One of the world’s strangest sports is in Switzerland. It is a national sport and has been around since the 16th century.  Although Stone Tossing is also unusual and a national and famous sport, this other sport, is simply wild.
 
Played with a 79g “Nouss” which is short for Hornouss and translates as hornet in Swiss German. It is like an air dynamic ‘puck’ from hard plastic and this sport is very aerobic.
 
It’s called, Hornussen. Most Swiss people have never visited a game. It is played in only a few Cantons, of which Bern is one and there several clubs in the Interlaken and Thun area and played by all ages. (https://www.hornusserthun.ch/)
 
Played with two teams, it is a little like a cross between cricket and golf. While the whole of the defensive team side will field the puck, there will be only a few active players as hitters on the offensive team. The hitters use a golf club like long flexi stick and the hitters must hit the Nouss as far as they can over the field. As the Nouss drops, the defending team use their “Schoufels” to prevent the black plastic from touching the ground. The defensive team run hard to prevent the hitter from scoring.
 
Hopefully this “Farmers’ golf” sport is gaining more popularity since Red Bull made a hitter’s distance event in 2014 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWiRphS6sIg
 
More detail on the traditional game can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdIHOV6VGNU

​It makes a really great day out, usually played on either Saturday or Sunday from March through to end September. Watching the teams striving to stop this hornet flying toward them with the clattering of their ‘shields’ is like a glimpse into medieval days. The hornet speeds at around 300km/hr so making the defending team use their shovel like defence equipment like a shield and to run hard. The hitters require strength and their own spine must be fit and flexible to make a power filled hit. Even the Swiss novelist, Jeremias Gotthelf said of this game in 1840, "There is no game that requires so much strength, agility and coordination between hand, foot and eye as Hornuss."

The hunting regulated by federal and cantonal legislation takes place in Lauterbrunnen as follows:
In September on weekdays: deer, roe deer, chamois and ibex
From October 1 up to and including November 15 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays: Roe deer
Until the end of January on weekdays: wild boar and badger (only until the end of December)
Until the end of February on weekdays: fox and marten (only up to 15 February)
 
The right to hunt has been legal since the 1500s and the canton’s official position is that hunting is ecologically necessary as the population of deer, for example, increases yearly and if not hunted would cause environmental collapse.
 
Licence holders have to take a tough exam and do hours of conservation work to get their permit, which then has to be renewed every year.
 
It is now understood that hunting - or not hunting particular animals - has an effect on other aspects of nature. Wildlife management makes special demands on the hunter. The hunts are well controlled and animals are specified, no longer are only male adult animals taken. This also causes hunters anxiety when they aim at female and young animals, as is required in a controlled hunt to manage the populations.
 
Hunting is strictly regulated by the cantonal government within the national framework provided by federal law. There are designated sanctuaries where hunting is not allowed.
 
Annual targets are set for each type of game and hunters must keep to them. Hunting is by individual licence as opposed to game reserves, for example, In September on weekdays: deer, roe deer, chamois and ibex
From October 1 up to and including November 15 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays: Roe deer
Until the end of January on weekdays: wild boar and badger (only until the end of December)
Until the end of February on weekdays: fox and marten (only up to 15 February)
 
The local hunting club say that “All usual leisure activities can safely continue and the forest and mountain trails remain open during the hunting season. Owners of non hunting dogs must have their dogs under effective control at all times. In particular, their dogs may not hunt during the hunting season.”
 
A licence is needed of course and the requirements can be found here:
 https://www.vol.be.ch/vol/de/index/natur/jagd_wildtiere/Jagen.html#middlePar_textbild_6a49
Photo: by Eyhus 5 August 2019

​October is a great time for walking in Lauterbrunnen and the Jungfrau. Many golden colours come out, the crowds are gone and there are lots of discoveries to be made.
 
Have you discovered Geocaching? Do you have a sense of adventure? Geocaching takes you to places that you most likely would never explore. One such place is the Kornbalmhöhle, a cave high on the Wengen side of the Lauterbrunnen Valley towards Stechelberg as shown by this Photo from http://vanzon.nu/
 
https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC3WR80_kornbalmhohle?guid=63814f8e-3386-4ab6-997c-d8763d2aa26c
 
 It is a steep walk up to these unusual caves with fabulous views back to Staubbach Falls. Good solid shoes and clothing are a must, as well as a sense of balance, scrambling skill and adventure. Even if you don’t find the cache inside (bring a torch), the view and scramble is worth it.

​An easy walk to a real glacier is possible. Search on your tube for Kilchbalm and you will find someone’s vid of this magical place that no one seems to know about and it’s not far from the apartment.
 
