Cow fighting is a popular spectator spot in Switzerland, and one of the biggest bouts of the year takes place in Flaschen, at the base of the Torrent lift in the ski resort of Leukerbad (www.torrent.ch) each March.
The Valais Hérens cows fight ("...a part of their natural behaviour," the resort is keen to stress) for victory and hierarchical dominance in the Flaschen snow arena.
Eight Hérens cows will fight for victory. Unlike the conventional fights in Valais, where several cows compete against each other at the same time, in Flaschen the cows only fight in one-on-one duels.
Only young animals can take part, those that are in the "First Lactation Heifers" category. The location and wintry conditions of the Flaschen cow fights make them unique.
To prevent the animals from slipping and incurring injury, machines prepare the snow in the arena beforehand.
This year will mark the eighth time the cow fights in the snow have taken place here. The "queen" will be crowned at the valley station of the Torrent cable car from 1:30pm on 16th March 2013.
Spectators in the Flaschen snow arena enjoy a perfect view of the duelling Hérens. Admission is free, and visitors can also enjoy musical performances and refreshments from the onsite cafeteria.