607,333 guests enjoyed their skiing in front of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, an increase of 7.6 per cent. In Mürren 226,807 skier visits (+ 1.9%) were registered for the Schilthorn area.

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Doppelmayr-Garaventa to build on the Schilthorn

Cabin of the Schilthorn new funicular. Doppelmayr/Garaventa to build on the Schilthorn. Picture courtesy of Doppelmayr-Garaventa.

Doppelmayr-Garaventa to build on the Schilthorn

Commencing in 2021, Doppelmayr/Garaventa is to build four Funifors and one of the world’s steepest reversible aerial tramways for Schilthornbahn AG. If these had been in place 50 years ago, James Bond would have reached his destination a whole lot faster…

Station on the Doppelmayr-Garaaventa at the Schilthorn. Drawing courtesy of Doppelmayr-Garaventa. Doppelmayr/Garaventa to build on the Schilthorn.
Station on the Doppelmayr-Garaaventa at the Schilthorn. Drawing courtesy of Doppelmayr-Garaventa. Doppelmayr/Garaventa to build on the Schilthorn.

Garaventa AG submitted the winning bid for the project, “SCHILTHORN 20XX”, and is to build the new ropeways from Stechelberg up to the popular tourist destination, Schilthorn mountain, which in 1969 provided the setting for the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”. The operating company is investing in the construction of four Funifors (particularly wind-resistant ropeway system with wide rope gauge) and one of the world’s steepest aerial tramways with a maximum grade of 160 percent. Total order volume amounts to 45 million Swiss francs. The construction work is due to begin in 2021 and will take until 2026.

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The new V-Cableway will bring you to your destination up to 47 minutes faster.

Jungfraujoch- Top of Europe. The new V-Cableway will bring you to your destination up to 47 minutes faster.

The new V-Cableway will bring you to your destination up to 47 minutes faster.

The new V-Cableway can get you to the Jungfraujoch- Top of Europe or to the ski slopes much faster.

As for example, the distance from the Terminal in Grindelwald to the Jungfraujoch, used to take you 1 h 28 minutes and now it will take you 45 minutes – 43 minutes faster than before!

The tunnel excavation for the Bergstation of the Eigerexpress. The new V-Cableway will bring you to your destination up to 47 minutes faster.
The tunnel excavation for the Bergstation of the Eigerexpress. The new V-Cableway will bring you to your destination up to 47 minutes faster.

Also, from Lauterbrunnen to Jungraujoch, it used to take you 1 h 47 min and now you will be able to do it 17 minutes faster at 1 h 45 min.

From Interlaken to Jungfraujoch is now 1 h 30 minutes, compared to 2 h 17 minutes that used to be the time to get there, now 47 minutes faster!

From Bern to Eigergletscher – some of the ski slopes, you can be in 1 h 49 minutes instead of before 2 h 36 minutes- 47 minutes faster.

It is the same case from Zurich to Eigergletscher – now can be done in 2 h 51 minutes instead of 3 h 38 minutes (47 minutes faster).

The V-Cableway project has great economic significance for the Jungfrau Region and above all for Grindelwald. A significantly positive impact on employment and value creation in Grindelwald and in the canton of Bern is expected in the construction phase as well as during the operational phase.

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A drive through the Nufenenpass (Passo della Novena) and Grimsel Pass in Switzerland

Nufenen pass on a cloudy and foggy day. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. A drive through the Nufenenpass (Passo della Novena) and Grimsel Pass in Switzerland

A drive through the Nufenenpass (Passo della Novena) and Grimsel Pass in Switzerland.

I like having our summer holidays, whenever possible, near the mountains. And each trip, we need to try a new mountain pass. That is part of the adventure!

A couple of years ago, the idea was to stop by at Interlaken, on our way back from Lago di Como. Looking online, the best way to go was via the Nufenenpass (Passo della Novena) and the Grimsel Pass. The Grimsel Pass is very well known by everyone I’ve asked about, but the Nufenenpass, not so much. Some friends of us that have a house in Moltrasio, and whom their father lives in Lago di Como and knows ‘all the mountain passes’, have not heard of the Nufenenpass, but we’ve checked it out online and he suggested me that it should be fine as it was paved.

The view towards Valais from the top rifugio of the Nufenenpass. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. A drive through the Nufenenpass (Passo della Novena) and Grimsel Pass in Switzerland.
The view towards Valais from the top rifugio of the Nufenenpass. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. A drive through the Nufenenpass (Passo della Novena) and Grimsel Pass in Switzerland.

