It’s Snow Time, Folks!

Crisp, clean, white and bright, with sunny blue skies and the freshness of nature: that’s what the Swiss winters are mostly about! There’s something magical in the air – a kind of happy and warm feeling that envelops you. Add to this the wafting smell of apple-cinnamon rings, and joy-oh-joy! The simple pleasures of life are enough to turn a cold winter into a beautiful feeling of happiness all around.

Switzerland’s outdoors has real charm – whether it is a warm summer or a cold winter, a fresh spring or colorful autumn. One of my family’s all-time favorites is Melchsee-Frutt with its Blausee (Blue Lake), which truly is blue, and its fantastic walking paths that run across the mountain range, passing all four of the area lakes at different levels.

This mountain resort village of Melchsee-Frutt, Kerns is situated in the canton of Obwalden. The heart of the village is located at an elevation of 1,920 meters and the base station, Stöckalp, lies at 1,080 meters above sea level. The three peaks Erzegg, Balmeregg and Bonistock reach heights of 2,150, 2,255 and 2,160 meters, respectively. The winter spreads its sheet of white, turning the place into a winter wonderland, where the pristine slopes await skiers and frozen lakes serve as ice rinks and sledding areas.

Alpine or cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding, hiking, paragliding, and fishing – you can do it all here. Equipped with chairlifts, T-bar lifts and gondola lifts, the ski area covers 32 acres and offers a wide variety of options.

A family holiday

Whether for a day trip or a weekend, Melchsee-Frutt is sure to bring you fun and adventure. If you’re driving down (direction Lucerne), please check the snow conditions. You can park your car for the day at Stöckalp and take the cable car to the Sportbahnen Melchsee-Frutt or the chairlift Cheselen.

There is an air of understated luxury and calmness. You can’t help but sing, “The hills are alive….” The clatter of skis and the chatter of busy mums and dads and enthusiastic kids fills the area with a sense of completeness. You can simply go and just…be.

The views are gorgeous, access is easy, and the activities are plenty. So naturally, it’s a popular destination for the locals. Book your holiday flat or hotel room fairly in advance if you’re planning a weekend or a longer stay at Melchsee-Frutt. There are various offers available for group and individual bookings. Check out the Melchsee-Frutt website for more information.

If you’re a beginner or want to hone your winter sport talents, you could enroll yourself or the kids at the Swiss Ski and Snowboard School. The Sportbahnen are well connected by the different lifts that take you to the various ski slopes with different inclines. For the adventurous, a visit to the obstacle park Fruttpark would be fun (though I haven’t been there yet! Perhaps this winter).

If you want to simply chill out and take it easy, snowshoeing is a nice way to soak in the winter sun and amazing views. Walk across or skate across the frozen lakes here. A simple stroll will reveal the pristine beauty of this mountain range. Take along sleds for the kids, or hire them locally.

If you’re lucky and the weather is conducive to it, you might be able to register for ice fishing!

Don’t miss out on the typical Swiss fondues and bratwurst available at the restaurants. And the hot fruit punches are a fantastic option for those who want to steer clear of alcoholic beverages. After a good day of skiing, walking, hiking or sledging, luxuriate at one of the many hotel spas. Check out the night packages, tours and trips available, and don’t hesitate to contact the friendly tourism staff.

Practical tips:

• The winter season officially starts from December 12, 2015 and ends on April 10, 2016. Don’t forget to check your cable timings, hotel bookings, etc. in advance.
• Make sure you have your sun creams on, with ample supply to reapply along the way. The sun can be really strong. Don’t forget your sunglasses or shades.
• Good snowshoes or winter boots and gloves and caps for the family are a must. Warm, dry and comfortable.
• Layer up; the winds can be rather harsh and bitterly cold.
• Stay hydrated.
• Carry Swiss chocolate with you for the energy boost and simple indulgence.

Enjoy each moment and create your happy memories in style!

By Aradhna Sethi

Aradhna is the former chief editor of Swiss News and has been a consulting editor for other English language publications. An aspiring author, she blogs and writes while balancing the demands of growing kids and her entrepreneurial husband. Read her at: aradhnasethi.wordpress.com. Follow her on Twitter: @AradhnaSethi.

Illustration by Susana Gutierrez

Susana is the mother of two little girls and a freelance illustrator. She can be reached at s.escapa@gmail.com