Saturday February 8 -- Before the big storm expected next week there was a nice weekend in the forecast. So we decided to try out cross-country skiing on a nearby ski hill, which is, incidentally, accessed by the steepest funicular in the world: The Stoos Railway.
Perhaps the snow conditions weren't ideal (slightly too warm, so the snow stuck on the skis) or the fact that we each fell once (totally due to lack of experience) that we decided one round on the 3-km loop was enough of an attempt. It seems to be more of an individual sport, one for people who want a real serious work-out. We decided we preferred our walking and hiking, an exercise which can also offer a work-out but which you can actually do together, sometimes strolling and mostly with plenty of time to admire the surroundings. Also, taking photos is easier when you are hiking!
So we decided to forego a second round and had lunch at a nearby restaurant and enjoy the sunshine in the motor-vehicle-free vacation village of Stoos before heading back home with our equipment.... also: less equipment to take along on public transport if we stick to hiking!
PS: This was Urs' first time trying this, and he didn't really like it. I have done it three times before, and liked it best when I was alone on the trail. So I might try this again on my own...
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| The steepest funicular in the world was opened in Dec.2017 and cost 52 Million Francs. This railway accesses the vacation village of Stoos in Canton Schwyz. The cylinders turn as the slope changes, so the people always stand horizontally. |
VIDEO:
Stoos Funicular: The steepest Funicular in the world.
Maximum incline = 110%
Hewn out of solid rock through the mountain
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| When it gets steep, the cylinders turn and you can see the people in the cylinder above you. |
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| On the steep section you get a view across the top of the cylinder below you. Those distinct peaks are the Greater and Smaller Mythen mountains |
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| Funicular heading back down into the Muotathal Valley |
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| From the funicular station there was some walking involved. About 1 km to the start of the cross-country ski loop. When we started, there was no sunshine yet. |
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| We first had to walk about 1 km to the start of the loop trail |
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| As we got to the start of the trail, the sun came out, and it got warm right away, especially because this sport requires more exertion than simply walking! |
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| There were not many people on the trail, which was good for us so we could take our time. The snowy landscape is pretty, but you can't enjoy it like when you are walking |
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| Sunny warm day in Stoos, with the Mythen in the background |
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| There is Urs on the trail, his first time trying this sport. |
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| Nearly back to the beginning of the 3-km loop |
VIDEO:
Urs on the cross-country ski trail in Stoos
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| When you set up the self-timer on the camera, it takes much longer to get back to the track than it does when you don't have skis on! |
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| In the motor-vehicle-free village of Stoos you can rent the horse-drawn carriage to bring you and all your ski equipment to your vacation apartment. |
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| This little chapel is a recognizable feature of this village |
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| And to the East a good zoomed view of the Karst Region of the Muotathal (Silberen) |
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| Time to head back down with the Stoos Funicular |
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| Heading down to the base station of the Stoos Funicular: The sun is shining on the hillside across, makes us want to be hiking over there! |
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| At the bottom, the railway crosses the Muota River before arriving at the base station |
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| The upper plateau which is the popular summer and winter vacation area, only about one hour from our home. |
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