Kilchbalm (Gimmelwald - Sefinental - Kilchbalm) Glasier
Time one-way: 1 1/4 hours
Distance one-way: 2 3/4 miles (4 1/2km)
Lowest point: 4134 ft (1260m)
Highest point: 5046 ft (1 538m)
You can get cable car from Schilthorn Bahn up to Gimmelwald. (Bus from outside Eyhus along to Schilthorn Bahn  in the direction of Stechelberg)
The gradient is not very steep, and you can walk to the very end of the Sefinental valley, where only freezing-cold streams flowing from the snow and ice ( real glacier) and the heartiest vegetation exist. There is a small hut along the way , but it is lovely to have a picnic at the end. The scenery is beautiful in both directions. Since there is only one road in Gimmelwald, it is difficult to get lost. Where the road loops back on itself, by the fire-house, is a road leading into the Sefinental. From this point you can see all the way to the end of the valley and quickly realize that the end is not much higher than Gimmelwald.
 
After walking downhill for 7 minutes you will come to a bridge that crosses a torrential waterfall that has gouged deep holes, through the years, in the side of the mountain. It now flows deep in the rock and splashes from pool to pool, plunging some 20 feet into a huge cavity beside this bridge to continue its way down to the valley floor. This waterfall is the same as "Sprutz" higher up and is called the "Schiltbach" which is the stream created by the runoff from the Schilthorn and the Schiltalp. After walking 8 minutes further you pass a firing range where locals come to practice, usually on weekends. A minute more and you come to the end of the road and the beginning of your ascent on a rocky trail. Here a signpost says that Kilchbalm, your destination, is 1 hour away. (It is also from this point that you can stay on the main road which leads to a trail that descends to Stechelberg or back up to Gimmelwald.) As you leave the main road and continue straight ahead through the gate, the mighty snow covered ridge on your left, called the Tschingelgrat, grabs your attention. Watch this ridge for avalanches which occur frequently and at any time. Soon you're walking through a dense forest with the Sefinen Lutschine swirling and splashing on your left side, where it will be all the way to the end of the valley.
 
15 minutes later, after passing some old sheds and massive rock overhangs, you come upon an old storage building from 1812 raised up on rocks. Next to it is a cable attached to the cliff above used for transporting logs. Shortly the path becomes very narrow and rocky. In 7 minutes you pass through the second gate and in a few minutes more you'll cross the first bridge. At the third gate, 7 minutes later, the path splits. (Note: this area has been known to be full of snow well into the early summer months, depending on the previous winter you should exercise extreme caution and perhaps turn back here if it is too dangerous ). Assuming the way is dry, you will take the lower path, to the left (If you were to continue on the path to the right, you would pass a tiny waterfall, perfect for splashing under on a hot day, and eventually arrive at Boganggen and Rotstockhutte 600 meters higher up the mountain).
 
Just behind the trees, around the bend is a grassy meadow and an alp hut. Occasionally cows are brought here for summer grazing. The farmer will stay here with his herd until it's time to move to better pastures. It is beside this hut where the Sefinen river, on the left is joined by the Sefibach, on the right, which comes down from the Sefinen alp. Following the path, close to the river, soon brings you to a second bridge. Before crossing the bridge, venture up to the waterfall created by the Sefibach but be careful of falling stones and branches. Once across the bridge you come to the steepest part of the trip. Here you witness the power of the Sefinen river. In spring and during heavy rainstorms this river is so swollen that it violently tears at the hillside bringing tons of rock and debris down with it. Once at the top you can rest on the last bench before reaching the end of the valley and the Kilchbalm.

We think that Kilch is the word for goblet or cup and you will see how this valley looks like a deep cup. The towering cliffs make it a spectacular setting for a picnic without crowds and you will want to stay forever.

EasyTime one-way: 30 min Lowest point :4472 ft (1363 m)
Highest point: 5576 ft (1700 m)
This wonderful little nature hike will take you up the pasture hillside above Gimmelwald and through a densely wooded forest to arrive at the cool, sparkling mountain cascade called Sprutz.
Note: You will follow signs pointing to "Schilthorn" but only as far as the forest, where there will be a sign for "Sprutz". This hike starts from the Mittaghorn Hotel (Walter's). Walk south (left when facing Walter's hotel) on the main road until you come to a fork where a signpost tells you to take the road on the right. Continue up this road for a couple of minutes until you come to a barn on the right side, where a path winds upward and a signpost points the way. You'll pass around another barn on your left as you hike up to another paved road. Turn right on this road, walk about 15 steps, and turn onto the path next to the barn on your left. Continue up this path until you come to the forest where a signpost prompts you to turn left to get to "Sprutz" ' (Going right would take you up to Gimmeln and eventually to the Schilthorn). Passing through a metal gate, you will enter the forest and continue on this trail as it gently winds it's way higher through the woods. After about 15 min. the path forks and you will hear the thundering roar of the invisible falls. As the sign says, take the path to the left. As the path curves down and to the right, just around the hill, "Sprutz" finally comes into view.
Be very careful as you continue down to the falls on this hazardous, unstable, dirt path. As you walk underneath and behind this waterfall you'll probably wonder how such a huge, continuous volume of water could come from such a small, placid lake like the Grauseeli, between the Schilthorn and Birg. Well, Grauseeli is only one of it's sources, as the Schiltbach, the river itself, is a collection of the runoff from the Schilthorn and the Schiltalp. From Sprutz you can continue up the other side and after about 15 min. arrive at Spielbodenalp where there is a restaurant and a superb view of the Schilthorn, Birg, and the Jungfrau massif.
 
