This weekend one of my favorite annual events is being held in Château-d’Oex. It is one of my favorite because it combines the outdoors, food, wine and the opportunity to discover new local producers (and let’s not forget it is in one of the prettiest regions around!). This event is the Rallye du Goût, or translated to English, Tasting Rallye; it is an evening snowshoeing activity where participants travel a woodland path, illuminated by torches and lanterns, and discover various tasting stations along the way.

The journey begins at the Landi building where you will be kitted with snowshoes, a tasting cup and a list of the producers you will be meeting. If it is your first time walking with snow shoes, they even have a ‘test course’ set up to make sure you feel comfortable and know the few tricks to this activity – I assure you it is quite simple, don’t worry.

You then set off towards the river, following the torches until you reach the first stand, there you will be greeted by a local producer and presented a tasting of their specialty, these most often are fondue, cheese, infusions, honey or dried meats. Some may even offer a glass of wine to accompany the tasting. Don’t indulge too much though, there are 15 stands in total to discover!

The trail is 3km long and takes approximately 1h30 to 2h to complete (depending how long you spend at each station!). It is an easy walk that takes you along the river and through the forest, a very pretty setting with the snowy peaks appearing here and there through the trees. Towards the mid-point, you will arrive in a little clearing in the forest where fires will be lit, and mulled wine and tea served to heat you up before the rest of the adventure. Along the way, you may also come across fire dancers, story tellers or mini hot air balloons being lifted into the air.

It is a most delightful occasion, the ambiance with the dim, dusk light, torches, lanterns and surrounding, snow-peaked mountains, is absolutely unique and enchanting.

Once you have completed the tour, the evening does not however end there. Back at Landi, the space has been transformed into a festive venue where you are welcomed by a band playing cheerful swiss tunes.  If your belly isn’t too full yet, you are invited to have a bowl of soup and a selection of local desserts. Also, if you didn’t have the chance to make any purchases during the tour, a shop is set up so you can buy any of the wonderful produce you tasted during the walk.

I have done the Rally du Goût several years in a row now and I have always had a great time. The fresh air, the good-natured ambiance, the fairytale trail through the forest, it all makes for a wonderful evening. This year it looks like we will have a clear night, but even if it should rain or snow, do not be discouraged. I have done the rallye in all types of weather, muddy, snowy, cold, it has always been fun. Do however dress warmly, a headlamp can be useful and bring a bag to store all the goodies you will want to buy.

See you there!