Grindelwaldmagazin 17 18 en winter

HORISCHLITTEN ON VISIT TO HANS BURGENER

KLEINE SCHEIDEGG HOW TO PREPARE SKISLOPES

CURLING

WORLD CHAMPION FROM GRINDELWALD

ADV. GRIWATREUHAND

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L EA DIN G A R T IC L E

INVESTIGATING instead of GIVING UP Curling in Grindelwald has followed a similar path to GriwaPlan AG. English and Scottish guests brought this wonderful sport to Grindelwald about hundred years ago and have provided lots of fun for locals and guests. In 2000, 15 years after the foundation of GriwaPlan AG, I was voted onto the economic commission of Grindelwald. At that point in time, curling in Grindelwald was no longer popular. The commission had the task of examining alternative uses for the curling hall, such as a parking lot or the like.

The plan was to abandon curling in the area. I could not sympathise with such an idea. It could not be possible, that a world-renowned health resort could reject curling. Therefore, I made the request not to close it down, but to reinvest and to focus especially on motivating young people to take up the sport. The GriwaPlan AG supported and promoted a young team through sponsoring. And voilà, years later this team won the bronze medal at the Junior World Championship in Canada. Fränzi Kaufmann from Grindelwald was in this team and now is a multiple World Champion – you will get to know her better in this issue of the Grindelwald magazine.

The development of GiwaPlan AG parallels the curling situation.

After a good start in 1987, the company was nearly penniless at the beginning of the 1990s. What to do? Give up or invest? I decided to invest. And I did so by completing an additional training as a real estate trustee, and only then did I enter the new business field of project development, which we have realised as a complete service company. I did not become a world champion – but that was not the goal – but I wanted to survive.

Looking ahead helped the Griwa companies grow continuously and also helped boost the economy in Grindelwald.

I would like to invite you, dear friends and guests, to invest in the Jungfrau region and to support younger generations in building its future. For this, I would like to express my sincere thanks!

Your Markus Friedli President and Chairman of the board of GriwaGroup

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HOTEL

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SU M M A R Y

WINTER An old tradition from Grindelwald

Wintersport 8

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A paradise for winter experiences

Visiting Hans Burgener

Fast change Behind the scenes

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A Book about glaciers and Grindelwald

What's needed for good skislope

International property award 36

conditions

The life of a ski instructor

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Shopping & Eating

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Marcel «Homi» Homberger in focus

World champion

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Publisher: GriwaGroup

Franziska Kaufmann about the

Concept: GriwaGroup in cooperation with Ville&Casali

fascination of curling

Layout: GriwaGroup, Michael Ackermann, Dep. Head of Marketing GriwaGroup Redaction: Susan Lerch-Stettler, Head ofMarketing GriwaGroup

The new housekeeper

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Texts: Annette Marti, GriwaGroup

Olympic champion Gian Simmen at

Photos: David Birri, Michael Ackermann, Speedy Füllemann,

the Snowpark First

Jungfraubahnen Translations: Eva Sailer, Enrico Morelli, Sandro Bolton, Cristina D'A ndrea Print: Arti Grafiche Boccia - Salerno

ADV. SANITAS TROESCH

ADV. UNICO TREUHAND

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ADV. HOTEL BELVEDERE

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ADV. HOTEL STEINBOCK

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CRAFT

HORISCHLIT TEN - WORK and RACEMACHINE MICHELLE GERBER is an enthusiastic Horischlitten rider, and in order to see where her racing sled comes from she visited SLED BUILDER HANS BURGENER in Grindelwald. He is one of the last in the region who still produces the sleds, which were used as work tools in the past.

«

We wanted the Horischlitten we had ordered, five centimetres narrower than normal», says Michelle Gerber while we trudge up the steep path to the stable.

This does not exactly correspond with the traditional dimensions. She adds that she is almost certain that a real builder of Horischlitten would not like to diverge from the original dimensions. Hans Burgener’s farm is located on the «Steinen Weidli»

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meadow, close to the Eiger North Face. The sun still hides behind the Mittelegi ridge, before it briefly appears in the middle of February only to quickly disappear behind the Eiger again. The meadows and pastures roll softly up towards the Kleine Scheidegg and, in spite of the massive wall, you can see, here and there, a maple tree, an old stable or a farmhouse. The contrast is enormous – on one hand lovely meadows and on the other the gigantic wall of rock.

Above

Two generations - one passion:

Hans Burgener builds the Horischlitten according to old tradition, Michelle Gerber uses it as a racing sled.

Hans Burgener welcomes us to his workshop. Quietly he looks out over the snowy valley.

Hans grew up here, at Itramen, high above the village centre.

He took over the farm from his parents but now his son is already the «boss», he explains.

