For strong hikers and ski tourers, there are quite a few routes that are operated by both the local tourist bureaus and different adventure tour operators in either Summer, Winter or both seasons. The complete tours below all have sections that are too difficult for us to attempt and, instead, have hiked sections as day hikes. It is also possible to tailor portions for yourself to be done individually with the exception of Winter ski touring. I wouldn’t move a ski or snow shoe into these high and possibly dangerous areas without a licensed guide. Below are three tours for serious hikers/skiers only along with my comments on sections that give me major “flop sweats”:

- The “Wildstrubel” is a seven day, six night tour that goes from Kandersteg – Adelboden – Lenk – Crans Montana – Leukerbad (where our Gemmipass hike ended)

- Lotschental. A tour usually includes hotels or SAC huts, transportation, meals and ex-Marine and I have day hiked in all these fantastic areas. The portion that scares the #!#* out of me is the section that begins at Ausser Ueschinen where the serious scree, shale and cliffs begin. Once you hit the Bunderchrinde pass, the downhill into Adelboden isn’t bad.

old wooden village of Ferden in the Lotschental Valley, Switzerland
- The “Lotschberg” is a five day, four night tour which can be done individually, with a glacier crossing. This goes from the Kiental – Griesalp – Kietal – Reichenbach – Kandersteg – Selden – Lotschenpass – Lauchernalp – Fafleralp. The Lotschen Pass is the oldest crossing between Valais and Berne and this is the “scares the #!#* out of Sheila” section that I’ve avoided each time. Not because of the steep climb to the Lotschen Pass but the Lotschen glacier. Add “glacier crossing” to the list that ex-Marine and I avoid like the plague. Otherwise, we’ve been there done it…including charming Ferden in the Lotschental Valley. Ski Tourers can enjoy a nice long descent into the Lotschental Valley…View image.

- The most difficult of the three (in my eyes) is the Jungfrau – Aletsch – Bietschhorn (Griesalp – Blumlisalphütte SAC – Doldenhornhütte SAC – Lotschenpasshutte – Anenhutte), a punishing but spectacular 7-day tour. Just take a look at where the Blumlisalphutte and Lotschenpasshuttes are located and you’ll get the idea.

the SAC (Swiss Alpine Club) Blumlisalphutte high in the mountains 

Lotschenpasshutte, Switzerland
There is one other challenge on the Allmenalp at the edge of Kandersteg, a via ferrata that begins on a vertical wall…View image, called one of the most spectacular in the Alps. Perhaps you’ve never seen or heard of a via ferrata. I’ve seen them all over Europe, added to my “avoid like the plague” list and have no attention of ever getting caught near one. A via ferrata is Italian for “iron road” and that is exactly what it is. A mountain route equipped with fixed cables, ladders and bridges that cover isolated routes for walkers and climbers. You (not me) can follow a via ferrata without using ropes and belays. Just look at two via ferrata photos courtesy of Wikipedia…

via ferrata route up a mountain 

another via ferrata route in France
If you are not made of this stuff and how many of us are, join wimpy ex-Marine and I for still out-of-the-world views on the not as extreme trails around Kandersteg. There is a plentitude of easy and enjoyable walks, cross country skiing, sunshine, clean air and excellent food…

mountain views in the Lotschental Valley of Switzerland
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