Or you can go with a guide from the Murren Tourism office for a 2.5 hour walk every Tuesday. You need to book by email by noon the day before. It is free. Email: info@muerren.swiss
11.06.2019 - 08.10.2019, MÜRREN
https://wengen.swiss/en/summer/product/event/hike-to-the-waterfall/
​

Traditional dress is called „Tracht“.  Originally worn as Sunday best and for festive celebrations such as the cows returning from their summer pastures with the celebration of distributing the cheese made in the Alps over summer.
 
The costumes styles and designs are cared for by a number of Costume clubs to preserve the culture and traditions. Each area has its own costume style for example Lauterbrunnen is different from the Grindelwald fashion.
 
The Tract Commission also gives tips on how each piece of the costume needs to be appropriately worn. For example, the Lauterbrunnen ensemble includes a straw hat,
“The hat is intended as a sunscreen. He belongs on the head. In closed rooms, the hat can also be worn on the back or in the hand. The brashest we wear the hat a little bit obliquely. Turn the edge slightly forward. Little flowers are optional”.

​The hero of Bern is the Bear. There is a bear park in Bern worthy of a visit and in easy walking distance from the main rail station. The Bear has long served as namesake, emblem, mascot and — at times — personification of Bern.
The founding legend has it that Duke Berthold V of Zähringen vowed to choose as namesake the first animal his hunt met in the wood that was to be chopped down for the new city. The hunt for the bear as depicted in the Tschachtlan chronicles. See the original coat of arms above the gate.

This then became an upright black bear on a white shield (which is, incidentally, the coat of arms of Berlin).
 And now today’s image

​While it is usually called Cross country skiing, Skating or Langlauf, it feels like gliding.
 
In Lauterbrunnen there is a beautiful 12 km track that is flat and for non-skiers, this is a great way to enjoy some skiing in the quietness of the snowy winter landscape. Glide by the White Lütschine river, listen to the snow crisp under your skies and finish at Stechelberg Hotel for a hot chocolate, Schnapps or hearty Rösti.
 
Completely stress free and it feels magic to glide and slide without the terror of speed if you don’t like sledging or tobogganing downhill at speed.
 
Where:   The Lauterbunnen trail starts from the Sportanlage. The brown sport hall that you can see left from the dining room window.
 
Cost:   Free with the Lauterbrunnen guest card (in your welcome basket). Usually it is 6CHF per day.
 
How:    The equipment can be rented at the Alpia Sport in Lauterbrunnen.
 
Opening times:   Depending on snow conditions, it trail is not always open, you can phone +41 (0)33 856 85 68 to check or ask at the Tourism office. After snowfall, bad weather, or similar It may be that the track is not immediately prepared again. You can also see yourself if there is sufficient snow. If it is closed there will be a round red border sign with white in the middle. This means closed.
 
Note:   you cannot walk on the trail. It is only for cross country skiing. If you walk on it, you will damage the surface with your boots and cause potential injury to users as their skis will get stuck in the foot tracks.
 
There is also a 1 km long cross-country ski track on Grindelwald-First called “Gänsböden”,
The use of the trail is free. However, the cross-country guests need a valid ticket for the Firstbahn (gondola ticket, ski pass, etc.)
 
The trail is about 15 minutes on foot from First Bergstation (via Winterwander- und Schlittelweg Nr. 50) in the Gänsböden (Above Adi's Skibar) to about 2,300 meters above sea level.
See map below with green cross X.
 
The cash register Firstbahn can / will provide information about the current trails.

There is still plenty of winter snow fun here in Lauterbrunnen and the Jungfrau region.
 
Sledging means speed and power in the bends. Whizz down the mountain on fast runners and stamp through snowy landscapes.
 
For non-stop sledging, including at night, on the steep Eiger run below the Eiger North Wall. In the shadow of the Eiger with a dash into the valley, the Eiger Run is a spectacular sledging run by day with a gradient of up to 36 per cent. However, the 3.5 kilometre stretch from Alpiglen to Brandegg is even more exciting at night. The Wengernalp Railway chugs its way up to the start to Alpiglen at night as well, and as the journey takes just five minutes, with the sledging ticket you can ride the run as often as you like. The burned calories can be quickly regained with a fondue in the Alpiglen or Brandegg alpine chalets, where you can stay up all night – right next to the illuminated sledging run.
 