Throughout his years of working on the farm Hans also made sleds. It was a second string to his bow and a supplementary income.

Gr in de lwald

Above

In his workshop at the «Steinen Weidli» farm, Hans Burgener produces dozens of

Horischlitten as well as many smaller Grindelwald sleds.

Hans Burgener pulls the door aside with a powerful jerk and asks us into his workshop.

«Yes», he says calmly, «the proportions have to be right.

That is crucial with a Hori».

He runs his hand smoothly over the white shimmering wood of a newly made sled.

Hans Burgener has already made approximately 900 small Grindelwald sleds and 70 Horischlitten. «Horischlitten have to be light but nevertheless very solid», he explains. The sleds with their big horn – the “Horen” – were important equipment for farmers. They used them to transport hay, wood and other goods in winter. Sleds without iron fittings on the runners could also be used in summer to move wheels of cheese or to spread dung. Such sleds are sometimes still in use today.

Below

Hans often worked with a Hori. He still remembers how he had to lean hard against the sled in order to bring the loaded vehicle to a stop.

Unlike the racers, the farmers do not sit on the sled, but stand between the horns and hold them with both hands.

For steep descents one can also wrap chains around the runners as an additional aid for braking. Hans knows exactly what distance is comfortable between the horns and the seat, to make sure that the sled does not push against the legs when walking. The bars should also be sufficiently far apart, so that one can put one’s head through. The Hori is carried on the shoulders when going uphill, which also explains why weight optimization is a big issue.

Handwork with precision. Hans Burgener has developed his own

system of building sleds. However, it is based on traditional dimensions.

Hans Burgener worked out the measurements and instructions for the sled construction himself. As a trained carpenter, he brought a lot of knowledge with him and whatever he did not know about the Hori he copied from old sleds. In the past, each craftsman had his own system and therefore the sleds were not all made to the same measurements.

Burgener started building them in 2000 and, over the years, he perfected his production methods. Individual parts such as the horns or the runners are preproduced in a factory; they are bent over with steam. Other parts, such as the complex shaped legs, he builds in his workshop exactly how he wants them. The individual parts are not glued together, so the sleds can always be taken apart and a broken piece can be replaced. Burgener uses ash wood, which is particularly tough. Wainwrights also used it in the past. Although the use of the sleds has changed, they are still made in the traditional way. Small adjustments such as the five centimetres less width are possible, but not much can be changed as the rules of the race stipulate that participants have to start with original farmer’s sleds. Tuned up sleds are not allowed.

Hans Burgener does not race.

Not because he can’t or because he is sceptical about the sporting use. With a soft smile on his lips, he says: «It’s a bit too risky for me». He likes it when you go «rass», a Grindelwald dialect word which one can imagine does not mean to sled carefully or in a controlled manner. Driving a Horischlitten is not completely without danger. Even somebody who has good control over the vehicle has to expect to fly out of a curve sometimes. Michelle

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CRAFT Gerber, who likes to go fast just like Hans, has had experience of a big fall. «It simply catapulted us off. We made a mistake and flew far out into the deep snow. It could have ended badly», she says. «We were very scared and for a few days everything hurt.»

The 25-year old who works at GriwaRent AG in Grindelwald has participated in the Horischlitten race for six years and, although she would have never thought this, it is exactly this tradition which she loves most. She grew up in Beatenberg above Interlaken. It was when she met her boyfriend that her connection with the Horischlitten began. «I never wanted a farmer as my boyfriend», she laughs, «and that is exactly what happened!» Michelle Gerber participated in her first race, more by chance than planning. Only later did the

Horischlitten fever begin to grip her, when she found an ideal race partner in her boyfriend’s sister.

Above

Hans Brugener explains Michelle Gerber

what the development of the sled is all about.

ADV. BURI SPORT

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Gr in de lwald

MICHELLE'S RACING SEASON There are many Horischlitten races in the Bernese Oberland and in the Innerschweiz. This is also the case in Grindelwald, where up to 100 teams compete in March. The best teams, such as Michelle Gerber and Sonja Zurbuchen, are there competitively, others just race for the fun of it and some racers even dress up. The route between Alpiglen and the valley could not be raced on in the winter of 2016. There was a strong foehn­storm the day of the race and the race had to be cancelled. As a result Michelle, her partner and Hans Burgener’s sled were not able to compete. The two women are not completely happy with their season. They raced well, but not very well. Michelle Gerber takes stock and says: «We were always behind the best». Due to the uncertain snow conditions several races had to be cancelled. But Michelle Gerber and her teammate are already looking forward to next season. She

Above The team, Michelle Gerber (back) and her sledging partner Sonja Zurbuchen during a competition.

is confident: «Then it will definitely be better!»

A Horischlitten is always driven as a team. The person in the front has to estimate and plan the best course, is mainly responsible for the steering and gives commands back to the person who does the braking.

