Switzerland many consider it an ideal place for winter holiday. The country is known as perhaps the main trendsetter in winter sports, as well as the homeland of numerous world and European champions.
Thanks to Alps occupy almost two-thirds of the country's territory, Switzerland has become a real ski paradise cov. Magnificent slopes, modern lifts, their high capacity, lack of queues and significant altitudes of the resorts guarantee excellent skiing from November to April, and in some places even in summer.
Several hundred places were analyzed to determine the best resorts in Switzerland. The availability of slopes for beginners and experienced skiers and snowboarders, spa complexes, interesting excursions, apres-ski entertainment, shopping opportunities and recreation with children were taken into account. On this basis it was chosen 10 best ski resorts in Switzerland, which are also some of the most beautiful places in the world!
1. Zermatt
This is symbolic for Switzerland listed resort Best of the Alps . It is located on a slope Matterhorn, and this is the best place to explore the legendary peak. Ski slopes are more suitable for confident athletes, but there are also slopes for beginners, and you can also take walks around the mountain on foot, and on snowshoes.
Here you can enjoy not only beauty, but also clean air: at the resort Cars are prohibited from entering. You can only get here by train and then by electric car or in a horse-drawn carriage- whatever suits your mood best. While relaxing, you can go to the hotel restaurant Mont Cervine Palace , receiving guests more 130 years, or try fondue in a cozy Whymperstube on the main street of the city among the old houses "on chicken legs".
2. Leukerbad
First of all it is the biggest thermal resort of the Alps, so it’s best to combine a ski holiday here with a wellness holiday and purchase a permit Ski&Spa .
For the same reason, this is the best place for a family trip with children. The sports tracks here take up only about 50 km, however, they are challenging and interesting, so you won’t get bored. There are also Fan park for snowboarders, and 25 km of cross-country ski trails. But the best thing here, of course, is springs and baths.
The whole family should check it out Burgerbad , ride a slide and soak in a hydromassage (and once a month, Burgerbad hosts champagne breakfasts). To finally get rid of all worries, you should look into Linden Alpentherme : these include thermal baths, a Welsh bath village with various types of saunas, massage rooms and swimming pools, and Roman-Irish baths, in which it is worth spending at least half an hour.
3. Villars
A traditional ski resort ideal for beginners, For holidays with children and for those who want to combine skiing and excursions. Children are especially taken care of at this resort - there is always a large selection of equipment for children and products for their care, and above Breteuil clearing some great ones work ski schools, there are also toboggan runs for those who don’t ski.
The town is located half an hour's drive from the resort Lavey-les-Bains, where you should spend a lazy morning enjoying spa treatments. And forty minutes away - winery Bernard Cavet, which delivers wines to the best restaurants in Switzerland. If you are into cross-country skiing, then it is worth going to the village of shepherds, where 17th century houses. And in February the resort hosts Villars Night Show with fireworks and demonstration performances by instructors.
4. St. Moritz
One of the oldest and highest resorts has long become a symbol. This is the biggest hub five star hotels in the Swiss Alps. The most discerning representatives of society come here for social events, excellent shopping and gourmet pleasures. This resort has hosted twice Olympic Games, and important and spectacular competitions are still often held here.
If you want to be in the center of social life, just book a room in one of the luxury hotels (of course, be prepared to pay the appropriate price). They say about the local atmosphere: “the air is like dry champagne”. And the drinks themselves can often be tasted right next to the slopes. There are suitable routes for skiers of any level, but perhaps amateurs will especially enjoy freeride: Legendary difficult zone is located here Diavolezza.
5. Davos
This resort is famous for World Economic Forum, and on the days it is held (late January - early February) it is better not to appear here. But after it is held, wide opportunities open up for skiers any level.
Firstly, this is one of the best places in Switzerland for snowboarders. Secondly, experienced skiers will enjoy the off-piste routes in Pisha and Madriza. Thirdly, several times a week the resort hosts night skiing. And if you come with children, then you should devote time not only to skiing, but also to ride in horse-drawn sleigh, build igloo in the sector Parsenn and spend the evening at city skating rink.
6. Grindelwald
One of the most picturesque resorts in Europe. From here it is a stone's throw to famous natural wonders: village of Interlaken, where two lakes meet, and up to "roofs of Europe", Jungfraujoch mountains, which is reached by the highest railway in Europe and where you can visit a glacier carved Aletsch castle.
Grindelwald is on the list Best of the Alps and is considered very fashionable. But it is difficult to find luxury hotels here; it is best to stay in apartment or chalet. This resort will be comfortable for beginners, and thrill-seekers can quickly get to the neighboring resort Wengen and appreciate the legendary black Laubernhorn track, hosting the World Cup.