Looking in Google Maps, the pass seemed pretty wide enough for two cars – which was what I wanted to see, but I did not see too much of a guardrail on the side. Another option was to go towards Airolo and then Andermatt and take either the St Gotthard Tunnel, or the St Gothard pass. The St Gothard Tunnel was not an option, as this was a Saturday, where you can be stuck for hours. On our way from Engelberg to Lago di Como, we did the St Gothard Pass, which was very nice. It is very busy too, but at least the traffic goes through.

Panorama of Nufenenpass on a nice day. Photo: Alexander Hoernigk. A drive through the Nufenenpass (Passo della Novena) and Grimsel Pass in Switzerland.
Panorama of Nufenenpass on a nice day. Photo: Alexander Hoernigk. A drive through the Nufenenpass (Passo della Novena) and Grimsel Pass in Switzerland.

Going back this way, we should have taken afterwards the Furkapass, which is a very renown way to go – mostly for bikers and cyclists alike!

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A Hike for your Bucket List: The Via Alpina crosses 14 of the most beautiful Alpine Passes in Switzerland.

Via Alpina. A Hike for your Bucket List: The Via Alpina crosses 14 of the most beautiful Alpine Passes in Switzerland.

A Hike for your Bucket List: The Via Alpina crosses 14 of the most beautiful Alpine Passes in Switzerland.

The passes of the Via Alpina

The Via Alpina crosses 14 of the most beautiful Alpine passes and six cantons of Switzerland, with a great variety of cultures, geology and topography. Broad roads give way to exposed ridge paths. The variety of flora and fauna along the route is among the most diverse in the world.

The Via Alpina goes from Vaduz to Montreux in 20 stages, staying north of the Swiss Alps. Over 390 km, hikers enjoy the many highlights that Switzerland has to offer.

Vertical drops from the Via Alpina trek. A Hike for your Bucket List: The Via Alpina crosses 14 of the most beautiful Alpine Passes in Switzerland.
Vertical drops from the Via Alpina trek. A Hike for your Bucket List: The Via Alpina crosses 14 of the most beautiful Alpine Passes in Switzerland.

While the sections initially pass through relatively flat terrain in St. Gallen, the altitude being climbed increases quite steadily in the Glarnerland. When it comes to that Alpine feeling, the highlight of the route can be found in the Bernese Alps.

Day by day, hikers work their way through majestic mountain landscapes, with each pass crossed opening up a new world. This trail covers a total of 14 passes in six cantons and involves 23’600 m of ascent and 24’800 m of descent.

A Hike for your Bucket List: The Via Alpina crosses 14 of the most beautiful Alpine Passes in Switzerland.
A Hike for your Bucket List: The Via Alpina crosses 14 of the most beautiful Alpine Passes in Switzerland.

The route takes hikers to the secluded Surenen Pass, the famous Grindelwald, the Kleine Scheidegg pass with views of the Eiger, Mönch und Jungfrau mountains, the well-visited Blüemlisalp hut, perhaps one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes in Lake Oeschinen, the enchanting Bunderchrinde Pass and the sleepy Rochers de Naye mountains with unique views of Lake Geneva, to name but a few highlights.

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What does Climate Change will mean to a Mountain Nation such as Switzerland by 2060.

ADELBODEN - Three friends taking their sledges up the slope. Copyright by Adelboden Tourismus By-line: swiss-image.ch/Anja Zurbruegg Adelboden Lenk Kandersteg: What does Climate Change will mean to a Mountain Nation such as Switzerland by 2060.

What does Climate Change will mean to a Mountain Nation such as Switzerland by 2060. From Swissinfo.ch – Climate Change in forty years in Switzerland will mean over 40C in the cities, long droughts and not too much snow in winter, Switzerland will be looking as a Mediterranean country. This will have consequences in this land-lock country.

Verbier - Valais - What does Climate Change will mean to a Mountain Nation such as Switzerland by 2060.
Verbier – Valais – What does Climate Change will mean to a Mountain Nation such as Switzerland by 2060.

By 2060 the typical weather forecast on a summer day can describe 45C in the cities and twenty days of sustained heat. MeteoSwiss (the federal department of meteorology and climatology) has devised different climate scenarios for Switzerland, in conjunction with the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ) and publish edit in a report in mid-November. Peter Binder, the head of MeteoSwiss summarised that “Switzerland will be a hotter and drier place”.

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Adelboden Lenk Kandersteg: What is going on for the 2018-19 ski season

ADELBODEN - Three friends taking their sledges up the slope. Copyright by Adelboden Tourismus By-line: swiss-image.ch/Anja Zurbruegg Adelboden Lenk Kandersteg: What does Climate Change will mean to a Mountain Nation such as Switzerland by 2060.

