Yves Kunz -
In the service of the Moosalpregion
on the way on paths and tracks

The Moosalpregion is considered a popular hiking area. In summer, as well as in winter, there are numerous hiking trails to discover. They lead through forests and villages, along suonen and mountain meadows. Yves Kunz is responsible for the maintenance of the hiking trail network. With his work he contributes significantly to the fact that hiking enthusiasts can enjoy an unforgettable and intact hiking experience.

From Fricktal to Valais

Yves Kunz is 22 years old and a trained forest warden. He grew up in Oeschgen in the canton of Aargau and completed his training in the Fricktal region. Afterwards he did his military service and gained experience in his learned profession for two years. Since the year-round work as a forest warden is physically very demanding, Yves initially looked for a professional alternative only for the winter. By chance, he discovered a job advertisement for Moosalp Bergbahnen on the Internet. Yves successfully applied for the job. So he came to Valais and worked during the winter season at the ski lifts in Bürchen and Törbel. During the first months, he additionally completed a training as a piste patroller. As a patroller, he is responsible for checking the slopes and rescuing injured winter sports enthusiasts in the ski area. He also helps with the artificial snowmaking on the slopes. The varied work gave him pleasure. When the opportunity opened up to work year-round in the Moosalp region, Yves did not hesitate and took advantage of the opportunity. Since then, he has been at home in Bürchen all year round. In summer, he works for Moosalp Tourismus AG and maintains the entire network of hiking trails as well as the mini-golf course and the parking lot for mobile homes in Bürchen. He feels at home in the region around Moosalp and would like to live in Valais for a longer period of time. In his free time, Yves often rides his motorcycle and visits his parents in Aargau on occasion.

 

"On the trails and ski slopes, you have to be prepared for anything".

 

During the summer months, Yves is mainly busy with maintenance work on the hiking trails in Bürchen and Törbel. This includes general maintenance work and especially mowing along the trails. Early in the morning he grabs his tools and sets out to clean and tidy up along the trails. One of his favorite hiking trails in the region is the Squirrel Trail above Bürchen. Here he occasionally meets guests or acquaintances from the village and has a brief chat with them. "It can happen that I'm mowing the trails five days a week, for nine hours," Yves reports. He says it's important to be prepared for anything when working outside in nature, so that his safety and that of hikers is guaranteed at all times. The same is true when working as a patroller on the ski slopes in winter.

With extraordinary dedication, Yves looks after the well-being of the hikers he encounters every day in the region. "When I meet people on the hiking trails, I realize that they appreciate my work very much," Yves says. He also feels great gratitude from patients in winter, whom he gives first aid on the ski slopes and prepares for transport to the hospital in Visp. What Yves likes best about his job is the fact that no two days are the same. He says you always have to expect unforeseen events and make the best of every situation. This quality is very important in his job. Thank you Yves, for your great commitment to the Moosalpregion!