In July, Gstaad Saanenland Tourism unveiled an exciting new hiking challenge featuring fantastic trails to the region’s lesser-known mountain huts, or “Alpbeizli”. This initiative, created in collaboration with Emanuel Vinzent and Philipp Ringli from Appenzell and their digital summit logbook “Peakhunter”, offers a dynamic adventure for avid hikers.

Explore the Alpbeizli
Do you know how many official Alpbeizli there are in the Gstaad holiday region? There are seven distinct, charming establishments scattered throughout nature. Here’s a breakdown of the delightful destinations to add to your bucket list:

– Sparenmoos: Site Alp and Hüsliberg-Beizli
– Gelten Region: Stieretungel
– Additional Locations: Alp Turnels, Gspan am Rellerli, Alp Seeberg, and Stiereberg in the Seebergsee area

Additionally, the two SAC huts – Grubenberg and Gelten – are included, making nine unique hiking destinations, each accessible through trails of varying lengths and difficulties.

Become a Finisher
Hikers who visit at least six of these Alpbeizli will be honoured as “Finishers” and can claim their Finisher prize at the Gstaad tourism office: a bag of specially crafted products from the Alpenruhe Foundation. This challenge runs until October 20th, with all Finishers automatically entered into a grand prize drawing at the end of October.

More Than Just a Hike
This Alpbeizli tour is more than an opportunity to enjoy hiking; it's a perfect way to introduce visitors and locals to regional products and showcase the diversity and quality of local produce. The tours are a treat not just for their scenic routes but also for the charming hospitality and stunning views at each Alpbeizli. Don’t miss out – sign up today and experience it for yourself!

How to Participate
Joining the challenge is simple. Apart from good hiking shoes, all you need is the Peakhunter app (www.peakhunter.com), a global summit logbook in your pocket. Once registered, you can check in at each of the nine participating Alpbeizli through the app. Mark your location, take a photo of the hut or the view, save it, and send it to Peakhunter! You can participate anonymously by using a made-up name.

Already, the first four Finisher bags have been awarded, and 46 successful hikes to various Alpbeizli have been completed.

We wish everyone stable and sunny hiking weather!

GST