Albristhubel: Summit on snowshoes

The Simmental is known to many only from driving through on the way to Gstaad or Lenk. What a shame, really, because between Zweisimmen and Lenk, there are quiet villages, snow-covered side valleys, and peaks where there’s surprisingly little going on in winter. One of them is the Albristhubel, a prime viewpoint high above the Fermeltal. **The Start** We meet at Matten train station near St. Stephan. Before setting off, there’s a quick avalanche safety check, and anyone trying snowshoes for the first time gets a quick introduction. After ten minutes at most, it feels completely normal. **The Ascent** First, we follow the old Färmelstrasse, then turn toward Färmelbode and climb along the edge of the forest. At a leisurely pace, with time for breaks, chats, and photo stops. At around 1,800 meters, the last trees fall away, and the Simmental opens up before us. We continue over wide, open slopes to the summit. **The Summit** At 2,124 meters, there’s a picnic, tea from a thermos, and a panorama that makes every meter of climbing worthwhile: Spillgerten, Albristhore, Wistätthore, and beyond them the Wildstrubel massif. Your summit moment will be captured—you just have to beam with joy. **The Descent** We return the same way to Matten. Downhill, snowshoes are much more fun than uphill. By the afternoon, we’re back at the train station, just in time for the journey home. **Key Details** Around 10 km, with 1,000 meters of ascent and descent each, about 6 hours including breaks. Depending on snow conditions, we may shorten the ascent with a 4x4 taxi. **Requirements** You don’t need snowshoe experience, but good fitness is essential. If you can manage a summer mountain hike with 1,000 meters of elevation gain, you’ll be fine. On snowshoes, it’s a bit more strenuous, but we go at a relaxed pace without performance pressure. Ski technique or downhill skills aren’t needed. Along the way, you’ll learn how to read terrain and avalanche conditions. **Safe Travels** Above the treeline, we’re in open terrain, so an avalanche safety set with shovel and probe is mandatory. If you don’t have one, it can be rented. If conditions at the Albristhubel aren’t suitable, your guide will choose an equally rewarding summit in another region and notify you in advance. **Prices** CHF 150 per person in a group of 4 to 8 participants. Traveling alone or with a friend? Perfect—the group is designed for that, and by the summit, you’ll know each other. Prefer a private tour? It costs CHF 590 flat rate for up to four people. Rental equipment: snowshoes and poles CHF 50, avalanche gear CHF 60 per person. **Your Guide** Falko Burghausen from beAnywhere is a hiking leader, trail running instructor, and internationally recognized landscape photographer. Find more snowshoe tours at beanywhere.ch.