The narrower sledge is more practical for Michelle and her partner as it is easier to sit on.

«I am lucky. Sonja, my race partner, participated in ski races in the past and, therefore, has a feeling for how to best approach a course», says Michelle. She herself is responsible for braking. In contrast to ski races, the course must not be ridden beforehand.

Normally the teams inspect the course by going from the bottom up to the start.

Sometimes it is allowed to make a test run with a smaller sled. In the meantime, Michelle Gerber and Sonja Zurbuchen are among the fastest teams in the region and have left the category ‘fun’ long behind them.

«We want to keep up with the best, no question about that.» says Michelle. «I am ambitious, and Sonja is as well.» Gerber is always very nervous before the

start and, when something goes wrong during a race, she sometimes does not talk to her teammate in the finishing area for a few minutes. But so far the two women have always found a way to continue together. Every winter they compete in eight to ten races. The experience and the team spirit in the Horenschlitten Club Habkern, where Michelle is a member, is also important to her. «I really enjoy the time when

we tie our sleds onto our car roof and drive to a race», she says.

There is no newcomer problem in the Club – many young people are enthusiastic about the sport.

Below

Agriculture and crafts under one roof. Hans

Burgener always operated the sledge construction alongside his main activity as a farmer.

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CRAFT

Hans Burgener is happy about the interest in his traditionally manufactured sleds. The boom of the Horischlitten races has stimulated the demand. But, as with many things in life, Burgener also thinks: ÂŤIt is important to remain groundedÂť.

This holds true for races literally and figuratively.

Above

In former times the Horischlitten was a

widespread work tool. You have to carry it upwards, but on the way down weight can be loaded.

Below The Horischlitten are now used for races more often than

Text: Annette Marti Photos: David Birri, Michelle Gerber

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ever before. Michelle (back) and her colleague Sonja love fast slopes.

Gr in de lwald

ADV. WYSS SPORT

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KLEINE SCHEIDEGG

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Gr in de lwald

The SNOW FAIRIES OF THE SLOPES They work in the BACKGROUND but are, NEVERTHLESS, ESSENTIAL and IRREPLACEABLE for winter sports: FRITZ BRAWAND and his team on KLEINE SCHEIDEGG ensure snow is made and the slopes are prepared – whatever happens.

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f they do their job well, no one notices it, but if something does not go to plan, things get rocky. The snowmaking and snow preparation team on Kleine Scheidegg basically work nonstop. Fritz Brawand, deputy chef for winter sports, and his 19 employees have to organize themselves so that the guests have the best possible conditions on the ski slopes every day. The crew normally does this without anybody really realizing what is going on, which is not easy in an extremely moody winter.

«The extreme weather events have repeatedly destroyed our work this season», says Fritz Brawand. The team was regularly able to establish good conditions but then a warm front came with the foehn or rain, and the situation was completely different after only a few hours. «This sometimes really takes it out of you», Brawand admits. But he is not the type who puts his head in the snow because of a setback. «I am an optimist», he says calmly, «there are good and bad winters, that has always been the case.»

Confidence and steady nerves seem to be a big advantage in Lefts

Brawand’s job. All the threads come together in his tiny office in the garage building on Kleine Scheidegg. It is there that he studies the weather forecasts, answers questions on the telephone, has discussions with employees, makes decisions and organises everything - non stop.

Tiles can be seen between the many pieces of paper and pictures on the walls. Originally the boss’s small office, where a table, a chair and a computer just fit, was a shower. Who cares!

Brawand is happy in his mini office. He could have moved into a bigger one after the renovation of the garage but he still hasn’t done so. The main space is taken up by the snowmobiles, which are situated next door in the spacious hall.

There are 11 snow cats for the whole area between Grindelwald Grund and Wengen (excluding Männlichen). There are also 62 mobile snow makers needed for over 50 kilometres of ski runs, as well as 274 fixed snow lances. The technical effort is enormous and requires well planned logistics, as well as a competent team that ensures efficient operation and maintenance. Eight people alone are needed for snowmaking.

From mid October this group tries to make as much

Spectacular workplace (from the left): Fritz Brawand, Dani Morger,

Patrick Michel, Peter Zurbuchen, Thomas Brawand, David Zürcher, (in front) Nando Kaufmann and Peter Näf.

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KLEINE SCHEIDEGG

Left

Fritz Brawand, dep. Head of Wintersport Kleine Scheidegg, has

to plan his team-operations depending on the weather situation.

artificial snow as possible.

