The velogemel at Bendolla: the wooden snow-bike, from age 11

A snow-bike from the Oberland

The velogemel is a surprising sliding contraption: a kind of wooden bicycle mounted on runners, steered with handlebars. In Grimentz, you set off from the top of the Grands Plans for a 5-kilometre descent (540 m of vertical drop) down to Bendolla. This unusual slide, halfway between a sledge and a bike, requires a little balance and delivers real thrills. Reserved for older children (from age 11), it makes a pleasant change from the classic sledge.

What your children will discover

Older children learn to steer the velogemel with the handlebars, to gauge their speed and string together the curves on the snow: a slide that is both playful and technical. The novelty of the contraption and the long run make for a memorable descent, for teenagers and parents in search of thrills. A mandatory helmet and a touch of balance are on the menu.

What you'll do and the atmosphere on site

You rent your velogemel at the main ticket office in Grimentz, ride up towards the Grands Plans, and speed down to Bendolla. The atmosphere is sporty and friendly, against a snowy panorama. A helmet is mandatory and an ID is required as a deposit. To share between teenagers and parents who love sliding.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from age 11 / minimum height 150 cm
• Descent: 5 km, 540 m of vertical drop (top of the Grands Plans → Bendolla)
• Price: ~CHF 12 per descent (without a pass); rental at the Grimentz ticket office
• To bring: warm clothes, gloves; mandatory helmet; ID (deposit)
• Access: Grimentz-Bendolla lifts
• Season: winter (opening depending on snow)

Parents' tips

• Reserved for older children: from age 11 and 150 cm.
• Helmet mandatory; bring an ID for the deposit.
• A technical contraption: a little balance is needed.
• Rental is at the main ticket office in Grimentz.
• Check the snow conditions and opening before coming.

Useful information

• Place: Bendolla / Grands Plans, Grimentz
• Official website: valdanniviers.ch
• Descent: 5 km, 540 m of vertical drop
• Price: ~CHF 12 per descent; rental in Grimentz
• Season: winter (depending on snow)

Why we recommend it

Because it's an unusual, thrilling slide: descending 5 kilometres on a velogemel, this wooden snow-bike, from the Grands Plans down to Bendolla. An original experience for teenagers and parents who love thrills, making a change from the classic sledge.

In a nutshell

The velogemel at Bendolla: a wooden snow-bike with handlebars that speeds 5 km down from the Grands Plans, from age 11 — an unusual, sporty slide, in winter, in Grimentz.