Snowkiting – a mix of snowboarding and surfing
In the summer, Silvaplana GR in the Upper Engadine is a Mecca for windsurfers and kite enthusiasts. But there’s a lot going on here in the winter too, like action-packed snow skiing. Thanks to the power of the wind and the kite, you will quickly cross the frozen Lake Silvaplana.
No experience with a mix of snowboarding and surfing? Many sports schools around Silverplanersee offer courses.
Fat bike – with thick tires in the snow
Just because there’s snow outside doesn’t mean you have to give up the fun of cycling. One way to fly in the white landscape is to ride a thick bike. Thanks to the extra thick tires, the bike does not sink.
Switzerland has a number of official fat bike lanes. One of them is the seven-kilometer route from Bretaye VD in the canton of Vaud to Villars VD. In fast driving, you cover an extraordinary altitude of 500 metres. The train takes you to the Bretaye starting point. By the way: Fat cycling is also allowed on many winter hiking trails.
Ice Climbing – Vertical above the waterfall
Bodies of water falling into the depths are a fascinating sight. In winter, its irrepressible power freezes and turns into a surreal work of art made of cold and ice. But that’s not all: the frozen waterfall also becomes an ideal platform for ice climbing.
There are several areas in Switzerland where you can pursue this adventurous activity. Kandersteg BE is one of the best spots internationally. For beginners, it is recommended to complete a basic course. For example, the Adelboden Kandersteg Alpine School offers such courses.
Heliskiing – going where there is no cable car
There’s something from Hollywood or James Bond to the starting point of the next landing by helicopter. Heliskiing is practiced mainly in more inaccessible areas in the USA and Canada.
But even in Switzerland, you can fly by helicopter to various mountains that cannot be reached by cable car, for example, Gstaad BE or Interlaken BE. There you can fly to Petersgrat at 3200 meters or Ebnefluh at 3910 meters and go to the fresh, deep snowy slopes.
Ice Dive – Thrills under the ice sheet
Ice bathing has become a trending sport in recent years. Jumping into ice-cold water is not only supposed to strengthen the immune system, but also has many other positive effects on health.
Ice bathing requires courage, while ice diving requires technical skill. Because diving through the ice cap of a frozen body of water is a special thrill, you can experience it, for example, in the alpine lake Lac de Lioson, above Les Mosses VD in the canton of Vaud. You will be accompanied and instructed by experienced divers.