Swiss Alps in Late May

maninbrain RemoveThis @gmail.com:
> We want to spend our time (approximately 4 days) in the
> Berner Oberland region. Perhaps Murren. My question is - how likely
> is it that we will have the opportunity for some good hiking? Is May
> too early / snow covered? Our reason for visiting this region is to
> take in the Alps with a couple days of hiking.

I'd say: go for it!
Chances of decent hiking weather in the final week of May are pretty
good, so I would not hesitate.
Why not prepare an event calender for that region, in case one or two
days turn out to be too chilly or rainy, and you would consider visiting
a museum or indoor event on a last minute basis?
 >> Stay informed about: Swiss Alps in Late May 

Erick wrote on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 15:10:15 +0100:

ETB> maninbrain.RemoveThis@gmail.com:
??>> We want to spend our time (approximately 4 days) in the
??>> Berner Oberland region. Perhaps Murren. My question is -
??>> how likely is it that we will have the opportunity for
??>> some good hiking? Is May too early / snow covered? Our
??>> reason for visiting this region is to take in the Alps
??>> with a couple days of hiking.

ETB> I'd say: go for it!
ETB> Chances of decent hiking weather in the final week of May
ETB> are pretty good, so I would not hesitate.
ETB> Why not prepare an event calender for that region, in case
ETB> one or two days turn out to be too chilly or rainy, and
ETB> you would consider visiting a museum or indoor event on a
ETB> last minute basis?

I haven't been there recently in May but when I did there was
always the possibility that mountain passes would still be
closed. I can remember several planned day trips that were
considerably longer than we expected owing to necessary detours.

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

E-mail, with obvious alterations:
not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not
 >> Stay informed about: Swiss Alps in Late May 

James Silverton:

[Berner Oberland]
> I haven't been there recently in May but when I did there was
> always the possibility that mountain passes would still be
> closed. I can remember several planned day trips that were
> considerably longer than we expected owing to necessary detours.

Well, yes. There's a (nowadays slim) possibility. But winters haven't
been much of a winter lately, and in order to hike, you mustn't
necessarily take the highest mountains every day, right?

Of course, I don't know what exactly OP's plans are, and how skilled the
couple is. But I'm quite confident that the Berner Oberland offers nice
hiking opportunities in the last week of May, even if you'd have to stay
relatively closely to Bern at lower altitudes.
 >> Stay informed about: Swiss Alps in Late May 

<maninbrain.RemoveThis@gmail.com> skrev i meddelandet
news:90526fc2-bda4-43e2-aba7-0bc2f6d05fd3@34g2000hsz.googlegroups.com...
> Hello,
>
> My wife and I are traveling to Europe in late May. We'll be visiting
> Belgium, Paris, and then we are planning on ending the trip in the
> Swiss Alps. We want to spend our time (approximately 4 days) in the
> Berner Oberland region. Perhaps Murren. My question is - how likely
> is it that we will have the opportunity for some good hiking? Is May
> too early / snow covered? Our reason for visiting this region is to
> take in the Alps with a couple days of hiking.
>
> Our travel dates are not flexible, unfortunately. Again, we'd be in
> Switzerland literally the last four days in May. Our final full day,
> we are planning on spending in Bern.
>
> Any comments or advice would be appreciated.
--------
Could be a good time for Switzerland but possibly not for the alps as it's
likely to be in the not so pleasant snow-melting time lasting, depending on
altitude until mid-June.
Earlier if you want winter conditions, later if you want summer hiking but
not May there're good reasons why so many Alp hotels are closed that time.
 >> Stay informed about: Swiss Alps in Late May 

<maninbrain.RemoveThis@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:90526fc2-bda4-43e2-aba7-0bc2f6d05fd3@34g2000hsz.googlegroups.com...
> Hello,
>
> My wife and I are traveling to Europe in late May. We'll be visiting
> Belgium, Paris, and then we are planning on ending the trip in the
> Swiss Alps. We want to spend our time (approximately 4 days) in the
> Berner Oberland region. Perhaps Murren. My question is - how likely
> is it that we will have the opportunity for some good hiking? Is May
> too early / snow covered? Our reason for visiting this region is to
> take in the Alps with a couple days of hiking.
>
> Our travel dates are not flexible, unfortunately. Again, we'd be in
> Switzerland literally the last four days in May. Our final full day,
> we are planning on spending in Bern.
>
> Any comments or advice would be appreciated.

