Zurich in January sounds like madness but this is when the World Economic Forum meets at nearby Davos. Many heads of state and important bods meet up to supposedly sort out the world’s problems.
Got up before the alarm on Wednesday (24th Jan) morning and thought I could have a leisurely breakfast until I looked out of the window. The first snow of the winter decided to arrive the same day as my first foreign trip of the year.
A reasonable trip down to Gatwick considering the conditions with fortunately all the idiots going in the opposite direction. Got to the check in at about 06:00 to see Brian waving at me. A speedy procedure using BA’s automated system. We were bussed to our aircraft (G-LGTI B733) on a remote stand and were only about an hour late departing. This was pretty good compared to some of the flights that day.
Not a lot seen on departure as the windows were covered in de-icer so 80 minutes after lifting off rwy 26 we landed on rwy 14 at Zurich where the temperature was –4 degrees. Parked on Terminal E. Quite good views of the movements from here but decided to head for the terrace as photography was a priority for this pair. There is an underground railway that links with the main terminal complex and I’m sure I heard cows and yodelling half way through the tunnel.
Entrance to the terrace costs 2 SFR (about 80 pence) with tickets bought in the shop next door and opens at 9am although timings may be different in the summer. Full airport security to get through but everyone very friendly. The view from the terrace is excellent with one of the runways directly in front although some movements on the other runways are a bit distant. 2 of the main parking ramps can be clearly seen though.
We had booked ramp tours for Thursday and Friday which was just as well as the weather on Wednesday was not ideal. Coffees and snacks can be purchased in the restaurant so the odd break from the cold was possible. These tours are a must for photographers and even for spotters as they visit areas difficult to see from land side.
Once it got dark, we moved over to Car Park 6 which overlooks the easterly end of the cross runway (28/10) and another biz ramp. This was the normal routine each day plus mornings before the terrace opened. The 11th floor allows you to see over the buildings the other side of the road.
The ramp tours each day were excellent and lasted over 2 hours. The organisers react to events and try to be in the right place at the right time for photos. There is much on and off the bus but this is understandable for a major airport.
An example of how close we get to the action. That's me on the left.
(Picture courtesy of Graham Wasey)
We stayed in the Formule 1 hotel which was basic but OK for what we wanted. It was so cheap that we had a room each as neither of us wanted to use the bunk bed. Bed and breakfast for 2 nights was 151 SFR (£63) which is probably as cheap as you’re going to get. It is next door to the Ibis Hotel where we had dinner (and just the one beer) each night.
The weather was turning positively tropical by Friday and our evening BA flight home (G-DOCO B734) was pretty well on time. The snow had disappeared by the end of the weekend but as I’m reliably informed that this was the warmest WEF for many years, guess we didn’t do too bad. Temperatures of -14 have been experienced at previous events.
Loads of biz were seen plus airliners. Singapore use their new B773s daily but only 2 different ones seen (SWD and SWE). Thai were better with their A346s (TNB,C and E). 2 Malaysian 777s but only MRN good for me.
Thoroughly enjoyed it once I thawed out and would certainly consider doing it again. Thanks to Brian for most of the organising. Roll on Florida where it should be warmer.
Rather than list everything seen, can I point you to my pictures at my website.
http://www.bob-holland.fotopic.net/c1194315.html
The 2008 event is being held from 23rd to 27th January. Dress up warm.
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