7. Verbier
Best place for snowboarders and freeriders, as well as for lovers of an “incendiary” lifestyle. Brought glory to the region Mont Fort peak: Although not everyone has the courage to go down from its top, getting on a lift to appreciate the panorama is a must. From here you can see almost all the places described above: from Matterhorn pyramids to Mont Blanc and peaks Jungfrau.
Lovers of scenic routes are especially encouraged to explore the area around Lake Lac de Vaux and La Chaux slope. And after skiing, have a blast at the parties hosted by DJs in the hotel bar Farinet . Surprisingly, this resort is not very suitable for beginners, but it is quite suitable for groups or families in which not everyone is into mountain sports: there are many other activities here.
8. Gstaad
This place on the border of the German and French parts of Switzerland has unique atmosphere, and not only due to the mixture of cultures and languages. Gstaad is considered one of the most fashionable areas for relaxation, here you can often find stars. At the same time, it is very natural, devoid of “ostentation” and, instead of a luxurious hotel, looks more like romantic fairytale village.
If you want to feel like a member of a prestigious private club, this is the place for you. This is a very comfortable place for children and skiers who are unsure of their abilities. It will be difficult for extreme sports enthusiasts to have fun here, but snowboarders will find a lot of interesting things for themselves. One of the main advantages of this place is food. There are more than hundreds of restaurants, many of which have been awarded Michelin stars, so there is an option for every gourmet. It’s best to start your gastronomic tour from the resort’s most famous hotel, Gstaad Palace , and its restaurants - Le Grill, Le Restaurant And Gildo's Restaurante .
9. Klosters
Ski resort Klosters- a sports, tourist, magical place, located at an altitude of 1200 m above sea level in the heart of the canton of Graubünden, among a romantic mountain landscape. This place enchants its visitors with its refined atmosphere. The winter resort of Klosters is a calm holiday resort, with unique nature, enormous opportunities for sports, for a pleasant, carefree holiday.
There is a very extensive area for skiing. The season here starts from the end of November and lasts until mid-April.
Although the ski resort of Klosters has links with the elite, film stars and even royalty, the place is still a typical, friendly, Swiss village with picturesque chalets. Despite its apparent simplicity, Klosters is considered an aristocratic place.
For those who love evening skiing, there is a special illuminated track (1.5 km) - Selfranga - a ski area and amusement park for the whole family. This resort is rich in various events that do not let tourists get bored. The riding school at the winter resort of Klosters offers lessons for beginner riders, rides for children and pony rides. Music festivals, holiday concerts, discos. Hiking, walks, excursions on horseback or mules around Klosters.
In addition, such entertainment as: ice skating, golf, ice slides, toboggan slopes and much more. Local restaurants and eateries are steeped in the tradition of cuisines from neighboring countries. Italian pizza and spaghetti, German sausages with beer, Swiss cheese and many other dishes are served hot very quickly so as not to distract vacationers from skiing.
10. Andermatt
The Swiss resort of Andermatt, located in the canton of Uri (Central Switzerland), is considered one of the world's exclusive resorts to travel to. The development of the highest class infrastructure, beautiful mountain landscapes, a good location - this is what attracts tourists to Andermatt!
Andermatt is becoming increasingly popular among freeriders and advanced skiers. For beginners, training is offered at a ski school.
Switzerland - this word alone is associated with reliability, respectability and slight chic. Nature has generously rewarded the Swiss and provided them with magnificent places to live - the highest mountains, clean lakes, green meadows. And we must pay tribute to the Swiss, who protect and enhance what is given by nature.
This amazing country, where people of different nationalities live calmly and kindly and officially speak four languages, is truly worthy of a visit. The Swiss have the best everything: cheese, chocolate, and mountains. Having visited Switzerland, you can see for yourself that this is true. Ski resorts here are mainly located in ancient mountain villages that offer a traditional atmosphere.
Most Swiss ski resorts are located in the regions of Valais, Grisons, Central Switzerland, Bernese Oberland and Eastern Switzerland. The most famous and popular ski resorts in Switzerland: Zermatt, Verbier, Saas-Fee, Gstaad, Interlaaken, St. Moritz, Laax and Davos-Klosters.
Truly the highlight of Switzerland is Zermatt. It is the most southwestern of the great Swiss ski resorts, located on a high plateau at the foot of Switzerland's highest known mountain, the Matterhorn.
Like France, many of the resorts are connected by a system of lifts and ski buses, which significantly increases the ski area available with a single ski pass. The most famous united areas are the Four Valleys, Porte du Soleil (international Franco-Swiss region), Jungfrau, Davos-Klosters, Flims-Laas, Aletsch Arena, etc.
The famous 4 Valleys is a ski area in the Valais region, which includes the ski resorts of Verbier, Nendaz, Vaysona, La Toumaze and Thion, with a total of 410 km of marked slopes. The most famous and fashionable of them is Verbier, the main resort of the French-speaking part of Switzerland.
