Taking the Kids: Meeting Swiss kids

Lars Michel and his family are proud that they can confidently recommend where to hike based on the weather or where to ski based on ability, as they have hiked and skied the trails and mountain themselves -- many times over many years. "We grew up here," explained his mom, Gabriela Michel-Breitenstein. "We've been here for 50 years!"

Even in internationally famous Zermatt, 95 percent of the hotels remain family owned, said Paul-Marc Julen. Tradition Julen now encompasses three local hotels and four restaurants. "We work together and set the rules together," he said.

What should visiting kids know about Zermatt? "There are no motorcars!" In fact, there are only small electric taxis and hotel shuttles, which greatly add to the town's charm -- and clean air -- the Julen boys noted.

The family also raises black-nosed sheep and invites hotel guests in summer to see the sheep up on the mountain where they graze. Like many hoteliers here, Julen explains, the family's roots were in farming, but they began to offer meals and lodging to mountain climbers who began to flock here in the second half of the 19th century; skiers did not come until after World War II.

"Summer is fun, but winter is better," said the Julen boys.

In winter, "you can ski any day," Noa added. Visiting kids should take the cable car up for breakfast at the Schilthorn, take in the views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau peaks and then ski down "with the snow in your face!"

In summer, when we visit, the Schilthorn is tourist central with people visiting from around the world not only for the views from Piz Gloria at the 360-degree restaurant, the Thrill Walk that leads down into vertical walls of the mountain, but also for the interactive Bond World museum. This is where the 1969 "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" was filmed with its, heart-pounding ski and bobsled scenes.

"Kids who visit don't know how big the mountains are," Noa suggested, adding that there is no better place to race down on a bike. "You can go really fast!

What should they have in their backpacks or pocket? He always has his phone, of course, and a power bar; for hikes, sandwiches and plenty of water.

The Julen boys suggest a Swiss army knife would also be a useful tool.

We took the local kids' advice and enjoyed a traditional Swiss meal at the Hotel Julen's Restaurant Schaferstube, known for its traditional Swiss fondue and raclette and lamb specialties. On the menu is homemade lamb sausage, lamb stew, grilled leg of lamb, lamb fillet with Indian spices ... the list goes on. All were delicious.

Kudos to Alpenwild, the American company that arranged our self-guided hiking trip and chose the hotels that enabled us to not only meet local families but benefit from their advice, especially when the weather wasn't optimal and we had to adjust our hiking plans.

"We may not know the guests when they arrive," Gabriela Michel Breitenstein said. "But when they leave, we are all friends."

"Everything is about storytelling, authenticity and passion," said Lars. "And that is what I got passed on from my parents."

As for Noa Von Allmen, who has two older brothers, he's not sure the hotel business ultimately will be for him. "It is very hard work," he explains, heading off to wait on another table.

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