Feb trip to snow

Posted by phillipsjudith1213 on 07/14/24 07:05 AM

Hi, I’d love to get your advice. I would like to go for a week during the first two weeks of February to someplace in Switzerland, where there would be snow on the ground and possibly snowing while I’m there but definitely snow on the ground. I’m not looking to ski but to be in a “winter wonderland with snow.”

I had thought about Interlaken but I’m not sure of the chance of snow there. I’d also thought about Grindelwald, where I did see pictures of snow on the ground. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you

Posted by balso

Paris

07/14/24 07:49 AM

7300 posts

Hi!
Interlaken is too low, and even Grindelwald is not necessarily snowy in the valley these days. In the same region, Wengen and Mürren are higher and snowier. Plus they are car-free, it accentuates the winter wonderland effect. There is a lot to do there for non-skiers, plenty of hiking paths, tobogganing trails, mountain railways, etc.

Another option is the Engadine: at 1,700 metres above sea level it is snow-sure, and the frozen lakes are simply stunning in winter. Again, lots of non-skiing activities.

Another place I have enjoyed in such a setting is Klosters near Davos (expensive hotels, though), and you could also have a look at Stoos and Melchsee-Frutt for a shorter stay near Luzern.

Posted by Jim

Bern, Switzerland

07/14/24 10:43 AM

1043 posts

As a Swiss I'd head for the Arosa area:

https://arosalenzerheide.swiss/en/Arosa/Discover/Arosa-Tourist-Office

Posted by Sam

Green Bay

07/14/24 11:19 AM

21142 posts

This year, absolutely no snow in Interlaken in mid-January, and the golf course in Sion was busy on a Saturday. You must go high up in the mountains to be snow sure. Most of these places are ski resorts, and February is school vacation time in Europe, so they will be quite busy. Andermatt is probably the most snow sure as it is the former winter training center for the Swiss army.

Posted by phillipsjudith1213 OP

07/14/24 05:32 PM

5 posts

Thank you Balso, Jim, and Sam. I really appreciate your suggestions and I will look into these areas!

Posted by phillipsjudith1213 OP

07/14/24 05:33 PM

5 posts

Sam, may I ask another question; since February are school holidays, would it be better to go the end of January? Thank you.

Posted by Sam

Green Bay

07/14/24 07:02 PM

21142 posts

I usually plan ski trips to Europe in late January for that reason.

Posted by phillipsjudith1213 OP

07/14/24 09:10 PM

5 posts

Thank you Sam. I will change my schedule

Posted by balso

Paris

07/15/24 08:53 AM

7300 posts

The first week of February 2025 should still be quiet too - before school holidays in the main European countries.
Check this calendar for reference (from a British ski forum): https://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=167136

Posted by phillipsjudith1213 OP

07/15/24 05:13 PM

5 posts

Thank you Balso for this schedule. It's very helpful!

Thanks to all of your suggestions, I am rethinking my plans as to where to stay. I will still stay in Interlaken as it is such a good location for one-day trips and there appear to be some good yarn shops there as well as the Funky Chocolate shop with its enjoyable chocolate making classes. However, for the "winter wonderland with snow" aspect I will go to one of your suggestions. Thank you again!!!