On the road with the Alpuschnaager

The Alpuschnaager offers visitors to the Moosalp region a very special winter experience. The tracked vehicle transports up to 20 passengers comfortably and safely from Bürchen to Moosalp. Numerous winter hiking trails and mountain restaurants await passengers there, just waiting to be discovered. On a gloriously sunny day in January, we had the pleasure of riding along with chauffeur Kurt Gerber.

It's 11.00 in the morning. Driver Kurt Gerber and the Alpuschnaager are already waiting for the registered guests at the Egga parking lot in Bürchen. From here, the tracked vehicle starts its journey to Moosalp twice a day. Compared to conventional snow groomers, the Alpuschnaager has shortened tracks and a spacious passenger cabin. A ladder on the side of the vehicle facilitates access. In addition, a large box is attached to the shovel of the snow plough, which can be used free of charge for transporting sports equipment such as sledges or snowshoes. Driver Kurt is always happy to help you get into the vehicle.

A cozy ride through a snow-covered winter idyll

As soon as all the passengers have taken their seats, the engine starts and the PistenBully with over 300 hp begins to move. The leisurely ride begins through a snow-covered forest. This year, the snow conditions on the route, which can be used as a toboggan run in the afternoon, are perfect, driver Kurt Gerber tells us. Kurt is retired and owns a vacation home in Bürchen. The friendly chauffeur from Utzigen in the canton of Bern has been driving the Alpuschnaager during the winter season for four years now. He shares the job with his colleague Charly Seematter. Kurt used to run a garage business for agricultural machinery and occasionally drove coaches on the roads. He is therefore very familiar with handling powerful vehicles and he always enjoys interacting with the passengers.

The Alpuschnaager glides slowly and comfortably over the snow. Every now and then, gentle rays of sunlight filter through the treetops and a squirrel scurries across the trail. According to Kurt, you can also see deer from time to time. As a driver, he is also responsible for the regular safety checks on the route. He checks the condition of the track and all the markings and makes sure that no one is left on the track in the evening.

Arrival at the Moosalp

After about half the journey, the Alpuschnaager leaves the dense forest. The ski slope now becomes visible below the road and you can wave to the skiers and snowboarders. Before the first intermediate stop at the Restaurant Panorama on the Bürchneralp, a wonderful view opens up of the Bietschorn and down into the Rhone Valley. At this point, you have the option of getting off and continuing on foot. In addition to people, the Alpuschnaager transports numerous sledges daily from the valley up to the sledge depot, which is located at the alpine stables on the Bürchneralp. Sledges can be hired here for the descent to Bürchen. Kurt regularly checks that there are enough sledges available.

At the Panorama restaurant, the Alpuschnaager makes a 180° turn and continues in the direction of Moosalp, Törbel. Shortly before the terminus, it crosses the sunny plateau of Moosbodu. Various hiking trails and cross-country skiing routes can be reached from here. After around 30 minutes, the Alpuschnaager reaches its destination: Moosalp. Here, the Moosalp and Dorbia restaurants invite you to enjoy a delicious lunch menu or a snack. The magnificent alpine panorama of the Mischabel group can be seen in the distance and nothing stands in the way of a leisurely walk in the snow. For those who prefer to cover only short distances on foot, the Alpuschnaager is ready to take you back to Bürchen at 4.00 pm in the evening. A ride on the Alpuschnaager is recommended for all winter lovers.