What we’re about
Welcome to Zurich Hike & Outdoor !
This information page about our group has three main sections:
A) What we do - who we are - how we operate
B) The fine-print
C) RSVP etiquette
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A) WHAT WE DO - WHO WE ARE - HOW WE OPERATE:
Switzerland is a hiking paradise, with trails covering almost the whole country ... and there is more to see: majestic mountains, beautiful lakes and evergreen fields, just to mention a few things.
WHAT WE DO:
Since 2007 we have been organising many, many hikes and other outdoor activities throughout the year.
In summer we hike, but we also do rafting, canyoning, biking, inline skating and climbing (Klettersteig, Via Ferrata), swimming etc.
In winter we do snowshoeing, alpine downhill skiing, cross country skiing, sledging/sledding, ice skating, as well as ski touring etc.
WHO WE ARE:
We are an international group, very mixed and with people coming from all over the world ranging from A like Australia and the Americas to Z like Zwitzerland.
A lot of members are fairly new to Zürich, happy to meet other people and to join outdoor activities together.
Many of the organisers have been in Switzerland for a while, know the country and how to find nice activities, and are happy to share their passion for the mountains, outdoor activities etc.
HOW WE OPERATE:
1. We are non-commercial:
Our organisers host events for the fun of it, to share their passion for the mountains, and to have like-minded people join for the activities foreseen.
2. Transport:
Our standard mode of transport is public transport, i.e. the excellent network of trains, busses, cablecars etc. we have here in Switzerland.
No car needed!
This is why a frequently used meeting point is «under the Blue Angel» at Zürich HB.
3. Open to all:
Our events are designed for everyone to participate, from beginners to advanced hikers.
However, this comes with two big «buts»!
4. «But #1»:
Nothing in the mountains is risk free and not every activity is suitable for everyone!
You yourself need to judge, if an activity is right for you.
If you are not sure, start with an activity you deem «easy» first.
We have a disclaimer that applies to all events.
See paragraph «B) The fine-print».
5. «But #2»:
Nothing in the mountains is risk free. The risks need to be taken seriously, and a person can even be a risk and burden for the entire group.
The event organiser does have the right to refuse participants for risk and safety reasons.
This explicitly also includes the right of the organiser to assess if taking along a person might pose a risk for the rest of the group, e.g. in a difficult situation in the mountains, and refuse participation based on this. This is entirely at the discretion of the even organiser and not up for discussion.
(Example: If the plan is, e.g., a ski tour at 2'500m above sea level, the event organiser does have the right to refuse a person participation, if the organiser deems that person an undue risk or burden for the others. End of discussion.)
6. RSVP etiquette:
Event organisers can set a limit as to how many people can join an event.
Please be considerate and respectful of this.
See paragraph «C) RSVP etiquette».
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B) THE FINE-PRINT:
As said: Nothing in the mountains is risk free and not every activity is suitable for everyone. Therefore, the following disclaimer applies to all events:
THE DISCLAIMER:
Our events are NOT guided tours!
Instead, they are get-togethers of individuals who themselves are responsible for their judgement, choices and actions.
1. BEFORE - What is foreseen?
It is your own responsibility to prepare appropriately before the event.
You need to understand what activity is foreseen, assess the difficulty, risks and dangers and the expected weather conditions.
2. BEFORE - Is it for me?
You need to assess the requirements that the foreseen activity puts on you regarding experience, capabilities and fitness condition, and
you need to judge if you personally have the necessary experience, capabilities and fitness level.
3. BEFORE - Being prepared:
You yourself also need to assure adequate preparation, equipment (boots, clothes, gear...) and insurance cover and do everything as if you were going by yourself.
4. DURING - Judge and decide for yourself:
During the event it is your own responsibility to apply your own judgement and to take considerate decisions yourself, fully within your own responsibility.
IN ESSENCE:
The events are entirely at your own risk. The organiser also does not warrant on the accuracy or completeness of the descriptions.
The organiser just offers you to join one another and to go together, but holds no responsibility for anything, including injuries or death that might result directly or indirectly from the event.
