In Bergalga, a side valley off Avers, there’s more untouched nature, peace and quiet, and fresh, cool mountain air. Its seclusion has spared Avers from military invasion and devastation since the 14th century. Its culturally and historically important buildings, in particular the traditional Walser houses, have largely been preserved, as have the original settlement structures. Combined with the abundant natural beauty, they give the valley a special charm. When the hydroelectric power plants were built from 1958 to 1962, the Averserstrasse to Avers-Juf was made safe for winter travel.

The winter hiking trail starts in Avers-Juppa, which is easy to reach by Postbus. From the pony lift, start by hiking along the cross-country skiing trail, past the Cavetta ski hut and into the Bergalgatal. The further into the open, isolated and almost flat valley you go, the quieter it becomes. You can’t even hear the marmots whistling in the cold months; the cute rodents are nestled up, in hibernation. The Bergalgatal is in fact one of the Alpine regions with the most marmots.

As you walk through this lonely landscape, the hectic rush of everyday life simply slips away. Your only distraction comes from snow-capped mountains such as the Piz Platta, Gletscherhorn, Wengahorn and Grauhorn. And if you scour the slopes carefully, your gaze might be drawn by chamois, ibex, golden eagles or even bearded vultures. Turn around at the Nüwa Stofel Alpine hut and leave the valley by the same path.