Gornergrat - a Passion in Snow and Ice

The little train wound its way higher and higher up the mountain. The famous village already lay below us when suddenly, rising from behind the rooftops, appeared the mighty “Horu” – as the locals call this striking mountain.

My heart skipped a beat. Then it disappeared again, only to reappear as the train rounded another bend – playing hide and seek with us beneath a flawless sky, in near-perfect sunshine and breathtaking visibility.

The ride itself was an experience. The train was filled almost entirely with tourists, all staring out of the windows in awe – many for the first time. About half an hour later, we stood in front of the famous observatory. Freshly fallen snow sparkled in the sun. I was accompanied by two friends from Brazil – the wonder in their eyes was impossible to miss. We couldn’t resist – a few snowballs soared through the crisp mountain air.

Suddenly, I was transported back 28 years. I stood here for the first time back then, having hiked up from the village below. With little knowledge of pacing myself, I had charged up the mountain, only to arrive hours later, on trembling legs. It was my first true encounter with a new lifelong passion: the mountains. Since then, I have returned again and again. Now, as I pointed out the surrounding peaks to my friends, I recalled every tour I had begun or ended here – even the legendary Haute Route. These mountains are no strangers to me. I know them by name. More than that – I’ve climbed them.

So many memories came flooding back. These peaks – not just distant giants, but companions I had ascended step by step. My passion for the mountains has never left me. One thing has changed, though: I no longer do high alpine tours. Instead, I go on “ordinary” mountain hikes – in every season, and preferably in winter.

As my guests marveled at the view and the many peaks they’d never seen before, one of them (do you know him? :-)) proudly announced that he was now standing at the highest point of his entire career – quite literally.

These moments made me reflect. Can I – and how do I – share this passion with others? With people who may not yet understand it? People who cannot grasp the love for snow and ice, and who might wonder: how can anyone be so obsessed with mountains? Or are there others who feel that same longing when they’re out in the highlands?

What makes the difference between these people? Is it our upbringing, our environment, or the path our lives have taken? Can such a passion be found later in life? Can we inspire friends and strangers to love something they’ve never known?

And what about our careers? There are just as many paths – and sometimes they cross, right on a plateau with a view of the Horu and the highest peak in the country. Maybe symbolism is at work too – we all travel different routes, but we might reach the same peak. We may even be working toward the same challenge. And perhaps, once we’ve met, we go forward together.

Back in the village, I found myself deep in thought: Can you reach your own summits as well? Maybe you find the “Reputation Formula” we have hidden on the streets of the village, with which you can also climb your highest peaks. Can you find it on the streets? Open your eyes and your heart. It all begins with a step. With a small train. With a willingness to experience something new.

And if you want to explore further: we’ve captured one more moment in a YouTube video. Get inspired – maybe Gornergrat will be your turning point too.