In 2018 we decided to go in search of some snow, not to ski but just to look at and marvel at its beauty. Here are sketches of snow in Switzerland from our magical tour around Switzerland, where despite the extremely cold weather, I managed to get my paints out.
We decided on Switzerland, where we undertook a mini-tour around this country that we love. Little did we know at the time that whilst we were away Cornwall would end up covered in snow. This was due to the arrival of “the beast from the east!”
As it was ski season we were able to fly from Exeter to Geneva. On arrival we got the train to Basel – our first stop.
Basel
It was incredibly cold in Basel. However our first day was very a sunny day, which was glorious. I was even able to sit and sketch some of the beautiful buildings.
Filisur
Next stop was Filisur, going via Chur so we got the train up to Arosa. However it was so cold minus 18 degrees! It was not only was it too cold to paint, it was too cold to be outside! Still the train trip up to Arosa and back, going through the snow covered forests was stunning.
When planning our trip I wanted to experience a moutain village and Filisur certainly did that. It was a lovely little village and our hotel room had a full length door/window, with a great view over the valley. A great spot to watch the trains winding up through the mountains to nearby Bergun. If you look at my sketch above, look for the red train.
We stayed for a few days, getting the Bernina Express one day to Tirano. I managed a quick sketch of the nearby mountains where sitting on the train.
Another day we walked to the magnificent Landweisser viaduct. It was so sunny and felt warm, I decided to sit down and sketch the scene. However I became quite puzzled at the strange texture that was being created on my page. I realised the water on my brush was quickly turning into ice crystals! On our last day we woke up to snow, so out came the paints as I tried to capture the scene.
Brig
Back on the train – and not just any train The Glacier Express. We were travelling from Filisur to our next stop at Brig – just magical. Back to painting the scene from our hotel room, this time it was the mountains at Brig. Our last visit was to Zermatt, where we were hoping to see The Matterhorn. It was quite a coldy day, but the clouds did clear for a short time so I was able to sit down and quickly capture the scene. The temperature was now above freezing and so the water in my brush didn’t freeze!
Our trip back didn’t run quite as smooth because by this time Geneva airport was covered in snow. Exeter Airport had closed the day before and the morning of our flight! Luckily it opened for a couple of hours and we managed to get home!
A truly magical holiday, with memories that will stay with me forever.
Take a look at my page on Switzerland for more of my paintings.