I've been in early June and it was very pleasant. Some of the
higher passes will still be snow covered but its off season
and uncrowded.

Keith
 >> Stay informed about: Swiss Alps in Late May 

On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 06:01:01 -0800, maninbrain.TakeThisOut@gmail.com wrote :

> Hello,
>
> My wife and I are traveling to Europe in late May. We'll be visiting
> Belgium, Paris, and then we are planning on ending the trip in the Swiss
> Alps. We want to spend our time (approximately 4 days) in the Berner
> Oberland region. Perhaps Murren. My question is - how likely is it
> that we will have the opportunity for some good hiking? Is May too
> early / snow covered? Our reason for visiting this region is to take in
> the Alps with a couple days of hiking.
>
> Our travel dates are not flexible, unfortunately. Again, we'd be in
> Switzerland literally the last four days in May. Our final full day, we
> are planning on spending in Bern.
>
> Any comments or advice would be appreciated.

From this hiking site, Valais is warmer and sunnier in may than Bernese
oberland
http://www.noth.ch/h01_e.html
http://www.noth.ch/h0201_e.html

http://uk.weather.com/weather/climatology/SZXX0044?dayofyear=122
http://uk.weather.com/weather/climatology/SZXX0043
 >> Stay informed about: Swiss Alps in Late May 

Hi,

> On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 06:01:01 -0800, maninbrain.DeleteThis@gmail.com wrote :
>
>> Hello,
>>
>> My wife and I are traveling to Europe in late May. We'll be visiting
>> Belgium, Paris, and then we are planning on ending the trip in the Swiss
>> Alps. We want to spend our time (approximately 4 days) in the Berner
>> Oberland region. Perhaps Murren. My question is - how likely is it
>> that we will have the opportunity for some good hiking? Is May too
>> early / snow covered? Our reason for visiting this region is to take in
>> the Alps with a couple days of hiking.
>
> From this hiking site, Valais is warmer and sunnier in may than Bernese
> oberland
> http://www.noth.ch/h01_e.html
> http://www.noth.ch/h0201_e.html

Thanks for quoting my website

It's difficult to predict the hiking possibilities in May. Some years,
the end of the winter and beginning of spring will experience heavy
snowfall (example, March 2006). This fresh snow could last till the end
of June. Some other years hiking is very good in May already.

As a general rule, you'll probably be able to hike up to 2000 meters
without seeing snow on the trail. If you head for sunny, south-facing
slopes, like the Churfirsten (Walensee), the Eggerhorn (Binntal,
Valais), Pilone (Centovalli, Ticino), ... then trails will be clear of
snow very early. Last year I was able to hike along the Churfirsten
mountains in April, while snow was still covering lower altitude mountains.

--
Philippe Noth, Clarens/Montreux, Switzerland
 >> Stay informed about: Swiss Alps in Late May 

Am Sat, 16 Feb 2008 06:01:01 -0800 (PST) schrieb maninbrain.DeleteThis@gmail.com:

> Hello,
>
> My wife and I are traveling to Europe in late May. We'll be visiting
> Belgium, Paris, and then we are planning on ending the trip in the
> Swiss Alps. We want to spend our time (approximately 4 days) in the
> Berner Oberland region. Perhaps Murren. My question is - how likely
> is it that we will have the opportunity for some good hiking? Is May
> too early / snow covered?

