Axalp (Ebenfluh) Shooting Range - Switzerland 2003

2003 photo archives - 328 pictures

Nearby Brienz, in Berner Oberland, you can find the Ebenfluh Shooting Range at the village Axalp. The winter sports area maybe known for his beautiful alpine territory, the Ebenfluh has another charm: here you find the Ebenfluh Shooting Range from the Swiss Air force at an altitude of 2240 meter in the middle of the Swiss Alps. On an annual basis the Swiss Air force gives here, in October, demonstrations. This gives you a unique opportunity to watch airplanes and helicopters in the mountains and to see jet fighters doing live shooting. To go to this special place you should be well be prepared.

You can see the Swiss Air Force demonstration always on Wednesday and Thursday. The days before are practice days. This year we had booked a chalet in Axalp to visited the show. From Axalp, 1500 meters high, you must walk al the way to the top. The trip from Axalp last about three hours and must not be underrate. The visitor should be well prepared: warm clothes, good shoes, enough food and drinks are an absolute must. And don’t forget you must also go downhill at the end of the day.

The weather forecast is very complicated in the mountains as it could be seen this year. Monday was a good day for practice but on Tuesday there was a lot of rain and snow. Wednesday morning the weather wasn’t got enough, so the show was canceled, only in the afternoon there was time for some practice in very good conditions. Because of the snow in the mountains the demonstration on Thursday had been canceled. But on Friday the weather was good enough so the demonstration was held on this day.

On the last day the weather was good for flying. Beautiful mountains, blue sky and hardly wind a perfect situation for making good pictures. Thousands of spectators on the mountain came to see the Swiss Air Force and of course the official event to say farewell to the Mirage III RS