A short, but steep, hike to an alpine lake and wildflower-filled meadow.

A long winter walk from Zermatt to Tufteren. We thought the trail looped from Tufteren back to Zermatt but were told it was a summer only trail. Concerned we were running low on light, we walked back to Sunnegga and returned to Zermatt.

Christmas Day weather is generally hit or miss, especially on BI with the frequent rain. I was expecting snow for Christmas after the move to Switzerland but we had far more rain, and far less snow, than Bainbridge this year. I enjoy a good muddy ride and today was no exception.

I was unprepared for how many forest service roads were riding distance from the house. I knew of the big mountains in the south but the farms and woods closer to Zürich were unexpected. The beautiful fall colors on a cool, quiet day made for the most enjoyable ride.

A lovely, flat cycling loop to see the iconic windmalls of the Dutch countryside.

The ride started with an accidental participation in a hill climb on the Buchenegg complete with spectators cheering for me. The highlight of the route was the climb to Gottschalkenberg via Mangeli.

A little bit of everything: chunky gravel, forest service roads, singletrack, oblivious baby goats, tunnels, farm roads, fast descents (some too fast on too chunky gravel!), river views, hike-a-bike, and great weather.

After a long week at work, I didn’t have the energy for a full day of cross country skiing. Looking for something to do outside but a bit less taxing, I read about the winterwanderweg opportuntiies at Flumersberg, the local resort for all those living in Zürich. This seemed an ideal compromise.

In January the higher elevation forest service roads are covered in snow & ice and inaccessible, safely, by bike. Wanting to ride some forest service roads, I opted for one of the lower elevation areas which is muddy and cold but generally snow free. The area around Big Skidder Hill is closed to vehicles but open to walker and bikes so it’s a wonderful place to ride in the winter.

I had long wanted to ride in Marin, birthplace of mountain biking and constant location of adventures in my Strava feed.