Skiing in Switzerland

Switzerland can be described as a small country full of mountains. It is better described as the home of European skiing! It is these mountains that make the experience of skiing in Switzerland such a memorable occasion. The Swiss Alps contain some of Switzerland’s most dramatic landscapes, providing winter and summer time enjoyment for skiers, snowboarders, walkers and climbers.

The Swiss Experience:

A couple of the most famous European ski resorts are situated in Switzerland. St. Moritz is the international centre of sports and fashion and is renowned for its superb atmosphere, long tradition of ski resorts and virgin alpine environment. Many of the most attractive Swiss winter resorts are located in the Wallis Canton. Commanding Matterhorn overlooks Zermatt at the height of 4478 meters. Although it is not the highest peak of Swiss Alps, there is no more popular one.

The Rigi Mountain at the level of 1800 meters is known as the Queen of the Mountains. Its railway is the oldest railway in Europe, and is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for extraordinary views. The world's most steep railway goes to the Pilatus Mountains at the height of 2130 meters. The Titlis Peak can be reached by a superb Rotair rail and Stranserhorn offers superb time in a newly opened restaurant, where you can take a break from skiing and enjoy a hot drink or sample some local specialities.

Join the Swiss in their favourite pastime - hiking. There is over 50,000km (31,070 miles) of marked trails and hiking times are given on the signposts. Trails are colour-coded according to difficulty, so choose the route that best challenges you or you are comfortable with.

You could also choose to participate in one of the various mountain sports, from climbing to ski touring, ice climbing to deep snow hiking or even glacier walking. Some of the notorious top ski areas include Portes du Soleil, Davos, Klosters, Zermatt, Verbier and or course the glamorous St Moritz, which also offers snow-polo, the Olympic Bob run and the Cresta run.

The Swiss Adventure

Travel by train through the picturesque Alpine scenery on the Glacier Express. One of Europe’s greatest rail journeys from St Moritz to Zermatt, or vice versa, travelling through the very heart of Switzerland.

For mountain lovers who love to explore you should try one of two superb excursions offered by the region of Oberland. With the highest railway station in Europe Junfraujoch, which stands at a massive 3454 meters high and a mountain top restaurant situated at the Schilthorn Peak this is the perfect opportunity to explore one of the greatest mountain ranges. Due to its charming characteristics, the Schilthorn Peak's area was even chosen as a setting for one of the James Bond movies. So why not relax in the picturesque surroundings with a Martini, shaken not stirred.

Swiss ski resorts are easily accessible by car or train. Although the whole skiing equipment can be brought by the skiers, it can also be quickly rented on the spot. Unlike it is widely thought, holiday in Switzerland does not have to be expensive. There are many ways around spending lots of money it just means shopping around, which actually gives you more time to take in and enjoy the surroundings.

When is high season?

High Season: Christmas and New Year holidays and all of February through mid-April.
Low Season: January after New Year and late April.
Pre-season: December 6 to Christmas holidays
 

- K.N -