Snail Days in Leuk – small, charming, and anything but inconspicuous
Snail Days in Leuk in the Valais region of Switzerland were once considered the smallest Vespa gathering in Switzerland – but that label no longer fits. At the beginning of August, a large group from SIP Scootershop, accompanied by founders Ralf and Alex themselves and two international guests – Eugene from Scooter Depot Philippines (Manila) and Lome from Vintage Vespa Thai (Bangkok) – saddled up their classic Vespas to get to the bottom of it all. The destination of the tour was the legendary gathering of Gabriel and his Snail Crew, and in the end, it was clear: it was a lovingly staged, family-friendly Vespa festival, nestled in an impressive Swiss mountain backdrop. But first things first — after all, the journey is part of the fun.
Departure for Switzerland: First stage to Chur
Early in the morning, the SIP group set off in high spirits for the first stage: Chur. The good mood was not due to the highways, which the team avoided, but to the smallest, most winding roads they could find — first through the Hahntennjoch (1,894 m), then over the Albula Pass (2,315 m). After around 350 kilometers, the SIP crew reached beautiful Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, exhausted but happy.
Slow is the new fast – the Snail Race in Leuk
The second day promised pure Alpine magic: the program included the Oberalp Pass (2,044 m) and the legendary Furka Pass (2,436 m) – the spectacular road where James Bond put the Aston Martin through its paces in Goldfinger in 1964. Arriving in Susten near Leuk, the SIP crew was greeted by a dreamlike backdrop between vineyards and mountain slopes. Well-chilled Vino Bianco, a reunion with friends from the Vespa Club du Sud Est and the hospitable Snails – plus a sunset over the Rhone Valley that will remain etched in our memories forever.
On the third day, it was time for the highlight of the weekend. The meeting officially began with snacks, cool drinks, and relaxed beats from the iconic city DJ. After a short drive through the Valais countryside, it was time for the highlight: the Snail Race. Speed isn’t what counts here, but absolute control – who can cover ten meters the slowest? Two riders compete side by side, and whoever arrives later wins. In the end, Elvis, a product designer from the SIP team, was delighted to win the title of “slowest snail.” The plan is set: at the next SIP Open Day in Landsberg, the trophy will make its way back to Gabriel and his Snails for a rematch.
In the evening, the main square in Leuk turns into a Vespa party. A relaxed celebration among friends, with music, cool drinks, and the feeling of being in exactly the right place.
Back over the Alps to Landsberg
The next morning begins leisurely, with heads still slightly foggy from the previous evening, but the SIP crew sets off again nonetheless. The route leads over the Grimsel Pass (2,165 m) and the Susten Pass (2,260 m), past the sparkling Lake Lucerne. In Horgen, the crew takes the ferry across Lake Zurich to Meilen, where well-deserved relaxation awaits them at the traditional Hotel Hirschen, located directly on the shore.
The final stage is another challenging one: through the Damüls ski area up to the Furkajoch (1,761 m) and on over the Riedberg Pass (1,407 m) through the Allgäu region – back to Landsberg am Lech. A fitting end to a journey full of twists and turns, stories and encounters that will remain with us forever.
Résumé & thanks
The SIP crew has already completed many road trips – with rain, breakdowns, and many crazy moments. But this tour was different: 18 riders, a team spirit that delivers what it promises. If a Vespa ever acted up, the problem was solved quietly and elegantly at the next fuel stop. No roadside assistance, no excuses, just getting on with it. Respect!
If you feel like exploring Switzerland on two wheels yourself, you’ll find all the tips you need here on the route, preparation, and the most beautiful passes for your next road trip.
