Summary
Following a remarkable night of rest in Interlaken, we awoke early and proceeded to Niederhorn for an exhilarating day of skiing.
Exploring Niederhorn
Niederhorn represents an ideal skiing destination. Although it is predominantly frequented by locals rather than tourists, the absence of many ski lodges means that most visitors are typically residents of the area or fortunate individuals like ourselves who received excellent recommendations.
This unique factor allows for remarkably pristine slopes, providing an excellent opportunity to engage with the local community. 🙂
Travel from Interlaken to Beatenberg
The journey to Beatenberg takes approximately 30 minutes from Interlaken, offering a glimpse into everyday life in Switzerland. Small children, often too young to refrain from weeping when bidding farewell to parents (which genuinely occurred), independently board buses destined for school. The route is adorned with picturesque Swiss villages and the breathtaking Swiss Alps, complemented by an incredible view of Jungfraujoch and Lake Thun along the way.
Skiing at Niederhorn
Upon reaching the summit, I recognized that my last skiing experience was nearly a year prior; thus, I commenced down the slopes in an awkward manner, reminiscent of Bambi on ice, while attempting to recall all the techniques I had previously acquired.
Journey to Zermatt
It was only after experiencing a fall, resulting in one of my skis traveling down a mountain (retrieving it was certainly a challenge), that I understood the importance of remaining composed. Skiing becomes significantly more enjoyable when one allows themselves to flow with the experience rather than overanalyzing every movement.
Staying in an Igloo
Upon touching down in the igloo, I experienced a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. The enthusiasm stemmed from the prospect of staying within an igloo, while apprehension arose from uncertainty regarding the conditions and warmth sustenance—particularly factoring in the -20C temperatures outside.
For convenience, items you do not wish to carry can be left at the hotel prior to boarding the train. Subsequent walking downhill to the igloo allows for absorbing breathtaking views. Upon arrival at the igloo, although the temperature is approximately -2C inside, it feels remarkably warm when compared to the external weather conditions.
We commenced the evening with a glass of hot gluhwein (mulled wine) to warm ourselves before embarking on a guided tour. Among the amenities available are a hot tub, a warming room, and a wooden hut equipped with a fireplace for the evening gatherings. Most importantly, it offers the chance to explore the various rooms within the igloos!
The accommodations offer a wide range of options—including standard rooms up to romantic suites complete with hot tubs, warming rooms, and bathrooms located entirely within the igloo once again.
Given the stunning nature of the atmosphere, I drifted off to sleep without warning and was surprised by the level of comfort I experienced. The sleeping bags provided are designed to retain warmth effectively, even at temperatures as low as -40C, ensuring a snug rest.
The following morning, I was awakened by the comforting aroma of freshly brewed tea. Who would have imagined enjoying such luxuries while nestled inside an igloo! This reality also serves as a reminder of the communities around the globe that inhabit igloos as their residence.
The igloos were constructed by Iglu-Dorf, operators of similar igloo accommodations throughout Europe. Remarkably, the durability of these structures becomes apparent when learning about the challenging processes involved in dismantling them prior to the spring and summer seasons. Various efforts to bulldoze these igloos have proved ineffective, as even explosives used for controlled avalanche setups can barely leave a mark, resulting in the decision to let them naturally melt under the sun’s warmth instead.
After enjoying our tea, we gathered our belongings and began the descent down the mountain, only taking about a ten-minute walk back to the hotel where breakfast awaited and we could collect our ski gear for a full day of skiing in Zermatt.
The descent itself features views that are nothing short of spectacular, particularly with the Matterhorn majestically overseeing the path, complemented by the moonlight in the background as if giving counsel to the mountain.
If you’re eager to learn about skiing in Zermatt and what awaits, be on the lookout for the next article that will delve into our incredible breakfast experience prior to hitting the slopes.
