Traditions of Transition
As winter’s deep embrace begins to soften, Mürren, Switzerland, awakens to a season of transition, where the alpine air still carries the echoes of past races, and the village’s historic slopes gradually yield to the vibrant renewal of spring. It was here, in this secluded mountain haven, that the Kandahar Ski Club first defined the art of alpine sport. Today, that same pioneering spirit remains, as the last of the season’s skiers share trails with early-season hikers, alpinists, and those drawn to the social traditions of mountain life.
For generations, the Kandahar Club and its like-minded counterparts have embodied an ethos beyond sport—one of camaraderie, refinement, and a deep appreciation for the mountains in all their seasonal moods. As the days lengthen and the snow recedes from the valley floor, the legacy of Mürren’s alpine clubs continues in springtime gatherings where spirited descents give way to leisurely afternoons on sunlit terraces.
The storied Inferno Racecourse, carved through Mürren’s dramatic terrain, remains a pilgrimage site for those who revere skiing’s golden age, while the same trails that once tested competitors under snowfall now welcome those seeking alpine adventure on foot. Hikers trace the historic paths of early 20th-century alpinists, following ridgelines that reveal the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in their thawing majesty.
With the changing season comes a shift in attire, reflecting the evolution of Mürren’s alpine lifestyle. Heavy ski jumpers and insulated layers are gradually replaced by lightweight knitwear and classic polo shirts, embodying a balance of elegance and function. As morning frost gives way to afternoon warmth, gentlemen and ladies alike embrace refined yet practical garments suited for both high-altitude strolls and social engagements, ensuring that tradition and sophistication remain ever-present in the alpine wardrobe.
The social fabric of Mürren’s mountain culture extends from the slopes to elegant chalet lounges, where the season’s last racers toast to victories and valiant efforts before trading ski boots for walking sticks and fine wool sweaters.
Dining and revelry continue in the grand tradition of alpine clubs past. A candlelit dinner at the Hotel Eiger or a fireside gathering at the Palace Hotel echoes the soirées of the British and Swiss pioneers who first made Mürren a sanctuary of mountain leisure. Stories of slalom innovations and downhill racing lore blend with the anticipation of the coming summer, when mountaineers will soon set their sights on peaks long guarded by winter’s hold.
In Mürren, the arrival of spring is not a farewell to the alpine sport—it is merely its elegant evolution. The same gentlemen and ladies who once gathered for polo, tennis, and skiing now transition seamlessly into hiking, climbing, and high-altitude excursions, ever preserving the values of alpine sport: tradition, taste, and an enduring passion for the mountains.
