Later than usual - as it is the case in almost all places this year - transhumance started on Alp Imbrig on Saturday, June 12. The long wait was rewarded with excellent weather as the Jordi family - young and old - arrived on the Alp after the hike from Zäziwil. The cows put on a good pace, in anticipation of the "food" they know to find up there. Even Lena, the daughter of Martin and Karin Jordi

It was only one week - the shortest time ever - that the Reichenbach family and their animals spent on Eigen, the "Unterstafel" of Alp Satteleggli. For more than one reason. The cold and rainy spring had delayed the departure from Gstaad. And once they arrived on Eigen, a surprise was waiting: Mice had done some damage to the building. Hence when the weather got better and the meadows on Sattelegg

It's not even a week that the Zjörien family has moved to Alpe Tompey. But the operation is already on full speed. Florian has made the first wheels of L'Étivaz AOP. You can see the wonderful imprint. The rind is still very pale, but this will change rapidly over the next months. The production of this summer will only be available in the US next year: After a professional aging process of about 1

Every hike up to the mountains (Alpaufzug) is different, depending on the terrain. When the Amacher family moves from the Unterstafel to Botchenalp, it's a move that is not for the weak. The narrow path is steep and asks a lot from the cows. But on the video you can see the animals' excitement when they are let go to graze.

After exciting days of anticipation the Amacher family moved their animals to the Unterstafel, the first stage of transhumance. Once arrived, the cows enjoy the first meal on the pristine meadows, the diet for the next three months.

A lot of work is required to prepare an Alp for transhumance. Winter has left his traces, rocks on the meadows, paths destroyed or blocked by fallen trees. And then there's the strenous task to fence the pastures. On Botchenalp above the Lake Brienz they started the preparation mid May. The dog excited and in full anticipation of his summer days on the Alp.

Later than usual - due to some recent spring snowfall - "Alplers" go up to their operation to prepare for the summer. On Thursday, Sepp and Andrea Herger went up to Musenalp. They finally could open all windows and air the chalet. Of course, there's much to do to prepare the operation for transhumance. They have to check that the water pipes are not frozen and the boiler can be filled with water.

In Switzerland we say that the weather in April is unpredictable, however, this can be true for May as well. Especially in the altitude. A week ago the meadows were blooming with the warm conditions. Then, all of a sudden, the cold weather came back. The Santschi family still serves Fondue on their terrace, but to keep the guests warm they had to get the furs and army blankets back out.

It has been an obnoxious winter throughout Europe, and Switzerland is no exception. Whereas the meadows in the valley are green, there is still a lot of snow up in the Gantrisch area and around the dairy on Steiners Hohberg. Of course, sometimes it can be fun...

Winter was not willing to release his grip on the Swiss Alps. So when the Jordi family took a trip to Alp Imbrig on Sunday it was to assess the situation. "There is still quite some snow up there", says Martin, "however on the green patches the first crocus flowers are blooming!" Hence the start of the Alp summer is not too far away. Of course, the Jordis did not just go up there to inspect the ch