Late May should be fine. Usually most of the snow is gone by the end of
April. So hiking should be fine, unless you go up very high (over 3000
metres you may still find a bit of snow). Many of the trails in the Bernese
Oberland are kept in good condition even during winter, so even if there
should be snowfall in May you will find enough trails that are fine to
walk.
But as I said, I think it is highly unlikely to have snow in the end of
May, and even if, it won't be more than a few little snow-flakes that melt
quickly.

> Our reason for visiting this region is to
> take in the Alps with a couple days of hiking.
>
> Our travel dates are not flexible, unfortunately. Again, we'd be in
> Switzerland literally the last four days in May. Our final full day,
> we are planning on spending in Bern.

Bern is nice, but maybe you should take the short trip to Thun (maybe 30
minutes from Bern by train) and go on one of the ships on the lake. The
ships go directly from the train station, the train literally stops next to
them
It's a very nice trip to do on a sunny day, you can do a big round trip or
just go a few stations. Nicer than Bern imho.

Regards,

Frank
 >> Stay informed about: Swiss Alps in Late May 

"Frank Hucklenbroich" <Hucklenbroich01.RemoveThis@aol.com> skrev i meddelandet
news:12eo1fggx7wo3.1i1rvcvottwd2.dlg@40tude.net...
> Am Sat, 16 Feb 2008 06:01:01 -0800 (PST) schrieb maninbrain.RemoveThis@gmail.com:
>
>> Hello,
>>
>> My wife and I are traveling to Europe in late May. We'll be visiting
>> Belgium, Paris, and then we are planning on ending the trip in the
>> Swiss Alps. We want to spend our time (approximately 4 days) in the
>> Berner Oberland region. Perhaps Murren. My question is - how likely
>> is it that we will have the opportunity for some good hiking? Is May
>> too early / snow covered?
>
> Late May should be fine. Usually most of the snow is gone by the end of
> April. So hiking should be fine, unless you go up very high (over 3000
> metres you may still find a bit of snow).
-------------
This is Alp Grüm at 2091m altitude May 10 (1989) a mess of melting snow and
mist.
Very few tourists so if you want to be alone...
http://web.telia.com/~u37500344/rhb6.JPG
 >> Stay informed about: Swiss Alps in Late May 

In article <yRhuj.3906$R_4.2722@newsb.telia.net>,
"Lennart Petersen" <lennart.petersen.DeleteThis@swipnet.se> wrote:

> "Frank Hucklenbroich" <Hucklenbroich01.DeleteThis@aol.com> skrev i meddelandet
> news:12eo1fggx7wo3.1i1rvcvottwd2.dlg@40tude.net...
> > Am Sat, 16 Feb 2008 06:01:01 -0800 (PST) schrieb maninbrain.DeleteThis@gmail.com:
> >
> >> Hello,
> >>
> >> My wife and I are traveling to Europe in late May. We'll be visiting
> >> Belgium, Paris, and then we are planning on ending the trip in the
> >> Swiss Alps. We want to spend our time (approximately 4 days) in the
> >> Berner Oberland region. Perhaps Murren. My question is - how likely
> >> is it that we will have the opportunity for some good hiking? Is May
> >> too early / snow covered?
> >
> > Late May should be fine. Usually most of the snow is gone by the end of
> > April. So hiking should be fine, unless you go up very high (over 3000
> > metres you may still find a bit of snow).
> -------------
> This is Alp Grüm at 2091m altitude May 10 (1989) a mess of melting snow and
> mist.
> Very few tourists so if you want to be alone...
> http://web.telia.com/~u37500344/rhb6.JPG

Will the trails be muddy?
 >> Stay informed about: Swiss Alps in Late May 

maninbrain.RemoveThis@gmail.com wrote:
> Hello,
>
> My wife and I are traveling to Europe in late May. We'll be visiting
> Belgium, Paris, and then we are planning on ending the trip in the
> Swiss Alps. We want to spend our time (approximately 4 days) in the
> Berner Oberland region. Perhaps Murren. My question is - how likely
> is it that we will have the opportunity for some good hiking? Is May
> too early / snow covered? Our reason for visiting this region is to
> take in the Alps with a couple days of hiking.
>
> Our travel dates are not flexible, unfortunately. Again, we'd be in
> Switzerland literally the last four days in May. Our final full day,
> we are planning on spending in Bern.
>
> Any comments or advice would be appreciated.



