Switzerland is well-known for its alpine ski slopes and thousands flock there each year for winter sports. But have you heard of the World Snow Festival? It’s held every year in the Swiss village of Grindelwald and is well-worth a visit. Here’s the Zest guide to the annual event. Visit and watch the blocks of snow become amazing sculptures.
Photo by: sic2005/Fotolia
What is the World Snow Festival?
The Festival’s roots begin in 1983 when Japanese artists created a sculpture of the popular children’s book character, Heidi, from snow. It has since been an annual celebration, bringing together Swiss and international artists to create sculptures from snow. In 2016, 10 nations took part in the Festival.
In 2017, the event will take place from 16th-21st January. The village centre turns into a natural ice rink in the winter and so forms the perfect base for artists to create their sculptures on. At the beginning of the week, the artists are given a metre-square block from which to spend each day, 8am to 5pm, working on their creation. No other material must be used in the sculpture except the snow block given at the start of the week.
Each year a theme is decided and so the artists must create their sculptures to suit this theme. In 2016, the theme was ‘harmony’. On the Friday of the Festival, the creations must be finished and a panel judges them based on skill, originality, and topicality. Then panel announces a winner and a closing ceremony follows. That night the sculptures are illuminated by colourful lights.
Where can I stay in Grindelwald?
The village is popular for skiing in winter and hiking in summer so there are plenty of resorts to stay in. From hotel rooms and chalets, you’re bound to find something to suit your needs. Derby Hotel is a long-standing feature of the village and has twin rooms available from CHF 188 per night, including breakfast. There is also the Hotel Alpina with double rooms available from CHF 200 per night, including breakfast.
What else can I do in Grindelwald?
Mountains surround the village and there have been resorts in Grindelwald since 1888 so it has long been a location for skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities. Partake in these during your stay.
You can easily access the Jungfraubahn which takes you up the Jungfrau mountain to the highest railway station in the world. It sits 3454m above sea level. This Swiss Heritage Site is worth visiting during your trip. From there, you can take Switzerland’s fastest lift to the Sphinx Terrace for some incredible views of the alpine landscape. The Snow Fun Park allows you to try different ways of getting down the slopes- snowboard, sledge and even zip-line. Make time for the Alpine Sensation which teaches visitors all about the history of the railway track and the Ice Palace (Eispalast) which features stunning ice sculptures all year. Find out more about the activities on offer here.
Photo by: Phillip Minnis/Fotolia
Where can I hire a car from near Grindelwald?
Bern is located just over an hour from Grindelwald. You can hire a car from Bern Airport. Here you can hire from Europcar with a collect full, return full fuel policy.
It takes under 2.5 hours to travel from either Basel or Zurich to Grindelwald. You can collect your hire car from either of the airports there. Zest work with Dollar at both Basel and Zurich airports, and also Alamo at Zurich Airport. A free additional driver is available with Dollar.
Bookings at these three locations include Full Collision Damage and Theft Waiver (CDW) with Excess Reimbursement Insurance (ERI). Dollar and Europcar operate collect full, return full fuel policies.
Geneva Airport is just over 2.5 hours from Grindelwald. Vehicles hired from Europcar on the French side of Geneva Airport can be taken into Switzerland for no extra cost. On the Swiss side you can hire from Dollar, Europcar and Alamo.
Winter tyres and snow chains
Throughout the winter period hire cars can be equipped with winter tyres or snow chains for added security for driving in wintery conditions. There may be mandatory charges for these or they may even be included free of charge.
Winter tyres and snow chains from Dollar are free of charge (between 15th November and 31st March) and also Alamo (between 1st December and 31st March). Europcar hires in Switzerland will charge a mandatory fee on this extra equipment between 15th November and 30th April.
Find out more about ‘winterisation fees’ here.
Visit the World Snow Festival
Have you visited the World Snow Festival or Grindelwald below? Share your experiences in the comments below. Are you planning a trip there? What other local highlights will you incorporate into your stay?
Written by Jessica Juby.
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