Eiger Evening trips (Illuminated sleigh fun)
Daily from 26 December 2018 to 5 January 2019
Thursday to Saturdays from 10 January to 9 March 2019
 
"Big Pintenfritz", the longest sledging track in the world is the tour over the Faulhorn, from Grindelwald-First by foot and then a 15 kilometre descent into the valley.
 
It takes about two and a half hours to pull your sled behind you before you can try "Big Pintenfritz", the longest sledging run in the world. The start on the Faulhorn (2680 m above sea level) is only reachable from First (by Cable car from Grindelwald) on foot. The ascent is long but the hair-raising run into the valley is fantastic: The bravest sledgers run the 15-kilometre distance in about 30 minutes. Provided you do not leave the trail, for example, for a stop at the Bergrestaurant Bussalp.
 
Take the nostalgic cableway from Isenfluh to Sulwald and the start of your descent through the snowy winter wonderland. And off you go – sledging along the long, gentle road through the forest, or the short, fast mountain path, back down into the idyllic village of Isenfluh. Take a moment to warm up in the Sulwaldstübli at the top station before your next ride and admire the spectacular views.
 
1. Sulwald–Isenfluh (forest route, 4 km)
This gentle route begins at the Sulwaldstübli and descends past the Sulsbach waterfall before arriving in Isenfluh.
 
2. Sulwald–Isenfluh (mountain path, 2 km)
If you like fast, adventurous descents, then this mountain path route is for you, beginning at the Sulwaldstübli and ending in Isenfluh.
 
3. Isenfluh–Lauterbrunnen (old road to Isenfluh, 3 km)
Providing there is sufficient snow, the toboggan run from Sulwald to Isenfluh can be extended further. The toboggan route continues along the old Isenfluh road from Isenfluh down to Lauterbrunnen. Keen tobogganers can then take the Postbus back up to Isenfluh for another run.
 
Post Bus (opposite the bus stop for Stechelberg at Lauterbrunnen rail station) from Lauterbrunnen to Isenfluh

You wouldn’t go skiing without insurance for accidents on the slopes would you? Be sure that you ski insurance covers off piste snow in case your friends lure you in that direction as it is becoming popular.
 
Also check if you insurance covers air lifting off the slopes. In the unfortunate situation that you do need to be airlifted, Air Glaciers’ rescue helicopter will fly you down to the Lauterbrunnen Doctor and the fly you on to the Interlaken hospital. Air Glaciers offer a membership for airlifting you off without charge if you are injured. While it last the whole year, for 35CHF it is really cheap insurance, especially if you ski off piste. Air Glaciers also provide Heli-skiing.
You can walk down the road to their office  |  Email agl@air-glaciers.ch  |  Tel : +41 33 856.05.60
 
Do you know all the rules of the International Ski Federation? 
You often see them on a sign board while waiting in a lift queue but then you could also be looking uphill at where you want to ski next.
 
1. Respect for others
A skier or snowboarder must behave in such a way that he does not endanger or prejudice others.
 
2. Control of speed and skiing or snowboarding
A skier or snowboarder must move in control. He must adapt his speed and manner of skiing or snowboarding to his personal ability and to the prevailing conditions of terrain, snow and weather as well as to the density of traffic.
 
3. Choice of route
A skier or snowboarder coming from behind must choose his route in such a way that he does not endanger skiers or snowboarders ahead.
 
4. Overtaking
A skier or snowboarder may overtake another skier or snowboarder above or below and to the right or to the left provided that he leaves enough space for the overtaken skier or snowboarder to make any voluntary or involuntary movement.
 
5. Entering, starting and moving upwards
A skier or snowboarder entering a marked run, starting again after stopping or moving upwards on the slopes must look up and down the slopes that he can do so without endangering himself or others.
 
6. Stopping on the piste
Unless absolutely necessary, a skier or snowboarder must avoid stopping on the piste in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. After a fall in such a place, a skier or snowboarder must move clear of the piste as soon as possible.
 
7. Climbing and descending on foot
A skier or snowboarder either climbing or descending on foot must keep to the side of the piste.
 
8. Respect for signs and markings
A skier or snowboarder must respect all signs and markings.
 
9. Assistance
At accidents, every skier or snowboarder is duty bound to assist.
 
10. Identification
Every skier or snowboarder and witness, whether a responsible party or not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident.

When you have that one precious week a year to ski, it is even more important to get your body ready for it because you don’t want to be on the sofa after over doing it on your first day out and now nurse a broken something for the rest of your week.  No fun, experience says.
 
Being ski fit will give you confidence to pick up where you finished on your last ski trip and not take you the whole week to make progress.  Here are some doable exercise to get your started from the Body Works Clinic. http://www.thebodyworksclinic.com/getting-ski-fit-how-to-avoid-injuries-on-the-slopes/

Aim for 3 sets of each exercise, three times a week. Try and do a couple of cardio sessions a week too for stamina.

Heel Drops to Prepare Your Legs.
This move strengthens your calves, glutes and ankles.

