Research along the way: On the path to snow research

The path leads past several scientific measuring stations, because science is not limited to laboratories. On the contrary, outdoor work is an essential part of environmental research. Around Davos, scientists from the SLF operate numerous facilities and experimental sites. Some are new, some are almost a hundred years old. Together they provide important insights into snow and avalanches, forests and meadows, biodiversity and climate change.

For those who still haven't had enough after the climb, follow the signs to Totalp and walk around Totalpsee. In the north-east of the lake, slightly below on the slope, researchers from the SLF have installed photovoltaic modules to investigate how snow affects the yield of solar power plants in the high mountains – Result: very positive!

If you take the Parsennbahn up to the middle station, the walking time is reduced to a good hour, and the return trip is also possible by train.

Before the valley station we turn right and go left past the church of St. Theodul into Dorfstrasse. After a few metres we turn left into Salzgäbastrasse. At the T-junction turn right, continue to the youth hostel and turn right again into Börtjistrasse. We follow the course uphill and signs towards Büschalp, Parsennhütte and Panoramaweg and after a while we reach a forest path. From then on, keep going uphill towards Panoramaweg and Parsennhütte until you reach the tracks of the Parsennbahn above the middle station. Keep to the left of the tracks and cross underneath them at the height of the Parsennsee. After about 100 metres of altitude we reach the Weissfluhjoch experimental field. Researchers collect snow data here every day in winter. But scientists also measure the amount of precipitation here in summer, for example.

We continue along the path to the top station of the Parsennbahn. The former institute building is located there. However, it has not belonged to the institute for a few years and is not open to the public.

The Rück route is along the ascent path or with the Parsennbahn.