Visit Flumserberg: Ski Slopes, FLOOMZER Toboggan, CLiiMBER & Lake Walen

General Information

Location: Canton of St. Gallen, Eastern Switzerland (Heidiland region) Altitude: 1,400 m (Tannenboden), 2,222 m (Maschgenkamm) Population: ~1,500 (permanent population in the mountain villages) Language: German (Swiss dialect) Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

History

Flumserberg has a long history as an Alpine pasture area. For centuries, local farmers have grazed their livestock on the high-altitude meadows in the summer. The name "Flums" comes from the Latin "flumen" (river), referring to the Seez River that flows in the valley.

The development as a tourist destination began in the 1960s with the construction of the first lifts. In 1961, the first cable car from Unterterzen (on the shore of Lake Walen) to Tannenboden was opened, making the mountain much more accessible. In the following decades, the lift system expanded significantly.

The big breakthrough came in the 1970s and 1980s when Flumserberg established itself as the number one family resort in Eastern Switzerland. The focus has always been on families and beginners, which makes the resort unique. In the 2000s, modern attractions such as FLOOMZER (2008) and CLiiMBER (2014) were added, making Flumserberg even more attractive for families.

Today, Flumserberg is part of the Heidiland region – a tourist area inspired by the legend of Heidi, the famous book by Johanna Spyri. The region combines Alpine nature with traditional Swiss culture and modern tourist amenities.

Economy

The economy of Flumserberg is based primarily on tourism. Bergbahnen Flumserberg AG (the operator of the lifts and the resort) is the largest employer in the region. The resort attracts about 500,000 visitors annually, with the summer and winter seasons being almost equally important.

In addition to tourism, the region still has traditional Alpine farming. In the summer, you can see cows on the high-altitude pastures and visit Alpine cheese dairies where traditional cheese is made. Many of the mountain restaurants offer products from local producers.

Flumserberg is known for its affordable prices compared to other Swiss resorts, which makes it popular among families and locals from Zurich and St. Gallen.

Culture and Traditions

Flumserberg is part of the Heidiland region, which means that the culture is strongly influenced by the legend of Heidi. Although Heidi's village itself is in the neighboring Maienfeld, the entire region pays homage to this beloved Swiss story. You can visit Heidi's village, see her house, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the 19th century.

Traditional culture includes the Alpabzug (September) – a festival celebrating the descent of livestock from the mountain pastures, where the cows are decorated with flowers and bells. There are also traditional yodel concerts and folk festivals in the summer.

The cuisine is typical of Eastern Switzerland with an emphasis on dairy products – Älplermagronen (Alpine macaroni with cheese and potatoes), Käsefondue (fondue), Raclette, and local cheeses from the Alpine dairies. Many of the mountain restaurants offer traditional dishes prepared according to old recipes.

Ski Schools and Children's Programs

Flumserberg is known for its excellent children's programs and ski schools. The Swiss Ski School Flumserberg offers instruction for all ages and levels. For children, there are special programs:

Ski-Fun School – a special children's ski school with playful teaching methods. Children's ski parks – magical parks with figures and easy obstacles. Private lessons – individual instruction for rapid progress. Group lessons – for children and adults of different levels.

For the little ones (from 3 years old), there is a snow kindergarten, where children can play and take their first steps in the snow under the supervision of professional animators. There are also special family zones with easy slopes and children's lifts.

Practical Information

•Best time to visit: For skiing – from December to April. For hiking and summer activities – from May to October. CLiiMBER and FLOOMZER are open year-round.

•Transport in the resort: Free buses connect the different villages and lift stations. The SeeJet gondola connects Lake Walen with Tannenboden in 8 minutes.

•Food and drinks: Be sure to try Älplermagronen and the local cheese. There are over 15 mountain restaurants with traditional cuisine and panoramic terraces.

•Clothing: Wear sunscreen – the sun is strong at high altitudes. For FLOOMZER, wear gloves. For CLiiMBER, wear sports shoes.

•Language: The official language is German, but English is spoken in the tourism sector.

•Flumserberg Card: Guests receive a Guest Card with discounts for many attractions and free transport.

•Internet: Good Wi-Fi in hotels and restaurants.

•Family amenities: There are changing tables, high chairs in restaurants, and rental of children's equipment.

•Accessibility: Many of the lifts and restaurants are accessible for people with disabilities.