Stand with your heels hanging off the the edge of a step
Lower your heels until you can feel a stretch in your calves. Hold onto something if you need to
Pull your bellybutton in.
Lift your heels up as high as you can, your heels should be higher than your toes.
Lower back down to the start position for 1.
Do 15 reps
Lateral Towel Jump for ski fitness
You do not need to go this high for this exercise to be effective!

Lateral Jumps for Faster Reactions
This helps you learn to keep your feet apart letting your legs do the work while keeping your upper body stable.

Get a rolled up towel and place it on the floor
Stand with feet hip width apart next to the towel
Jump from one side of the towel to the other as fast as you can
Keep your feet hip width apart (that’s the tricky bit!)
Make sure you land with your weight on both feet.
Do this for 1 minute

Crossover Lunge for Ski fitnessCrossover Lunge for Injury Prevention
This helps prevent falls by building stable joints.

Stand with your weight on your left leg.
Bend your left knee as deeply as you can while pushing your right leg behind and to your left.
Keep the right leg straight
Keep your chest and shoulder UP and facing forward.
Tap your right toe to the floor
Breathing out, push through your left heel as you stand up to complete.
Repeat 15 times then switch legs.
Side lunges for ski fitnessSide Lunges for Smooth Turns

Build strength in your legs for quick weight shifts on the slopes.
Stand with feet wide apart
Bend your left knee, keeping your right leg straight.
Transfer your weight over so that your right knee is bent and your left leg is straight.
Keep your back straight and your chin up
Keep your belly button in
Repeat 20 times
 

Squats to Avoid Thigh Burn
Stretching your thighs and stabilising your pelvis will boost your endurance and technique.

Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder width and knees slightly bent.
Squat down as far as comfortable.
Clench your buttocks to push yourself back up.
Remember to always keep your chest and eyes UP so you are using thighs and buttocks.
Toes slightly out (if you have stiff ankles) or feet straight – both are fine”
Repeat 15 times.

​A 470 million Swiss franc project that will speed people to the Eiger Glacier from Grindlewald. And will be ready for skiers in December 2019. These slopes will surely have more official ski runs added to them as the area already attracts off piste enthusiasts.
 
 Construction began in July and significant progress has been made through the summer. Although the traditional Eiger North Wall trail was re-routed, it has enabled hikers to see the reality of building in such a harsh environment.
 
The Grindlewald- Männlichen 4 person cable car will be retired next year with a faster 10 seat cable car so we can look forward to faster turnarounds in our ski run times. Not so fun taking 40 minutes in the cable car for a 20 minute ski run, unless you're having a picnic on the way in the cabin.

​Some people think that walking and time in the mountains is all over after the 30th September. However this is simply not true. October can be a glorious month of long days ending with some crispness but brilliant blue skies and golden colours. Hence the popular name Golden October.
 
The colour of the sky on these clear days is a stark blue, possibly due to the colder higher temperatures. Often the sunsets will be glowing after such a stunning day and you wish the day wouldn’t end. The crowds have waned and there is still so much to enjoy on the trails. Late blooming flowers still enjoying sun will delight you and the meadows are quiet since the cows have usually been returned to the lower grounds in this month. 

​Scherenschnitte ("scissor cuts" in German), is the Swiss 16th Century art of paper cutting.

Paper was invented only around A.D. 100 in China and paper cutting became very popular there at the time of the Sung Dynasty (10th - 13th century). The cutouts were used for decoration such as on windows, pasted on lanterns or house door adornments. 
 
These can be made as white cut outs and glued onto coloured or black background, or cut out of black paper card. In Europe white cut work is much older than black.
 
While you can buy special paper cutting paper that is gummed and ungummed or rubberized paper that has a black and white side of the sheet. The white side has a light adhesive so you can moisten it with water to fix it to the final place. You can also get super sharp silhouette scissors for the silhouette cuts, corners, fine filigree and holes. But you don’t need to buy these special things, since sharp nail scissors will work well and the choice of paper need not be too thick.
 
Cut out the white template and then put it on the black paper, stencil around the template with a pencil on the black paper and then cut out the black. While time consuming, it is very relaxing and rewarding.

​Recipes in the alp areas of the Berner Oberland are uncomplicated, easy and delicious due to their high quality ingredients and fresh preparation without mixing too many flavours and different ingredients.
 
Breakfast could be fresh bread, with a lot of butter and choices of honey, marmalade or Nutella. Maybe a mixture of grated apple with some quark, yoghurt, raw oats, sultanas and raw nuts may also be served. And coffee.
 
Bread with cheese or fruit may be eaten at the 10 minute morning tea break, called “Shnoonies”. Often it is the “second breakfast” for outdoor workers.
 
The famous Fondue (melted cheese with bread cubes) or Raclette (melted cheese over boiled potatoes and condiments) or roasted sliced meat are special occasion meals.
 
The main hot meal is mostly eaten around 12:30 and usually a green salad is enjoyed first after being tossed in a light dressing.
 
