Our weekend in the Aletsch Arena

Discover...

… It is as big as 12,000 football pitches, 23 kilometres long, reaches a thickness of 900 metres and moves downhill at a rate of up to 15 metres a month – theAletsch Glacieris the largest glacier in the Alps. And it is truly impressive, especially on a guided familyexpeditionon and beneath the ice. Or, with the ice masses ever in view, on a family hike fromMoosfluhdown to the rugged glacier edge with its deep-blueice caves.Detailed information about this colossal ice mass can be found in the multimedia exhibition«Gletscherwelt Bettmerhorn».
A guided glacier tour/expedition is available for all ages. Tours run from Tuesday to Sunday, from CHF 50 per person. www.aletscharena.ch/Gletschertouren. Ice cave hike: Ed Kummer, www.wandersport.ch. 079 488 17 28. Exhibition: Free admission, open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Bettmeralp-Bettmerhorn cable car:www.aletscharena.ch/bergbahn
Glacier activities:www.aletscharena.ch/gletschererlebnisse 

… Hikes in the mountains are usually accompanied by shrill whistles that are hard to pinpoint. On themarmot nature trailaboveBettmeralp, there's a good chance you and your children will be able to spot these shy creatures, perhaps even from the chairlift that takes you up toWurzenbord. This is where the easy one-and-a-half-hour hike begins; naturally, you should keep your eyes peeled to spot marmots or even whole families and observe them. On the way down toLake Bettmersee, you'll pass four information stations that reveal interesting facts about these rodents.
Information and special tickets for «In the Realm of the Marmots» (return journey from Bettmer Valley Station to Bettmeralp and the Wurzenbord chairlift ascent) are available from Bettmeralp Bahnen:
www.aletscharena.ch/familien 

Enjoy...

… A multi-dayllama trekking tourin theMartisbergeralpandFiescheralparea offers an immersive experience of nature. Thellamas are not only special hiking companions for children, but they also carry luggage, provided you keep the weight to a minimum. Accommodation is in alpine huts, and meals are packed in your rucksack, though they can be taken in the hut on request for an additional charge.
Suitable for families with children aged 6 and above; daily walking times are adapted to the group. Equipment: walking boots, sun and rain protection, food. Dates and costs on request: trekking guide Beni Burgener, 027 971 31 58 or 079 719 51 15. 

… It's a whole different experience to glide across a mountain lake in a rowing boat, a pedalo or on a stand-up paddleboard. Treat yourself to thispleasure on LakeBettmersee, at over 2,000 metres above sea level – or enjoy a truly refreshing swim. There is a natural paddling pool for children. You'll also find a fire pit with play equipment there for lunch. Perhaps you'll cook a fish you've caught yourself over the fire, as fishing is permitted here with a licence that can be purchased on site, except on Thursdays, which are designated as rest days. 
All from mid-June to mid-October and only in good weather. Boat hire: daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Fishing: Day permits are available from the Bettmeralp Information Centre, the boathouse or the municipal office for CHF 20. Bettmeralp Information Centre, telephone 027 928 58 58. 

Accommodation...

… During the summer season, from mid-June to mid-October, thePro Natura Centre Aletsch inRiederalprents out holiday rooms and cosy shared rooms to families at Villa Cassel or Chalet Cassel. And during the day, you and your children can get up close and personal with the nature of the Aletsch region on excursions, guided tours and adventure activities organised by the centre, in the exhibition with its multimedia show, or in the alpine garden.
Pro Natura Centre Aletsch,Villa Cassel, Riederalp. Telephone 027 928 62 20. Prices: 4- or 6-bed rooms per person per night with breakfast CHF 50, children aged 6 to 16: 50 per cent discount per child per night, up to 6 years old CHF 20 per child per night. 
 
… Would you like to stay in a family or shared room? At theAlpenlodgeKühbodenon theFiescheralp, you will find simple yet cosily furnished, spacious rooms with a separate TV, reading and games room. You can reach the Alpenhotel via the middle station on the Fiesch–Eggishorn cable car in around eight minutes. The restaurant is self-service during the day; in the evening, traditional and seasonal dishes are served.

Upon completion of your booking, you will receive a voucher for a free return ticket from Fiesch to Fiescheralp, including luggage transport on both the outward and return journeys. Price: During the summer season, a 4-bed room costs CHF 210 per night, including breakfast.