However, this is only possible when the temperatures are -4C to -5C. The snowmaking work usually begins by the lifts Arvengarten, Lauberhorn and Wixi. It is impossible to make snow on all slopes, as the water reserves have to be carefully monitored to ensure there is enough for the whole winter. During the actual ski season, the snowmaking team is responsible for the post snowmaking work, as well as

filling in for the snow cat drivers on their days off. All the team members are also needed for maintenance work on the machines in the garage. There they work depending on their specialities. The laborious work continues after the season ends – all the snowmaking machines have to be dismantled and put into storage, so that the guests can enjoy an undisturbed landscape during the summer.

The most important thing required from snow cat drivers, snow makers and also from the boss, is flexibility. This is because the working hours depend on the weather.

Sometimes the working day starts at 3:30 pm and lasts late into the night. Sometimes it starts at 2 o’clock in the

morning. «Usually we try to prepare the slopes in the evening, but if it snows during the night we have to do it in the morning», Brawand explains.

Good ski conditions depend on how well the crew can adapt to the weather. Therefore, no one on the team is exactly sure when they will be called in to work.

This is simply normal for the employees; they are used to it and are a well-trained team.

«The advantage of this is, that every day is different», says Brawand and grins. «It will never get boring». For him it is necessary to follow several weather reports every day, and to compare them with his observations and his own experience. This job requires a good feeling for the weather and the connection between

Above

The garage for the snow cats is built into the

hillside so that it appears much smaller than it is effective.

Below After the ski runs are closed, the team begins to prepare the slopes, unless the weather pushes a different tactic.

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Gr in de lwald

Above

Modeschau in front of the

Eiger North Face. Between Grindelwald Grund and Wengen (without Männlichen), 11 snow cats are in permanent use.

the weather and the snow conditions. After 33 years at Kleine Scheidegg, Fritz Brawand knows how to deal with local weather phenomena such as the foehn or abrupt weather changes. Nevertheless, he often faces new challenges.

A sure sign of the foehn wind is a stream-shaped hat sitting between the summits of Eiger and Jungfrau. Brawand looks up to the snow dusted Eiger North Face. If the snow had only fallen at a lower level, but the day before it had rained until Kleine Scheidegg. The slopes are soaked and in the hollows are puddles of slushy snow and dirt. «It’s a shame.

But what can you do?»

Brawand leans back in his chair.

«We cannot change it.» The trained agricultural machine mechanic and mountain guide is used to accepting what nature offers, even if it is something different every day.

Despite all weather models and forecasts some nasty surprises occur. The week of the Lauberhorn ski race was the worst this winter season 2016/2017. Brawand and his crew are also responsible for the preparation of the World Cup slope. Thanks to the millions that were invested in the snowmaking facilities on the racetrack in autumn 2016, it was possible to prepare an impeccable, compact racetrack despite the lack of snow. Then the change of weather, which everybody had hoped for before, came in the week before the race. It started to snow - a lot.

Despite enormous efforts in

the on-going snowfall, the race eventually had to be cancelled.

«This is emotionally difficult» Fritz Brawand says retrospectively. «Not because of me but it hurts the entire organisational committee, the many employees and helpers and the whole region. A huge effort is being made and then the meteorological conditions may ruin everything. » Despite such setbacks, it is clear Brawand does everything he can to further promote winter sports in the Jungfrau region.

He hopes that the objections concerning the V-Bahn will soon be resolved, because he is convinced: «We want to be able to keep up with our neighbouring countries. We have to do everything we can to maintain good jobs in the region and to counter migration.» As a ‘native’ of Grindelwald this is close to his heart. «Our young

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KLEINE SCHEIDEGG

people also need a future», he claims. Therefore it is no problem for him to work practically round the clock throughout the winter. «I like to be up here and I am very happy to have an employer such as the Jungfraubahnen», he says. It will probably be a bit quieter for the busy 52-year-old in the summer. Then he will have time to climb the Eiger again – something he particularly likes to do.

Text: Annette Marti Fotos: Michael Ackermann

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KLEINE SCHEIDEGG

The EVERY DAY LIFE of a SKI INSTRUCTOR M A RCEL HOMBERGER, ski instructor and head of the Swiss Ski & Snowboard school at Kleine Scheidegg, began skiing as a child and hasn’t stopped since then. The Grindelwalder is still fascinated by skiing – and he loves it all year round.

M

arcel Homberger finds new challenges every day when skiing, although he has hardly done anything else his entire life.

The skiing instructor and head of the Swiss Ski & Snowboard school at Kleine Scheidegg has done almost everything possible on two slats: as a child he participated in ski races, later he trained as a ski instructor and also completed the expert level, he trained young people in the New Zealand winter for

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many years, competed in ski cross world cup races, and was a member of the Swiss Snowsports demo team, which he now trains.

