Swiss resort village makes it easy to learn or practice Nordic Walking
I’ve recently been traveling in Palestine (West Bank), where I walked a lot but not with poles. It was a fascinating and intense trip, and what I fantasize about right now is a place of scenic beauty and tranquility. Saas-Fee, Switzerland, is such a place. As is the case so often in Switzerland, I’m especially impressed by the vilage’s commitment to Nordic Walking and organization. An introductory program is offered every Tuesday from tomorrow to October every Tuesday. The class forms up at 5:00 p.m., starting at Hohnegg Alpine Resort. The cost is CHF 15.– or EUR 10. Rental poles:cost CHF 7.– or EUR 4.70. Reserve a spot by 5:00 p.m. the previous evening by calling (+41) 27 958 10 70. Easy.
I’ve previously written about Switzerland’s nation-wide Helsana Trails, marked and mapped to encourage people to get out and get fit. Saas-Fee’s, the first in the canton of Valais, features eight signposts spread over an easy 5-km loop gives Nordic Walkers, walkers and runners useful tips, including Nordic Walking tips. The full distance of the Helsana Nordic Walking Trail is a longer, more challenging loop of more than 15 km from Saas-Fee through Saas-Almagell, Saas-Grund and back to Saas-Fee.
I hiked on a wonderful guided trip on the Aletsch Glacier, when writing for Herb Companion about herbs in Swiss cuisine. Gorgeous scenery!