Although it certainly feels like spring in Zürich – what with the daffodils blooming everywhere and tulips soon to come – it’s still early March and I’m still eager for some more winter. So Andy and I hopped the S25 out of Zürich this morning and headed for the Glarusalps, hoping to get a little time in the snow. Ninety minutes later we boarded a funicular train for the village of Braunwald, high above the Glarus valley, and soon left behind the green valley for a winter wonderland. Read on, and check the photo gallery.
It snowed yesterday, dumping 2-6″ of fresh powder on top of a decent base, and there were many other families arriving to ski the new snow. Our destination was more relaxed, however; the website suggested a gentle walk to Nussbüel, 6km round-trip and virtually level, along a gravel road used by horse carts. As a bonus, there is a delightful open-air restaurant at the endpoint. We strolled through meadows covered in fresh powder, softening quickly in the strong March sun, enjoying outrageously beautiful Alpine views.
In one place the path crossed the remains of a small avalanche, with the path already cleared again, reminding us of the sometimes tenuous nature of these snowfields on steep slopes.
The Wirtschaft Nussbüel restaurant was lovely, with tables nestled in a warm south-facing deck looking out at the Alps. The small staff bustled to keep up with a steady stream of visitors, but the food and beer was good and the weather too fantastic to be in a hurry. The jingle of bells announced the arrival of a colorful horse-drawn carriage bringing tourists who preferred not to walk.
On return to Braunwald we watched the paragliders run, one by one, down the slope and off into the calm blue sky. What a day!
Check out the full gallery. Beautiful day for photos!
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