silleren hike and sled day

18/2/15

Rachael and I were in charge of running the program Silleren Hike and Sled Day today for the group of Guides staying with us.  We met for our program meeting at 8.30, where we planned the day and ran through what we had to do and where we would be going. Jen gave us the program phones, sign out sheets, maps and money for gondola tickets.  We didn't have to start the hike until 10 am so Rachael and I went back to Stockli and joined Sarah for some fried eggs on toast. I cooked the eggs and Rachael did the washing up and Sarah sat there looking pretty.

At ten we met the Guides between Spycher and Main Chalet before heading off.  We ran through the plan of the day, hiking protocol, and did an equipment check.  Once everyone had had five mins to grab extra things and everyone grabbed a sledge we set off. 

First we hiked down to Oey gondola station.  Rachael bought enough day passes so each of the guests could catch the gondola and the chair lift up to the top of the mountain.

After this we continued hiking up past the gondola station along the side of a blue ski run until we came to the adventure park.  There, after some messing about, we managed to get everyone through

the gates and onto the chairlifts with all the sleds and backpacks etc.  At the top messed about some more and got everyone onto the gondola to the top of Silleren.

Because the sled run doesn't open until 1 pm and we arrived at the top of the mountain at 12.15 we stopped for lunch for 45 mins. 

We met at one and ran through how to use a sled, how to steer, brake and accelerate before heading down the run.  The first run we all did together before splitting up at the bottom to go faster or slower.  Rachael and I alternated so we both had a turn sledging until Rachael had had enough, so I just kept going down. I think at one point I did the entire run in just over 15 mins.

Katrina with her dirty dishes tower

At 4 pm exactly we all met and jumped back on the gondola to Oey.  Jen picked up the sleds from the gondola station whilst we all hiked up the hill.  The worst thing about the day is that ruddy hill!

Dinner was cottage pie and meringues with cream and berries for dessert.  As I was on program we swapped before dessert with the Guest Services people and they did the evening program, WAGGGS Night and program peeps did kitchen clean up!