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C) RSVP ETIQUETTE:
Many events are limited in the number of participants they can accomodate.
WHY - REASONS FOR LIMITS:
Hard facts such as the capacity of a cablecar can be a limiting factor.
Also, up in the mountains, group size itself can be a risk
and on occasion a reservation/booking might be needed and requiring an exact number of participants.
Or - simply - the volunteer event organiser prefers a small group size and does not feel comfortable with a large group.
TWO SIDES OF RESPECT:
a) If your RSVP is «Yes, going» and then you do not show up, you might have taken away that scarce spot from someone else, a fellow member, who really dearly wanted to go!
b) The event organiser will have a good reason to have set the limit, and has the need and right to manage the number of participants.
Therefore…
THE RSVP ETIQUETTE:
1. Only sign-up «Yes, going» if you really seriously want to go.
Rationale: See above. Please respect that others might want the spot.
2. If your plans change, sign-out «No» as soon as possible.
Please also do that, if - at that moment - you are only on the waitlist.
Rationale: See above.
3. If you are thinking about changing your plans, please decide early enough for others still to join.
This translates into:
If you will not join, sign-out «No» at least 12-18 hours before the event, i.e. circa mid-day the day before.
Rationale: Give others the chance and time to still join.
4. If you are signed-up «Yes, going», then do join.
Rationale: See above.
5. For events happening at the same time, only sign-up «Yes, going» for one of them!
Even if the other event is in a different Meetup group.
Rationale: You cannot split yourself.
6. If you do NOT have a spot and when you are still on the waitlist:
Please respect that you do NOT have a spot.
Rationale: The organiser will have a good reason to have set the limit.
All in all:
Please be respectful in your RSVP.
Your fellow members and the organisers will appreciate this!
(And - people see, people talk - you might want to uphold a good reputation.)
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LOOKING FORWARD TO YOU JOINING!
So ... please don't be put-off by the disclaimer. Just take it seriously!
And please don't be put-off by the RSVP etiquette. Just take it seriously!
See you soon!
The team of organisers
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Ridge hike from Brunni to EinsiedelnZurich HB - Under the blue angel hanging from the ceiling., Zürich
Let's hike the fifth stage of the Schwyzer Höhenweg! We'll start in Brunni and go up through the Zwäckentobel to the Müsliegg. There we'll join the Switzerland Mobility trail number 63 (see https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/route-63/stage-5). Soon we'll reach the Furggelenstock, with 1'656 m above sea level the highest point of the hike. We'll continue northbound over Buziflue, Chopf, Amselspitz and Chli Amslen to Einsiedeln. This hike does not include the Grosser Mythen.
As for now, rain is predicted for the evening (at around 8 pm). This won't affect us. If the weather forecast changes to the worse, I might shorten or cancel the hike.
MEETING:
Meeting point is in Zurich main station under the blue angel at 7.30 am.HIKE DATA (according to Swisstopo):
- Distance: 21 km
- Difference in altitude: 1'087 m up and 1'294 m down
- Estimated hiking time (without breaks): 6 hours 50 minutes
- Difficulty*: T3
WHAT TO BRING:
- Lunch
- Hiking shoes
- Cash
- Valid ticket(s) for public transport
HOW TO GET THERE:
- Departure from Zurich main station: 7.43 am (track 5; S25 towards Linthal)
- Arrival Wädenswil: 8.00 am
- Departure from Wädenswil: 8.10 am (track 1; S13 towards Einsiedeln)
- Arrival in Einsiedeln: 8.33 am
- Departure from Einsiedeln: 8.37 am (bus nr. 554 towards Brunni SZ)
- Arrival in Brunni, Rest. Brunni: 8.51 am
WAY BACK:
I expect us to take the train at 4.59 pm in Einsiedeln (arrival in Zürich main station at 5.48 pm). However, it would be nice to go for dinner after the hike either in Einsiedeln or in Zurich.TELEGRAM GROUP (also for other hiking information):
https://t.me/+ndNDCge4xqBhOGQ0DISCLAIMER:
I’m not an official or professional guide and I don’t intend to create legal relations (except for the jurisdiction agreement and the choice of law mentionned below). You participate on your own authority and entirely at your own risk. You particularly need to assure adequate preparation, equipment and insurance cover and do everything as if you were going by yourself. I can’t be held responsible for anything that happens during my hikes and I don’t warrant the accuracy or completeness of the description above.