Simple potatoe and noodle dishes are common. Such as, boiled potatoes served with quark mixed with dill or shallots alongside 20 minute boiled, then 10 minute baked sausage (smoked or plain) with their ends pre-cut 2 cm deep in a cross. Or perhaps a vegetable pie, lentil soup, goulash or plain hot pasta garnished with caramelised onions could be midweek favourites.
 
The evening meal is often simply bread, butter, cold meats and several different cheeses. Hot tea made with fresh lemon balm leaves or mint with boiling water and a little honey makes a refreshing accompaniment.
 
When visitors arrive for “cake and coffee”, the much loved sweet treats appear like Apple strudel or cake or the renown Käsekuchen (Cheese cake), a baked semi sweet cake made with quark - so delicious on its own without any garnish.
 
Rösti (Swiss) pronounced “roerrshtee” is a Swiss dish, mostly of potatoes, in the style of a fritter. It was originally a breakfast dish. But now eaten as a main midday dish, often with a fried egg on top. It is very filling.
Ingredients:
4 medium potatoes
1⁄4 cup butter or 1⁄4 cup margarine
1 small onion, chopped
1⁄2 cup diced gruyere or
1⁄2 cup swiss cheese
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons water
How to:
Heat 1 inch salted water to boiling. Add potatoes. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and cook until tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Peel and shred potatoes or cut into 1/4 inch (2cm) strips.
Heat butter in skillet until melted. Add potatoes, onions, and cheese.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook uncovered over medium heat, turning frequently, until potatoes start to brown, about 10 minutes, adding 1 to 2 Tblsp. butter to prevent sticking if necessary.
Press potatoes with spatula to form a flat cake; sprinkle with water. Cover and cook over low heat, without stirring, until bottom is golden brown and crusty, about 10 minutes. Place inverted platter over skillet; invert potatoes onto platter.
 
To make the Alp Noodle version:
Take out 2 potatoes and add in a handful of pasta noodles and cook the pasta and potatoes (cut into small pieces before cooking) together. Don't shred the cooked potatoes.
Then heat butter, or oil in skillet/pan as above. Just before serving stir through half a cup of apple sauce. (The Swiss serve the apple sauce cold on top, but I think it is easier to stir in before serving so it heats up a little.).
 
Basic Swiss Salad dressing for Soft Leaf lettuce
3 tablespoons quality White wine vinegar
a third teaspoon salt
Mix together so salt dissolves.
Then add in a teaspoon or 2 of mustard, a pinch of ground black pepper, stir so that mustard breaks down.
Lastly stir in 4 tablespoons Oil. No need to shake the dressing.
Pour over Soft leaf lettuce and decorate with nuts, pumpkins seeds, finely diced radish or carrot strips. Always simple.

​From Wengen catch the cable car to Männlichen. Enjoy a little steep walk via the Royal Walk to the Crown and marvel at the 360 degree view.
 
Then time for coffee at the Sennespielplatz playground at Männlichen. The giant cow slide is surrounded by swings, a seesaw, spinner, bowling, and a rope swing that you can also lie back and relax on in the sun.
 
Then back on the Panorama trail to Kleine Scheidegg, with easy walking over 4.7 km, (about 2 hours with children) and gradually descending about 200m. The trail is OK for all-terrain strollers with big tires. There are cafes at Kleine Scheidegg but nothing along the way. The train ride back to Wengen and Lauterbrunnen would be a better choice rather than walking if your children are small. And a faster route to the next playground in Wengen J

​Look for the time-telling device on the outside back wall of the Lauterbrunnen church.
These early timepieces, when carefully built, are capable of keeping accurate time. The problem is that a sundial uses local solar time so a different sundial for every combination of latitude, longitude, and day of the year is needed.
 
A simple sundial consists only of a pin or metal rod (called a gnomon) sticking vertically out of a marked disc. The rod casts the sun's shadow onto the marked disc area of the wall.
 
Even after clocks were invented, sundials were still used to reset inaccurate clocks!

​The Schilthorn reaches 2,970 m (9,744 ft) and is a lovely day out to see the James Bond Museum and walk down to Murren and enjoy totally amazing views along the way. The cable car and or train ride up are also a pleasure and you can see where you can then later walk back from the top if you choose. From Schilthorn to Birg, Birg to Murren and Murren to Grutschalp will take you about 4 hours after your lovely lunch at the revolving restaurant on the summit.
 
From the top of Schilthorn you feel like being on top of the world. There are 2 exit points to pathways out of the Schilthorn. You need to take the one at the front of the building that faces the Birg station to take the easier and safer path down to Borg. The other path takes you down a different valley, so be careful. You will know you will be on the right path when you see this sign with the high heel shoe.
 
Yep, crazy as it seems, many tourists are trying to get a better picture by tottering and teetering down the rocky path. I have suggested to several tourists before that simple tennis shoes will not be a good idea down the steep and stony path where there is a fixed cable in case the stones slide under your feet and you get that slipping sensation.
 
