nikhilsharma

Hi all

I recently did 3 day-trips within Switzerland (covering Interlaken, Schilthorn, Montreux, Zermatt, Zweisimmen, Golden Pass train from Zweisimmen to Montreux, Montreux). I was overwhelmingly enchanted by the Bernese Oberland. I have written about it: https://www.fodors.com/community/eur...swiss-pass.cfm

I have a 3-day holiday from 30th Dec to 1st January.

I am keen on doing snowshoeing in the Bernese Oberland. I would be doing it for the first time ever, so my preference would be medium-difficulty snowshoe trails and of duration 4-7 hours so that most of my day is occupied. Hence, would you be able to give tips about the following:

1. I was thinking of doing snowshoeing in Gstaad or Saanen.
2. How would Murren compare to the above places?
3. Any other places which are good for snowshoeing?
3. My most important worry is about snowshoes. Whichever place I head to for snowshoeing, would I be able to rent snowshoes and poles? I don't want to wade in thigh-deep snow and make a fool of myself.
4. I could spend one night or two nights in any of the Oberland hotels as well. So which place should it be? (It should not be too expensive. I don't have a figure in my head, but I guess 100-150 CHF per night should be okay).

I would be traveling / holidaying alone.

Thanks for replying in advance!

Reg.
N.

PalenQ

The Half-Fare Card may be a great deal for you - for more on it and Swiss trains check www.sbb.ch; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Grindelwald has cheaper hotels than Murren.

nikhilsharma

Hi @palenq,

Thanks, I already have a half-fare card. I am buying Saver Day passes on whichever dates I wish to travel.

PalenQ

For others not in the know like me - Saver Day Passes cost usually 59 euros in 2nd class about 100 euros in 1st class and can be used on trains, buses, boats -just like Swiss Travel Pass and with Half-Fare Card you get 50% off the Saver Day pass.

PalenQ

Not many snow boarding experts here - topping thread to see.

bilboburgler

Not snowboard but snow-shoes P.

You'll cross country skis easy to find and about as easy to learn as shoeing.

Not sure how many places rent out shoes

bilboburgler

sorry, I'm wrong "easier" is what I meant to say.

PalenQ

https://www.intersportrent.com/en/ch...al-grindelwald

rents snow shoes it seems to say

PalenQ

http://www.gimmelwald.ch/e/activitie...ter_hiking.htm

snow shoe rentals in Murren

nikhilsharma

So well here it is. I am staying over for 2 nights in Zweisimmen. From 30th Dec to 1st January. Would surely check out PalenQ's suggested InterSport site for rentals.

So now the question is:
1. How do I find snowshoe trails in and around Zweisimmen?
2. Any local experiences I can have in and around Zweisimmen?
3. Any other tips?

Ty
N.

PalenQ

Just Google it - few if any here will have any personal info:

http://www.gstaad.ch/en/winter/winte...-hiking.html#/

Ingo

1. Check www.outdooractive.com for trails. Descriptions are in English, but there are maps and facts on the trails in English. Here are two examples:

https://www.outdooractive.com/en/sno...-lenk/8483814/

https://www.outdooractive.com/en/sno...mmen/15567518/

https://www.outdooractive.com/en/sno...-lenk/8483813/

2. Activities:

https://lenk-simmental.ch/en/experie..._submit=Filter

3. Definitely have a walk on the Simmentaler Hausweg, a trail that takes you through the villages with beautiful wooden houses that have stunning woodcarvings and other decoration.

PalenQ

3. Any other places which are good for snowshoeing?>

Any Alpine resort should be good for that.

nikhilsharma

Thank you all for your help.

Went to Sparenmoos from Zweisimmen in a bus. Rented snowshoes and poles at Intersport Matti in Zweisimmen for 20.90 CHF for a day.

I was the only one in the bus uphill; was the only person who was out on the mountain because it was windy and snowing; was the only person in the restaurant on Sparenmoos and at the restaurant in Berghotel; was the only person to take the bus downhill back to Zweisimmen.

Spent 2nd day walking around in Gstaad and from Gstaad to Saanen (along the Menuhin walking trails).

Spent 3rd day in Saanen, just soaking in all the snow and calm life of Oberland.

Thanks
N.

PalenQ

Seems very reasonable rental price! Glad you did so well...all by yourself!

Cheers!