Walking sticks
We’re booked on Switzerland: Crown Jewel for next year, and I’m wondering whether walking sticks are provided for any of hikes. We just returned from A Week in Provence, where we did an optional hike to the Abbaye de Sénanque near Gordes. The TD gave everyone a single pole, which proved quite useful for me. The trail was rocky and a little steep in places; even with the pole I started to slide a couple of times. I don’t know why, but I’m prone to sliding downhill. (The uphill climbs are not a problem, and I’m reasonably fit.) But given that I’m 70+, I’m determined to remain upright! I’m also looking at buying some traction devices to slip over the soles of my shoes (ones that can be used on dirt & gravel as well as snow & ice), but the poles are great, too.
Comments
Unless you’re planning on taking an independent hike down from the Jungfrau, or hiking alone outside of the tour - poles and traction devices are overkill. The Jungfrau can get mushy or slippery —- but you can choose where to walk, or not,. There are plenty of ‘vistas’ to be seen without slipping.
The hotel in Zermatt provided us with walking poles. The best thing for footwear is ones with good traction. The hike down from Gornergrat is rocky in places so the trax type slip one wouldn't help. The only place they might be useful is the ice palace at Jungfrau or if you go outside onto the snow there which can be mushy. There is an outdoor viewing platform if you don't want to walk in snow.
If you continue to travel, just be aware, in addition to being forbidden in carry-on luggage, walking sticks may be restricted in some historical or natural, areas such as Machu Picchu, French coastal trails, etc. In some areas you can take lightweight poles, but they must have rubber tips.