Marcel Homberger, who is known as «Hombi» has been running the ski school on the Kleine Scheidegg since the winter season 2013/2014. During the summer, the 36 year old works as the coach of the Bernese Oberländer ski squad BOSV. The joy of skiing characterizes his life and has not faded with the years. It is

Above

Skiing is his life: Marcel «Hombi» Homberger,

Head of the Ski and Snowboard School Kleine Scheidegg.

still like that winter day when young Marcel suddenly disappeared out of his parent’s house high above Grindelwald.

His father found him a little later down the valley, happy on his skis. His parents soon learnt that they only had to follow the ski tracks to find their boy again.

«I am always looking for that good feeling in the curve»,

Gr in de lwald

Right

Customer satisfaction is

the biggest award for the ski instructors.

says Hombi. Every day is different: the weather, the snow conditions, the material, it is always a challenge to adapt and Hombi always finds this exciting. «Sure», he adds, «I am a bit of a speed junky and I love to be outside».

Running a ski school also involves a lot of administrative tasks, and therefore Hombi is no longer outside all day. He sits on the computer, answers inquiries, serves guests in the office, organizes his snow sport teachers and does the accounting. The motto he chose for his school is the principle that corresponds with his own conviction: «Even when you can ski well – there is always room to

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K HLOETI N E LE S C H E I D E G G

improve your technique, no matter your level!» The slogan is «Improve your style». In order to implement all of this, Hombi needs people who teach snow sports with pleasure and know how, because only then does the love of skiing transfer to the learner. He takes great care when choosing employees. The best reward for him and his employees is when the guests are happy with their progress and a solid relationship of trust develops. Sometimes even real friendships arise.

During the high season, Hombi lives on the Kleine Scheidegg because there is hardly enough time to return overnight to his apartment in Grindelwald. During quieter times he particularly enjoys the journey home. He does not take the train back, but makes his way down into the valley on skis. Sometimes, however, it is already dark and then he must take his head torch, but according to the skiing instructor these descents are still worth their weight in gold. Due to his commitment to ski sports, there is rarely any spare-time left. «Last winter I went skiing only once with my friend», he says, «but this was a big exception».

After the end of the season, he has more time for his girlfriend and free time. Then Hombi likes to travel to the Left

Office work is a daily

business for the ski school leader.

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Above

Loves to be outside: Marcel Homberger in front

of the ski school office on Kleine Scheidegg. Everyone calls him "Hombi."

beach, or anywhere else – «as long as it is warm!»

Want to improve your own ski technique? Click here for Hombi’s Ski school: www.snowsportsscheidegg.ch Text: Annette Marti Photos:

Ski-

&

Snowboardschule

Kleine Scheidegg, Michael Ackermann

ADV. REX ROYAL

ADV. RUOFF SANITÄR

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C UR HO T EL LI N G

A WELL POLISHED performance CURLING has a long tradition in Grindelwald – although in the beginning only the British guests practised this sport. Since then curling has become part of everyday life for many locals, but especially for the WORLD CHAMPION FRANZISKA KAUFMANN.

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eing served by a world champion at the railway counter could easily be a service that is only found in Grindelwald.

There are probably only a few world champions who work outside their sport for their livelihood. With curling there is no other choice. Franziska Kaufmann and her team Flims, with skip Binia Feltscher, have brought home the world champion title twice already – once in 2014 and again in 2016. «It is normal in

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Switzerland – everybody has a job as well as curling», says Kaufmann. «I like it this way, I love the change.» The 29 year old works as a railway travel sales person at the Jungfraubahnen. She can schedule her 80 % workload flexibly in order to have time for the big tournaments. All in all, the Grindelwald sports woman has a rather tight schedule, with approximately ten elite tournaments per year plus training sessions. She often travels abroad for championships and tournaments. She loves to travel but also likes to return

Above

Franziska Kaufmann from Grindelwald won

already two times World Championchip with her Team Flims.

home. «I can relax wonderfully in the mountains», she enthuses.

«Then I am ready for the next competition.»

Kaufmann started curling as a school pupil and soon played in a team that endured and achieved a great deal at the junior level. Ueli Baumann, the president of the Curling Club Grindelwald, underlines the importance of the team: «There are always four or better even five people needed

Gr in de lwald who get on well together. One alone cannot do much.»

Curling requires the body and the head, you have to be able to read the ice and the course of the stones. But you also have to know how the other players work. For Franziska Kaufmann the team is almost like family: «We know each other very well, as we are together most of the time when we are on the road. We have to harmonize.» For her it is extremely important that the communication works and that the players believe in each other. «And if you add a portion of fun then it’s simply great.» A special feature of the Flims team is that it plays without a coach. Ueli Baumann explains: «It is unusual at this level and shows what incredible team spirit these women have.»

Weekly trainings are impossible, as the players live all over Switzerland. They train on single training days or before tournaments. Every player counts on the others to do their part throughout the year and to work with selfdiscipline on their fitness and precision.

