Planning ahead gets you nowhere

Posted by Jul on 1 February 2007

So my first attempt at premeditated week-long skiing was not particularly successful. We’re back from Grindelwald, two days early. I’ll let this article in SwissInfo explain why:

The month of January is set to be the warmest on record in Switzerland despite the cold snap at the end of the month, according to the national weather service. [...] This development coupled with little snowfall, has wreaked havoc with the ski industry, with many low-lying resorts unable to open for business.

We did manage to get in a little skiing at the beginning thanks to last week’s snowfall, but the oppressive sun showed no mercy, making the conditions worse and worse each day. We entertained ourselves with sledding for a couple days before giving up on more snow coming to save the week.

My brother is still here for two more days, so we’re trying to figure out some non-snow-oriented entertainment to round out his Swiss vacation.

Tags: Alps, skiing, Switzerland, travel, winter

Comments (7)

• 
  Hsien Lei

  February 1st, 2007

  Awww. Sorry to hear the snow crapped out on ya. A family I know just went to Bulgaria for skiing and said it was fabulous. Perhaps next time?

• 
  CanadianSwiss

  February 2nd, 2007

  Sorry to hear that you had to come back early. I was hoping for you that the snow conditions would be better than what they were.

• 
  scatterlined

  February 2nd, 2007

  For some extra perspective on the picture: that is at 2200 meters (7200 feet). What are you supposed to do when the run from the highest lift looks like that?

• 
  Kirk

  February 2nd, 2007

  Ouch…that’s what it was like when we went to Wengen last year, but luckily we were only there for the weekend so it wasn’t as much of a downer.

• 
  Michelle

  February 2nd, 2007

  It’s really been a disappointing season. The media is making it more depressing with all the doomsday scenarios released today. Sigh.

• 
  Christina | AmiExpat.com

  February 2nd, 2007

  I’ve never been skiing, but I miss winter this year.

  We had a nice foot of snow on the ground for a few days, but it’s all gone now.

• 
  Jul

  February 2nd, 2007

  Bulgaria, hmmm…. never thought I’d have to consider alternative ski destinations while living in Switzerland, but I guess I should start keeping them in mind. If only lugging my skis around weren’t such a pain in the ass…