No problem with Muerren, they have clay tennis courts there and I've seen
them being used end of May...so no more winter.
Muerren is a very fine choise, but take one of your last photo from Europe at the
Spiez station overlooking the bay of Spiez (castle, lake Thun and
the coast line across)
A stunning sight...will make you to come back though
The Altstadt (old city) of Bern is simply a beauty not to miss either.
Have a nice trip!
 >> Stay informed about: Swiss Alps in Late May 

Frank Hucklenbroich <Hucklenbroic....RemoveThis@aol.com> wrote:
> schrieb maninbr....RemoveThis@gmail.com:
> >
> > My wife and I are traveling to Europe in late May.  We'll be visiting
> > Belgium, Paris, and then we are planning on ending the trip in the
> > Swiss Alps.  We want to spend our time (approximately 4 days) in the
> > Berner Oberland region.  Perhaps Murren.  My question is - how likely
> > is it that we will have the opportunity for some good hiking?  Is May
> > too early / snow covered?
>
> Late May should be fine. Usually most of the snow is gone by the end of
> April. So hiking should be fine, unless you go up very high (over 3000
> metres you may still find a bit of snow). Many of the trails in the Bernese
> Oberland are kept in good condition even during winter, so even if there
> should be snowfall in May you will find enough trails that are fine to
> walk.

I've only gone hiking in the Bernese Oberland once, in the summer of
1999.

I should go back to check the historical weather from that winter, but
as of 1 JULY,1999, we found that for that particular year, there were
still areas with snow on the trail that were issues. We're thinking
about going back over this year, and the experience we had back then
is influencing our decisions as to when to decide to go.

I recall three Grindelwald mountain trails in which we encountered
some amount of snow. All three were accessed from the top of the
"FIRST" gondola in Grindelwald.

The first two were hikes (both starting at the top of FIRST; 2168m),
to Gross Sheidegg and Klein Sheidegg. For Gross, the snow coverage
was (in hindsight) very minor, being restricted a ravine crossing that
still had a good amount of snow in it...probably was 10 minutes of
work. For Klein, the coverage was a bit more, but in perspective,
still relatively minor...maybe 3-4 short (~5 minute) crossings of
snow, with the longest being perhaps 15 minutes of messy slogging, out
of what was probably 3-4 hours of hiking.

The third hike was higher in the hills, from FIRST and up to Lake
Bachalpsee (2265m) and beyond. Despite it being the beginning of
July, Lake Bachalpsee still had chunks of ice floating on it...no nice
'reflection pool' photo ops with the Eiger. Pressing beyond
Bachalpsee... my guess today is that it would have been the { First -
Bachalpsee - Hireleni - Bussalp } route...

see:
<http://tinyurl.com/ywyn5t>
<http://tinyurl.com/24j25r>

... this would have gotten up to the Hireleni hut (2355m); we hit
long, significant stretches of snow crossings, both before and after
the hut.


> > Our travel dates are not flexible, unfortunately.  Again, we'd be in
> > Switzerland literally the last four days in May.  Our final full day,
> > we are planning on spending in Bern.
>
> Bern is nice, but maybe you should take the short trip to Thun (maybe 30
> minutes from Bern by train) and go on one of the ships on the lake. The
> ships go directly from the train station, the train literally stops next to
> them
> It's a very nice trip to do on a sunny day, you can do a big round trip or
> just go a few stations. Nicer than Bern imho.

