Fifteen kilometres. A dozen turquoise lakes. Nine hundred metres of ascent. One very good reason.
On Saturday 12 September, we’re heading to the Swiss Alps for a sponsored mountain hike — a proper day in the high mountains, raising serious funds for families living with life-limiting illness.
The route crosses a high Alpine plateau above Davos, threading between roughly a dozen glacial lakes, each a different shade of turquoise, each sitting in its own hollow of grey rock and thin air. There’s a steep cliff section, two mountain passes above 2,700m, and the option to earn extra sponsorship by swimming in lake water at around 5°C.
The route
Starting from Wägerhütte at 2,215m, we climb to Winterlücke pass at 2,787m, then descend to the Jöriseen lake plateau at around 2,500m. After crossing through the lakes, there’s a second ascent to Jöriflüelafurgga at 2,722m before the descent back to the start.
- Total hiking distance: 15km
- Total ascent: 900m
- Estimated hiking time: 6 hours
The plan
We depart at 9:30am and return at around 4:30pm. At the end of the hike, there’ll be a light meal and hot drinks — followed by a cheese feast at Somaskanda Ashram, our local community in the Swiss mountains.
Adverse weather option: If conditions aren’t right for the high route, we’ll hike from the top of Flüela Pass down to the lake near Davos — a 14km alternative that’s no less beautiful.
Who can take part?
- You don’t need to be an experienced mountain hiker, but this is a genuine Alpine challenge. The altitude alone — much of the route is above 2,500m — will make everything harder than it sounds. You should be in good general health with a reasonable level of fitness, and comfortable on uneven, steep terrain.
- Families are welcome with children aged 12 and over.
- Places: 35 hikers maximum
- Minimum sponsorship: £401
What to bring
Sturdy, high-ankle walking boots (not trainers), trekking poles, wind and waterproof layers, warm clothing, sunglasses, sun protection, and enough water for the day. Weather in the mountains can change quickly — come prepared for all conditions.
Getting there
- The hike is based near Davos in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. We recommend arriving by Friday 11 September to allow time to adjust to the altitude and make the early start.
- Please make your own travel arrangements, but wait for confirmation from our team before booking anything.
- If you’re staying at Somaskanda Ashram, transport to and from the trailhead will be arranged on the day. We can also offer transport between Fideris Dorf and the ashram (Friday 5:30pm, Sunday 10 am, Monday 8:00am).
- We’ll set up a WhatsApp group for participants to coordinate lifts and logistics.
Accommodation
- We offer simple dormitory-style accommodation at Somaskanda Ashram at no charge. Bring your own sleeping bag (or at least a duvet cover), slippers, and a towel.
- Alternatively, there are places to stay near the ashram, in Davos, or at Davos Youth Hostel. We’ll share details with confirmed participants.
Fundraising
- We ask each participant to raise a minimum of £401 in sponsorship. Our target for the event is £10,000.
- Taking part? Once you’ve booked, set up your own fundraising page through our campaign page. Just want to support the team? You can sponsor a hiker here.
- Every pound and franc raised helps Skanda Vale Hospice continue offering unhurried, individual care to people and families living with life-limiting illness — without charge.
- Cold water challenge: Earn extra sponsorship by taking a dip in one of the glacial lakes. The water sits at around 5°C. Entirely optional.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How difficult is the hike? The terrain is manageable for anyone with reasonable fitness, but the altitude is the real challenge. Above 2,500m, everything takes more effort — breathing, walking, staying warm. One section involves a steep cliff that requires confidence on exposed ground. This isn’t a casual stroll, but you don’t need mountaineering experience.
- What’s the cold water challenge? Several of the Jöriseen lakes are accessible from the trail. Anyone willing to take a dip can collect extra sponsorship. The water temperature is around 5°C.
- What if the weather is bad? We have an alternative route planned: a 14km hike from Flüela Pass down to the lake near Davos. The decision will be made on the morning based on conditions.
- Can I bring my family? Children aged 12 and over are welcome. Where both parents take part, we ask each adult participant to meet the fundraising minimum.
- When should I arrive and leave? We recommend arriving by Friday 11 September and departing no earlier than Monday 14 September. This gives time to settle in, adjust to the altitude, and enjoy the full experience.
Save your place!
If you have any questions about the event, please get in touch with us at hospice.fundraising@skandavalehospice.org or call 01559 371222. We’re happy to help.