Melchsee-Frutt upland valley is flanked by two skiing areas: the slopes of Balmeregghorn and Erzegg with their wide, sun-drenched pistes, and on the opposite side the steeper descents of Mount Bonistock. Start by taking the cable car or lift in the Distelboden area, just a few minutes away from the mountain station.

The access point to the Melchsee run is located between the Erzegg chair lift and Restaurant Distelboden. The short, flat run along the frozen reservoir lake offers a superb view of the car-free village of Frutt as well as a striking chain of peaks including Rothorn, Glogghuis, Hochstollen and Brünighaupt. The run is perfect for a warm-up or to get your initial bearings in the area.

If you look closely you might see some holes in the ice. There’s no cause for alarm: you are simply witnessing a rare sport that is practised here – ice fishing. If you’re lucky you might even see someone making a catch.