It’s one of the wackiest ski races out there, and definitely one for the bucket list. Every January, 1000 skiers don their finest witch’s garb and race down the slopes from Belalp to Blatten at the foot of the Aletsch Glacier. in Switzerland The 12km “Hexenabfahrt” (“Witches’ Race”) is the culmination of a week of partying in the Belalp. Aside from the race, Witches’ Week also offers fun in the form of arts and crafts, other races and, of course, live bands and DJs at the après-ski parties.
Legend has it that many years ago, a local witch was cheating on her husband with a sorcerer. As the story goes, the witch would turn into a raven to visit her lover. One day when she was flying above her garden, she noticed her faithful husband up high in the cherry tree, picking cherries. In a moment of weakness, she allowed her spite for her husband to get the better of her, flew over him and sent bird droppings straight into his eyes. The poor fellow lost his balance, fell from the tree and broke his neck. Unfortunately for the witch, a neighbour happened to pass by at that very moment and noticed the raven circling high above the tree. As punishment for the witch’s actions, the villagers burnt her at the stake. Centuries later, the villagers decided to commemorate this legend by inaugurating the Witches’ Race from Belalp to Blatten. The finish line allegedly marks the spot where the husband was killed.
Starting at an altitude of 3100m above sea level, the 12km-long Witches’ Race covers a vertical drop of 1800m to end up in the village of Blatten. Although this is a serious ski race with prizes awarded to the best individuals and the best teams in various categories, many skiers are just in it for the fun of dressing up and skiing with a mask and a broomstick. Saturday’s race will first see the serious ski racers, who are in it to prove their worth as the fastest skiers. Then 1000 witches will swarm the slopes in masks and broomsticks. Prizes are awarded to the fastest skiers in each category (not including the witches). The best-dressed witches will also receive a prize.
Photo: © www.belalphexe.ch
Set at the foot of the stunning Aletsch Glacier, the ski resort of Belalp-Blatten-Naters offers high-altitude glacier skiing with guaranteed snow on 60km of slopes. From steep blacks to winding blues, there is terrain for level of skier and snowboarder here. Beginners and families with young children will especially appreciate the laid-back pace and child-friendly facilities. The Blatten-Belalp ski area is reasonably priced for Switzerland, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious skiers who still want to experience high-quality skiing.
It’s one of the wackiest ski races out there, and definitely one for the bucket list. Every January, 1000 skiers don their finest witch’s garb and race down the slopes from Belalp to Blatten at the foot of the Aletsch Glacier. in Switzerland The 12km “Hexenabfahrt” (“Witches’ Race”) is the culmination of a week of partying in the Belalp. Aside from the race, Witches’ Week also offers fun in the form of arts and crafts, other races and, of course, live bands and DJs at the après-ski parties.
Legend has it that many years ago, a local witch was cheating on her husband with a sorcerer. As the story goes, the witch would turn into a raven to visit her lover. One day when she was flying above her garden, she noticed her faithful husband up high in the cherry tree, picking cherries. In a moment of weakness, she allowed her spite for her husband to get the better of her, flew over him and sent bird droppings straight into his eyes. The poor fellow lost his balance, fell from the tree and broke his neck. Unfortunately for the witch, a neighbour happened to pass by at that very moment and noticed the raven circling high above the tree. As punishment for the witch’s actions, the villagers burnt her at the stake. Centuries later, the villagers decided to commemorate this legend by inaugurating the Witches’ Race from Belalp to Blatten. The finish line allegedly marks the spot where the husband was killed.
Starting at an altitude of 3100m above sea level, the 12km-long Witches’ Race covers a vertical drop of 1800m to end up in the village of Blatten. Although this is a serious ski race with prizes awarded to the best individuals and the best teams in various categories, many skiers are just in it for the fun of dressing up and skiing with a mask and a broomstick. Saturday’s race will first see the serious ski racers, who are in it to prove their worth as the fastest skiers. Then 1000 witches will swarm the slopes in masks and broomsticks. Prizes are awarded to the fastest skiers in each category (not including the witches). The best-dressed witches will also receive a prize.
Photo: © www.belalphexe.ch
Set at the foot of the stunning Aletsch Glacier, the ski resort of Belalp-Blatten-Naters offers high-altitude glacier skiing with guaranteed snow on 60km of slopes. From steep blacks to winding blues, there is terrain for level of skier and snowboarder here. Beginners and families with young children will especially appreciate the laid-back pace and child-friendly facilities. The Blatten-Belalp ski area is reasonably priced for Switzerland, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious skiers who still want to experience high-quality skiing.
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
