Winter magic has begun

A new organiser and proven strengths: From 20 November to 9 January, you can now immerse yourself in another world at the Birkenwäldli in Unteraegeri.

Whether with a lot of enthusiasm or more slowly with the necessary support: when smiling children glide over the ice field and the aroma of fondue and mulled wine (Glühwein) hangs in the air, this means that it’s time for Aegeri on Ice in the Aegeri valley again. You can also relax  in the chalet, in the "Ägeri Stübli" and by playing curling – the crocheted hearts of the "Aegeri farbig" project hanging from a tree complete the inviting ambience that has something to offer for everyone.

"The idea is to offer a meeting place where everyone is welcome," explained Daniel Schärer, president of the organising association Zugsport, at the opening of the ice field on Saturday, 20th November. He went on to explain:

"With Aegeri on Ice, we want to convey the message that you can have a good time together with ice skating and fondue, without the pandemic being at the centre of attention. This is about all the beautiful things in life."

After having to cancel the opening last year, this year's edition of Aegeri on Ice is improved and more professional, says Daniel Schärer: "We have reviewed and improved the entire concept and all the processes. We have adopted the tried and tested, made sensible adjustments and have been able to win a professional as a partner in the field of gastronomy."

 Aegeri on Ice opens the ice rink on Saturday afternoon.
Pictures: Stefan Kaiser, Unterägeri

The new project manager, Barbara Materna, has been able to benefit from the preparatory work of Helen Blaser, who has recently become a mother. Daniel Schärer added:

"The transfer worked really well and the cooperation with the local partners is also going well. The sponsors and many helpers have remained on board, and the founding team still advises us today, for which we are proud and grateful."

The guests can expect a varied program again this year, as Daniel Schärer explained: "There will be a Hockey Cup and a Jass Cup. And we’ll also cover a broad spectrum musically,." The on-ice events of Zugsports would be further expanded, and the City of Zug has commissioned a small ice rink on the Postplatz in Zug from 18 December, with "Zug on Ice".

Special offer for wheelchair users
Thomas Erne is the managing director of the Cerebral Foundation, which campaigns nationwide for paralysed children and is financed by donations. With the help of a specially made ice glider, people with disabilities can experience the feeling on the ice up close at this year's Aegeri on Ice:

"Wheelchair users can thereby experience a unique thrill together with their relatives, with complete freedom of movement. I am also pleased that the site is so open, and is therefore suitable for people in wheelchairs."

Around 9,700 children in Switzerland are restricted by a cerebral disability: "We offer support in everyday situations and carry out projects to make leisure passes available. In this way, we enable adapted driving schools or flexible hikes." The cooperation with partners from Central Switzerland works perfectly, added Thomas Erne with satisfaction.

Meanwhile, on the ice field, Andrin Wipfli and Joel Salvisberg are pushing the puck about with precise passes. Andrin Wipfli says: " I get into a bit of a Christmas mood with this beautiful lighting here – I find Aegeri on Ice is an enrichment for the Aegeri valley." His colleague added: "I like coming here, because you can be spontaneous and can usually meet friends."