Last weekend marked a monumental event in the history of Canadian mountaineering: the celebration of 125 years of CPR-employed Swiss Mountain Guides in the Canadian Rockies. Over 500 mountain and history, enthusiasts gathered in Golden, British Columbia, to honour the incredible legacy of the Swiss guides who played a pivotal role in shaping Western Canada’s mountain culture.
Referred to as the “birthplace of Canada’s mountain culture” (BBC, 2020), the Swiss Edelweiss Village – home to the Swiss Mountain Guides and their families—has undergone a remarkable transformation after being at risk of demolition just a few years ago. Thanks to the dedication and support of the community and partners, the historic site has been beautifully restored and preserved for future generations to enjoy.
“Hosting the first-ever Swiss Guides Conference was a remarkable experience. It brought together international scholars, local historians, and the descendants of the original Swiss guides. Meeting these descendants, who carry forward the spirit and legacy of their ancestors, was truly special. It reminded us that history is alive, passed down through generations, and celebrated together as a community,” shared Dr. Ilona Spaar, Co-President of the Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation and main organizer of the conference.
Highlights of the Celebration:
- Sold-Out Guided Tours: Visitors had the opportunity to explore the beautifully restored Edelweiss Village and learn about the heritage and personal stories of the Swiss Mountain Guides and their families. Special thanks to our fantastic tour guides Brittany Newman (Golden Museum) and Sam Boisvert (Donald Luxton)!
- The FeuzRun: Hosted by the Golden Running Club, this energetic event kicked off the festivities with a nod to the Swiss guides’ adventurous spirit.
- Commemoration Event at the Golden Civic Centre: For the first time, a Swiss Ambassador attended an event in Golden, BC! The Civic Centre was filled to capacity as the Swiss Ambassador to Canada, the General Consul of Switzerland in Vancouver, and the Mayor of Golden shared inspiring remarks. The event featured musical performances by the Edmonton Swiss Men’s Choir and Alphorn player Daryl Caswell, along with a special panel discussion with experts Rudi Gertsch, Jon Colani Bezzola, Elizabeth Kundert-Cameron, and Joanne Sweeting.
- SwissGuides Lager Launch: Locally brewed and released exclusively for the celebration, the SwissGuides Lager was a hit among attendees, bringing a unique taste to the occasion.
- First-Ever Swiss Guides Conference: The conference brought together international scholars and historians to discuss the impact of Swiss Mountain Guides on mountaineering in Canada and Switzerland, highlighting the strong connection between the two countries.
Dr. Johann Roduit, Co-President of the Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation, reflected on the significance of staying in the historic Feuz Cabin during the celebrations: “Staying in the Feuz Cabin was like stepping back in time. My favourite moment was sharing part of the guided tour with the granddaughter of Walter Feuz. Standing together on the upper verandah of the Feuz Chalet—exactly as it was described in a 1913 newspaper article—was surreal. The article read: ‘No more enjoyable spot can be imagined to spend a bright autumn afternoon than the upper verandah of the Feuz Chalet.’ Over a century later, there we were, on a beautiful autumn afternoon, reliving that history together.”
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors and Partners
This celebration would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors and partners. From corporate sponsors to individual donors and supporters, this event’s success is a testament to the strength of our community.
Sponsors and Partners Include:
- Spaar Consulting
- Conexkt
- The Golden Museum and Archives
- Edelweiss Village + Resort
- The Consulate General of Switzerland Vancouver
- The Columbia Shuswap Regional District, Electoral Area A
- Kicking Horse Culture
- The Town of Golden
- Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
- The Columbia Valley Credit Union
- Skybridge Golden by Pursuit Collection
- Tourism Golden
- The Métis Nation Columbia River Society
- The Edmonton Swiss Men’s Choir
- Daryl Caswell, Alphorn Player
- White Tooth Brewery
- Stolen Bell Distillery
- Swissbo
- Swisspro Marketing
- The Island Restaurant
- Valbella Gourmet Foods
- McDonald’s Golden
- Guillaume & Co
- Confluence Climbing
- Dr. PearlAnn Reichwein, Author
- Dr. D.L. Stephen, Author
- Peter Risch, retired Edelweiss grower
Looking Forward
This celebration marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another as we continue our mission to preserve and promote the Swiss Edelweiss Village and the incredible legacy of the Swiss Mountain Guides in Canada.
