Doug

I'll be in Switzerland for about 4 days in mid-February. I've seen Zurich & Geneva, but not much of the rest of the country. I don't ski, but I'd love to see the beautiful alpine scenery. What's the best way to do this in the middle of winter? Thanks a lot!

Sarah

snow shoes?<BR><BR>I trecked around grinenwald (sp) some 20 years ago when I could not afford to ski it was still beautiful, still have wonderful photos and memories.

Dick

We've skied in the Grindelwald (aka Berner Oberland) area for the last few years. In addition to the many ski runs, there are numerous marked hiking trails that are used throughout the winter. Snowshoes don't appear to be necessary - in fact, I can't remember ever seeing anyone using them in Switzerland. Skiers and non-skiers both use the ski lifts and, in some cases, share the same trails without any apparent difficulty or animosity. Non-skiers can rent a sled (also welcome on the ski lifts) and use some of the runs that are maintained specifically for them.<BR><BR>If you're not up for any activity at that level, many non-skiers, non-hikers, non-sledders also use the lifts (both ways) to access the numerous mountain restaurants and scenic spots. There's no stigma attached to it, unlike here in the states where riding a ski lift downhill is (sadly) tantamount to tattooing "wimp" across your forehead.<BR><BR>One great thing to do on a sunny day would be to take the Mannlichenban gondola to the top of the ridge and rent a lawn chair and blanket for a few hours. Going in the other direction, you can take the Firstbahn from downtown Grindelwald to Berghaus Shreckfeld and sit out at the picnic tables enjoying a Rugenbrau and french fries with the valley at your feet.<BR><BR>The local trains are also part of the ski lift system and it's possible to travel to the highest train station in Europe, Jungfraujoch, for some really fantastic views, or all the way to the revolving restaurant Piz Gloria at the top of the Schilthorn, site of the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service". This latter trip involves a few hours and taking a variety of forms of transportation, mostly trams (cable cars). It's all covered on a single pass (Jungfraujoch is extra) that's really very reasonable.

Nancy

How about Zermatt? You can ride a cog wheel train up to Gonergrat (sp?) and sit at a nice indoor/outdoor restaurant and watch the Matterhorn, not that is does much, but the weather does. I like Zermatt town also, a little walking city without cars. I don't ski either but enjoy the atmosphere.

s

Doug,<BR><BR>There's so very much to do in the Berner Oberland that it's very difficult to know where to start. I suggest you spend some time surfing around the Switzerland pages at www.twenj.com, a personal site with loads and loads of detailed and comprehensive information on the whole country. These folks do not ski either, and they favor Muerren as a base to explore the area. Their web site has information on excursions, hikes, and wanderings in the area. It should help point you in a good direction.<BR><BR>Great luck!<BR><BR>s

s

Doug,<BR><BR>I guess I should add my own best suggestions.<BR><BR>I like to stay in Grindelwald in the Berner Oberland because of its access to both the First and the Mannlichen cable cars and all of the trails that branch out from there. It's also easy to get to Shynige Platte and Interlaken from there. Though I usually ski there, I also take a few days to walk a few trails, which are kept free of snow drifts. I haven't done any sledding, but lots of folks do.<BR><BR>If you have any specific questions, feel free to e-mail me.<BR><BR>s

Keith Legg

There are usually walking routes and maps at the ski stations - as a skier but one who tends to get injured in the first couple of days, I'm well used to walking!

Doug

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to post a reply. I really appreciate it!