Switzerland
Switzerland is mountain heaven based right in the middle of the Alps, at just a stones throw from Matterhorn, the Eiger and Jungfrau iconic mountains. The well known resorts in Switerland are Verbier, Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Grindelwald, St. Moritz and Davos but there are plenty of hidden gems. Switzerland also boasts Europe’s biggest Glacier, highest railway station at the Jungfraujoch and fifty seven 4,000m peaks.
Lots of investment in ski lifts over the years (notably in Zermatt) has meant that Switerland can now compete with Austria and France, and offers a great alternative to these regions which won’t leave you unimpressed. The ski lifts here tend to be on grand scale travelling from top to bottom, with little drag lifts which obviously suit snowboarders. Despite significant investment, the natural feel still remains with lots of attractive red routes meandering through quant villages still a possibility.
Skiing in Switzerland
There are lots of regions for skiing in Switzerland and with high altitude, generally you be guaranteed snow throughout the winter. The biggest ski area in Switzerland is Graubűnden in the east which features the big popular resorts such as Davos and St Moritz. Smaller resorts here that aren’t as well known include Arosa, Laax, Lenzerheide, Savognin and Samnaun. The easiest to reach of the Swiss ski resorts are the Vaud and Valais resorts are part of the Portes du Soleil region in the south-west, close to central Switzerland. Popular resorts here include Villars, Verbier, Zermatt and Saas-Fee. Not forgetting the world famous Jungfrau region in the north, this hosts the popular Grindelwald. From here take a trip to the top of the Jungfrau at 3,400m high.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for something a little quieter and less internation these resorts are great:
Arosa, Crans-Montana, Engelberg, Laax, Leukerbad, Nendaz, Villars
Key things to do in Switzerland while on a ski holiday
• Peaks of the Matterhorn, Eiger and Monte Rosa
• Aletsch – Europe’s biggest glacier
• Jungfraujoch at 3,454m – Europe’s highest railway station
• Huge cable cars – such as Klein Matterhorn and Schilthorn