Summit Bliss on the Albristhubel

We meet at Matten bei St. Stephan railway station, between Zweisimmen and Lenk. Before we set off, we do a quick transceiver check, and anyone trying snowshoes for the first time gets a short introduction. Ten minutes in, it’ll feel completely normal.

For the first twenty minutes we follow the old Färmelstrasse, then turn off towards Färmelbode. From there we climb along the edge of the forest, with plenty of time for breaks, chats and the odd photo stop. At around 1800 m we leave the last trees behind, and the Simmental opens up before us.

Wide, open slopes lead us to the summit of the Albristhubel at 2124 m. At the top there’s a picnic, tea from the thermos and a panorama worth every metre of the climb: the Spillgerten, Albristhore, Wistätthore and, behind them, the Wildstrubel massif. I’ll capture your summit moment, all you have to do is beam.

We descend the same way back to Matten. Snowshoes are a lot more fun going downhill than uphill, by the way. By the afternoon we’re back at the station, in good time for the train home.

Depending on snow conditions, we shorten the ascent with a 4x4 taxi. And if conditions on the Albristhubel aren’t right, I’ll pick an equivalent summit in another region and let you know in good time.

The Simmental is one of those valleys most people only drive through on their way to Gstaad or Lenk. Quite undeservedly. Between Zweisimmen and Lenk you’ll find quiet villages with old wooden houses, snowy side valleys and summits that are surprisingly peaceful in winter. The Albristhubel towers above the Fermeltal and offers front-row seats to the Bernese Alps, from the Wildstrubel to the Spillgerten.

Matten bei St. Stephan lies on the railway line between Zweisimmen and Lenk and is easy to reach by train, from Bern via Spiez and Zweisimmen. If you’re coming by car, you can park on Färmeltstrasse by the Mühleweidli fire pit.

There’s nowhere to stop for food along the way, but there is a summit picnic with a view. Pack a lunch and something warm to drink.

After booking, you’ll receive a detailed packing list. The essentials: warm clothing in layers, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, gloves, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus lunch and a warm drink.

Bring your own snowshoes, poles and avalanche safety kit (transceiver, shovel, probe), or rent them from me. The avalanche safety kit is mandatory on this tour, because we’ll be in open terrain. I’ll show you how everything works before we set off.

• Travel to and from the meeting point
• 4x4 taxi, if we shorten the ascent (costs are shared)
• Food and drinks
• Rental equipment (optional add-on)

The tour goes ahead in almost any weather. In stormy conditions, poor visibility in open terrain or increased avalanche danger, we switch to an alternative route, move to another region or reschedule. If I cancel the tour, you’ll get your money back or can rebook free of charge. If the group variant doesn’t reach the minimum of four participants, I’ll let you know at least two days in advance.

Insurance is the responsibility of participants (accident, illness, liability). I recommend a Rega patronage membership and cancellation insurance.