One of the many brass musicians taking part in the parade on the last Saturday of Tschägättä, for which each band wears a diferent, distinctive costume
1 Start your journey in the Blaue Stube exhibition, owned by Heinrich, Ruth and Agnes Rieder, which houses a vast collection of masks and costumes in an old residential building in Wiler, and delves into the history of the carnival. Heinrich’s shop is nearby; pop in to pick up a rather unusual souvenir and perhaps see him at work on a mask.
2 Try your hand at making your own mask at a carving workshop in Ferden. Over three hours you’ll whittle, chisel and scrape at a wooden template under instruction from an experienced woodworker. Once you’ve added hair and teeth, the creation is yours to take home (£40).
3 The Tschägättä procession takes place on Thursday 28 February this year, starting in Blatten at around 8pm and ending in Ferden. A good place to sit out the cold beforehand, and knock back some glühwein, is Zum fröhlichen Jass in Blatten, near the start of the procession. Expect assaults by monsters at least once while you wait. There are food stalls and bars along the route, and much general merriment on the streets once the procession has ofcially ended.
4 If you need a break from terrifying creatures, take the cable car up the mountain from Wiler to the ski resort above the valley. There are various runs at the top, as well as tobogganing, hiking and snowshoe routes. If that all sounds too strenuous, you can just admire the view.