I will be hiking for seven days in September in Zermatt and Muerren. I typically hike 4-5 times a year in the US and have been wanting to purchase hiking poles. I would like to purchase the poles in Zermatt (I think it would be neat to get my poles in Switzerland), but wondered if they are very expensive. I can purchase medium priced poles at REI for around $100. Are you hiking poles more expensive in Zermatt? Your thoughts on this are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I bought a pair of Leki's in Kandersteg two years ago, and although I can't remember the exact price now, I know I thought at the time that I was paying about a third more than I would have in the US. My friend got a great deal at REI Outlet.com. I use mine every year though, and they are a good souvenir for me even though I'm sure I could have purchased a comparable pair cheaper at home.

I've also got a pair of Leki's, with the spring-inside (great idea), and got them in Grindelwald, but can't remember the price. Generally I'd think sporting goods will be a bit more expensive here in Switzerland than in the U.S. (stuff like good hiking boots, parkas, etc...), however, I can't imagine that I paid around Sfr. 160.-- (which would be current exchange rate of 100 US dollars to Swiss Francs) for my Leki's, I really don't think they were that expensive.

All the tourist shops in Interlaken had them displayed out in front of their stores. Don't know if they were the quality you would desire but had lots of them.

Dear Troy: I know you want good hiking poles, not the old fashioned wooden ones. However, our dearest souvenir from trips abroad are our old hiking staffs bought in Murren. As we hiked from village to village for the week, we bought a metal tag to attach. Too bad the clever, collapsible hiking poles can't accomodate them!

We bought hiking poles in Murren in Late August (same day as your post I think). We paid $38.00 for each. They are the metal, telescope kind. We also saw the "fancy" Leki kind, with the camera screw at the top for about $60.00. Our Local REI store was MUCH more expensive. I recommend buying the poles in Switzerland. Even if you do find more expensive ones, you only have to haul them across the ocean once.<BR><BR>We LOVE our $38.00 walking sticks, but must admit, we are not expert poles users.<BR><BR>Good Luck!