I think tourists do not realise that the open red circle means: stop, don’t go here. But hopefully the humour of the shoe heel image would help them to work that out!
 
After passing Birg and making the cliff walk over the glass and wire pathway – total fun, the path continues along a rocky road and then into  ‘Heidi – land’ through the meadows below. Listening to cow bells and sitting in the grass to enjoy the flowers and the towering alps and glaciers around you will see the day disappear fast.
 
p.s. Hiking boots and sun screen necessary

At some time, your favourite comfortable Ski boots will need replacing. A sad but true necessity. A necessity because sloppy soft boots or any poor fitting boots where your feet have too much movement, will mean that you will not be able to manage your ski edges and control your skis well. It could be dangerous. This will be particularly noticeable on steeper slopes, icy places or that sugary or slushy stuff we surf through in late afternoons.
 
My 8 year plus boots were OK in the morning but by noon I could not tighten them enough and my skis wobbled constantly. The boots were old and soft. So I hired a pair from Crystal Intersports in Lauterbrunnen for 2 days. Wow oh wow. No wobbling skis, more confidence and better skiing. The hire boots were new Tecnica Mach 1 105 a good boot for women since the heel was narrow so my feet didn’t lift up. And they were so lightweight! The hire person said that if one skis a lot, then one needs new boots every 2 years.  

​Not having CHF449 I needed to think of another option, though the hire shop did say I could purchase them for CHF350 since they had half a season’s use. Something to ponder on.

In our attic were an ancient 12 year old pair of men’s boots that I had skied in earlier. With a wide foot, I had bought second hand men’s boots that had worked reasonably well. But when I re discovered them, oh my, I could get the top part tight enough but not over the foot and with too much movement my skis were messy and I felt unsafe. So I visited Molitor ski shop in Wengen. There are 3 ski equipment shops in Wengen but I think Molitor offer the most diverse and personalised service and are ever so helpful. One can also buy ski boots there as well as hire. https://www.molitor.ch/en/    Molitor offer an amazing boot fitting analysis and service. https://www.boot-doc.com
They can analyse your feet since most pairs of feet are different in themselves and then custom fit each of your boots to each foot correctly.
 
The technician was able to retro fit my ancient boots with a neoprene sock to reduce the space and movement in the boot for CHF39. I was invited to ski and try it before paying for it! What great service.  Boots that are too big are bad. When buckling up, the technician told me that in a properly sized boot, the buckle clip should be somewhere near the beginning of the buckle ladder or catches.

Ski boot shells are made in different widths and experienced skiers will opt for a narrower boot although the wider boot can be more comfortable around the calf of the leg. The closer the plastic of the boot is to the foot when it is narrow, then the boot has better contact with the ski and so hopefully performs better. The width of the boot is called the "Last" with sizes such as 95, 98, 100, 102, 104mm.
 
The "Flex" index refers to how stiff the boot is in the forward position. A 98mm last boot in a 100 flex will be stiffer than a 120 flex in a 102mm lasted boot because of the last since the wider the last, the softer the flex will be. The range for flex can be 70 -120. Flex index above 100 are highly responsive and generally offer greater sensitivity for those who ski with confidence, speed and challenging slopes. The ratings are only comparable within each brand. When trying boots in store, they will have a softer flex at the warmer indoor temperature. Cold temperatures stiffen plastic so store your boots off season buckled up and not in a cold place. Also make sure that they are completely dry and clean including dry liners.
 
Ski boots may have their size printed on them, called Mondo point e.g. Mondo 26.5 women's is about shoe size 9.5 US 41 EU 7.5 UK. Also the boot sole length in millimetres will be stamped near the heel. This is useful for adjusting bindings or trying out skis.
 
I decided that buying second hand boots is just not an option. Finally I bought some little used ex-rental Dalbello boots (199CHF)  that were a size smaller than my old boots! Thanks to the correct fitting by the Molitor technician they are warm, comfortable, so light and I can feel the snow through the skis. Even only 2 weeks skiing a year deserves comfort, ski control and confidence that I think only new hire boots or your own correctly fitted boots can provide.
 
p.s. If you are hiring or buying ski boots, take along your skis, the socks you would ski in and cut your toenails.
 

Last month I wrote “yes under your helmet” referring to wearing a thin woollen hat.
 
Some folks have said to me that a helmet is not essential and can reduce one’s vision and ability to hear. They also said that people can feel artificially safer and so ski/board more recklessly. Also it was said, that having skied for so many years, now in these sunset years why bother?
 
Head injuries can occur as a result of collision, or impact with the snow. Often at high speed. Research published in the British Medical Journal shows that wearing a helmet reduces head injuries by 35 per cent.
 
In some regions, wearing a helmet is compulsory. While in France and Switzerland there are no rules, although the ski schools strongly encourage it but in Italy it’s compulsory up to the age of 14.
 