In Bern, if the OP discovers that they like "Rushdi" (Rösti), there's
a restaurant at 16 Kornhauseplatz, near its intersection with
Zeuhausgass:

<http://www.roeschti.ch/en/index.html>

Restaurant Brasserie Anker Bern


-hh
 >> Stay informed about: Swiss Alps in Late May 

"-hh" <recscuba_google RemoveThis @huntzinger.com> wrote in message
news:094ea77e-ded5-4e95-ab21-67e8ffd5a57f@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
Frank Hucklenbroich <Hucklenbroic... RemoveThis @aol.com> wrote:
> schrieb maninbr... RemoveThis @gmail.com:
> >
> > My wife and I are traveling to Europe in late May. We'll be visiting
> > Belgium, Paris, and then we are planning on ending the trip in the
> > Swiss Alps. We want to spend our time (approximately 4 days) in the
> > Berner Oberland region. Perhaps Murren. My question is - how likely
> > is it that we will have the opportunity for some good hiking? Is May
> > too early / snow covered?
>
> Late May should be fine. Usually most of the snow is gone by the end of
> April. So hiking should be fine, unless you go up very high (over 3000
> metres you may still find a bit of snow). Many of the trails in the
Bernese
> Oberland are kept in good condition even during winter, so even if there
> should be snowfall in May you will find enough trails that are fine to
> walk.

I've only gone hiking in the Bernese Oberland once, in the summer of
1999.

I should go back to check the historical weather from that winter, but
as of 1 JULY,1999, we found that for that particular year, there were
still areas with snow on the trail that were issues. We're thinking
about going back over this year, and the experience we had back then
is influencing our decisions as to when to decide to go.

I recall three Grindelwald mountain trails in which we encountered
some amount of snow. All three were accessed from the top of the
"FIRST" gondola in Grindelwald.

The first two were hikes (both starting at the top of FIRST; 2168m),
to Gross Sheidegg and Klein Sheidegg. For Gross, the snow coverage
was (in hindsight) very minor, being restricted a ravine crossing that
still had a good amount of snow in it...probably was 10 minutes of
work. For Klein, the coverage was a bit more, but in perspective,
still relatively minor...maybe 3-4 short (~5 minute) crossings of
snow, with the longest being perhaps 15 minutes of messy slogging, out
of what was probably 3-4 hours of hiking.

The third hike was higher in the hills, from FIRST and up to Lake
Bachalpsee (2265m) and beyond. Despite it being the beginning of
July, Lake Bachalpsee still had chunks of ice floating on it...no nice
'reflection pool' photo ops with the Eiger. Pressing beyond
Bachalpsee... my guess today is that it would have been the { First -
Bachalpsee - Hireleni - Bussalp } route...

see:
<http://tinyurl.com/ywyn5t>
<http://tinyurl.com/24j25r>

.... this would have gotten up to the Hireleni hut (2355m); we hit
long, significant stretches of snow crossings, both before and after
the hut.


> > Our travel dates are not flexible, unfortunately. Again, we'd be in
> > Switzerland literally the last four days in May. Our final full day,
> > we are planning on spending in Bern.
>
> Bern is nice, but maybe you should take the short trip to Thun (maybe 30
> minutes from Bern by train) and go on one of the ships on the lake. The
> ships go directly from the train station, the train literally stops next
to
> them
> It's a very nice trip to do on a sunny day, you can do a big round trip or
> just go a few stations. Nicer than Bern imho.

In Bern, if the OP discovers that they like "Rushdi" (Rösti), there's
a restaurant at 16 Kornhauseplatz, near its intersection with
Zeuhausgass:

<http://www.roeschti.ch/en/index.html>

Restaurant Brasserie Anker Bern


My Gawd, I was last up on that stuff 50 years ago!
I remember climbing the Eiger shoulder and looking down over the North Face
at bodies still dangling on their lines from a previous disastrous climb,
which should date it?

Surreyman
 >> Stay informed about: Swiss Alps in Late May