Kandersteg Information
Parties from the Scout Association (UK) - special information sheet
Introduction
The purpose of this page is to clarify the situation with regard to hiking in the area around Kandersteg International Scout Centre. It is specifically to give detailed information to allow UK groups to relate and compare, using the new UK terminology,the situation in Kandersteg with that of the United Kingdom.
Terrain Zero
The following areas are deemed to be Terrain Zero:
- The Kander valley north from the Centre up to 200 metres above the valley floor.
- The Gastern valley as far as Selden, limited to paths and roads in the valley.
- Up to the Lake Oeschinensee when walking up the road.
- Up to the Oschinen Valley as far as the Oschene restaurant at GR 61541468 on the 1:25,000 'Kandersteg wanderkarte' map.
- In general, up to 200 metres above any valley floor, provided that the valley is inhabited and is traversed by a metalled road.
Wanderwegs
Provided that they are marked on the map and on the ground, Wanderwegs are considered to lie between Terrain Zero and Terrain one in the new system of UK designation. For parties following a Wanderweg, the following apply:
- The UK leader must carry out, possibly with guidance and assistance from KISC staff, a Risk Assessment of the proposed route, especially taking into account weather forecasts.
- The party size is strictly limited to seven people.
- One person in this party must be designated as the leader of the party.
- A full route card must be left with the KISC staff.
- The Wanderweg may be UK-Ied or KISC-Ied.
Bergwegs
Provided that they are marked on the map and on the ground, Bergwegs are deemed to be in Terrain One (with the obvious exception of the altitude limit of 800 metres in the UK). For parties following a Bergweg, the following apply:
- If UK led, the Authorised Leader must have an authorisation of 'Summer conditions England & Wales' or 'Summer conditions Terrain One England and Wales'.
- If KISC-Ied, the experience and authorisation of any UK-based leaders for second parties is for discussion with the KISC staff.
- The party size is strictly limited to seven people. 4. A full route card must be left with the KISC staff.
- The hike over the Lotschenpass via the Lotschen Glacier is deemed to be a Bergweg (even though it crosses a small glacier) provided that it is led by KISC staff. If it is UK-Ied then it is deemed an Alpinweg -see below. For some examples of Bergweg routes around the Centre, please see the attached information.
Alpinwegs
These are not led by general KISC staff, only specifically selected staff with suitable qualifications and with well prepared, properly equipped groups. UK parties proposing to traverse Alpinwegs must be suitably authorised by the appropriate commissioner in the United Kingdom.
Schilthorn and Jungfraujoch
If you intend to visit the tourist attraction at the summit of these mountains by cable car/train, you do not require formal Authorisation for Hill Walking. Both of these attractions are enclosed and have no access to mountainous country.