Adelboden Lenk Kandersteg: What is going on for the 2018-19 ski season. Adelboden Lenk Kandersteg is located in the Bernese Oberland region, between the region’s capital Bern and Interlaken. It is an area of immense beauty, not known by everyone, but that itself makes it special.

So what to look forward if you are visiting this season?

With 210 km of pistes and slopes for all ages and abilities. This region is in the top 3 places for skiing in Switzerland and has secured the FIS World Cup every year.

ADELBODEN - Every year the FIS Ski World Cup comes to Adelboden . Copyright by Adelboden Tourismus By-line: swiss-image.ch/Peter Klaunzer. Adelboden Lenk Kandersteg: What is going on for the 2018-19 ski season.
ADELBODEN – Every year the FIS Ski World Cup comes to Adelboden .
Copyright by Adelboden Tourismus By-line: swiss-image.ch/Peter Klaunzer. Adelboden Lenk Kandersteg: What is going on for the 2018-19 ski season.

One thing you should try, is going Ice walking in the UNESCO-listed Oeschinen Lake. Switzerland’s famous Oeschinen Lake freezes over in winter, allowing visitors to walk on one of the world’s most majestic lakes located within a World Heritage Site. The vistas here are awe-inspiring and it is such a winter wonderland that rivals any top natural sights you could have ever seen!

This is the location of the largest snow igloo restaurant in Europe – If you love cheese, a trip to the Fondue igloo is a must! The restaurant has a cosy and romantic atmosphere within its icy halls, decorated with ice statues and rustic tables with warm blankets to wrap up. The fondues are hearty, made with local cheese produce. The restaurant has an adjacent igloo hotel, where you can stay the night!

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What is new in Gstaad for the 2018-19 ski season

Gstaad in winter. Quarantine Rules Removed in Switzerland as of 4 December

Gstaad is getting ready for the 2018-19 ski season and here is what is new in the resort.

LIFTS AND SNOW

A new gondola is commencing operations in Gstaad- The new Saanemöser-Saanersloch gondola will start running in the winter of 2018/19, and will transport in a quick and comfortable way skiers and boarders to the ski area and the Saanersloch ridge. This is a “D-line” gondola made by Swiss manufacturer Garaventa-Doppelmayer, a world’s first in its roof construction. The gondola is surrounded by glass, giving passengers amazing views of the Swiss Alps.

Rellerli- Skifahren- What is new in Gstaad for the 2018-19 ski season. Photo: Gstaad tourism office.
Rellerli- Skifahren- What is new in Gstaad for the 2018-19 ski season. Photo: Gstaad tourism office.

Fun in the snow at Weyerli – a little ski resort in the heart of Bern
When it is foggy in winter in the lowlands, Gstaad wants to encourage kids in Bern out into the snow with a children’s ski area that has a magic carpet allowing children access to snowsports in winter. The area opens end of November until the end of January/early February at the Weyermannshaus outdoor pool. This area is in association with the adjacent Weyermannshaus artificial ice rink where a small skiing and toboggan run has also been introduced.

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Launch of the new SCHILTHORN 20XX cableway project

The planned aerial shuttle cableway consists of 3 sections with 2 cabins each (Stechelberg – Mürren – Birg – Schilthorn). Its distinguishing feature is the replacement of the existing transport cableway from Stechelberg to Mürren by a new shuttle cableway as the 1st section, thus eliminating the need for a changeover.

Around 50 years after access to the Schilthorn – Piz Gloria was opened up by cable car, Schilthorn Cableway Ltd has presented the new project SCHILTHORN 20XX. The idea behind it is to replace the current cable car with a new aerial cableway. Based on the existing buildings and lines, the new infrastructure and cableway will ensure public transport connections to and from Gimmelwald and Mürren and optimize access to the Schilthorn – Piz Gloria excursion peak.

A model image of how the Schilthorn 20XX project will look like. Schilthorn 20XX.
A model image of how the Schilthorn 20XX project will look like. Schilthorn 20XX.

The current aerial cableway dates from 1965 (linking Stechelberg – Gimmelwald – Mürren – Birg) and 1967 (Birg – Schilthorn). While many electromechanical components have been continuously replaced, the structural infrastructure remains largely in its original state. The 2016 – 2026 financial plan includes age-related measures on the aerial cableway, which are due to be implemented in the next few years to comply with existing regulations. The cableway has also comprehensively exhausted its capacity reserves. Today, the 100-passenger cabins can only carry a maximum of 80 passengers, due to increasing space requirements (passengers now weigh more on average; rising transport volumes of equipment for leisure activities etc.) At the same time, passenger numbers have risen both in summer and winter in recent years.

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