Silence in the Snow – and Suddenly Jets in the Sky

A lighthouse in the middle of the Alps, a ptarmigan in the deep snow and suddenly fighter jets overhead: during their two-day snowshoe tour in the Gotthard region, guests of Cornèrcard experienced several unexpected moments.

As the main partner of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), Cornèrcard organised the snowshoe tour – starting at a location that immediately surprises visitors: the lighthouse on the Oberalp Pass. With this unusual starting point, the SAC mountain guides Mege, Chrigel and Sepp instantly captured the attention of the 22 participants.

Indeed, a red-and-white tower stands there, symbolically marking the source of the Rhine – a maritime sign placed right in the middle of the high mountains. Yet the mountains do not always provide such clear landmarks. All the more important are good orientation and careful preparation.

Safety first

Before setting off towards the Maighel Hut, the SAC team shared important knowledge about winter safety in the mountains. During a technical training session, participants practised using a shovel, avalanche transceiver and probe. A small practical exercise demonstrated how difficult orientation can be in open terrain: walking straight ahead with closed eyes – and after just a few steps, unknowingly drifting off course. In foggy conditions, this can become decisive. As a practical souvenir, participants also received a compass – because in the mountains, you need more reliable tools than a lighthouse to find your way.

Day 1: Encounter with the army

The tour then led through the quiet winter landscape towards the Maighel Hut at around 2,300 metres above sea level. Already on the first day, the group experienced a surprising encounter: along the way they met a troop of around 50 soldiers marching single file through the snowy landscape – another striking moment during this tour. The day ended at the Maighel Hut with classic mountain-hut atmosphere: card games, convivial moments during the aperitif and a delicious dinner. During a small Q&A session in the evening, participants also shared the most unusual places where they had paid with their card. One thing quickly became clear: credit cards know no altitude limits (see box).

Day 2: Ptarmigan and the Patrouille Suisse

On the second day, the route led back to Tschamut, from where the group began their journey home. Along the way, a ptarmigan suddenly appeared in the deep snow – and shortly afterwards the silence of the mountains was broken by a powerful roar from the sky. The Patrouille Suisse flew low over the group, cutting through the winter stillness – a rare spectacle against this alpine backdrop.

“It was incredibly educational, exciting and fun,” said one participant at the end of the tour. We wholeheartedly agree – and extend our thanks to the SAC, the mountain guides Mege, Chrigel and Sepp, as well as Rami and Kai from The Alpinists, who accompanied and documented this snowy adventure.

Credit Cards Know No Altitude Limits

During the hut evening at the Maighel Hut, the atmosphere became more personal. In a small Q&A session, participants shared their most unusual card-payment experiences.

High up – and far below

Paying at around 10,000 metres altitude on a flight to Canada? No problem. Credit cards have also been used at Swiss viewpoints such as Titlis, Jungfraujoch and the Bernina Pass. The geographical low point mentioned during the discussion was the Dead Sea – around 440 metres below sea level.

Curious locations

A tiny car-free island in Indonesia, where horse-drawn carriages replace cars. A Selecta vending machine in a village when the fridge at home was empty. Or even a military station at the border between Kyrgyzstan and China.

When a card saves the day

For example in Alaska, when a VW bus broke down on the road and a new engine had to be paid for. Or during a spontaneous flight booking when unrest suddenly broke out on La Réunion.

Crocs for hut comfort

Anyone who participated in the Q&A automatically entered the prize draw – and some participants were delighted to win Cornèrcard Crocs. These practical hut shoes are in fact provided by Cornèrcard in many SAC mountain huts.

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