Ueli Baumann is very proud of the current most successful curler of Grindelwald. If everything goes smoothly the team Flims might even qualify for the Olympics in South Korea in 2018. «We are doing everything we can to prepare ourselves well for the qualification in autumn 2017», Kaufmann promises. The selection process is carried out between three Swiss women’s teams. Grindelwald has already produced several successful players. The Curling Club has existed since 1898, but even Ueli Baumann remembers the times when there were no locals in the Club. «When I was a child one was, out of awe, barely allowed

to watch these people in tie and knickerbocker trousers», he recounts. It was the British who brought this sport to the mountains. In the 1950s the customs gradually relaxed, curling became more and more popular and established itself as a sport for the locals.

The social aspect is also important: everyone knows everyone amongst curlers. Or the way Ueli Baumann puts it: «We play ambitiously but afterwards we go for an apero with the opposing team – this is part of it.»

Above

Ueli Baumann, President of the Curling Club

of Grindelwald, together with the current most successful curler of Grindelwald, Franziska Kaufmann.

Text: Annette Marti Photos: Franziska Kaufmann, Michael Ackermann

LIKE TO GIVE CURLING A TRY? There are four rinks at the Sportzentrum Grindelwald. If you would like to get to know this sport better, you can take your first steps on the ice with an instructor. There are also games for guests on a regular basis. Further information at Grindelwald Tourism: +41 33 854 12 30

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SHN OO T EWL P A R K F I R S T

GIAN SIMMEN hopes for new CHAMPIONS The Jungfrau railways have significantly expanded the snow park on First. OLYMPIC CHAMPION GIAN SIMMEN is the caretaker of the park and does everything he can to pass on his enthusiasm for the sport.

G

ian Simmen was once himself on the top and now the Olympic champion is helping new champions on their way up.

Simmen won gold in the half pipe in Nagano in 1998. So if anybody knows how it works then it is he. The Jungfrau railways have brought Simmen into their team on the snow park on First, and with

him hired a passionate ambassador for snowboarding.

Simmen lives with his wife Petra and their four sons in Krattigen on Lake Thun. He trained as a sales and marketing specialist during his professional career. He had also worked for a communication agency before he joined the Jungfrau railways. The offer came at the right moment.

«I cannot imagine a better

Above

He is the paragon: Gian Simmen is

responsible for the Snowpark First .

work place», says Simmen on a bright February day in front of the Bärgelegg hut. His gaze sweeps across the White Elements snow park, for which he is responsible, and over to the Wetterhorn with its rugged rock faces and hanging glaciers. There is nothing else one could add.

ADV. ALPINICE AG 26

Gr in de lwald

Left

Gian Simmen wants to pass on his passion

for snowboarding.

Gian Simmen wants to pass on his love for snowboarding. He wants to offer the kids and teenagers something that they will be enthusiastic about. «It does not matter if they have a snowboard or skis on their feet – as long as they are outside and moving», he says. The ski area offers a platform to improve; from beginners to professionals. And who knows, Simmen says, maybe there will be a new world champion or Olympic winner at some point from the region.

The snow park Bärgelegg is the area for experienced snowboarders. The kickers are high, the half pipe imposing –

nothing you can master just in passing. If you prefer it easier, you are better off at the snow park Oberjoch – a kind of playground with smaller kickers, rails and boxes. The facility is perfect for beginners, those wanting to test out the area, or to warm up. «It is important to work your way up step by step», says Simmen when thinking of security. «It gets dangerous when somebody rides beyond his capability». Gian Simmen and his crew groom the snow park every day in order to offer good conditions. The quality is important: patching holes, keeping jumps in good condition, moving the snow upwards – all

these are small aspects, which add to safety. The know how of the shaper is already important when the park is built because the relation between take-off and landing has to be right, otherwise it can go wrong. «The team up here is great», Simmen is happy to say. «We have already reached a high level and want to keep improving.» Simmens goal is to make Grindelwald the freestyle Number 2 in Switzerland, behind Laax.

Further info: www.white-elements.ch Photos: David Birri, Jungfraubahnen

Below

Snowpark Bärgelegg with obstacles for

experienced riders. If you like it easier, use the Snowpark Oberjoch.

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JHUONTG E LF R A U B A H N E N

V­CABLECAR PROJECT

The Grindelwald­Männlichen cableway and Jungfrau Railways are planning big investments in the area Kleine Scheidegg and Männlichen. The centrepieces of the project are two new cable cars with a common terminal in Grindelwald Grund. The two arms of the V­cableway provide access to both the Eiger glacier as well as Männlichen. A tricable gondola with a capacity of 2400 people per hour is planned to the Eiger glacier and a ten­person gondola with a capacity of around 1800 people per hour is planned to replace the old cableway up to the Männlichen glacier. The V­cable car will have a connection to public transport via the BOB (Bernese Oberland railway) at the new Rothenegg station. This not only shortens the travel times to the Jungfraujoch but also winter sports enthusiasts will benefit greatly from the improved development and the modern facilities. In addition, the waiting times will also be reduced, resulting in a journey time to the Männlichen of only 20 minutes instead of half an hour. The access from the new parking garage in Grund, as well as from the Rothenegg railway station, is easy and uncomplicated.

