Winter activities
Winter activities
This section provides guidance to TSA volunteers leading skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, winter hillwalking, sledging and snowshoeing activities in the area around Kandersteg International Scout Centre.
These snowsport classifications are for unguided / self-guided activities only. For guidance on activities led by KISC staff or by external providers, please review the Introduction section.
Walking
There are a range of hillwalking routes around Kandersteg, some which can be led by a summer hillwalking permit holder and others require a winter hillwalking permit holder. KISC provide a winter kit list which all groups are recommended to follow for winter hillwalking activities.
When there is snow underfoot, routes are defined as winter conditions and the following guidance followed. When there is no snow underfoot, the guidance in the summer document should be followed.
The leader is responsible for assessing the terrain and routes for the winter hillwalking activity.
For consistency the Scout Association has advised that the following popular winter hillwalking routes under normal conditions are considered the following:
-
Kandersteg, Blausee and the Hoh – Terrain 0
-
Oeschinensee Gondonla to lake – Terrain 1
-
Sunnbuel to Gemmipass – Terrain 2
Anyone wishing to lead hillwalking activities in these areas must have the relevant permits for winter conditions.
All other routes should be assessed by the leader and the environment defined in line with Policy, Organisation and Rules. The person leading activities in these areas must hold the relevant permit and follow all other rules as per the activity. When entering “backcountry terrain”, snowshoes or skis are needed to avoid going deep into the snow and avalanche equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe) must be carried, with appropriate permits held.
There are a few popular snowshoe tours which takes place on well-marked and groomed paths around local ski resorts and the village. This activity is considered winter hillwalking and relevant permits will be required. Based on the height above sea level compared to the height of Kandersteg village it is agreed that a Terrain 1 Winter Hillwalking permit would be required to lead this activity. Anyone wishing to lead this activity must also have experience with leading and participating in snowshoeing activities and evaluating avalanche hazard.
Snowsports
When sledging the leader is responsible for the safety of the group.
When sledging the leader is responsible for assessing the grade, and therefore requirements, of the slope. For consistency the Scout Association has advised that the following popular sled runs under normal conditions are considered the following:
-
Kandersteg Village Run – Terrain 0
-
Oeschinensee Sled Run – On Piste
-
Gemmipass Winter Trail – Off Piste Terrain 1
This means that Scouts sledging on the Kandersteg Village Run are required to follow the guidelines provided within FS120424 Winter Sports and those taking part on the other runs must be led by someone holding the relevant level of Snowsport Permit for the area.
Skiing and snowboarding on nursery slopes falls outside of the permit scheme but must be lead following the guidance provided within FS120424 Winter Sports
When downhill skiing / snowboarding the leader is responsible for assessing the grade, and therefore requirements of the slope. The leader is responsible for the safety of the group. All controlled ski areas are considered On Piste, while staying within the marked and controlled snowsport area. KISC works with and provide information about the following ski areas: Kandersteg, Adelboden, Lauchernalp and Elsigenalp.
Snowsports taking place on piste will require an on piste snowsports permit and those off piste will require an off piste snowsports permit to the relevant terrain level. The leader is responsible for ensuring that all TSA policies are followed when undertaking this activity.
There are a range of cross country ski trails in the Kandersteg and Sunnbüel areas, Kandersteg can provide full details of these routes and suitability for different groups.
Where cross country skiing takes place outside of Terrain 0 it is required to be led by someone holding the relevant level of snowsports permit, where there are designated and groomed routes / paths then this would be classified as on piste and all other areas would be classed as off piste.
There are areas near KISC to undertake ski touring, leaders wishing to undertake this activity must have the relevant off piste snowsports permits and be experienced in the environment they choose. KISC may be able to provide advice on suitable areas to do this activity.
Nearby areas such as Oeschiwald, Oeschinensee, Gasterntal and Stock offers a variety of single- and multi-pitch ice climbing routes depending on current conditions. All ice climbing routes require a Natural Lead Ice Climbing Permit, and if undertaken as a multi pitch activity would require the Multi Pitch Ice Climbing Permit. The weather and conditions can present particular dangers for ice climbing and should be taken into consideration carefully by the activity leader.