Snow falling!

Only a couple of days ago I was in a bikini on the balcony. Today it's snowing. Now there is roughly 15cm of snow there instead of me, a book and a glass of wine.

Just two weeks ago was the first snow fall in Wengen, about 5cm. Then four days later, Männlichen had temperatures up to 20 C, the 30cm of snow didn't last long.

Last year we also had snow in October. After which it was sunny and warm again til mid December. Meaning the ground wasn't prepared for the coming winter that arrived on 18th Dec. A warm ground can lead to more chance of avalanches.

At the beginning of this week I was climbing at Eigergletscher. Here are some views from there.

There was a fair bit of fog this week, also in the UK I hear. 

 However,

climb high enough and it is beautiful!

 Wengen lies at 1200m, just above the fog until...

Towards the end of my daily constitutional the fog had risen.

Winter prep in progress

Look closely and you can see the snow making equipment already in position.

There are also new snow making machines on the Lauberhorn piste, and pipe lines are being installed Allmend to the village.

Wengernalp yesterday....

Wixi update 23rd October

Especially for Joan, yesterday's photos of Wixi.

But first, the bridge on 1st October....

Tal Station 

Bridge from afar

Looking good eh?

Wixi Lift in September 2012

The Wixi Bridge is built.

The Tal-Station

Chästeilet

Sunday was the 'Cheese Festival'. 

This is where the owners of the cows receive their quota of mountain cheese.

I say owners rather than farmers because it is possible to have a share in a cow and therefore get that percentage in cheese.

As part of the deal the idea is to spend a little time helping out on the alp.

Following are some short videos of the folklore entertainment during the day.

Wengen Jodel Club

 Alphorn

Trychler Club

Alpabzug Wengen

Today the cows left their summer abode.

 They walked down from Wengernalp, through the village and on to Lauterbrunnen and home.

Here they are at Almend

Passing Kneu, the upper end of Wengen

This year due to road works the usual trip round the town via the Schwimmbadkehr wasn't possible. This caused a bit of a stir as the cows know their route and were quite put out to be led elsewhere. 

A couple of photos from 2009.

Passing by the Berghaus Hotel.

More Views of/from Wengen

Views from Ledi, Wengen.

Views from Hunnenfluh, Wengen.