Judging by their cheese, the Swiss clearly like to put holes in everything. When the snow thaws after each winter season on Adelboden’s Engstligenalp plateau, it’s time for the grounds keepers to remove 18 small chunks of earth to fashion Golf Mountain – the country’s only pop-up golf course.
Many of us thought the pop-up restaurant trend was a fad, but it seems there’s no sign of letting up and Golf Mountain is a sign that hoteliers are looking to be even more innovative. This summer marks the fifth season for the course, which will open September 10 and close October 25 before (brace yourselves) winter draws in.
That’s the key reason the course will only ever be a pop-up – unless ski golf becomes a thing or golfers decide to contend with livestock as well as other hazards. During the summer, the land is used by grazing cattle (as it has for centuries), and the winter welcomes the typical range wintersport offerings, from downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snow tubing and dog-sled rides.
At 1,964 metres, Golf Mountain is aptly named. In fact it’s the highest golf course in Europe, so if you don’t adopt the clubs on your visit, you’ll be stuck with the sheer beauty of Engstligenalp, a nature reserve with views over the quaint village of Adelboden.
The course’s 18 holes range from par threes to fives and provides even the most skilled of golfers with a unique challenge. The cattle has in fact been moved on to pastures new, but there are streams and rocky outcrops as well as fierce mountain winds and other wild weather conditions. Golfers may be enjoying the sunshine but have to be ready for descending clouds.
It’s not quite 100 per cent ‘au naturele’ as a touch of artificial grass is used to create the greens, but the rest of the experience looks to be rustic and charming. A traditional wooden chalet is converted into a clubhouse every summer, complete with a pro, a pro shop for renting clubs, changing rooms, a cosy bar and a restaurant provides Alpine favourites, such as fondue and raclette, throughout the season.