So why haven’t the Swiss made it mandatory when their culture is typical safety orientated?
 
The Swiss Council for Accident Prevention say the average ski related head injuries is 17,000 per year. After several prevention campaigns "Enjoy sport – protect yourself" their 2010 report noted extensive research into the increased use of helmets and the effectiveness of wearing a ski helmet. From the available results of the studies, it is impossible to determine whether primarily light or severe injuries can be prevented. Nevertheless, no precise details on the protective effect of a helmet can be given as the results achieved differ according to the study design.

They note that, “It is important that the helmet fits as snugly as comfort allows and that the chin straps are always tightly fastened. The protective effect is strongly dependent on the impact speed of the head against an obstacle or the ground”.
 
The study noted some useful recommendations such as ski rental companies supplying a helmet free of charge and aerial cableway companies could ensure that only advertising in which snow-sport participants wear helmets is shown in their snow-sport areas. “The message to young people should on no account be that not wearing a helmet is cool.”
 
Dr Mike Langran, president of the International Society For Skiing Safety, says “But all the people who have looked at the data realise the risk of serious injury is too small to make them mandatory.”
 
According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA),there has been an associated 50% reduction in head injuries for those wearing helmets.
 
The Swiss expect people to take responsibility for themselves and have the freedom of choice while acting sensibly.
 
Personally, there are enough silly people waving their ski stocks around and inappropriately carrying their skis on their shoulders, to ensure that I put my helmet on around the train station as well as on the slopes.

Image Credit: mape_s

 A Polar bear’s coat has two layers of hair: an outer layer, made up of long (5-15cm) clear guard hairs that are hollow core filled with air; and a thick undercoat, made up of shorter hair. When sunlight shines on Polar bear outer guard hairs, it causes a reaction known as luminescence and makes them look white but their hair is clear and the skin is black.
 
Not saying you need to wear clear clothes like the story about the Emperor’s new clothes, just referring to the layers. Your base “undercoat” close fitting layer needs to wick away moisture e.g. wool or thermal, then a middle layer to trap body heat e.g. a thin down jacket or a thin merino wool jumper. And an outer layer totally waterproof and breathable to protect from the weather (this is totally the most important layer). Repeat for the legs.
 
Waterproof Gloves or Mittens are a must. Always have a spare pair with you. And thick socks are better than 2 thin pairs that will bunch and scrumple and give you grief and pain. There are even heated versions https://www.ellis-brigham.com/brands/therm-ic
 
A woollen hat (yes under your helmet) or head scarf on hot sunny days, is also important to reduce your moisture loss and keep your brain functioning. A buff or neck scarf is also a good cold stopper. Always have one with you. And of course eye protection, googles and glasses.


​

1. Snow is Not White - it is clear and colourless.
“The complex structure of snow crystals results in countless tiny surfaces from which visible light is efficiently reflected. What little sunlight is absorbed by snow is absorbed uniformly over the wavelengths of visible light thus giving snow its white appearance.”  (National Snow and Ice Data Center)

2. 12% of the earth’s surface is ice or snow. 80% of all the freshwater on earth is frozen as ice or snow. 

3. All snowflakes have 6 sides.  
“The oxygen atom has a particularly strong attraction to the electron clouds of the two hydrogen atoms and pulls them closer. This leaves the two hydrogen ends more positively charged, and the center of the “V” more negatively charged. When other water molecules “brush up” against this growing snowflake, strong forces between the negatively charged and positively charged parts of different particles cause them to join together in a very specific three-dimensional pattern with a six-sided symmetry. Each water molecule that joins the snowflake reflects this pattern until eventually we can see its macroscopic six-sided shape.” ( Learner.org)

4. Identical? "it is indeed extremely unlikely that two complex snowflakes will look exactly alike. Nano-snowflakes can be exactly alike. Small snow crystals can look alike.Larger, complex snowflakes are all different. (www.snowcrystlas.com)

5.  Snow is a mineral, just like diamonds and salt.

6  At the center of almost every snow crystal is a tiny mote of dust, which can be anything from volcanic ash to a particle from outer space. "As the crystal grows around that speck, its shape is altered by humidity, temperature, and wind; the history of a flake’s descent to Earth is recorded in its intricate design".(http://discovermagazine.com/2008)

7. Freshly fallen snow is typically 90 to 95 percent air, which is what makes it such a good thermal insulator.

8. Don’t eat the yellow snow but also don't eat red snow, either: “Watermelon snow,” ruddy-tinted drifts that smell like fresh watermelon, gets its color from a species of pigmented algae that grows in ice. The snow tastes great, but eating it will give you the runs.

9  Too much snow can drive a person crazy. Pibloktoq, a little-understood hysteria seen in people living in the Arctic, can cause a wide range of symptoms, including echolalia (senseless repetition of overheard words) and running around naked in the snow.

Do you know some other cool things about snow?