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Above

The eight components of the V-cableway project with the new

Rothenegg station of the BOB (1), the terminal in Grindelwald Grund (2) as well as the two cableways Männlichen (4) and Eigergletscher (5).

The two railways intend to invest a total of 420 million Swiss francs. With its eight integrated components, the project is seen as an important step towards establishing the Jungfrau region as a top, all year destination. The project leaders point out that this shall strengthen the competiveness of the Jungfraujoch as a world famous location and it will also help the winter sports destination to reach the top position in international competition. At the moment there are still objections pending against the project, which are delaying its implementation. The goal is to realise the project in the years 2018/2019.

For further information: www.jungfrau.ch/v­bahn

ADV. GRIWAPLAN

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W I NT TEELR A C T I V I T I E S HO

Grindelwald a WINTERPARADISE What you can experience in WINTER TIME

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G r in de lwald

BECOME A WORLD CHAMPION VELOGEMEL WORLD CHAMPIONCHIP www.velogemelgrindelwald.ch Would you like to be a world champion? In Grindelwald you have the opportunity to become one. Every winter the Velogemel World Championships take place on the Bussalp. This is an event where not only the lovers of this sport can register, but also spontaneous applicants can give it a try. There are no special qualifications needed for participation, even the sports equipment can be rented. A Velogemel is a typical vehicle from Grindelwald, a single­lane, steerable sled, or rather a mixture between a sled and a bicycle.

Christian Bühlmann, a wainwright and carpenter from Grindelwald invented the Velogemel more than hundred years ago. Bühlmann created the snow bicycle because he was looking for an easier way of moving around in winter. Still now, the Velogemels are only produced in the Rubi Holzbau and Sägerei AG in Grindelwald. The Velogemel can be rented at various locations in the village for a recommended training trip before the World Championship participation.

Above

An invention from Grindelwald: The Velogemel, a

mixture between a sled and a bicycle.

ADV. GHELMA SPEZ. TIEFBAU

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WINTER ACTIVITIES

BEAUTIFUL ART TO SMELT FOR WORLD SNOW FESTIVAL Every winter a special kind of art festival takes place in the middle of Grindelwald. In January the village centre is transformed into an open­air gallery. At the World Snow Festival, teams from many different countries create snow sculptures. They are able to work on it for one week and they transform meter­high snow blocks into all sorts of giant figures, objects and figments of the imagination. No materials other than water, snow and ice are allowed. At the end of the week the sculptures are judged by the participating artists, and by the audience. This magical event in the middle of Grindelwald has been celebrated for many years, and January 2017 was the 35th edition. These short­lived pieces of art are especially impressive at night when colourful lights bring another dimension to the sculptures.

Above Transient winter art: sculptures made out of snow at the World Snow Festival.

ADV. KIRCHHOFER

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Gr in de lwald

HERE THE MOUNTAIN ROCKS SNOWPENAIR KLEINE SCHEIDEGG www.snowpenair.ch The Jungfrau region always lets the winter drift away to the sound of music. The open­air music festival takes place in April on the Kleine Scheidegg – in the most beautiful scenery you can imagine. The stage is more than 2000 meters above sea level – a real alpine matter. For the last 20 years, many national and international acts have rocked right in front of the world famous mountains Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The impressive view extends from the festival grounds, a little below the station Kleine Scheidegg, up to the mighty glaciers, rocks and peaks. The atmosphere in this mountain world is unique. The story of the SnowpenAirs started in 1998 with the appearance of Florian Ast and Gotthard. Gotthard rocked for the anniversary edition in April 2017. Even international stars such as Bryan Adams, Zucchero and Deep Purple see the Kleine Scheidegg as a magical place.

Above

Great stage for music: Wintery open air concert at

Kleine Scheidegg.

ADV. GRINDELWALD SPORTS

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BOOKS

WHEN GLACIERS WERE STILL ICE ­ A book speaks volumes The author, Katharina Balmer, grew up in Grindelwald. She compiled stories, photographs and historical documents through extensive research in order to document the changes in nature in the Jungfrau region.