The authorities / courts of Zurich (Switzerland) are competent for any claim, cause of action or dispute related to that hike; the competence of any other authority / court worldwide is excluded. Swiss law applies to the exclusion of any other law.
By joining the hike, you accept the terms above and you explain to fulfill all the requirements needed to attend this hike.* I indicate the highest level of difficulty I expect. This means that there might be easier segments. If you don’t know what the scale means, you’ll find more information here: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAC-Wanderskala
- Via Rhenana Stage 2 - T1/16km/+540m/-520mIn the train, Zurich
The plan is to do the second stage of Via Rhenana, from Steckborn to Stein am Rhein.
Don't forget to pack enough water, packed lunch and sun and rain protection.
In Stein am Rhein there is the possibility to stop for drinks/food and a dip in the river - bring swimming clothes & towel if tempted.
We meet in the IC to Rottweil departing from Zurich HB @09:37 from platform 14. To make it easier to find each other, look for seats in the first 2nd class carriage in the direction of travel. Please check the photos for the full travel itinerary.
- Glarus #3 – Mettmen (T3)Zurich HB - Under the blue angel hanging from the ceiling., Zürich
The «Wanderpokal Glarnerland» is an idea to promote tourism in the canton of Glarus. Four hikes are proposed this year. Each features a hut in Glarus and one can collect a stamp to commemorate the achievement.
This is #3: Mettmen
(Note: The title might give a false impression, but «mad women» are welcome to join this hike, too!)(Different from the circular hike proposed on the «Wanderpokal Glarnerland» website, we hike to Mettmen from «behind», from the Elm side and across Wildmaadfurggeli pass.)
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OUTBOUND TRAVEL:
- 08:00h: Meet at Zürich HB under the «Blue Angel»
- 08:12h: IR35 Zürich HB (platform 7, direction Chur) to Ziegelbrücke
- 09:02h: S6 Ziegelbrücke (platform 10) to Schwanden GL
- 09:28h: Postauto 541 Schwanden to «Elm, Sportbahnen»
- 09:53h: Arrival at «Elm, Sportbahnen» & walk to the cable car
- 10:00h: Cable car up from Elm to Empächli
- 10:15h: Start of the hike
HIKE DATA:
- Duration: 4¾ hrs
- Distance: 11km
- Ascent/descent: 960m/830m
- SAC class: T3 (white-red)
- Map: https://map.schweizmobil.ch/?lang=en&layers=Wanderland&trackId=783569949
LUNCH:
- Picnic
WANDERPOKAL WEBSITE:
FURTHER HIKES IN THIS SERIES:
- Glarus #2: Claridenhütte: https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/events/308625833/
- Glarus #4: Segnespass: https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/events/308354387/
RETURN TRAVEL:
- Cable car down from Mettmen
- Connections every hour at xx:00h and xx:30h
Target: - 16:00h: Cable car down from Mettmen to Kies
- 16:13h: Postauto 544 from «Kies (Niederental)» to Nidfurn-Haslen
- 16:55h: S25 from Nidfurn-Haslen to Zürich HB
- 18:17h: Arrival back at Zürich HB
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DISCLAIMER:
This is NOT a guided tour. Instead, this is a casual meetup of individuals responsible for their actions, choices and judgement. The hike is on your own risk and judgement.
It is your own responsibility to assess the requirements and difficulty of this hike as well as your capabilities and fitness condition. You need to assure adequate equipment (boots, clothes, ...) and insurance cover as if you were going by yourself. Also, check the weather forecast.
If you are unsure about the hike, do research further detail e.g. on the internet.
The organiser holds no responsibility for any injuries or death that might result directly or indirectly from this event. The organiser does not warrant on the accuracy of the description of the hike.
By joining the hike, you accept the terms explained above.