The book by Katharina Balmer

«Als

Gletscher noch aus Eis

waren»(When Glaciers Were Still Ice), was published in 2015 by Ott Verlag. It takes its readers on a journey through time. One rolls with the horse drawn carriage over the cobbled streets in Interlaken,

gets

«Unspunnenfest»

to

know

the

reasons

for

the

first

in 1805, when the people tried to reconcile

city and country with a feast near the fortress Unspunnen. One can see the ladies climbing over the glacier’s ice masses in their long skirts, and find out how locals broke off blocks of ice

PHOTO 83

to deliver them to hotels and shops for cooling purposes. The historic pictures from the Bärplatz enhance the book, showing the legendary ice­rink in the middle of the village.

Katharina Balmer takes us up Wetterhorn in the old elevator, climbs Faulhorn, and makes a detour to Jungfraujoch. The journey continues down to Lauterbrunnen, to the valley of the roaring waterfalls. The present day filters through all these scenes,

which

are

richly

illustrated

and

historically

documented. Pictures of the past are placed beside pictures of today; stories of modern times complement the ones from the past.

Throughout the book transparencies can be placed over images of today, reconstructing a former scene. When the

perspectives about the development of the Jungfrau region

exact same photo­section is flipped back and forth, the

and definitely stimulates reflection.

change becomes apparent. Katharina Balmer’s book gives a very vivid and multifaceted impression of the past. Carefully

Katharina Balmer, Als Gletscher noch aus Eis waren, Ott,

selected examples show the enormous changes of the

Sachbuchverlag, 2015

landscape and the settlements over the centuries. The factual texts are a pleasant contrast to the strong pictures.

In Summer 2017 available as short version in german,

One is almost grateful to the author for documenting soberly

«Jungfrau Region – einst und jetzt», english «Jungfrau

and not pouring more oil into the fire. The book offers many

Region – then and now».

ADV. ANETTE MARTI 34

ADV. KA - HOLZBAU AG

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PUBLIREPORTAGE

International PROPERTY AWARD in London The GRIWATREUHAND AG Grindelwald received the coveted prize from an expert jury in London. In the category of Real Estate Agents Europe of the INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY AWARDS, GriwaTreuhand AG won the award of "HIGHEST RECOMMENDED" real estate trust company of Switzerland.

T

he international real estate industry looks once a year in anticipation to London, when at the end of October, the International Property Awards are awarded. This year, the GriwaTreuhand AG, a company within the GriwaGroup, was awarded this prestigious award.

On October 26, 2016 the GriwaGroup founder and owner Markus Friedli as well as managing director Sandro Bolton had the honour to accept the award certificate «Highly Commended» in the category real estate trust company in London.

With the participation in this competition, GriwaTreuhand AG was able to compete with the best in its field worldwide and was able to assert itself sovereignly. «We are very pleased with this award», says Markus

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Friedly happily, «it confirms that we are on the right track».

The jury, which consisted of 70 experts, required detailed insight into the working methods and procedures used at GriwaTreuhand, for example in the area of marketing and its execution.

Marketing tools, such as sales dossiers, published advertisements and web pages, were also examined. «There is a general trend towards comprehensive consulting in our industry nowadays», notes Sandro Bolton. «Customers expect detailed information about our offers. Professional handling of the sales process is very important to the buyers or sellers of real estate.»

It seems as if the jurors of the Property Awards were particularly impressed by the comprehensive services offered by GriwaTreuhand in conjunction with the other

Above Pleased about the award from London: Markus Friedli (left), founder and owner of GriwaGroup Grindelwald, and Sandro Bolton, managing director GriwaTreuhand AG.

GriwaGroup companies. They range from the purchase and sale of real estate to development, construction and conversion to the consulting, administration and rental of real estate.

Contact: www.griwatreuhand.ch

Sandro Bolton s.bolton@griwatreuhand.ch Tel. +41 33 854 11 60

SHOP P IN G & EA T IN G

WINTER Shopping & Eating SCHÜRLIBAR www.schürlibar.ch The Schürlibar ist the perfect place for apres ski. Enter the nightlife in the friendly atmosphere by drinking mulled wine or a house coffee.

BUS STOP APRES RIDE BAR

HOLZERBAR

www.busstopbar.ch

www.holzerbar.ch

This oldtimer­bus was built in 1960.

After a magnificent skiday at Kleine Scheidegg – Männlichen you can visit

Today, the bus is a well known apres ski

the Holzerbar at the valley descent

par in Grindelwald. On Saturday, there

Tschuggen.

are always special events. A must taste: Hot Mojito

SLEDGE RUN BUSSALP www.grindelwaldbus.ch/en/schlitteln Experience the longest sledge run of Europe. The Bussalp is a beautyful paradise für sledging and driving the well known «Velogemel».

HOTEL CENTRAL WOLTER'S TERRACE www.central-wolter.ch See and be seen on the boulevard terrace of restaurant Wolter. Thats where Grindelwald meets each other.

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