Portes du Soleil includes 650 km of ski slopes and 12 separate resorts in the Franco-Swiss region; the most popular Swiss resorts are Champery and Torgon
The Jungfrau region is the ski area for the resorts of Wengen, Grindelwald and Mürren, combined in one ski pass, which also includes all local transport costs.
Some resorts in the glacier zone offer skiing throughout the year. Many resorts in Switzerland are a paradise for freeriders, and Verbier is the recognized capital of freeriding. Only in Switzerland, in addition to the main categories of pistes - green, blue, red and black, you will be offered yellow pistes - completely unequipped, sometimes not even marked, usually consisting of bumps and narrow shelves.
Switzerland offers a huge variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels with full spa facilities to traditional Alpine chalets.
No matter what your budget, great cuisine is always on the menu. Don't forget to try the mouth-watering fondue and raclette; these hallmarks of Switzerland will remind you of your trip for a long time.
After an active day of skiing or snowboarding, if you have the energy, you can enjoy the music and entertainment offered in the many bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
All Swiss ski resorts are located within easy reach - three hours by car or train from the two international airports of Geneva and Zurich.
Experienced tourists know that it is best to divide their vacation into two parts. It is advisable to spend one part of the vacation by the sea, sunbathing in the sun and doing various summer sports, and such tourists are advised to save the second part of the vacation for relaxing at winter resorts, the top 10 of which we propose to look at. After all, what could be more beautiful than skiing down from some alpine peak on a sunny, frosty day?
Top 10 ski resorts in Switzerland
A lot of tourists prefer to go on a winter holiday to Switzerland. Therefore, we did not reinvent the wheel and, for your convenience, decided to make a list top 10 the best ski resorts in Switzerland.
At such moments you are overwhelmed with emotions, you breathe the purest mountain air and observe the splendor of the surrounding landscape. And although you descend at high speed, your gaze catches even the smallest details of the surrounding nature, which sink so deep into your soul that later they remind you for a long time of those wonderfully spent best rest in the world. However, to go to a ski resort, you must first decide which one suits you best.
1. Zermatt - this village is located in the mountains, in the canton of Valais and it consists of only six streets. The resort that is located here is distinguished by the fact that you will not see cars here. Only electric vehicles that are environmentally friendly are allowed to travel around the resort.
2. Verbier – this resort is famous for its magnificent pistes, of which there are a total of more than 400 km. The skiing season runs from November to April, but peaks in December-February.
3. Grindelwald is a magnificent mountain village located in the very center of Switzerland. Here tourists will find more than 50 well-maintained trails, the total length of which exceeds 200 km.
4. Klosters is a very popular place among winter holiday lovers, and it is located in the canton of Grisons, not far from the border with Austria. It should be noted that Charles Prince of Wales loves to visit this resort.
5. Savognin - this ski resort, like the previous one, is located in the canton of Grisons. Tourists are offered 23 perfectly prepared trails, the total length of which exceeds 80 kilometers.
6. Davos – it must be said right away that this is the highest mountain resort in Europe. It is located at an altitude of 1560 meters above sea level. Tourists who have been here call Davos “the Swiss capital of snowboarding.” In general, there are 99 ski slopes, the length of which exceeds 320 kilometers.
7. Corviglia – this ski resort is best suited for professional snowboarders and skiers. The resort is located in the canton of Grisons, near St. Moritz. Vacationers will be able to ride along 33 trails with varying levels of difficulty.
8. Scuol – this resort is famous for the fact that here, in addition to ski slopes, there are also springs rich in Glauber’s salts. This made it possible to open an excellent medical and entertainment water spa center here. You can find out more about this and other resorts by contacting the company BuyTour, and believe me, you won’t regret it.
9. Saas-Fee – this ski resort is located in the canton of Valais. 48 magnificent trails await tourists here, the length of which exceeds 100 kilometers. As a rule, those who are not yet quite confident in skiing go to this resort to relax.
10. Aletsch - this resort is located in the canton of Valais, surrounded by several villages, which, by the way, are prohibited from driving cars. Tourists here will be able to ski on 56 tracks, the total length of which is 104 kilometers.
Other questions about Swiss resorts
Switzerland is one of the most beautiful alpine countries. The Matterhorn is a symbol of Zermatt and Switzerland.
– How to get a visa to Switzerland?
Switzerland is a member of the Schengen Agreement; you can enter Switzerland with a Schengen visa.
All representative offices of Schengen states on the territory of the Russian Federation will accept biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) of applicants for a short-term Schengen visa. The data will be stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) for 59 months. If you have not previously submitted biometric data, personal presence at one of the visa centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Rostov-on-Don, Novosibirsk is mandatory. If you have already submitted your fingerprints to a representative office of any Schengen State and they can be copied, you will not have to resubmit your fingerprints for new applications for 59 months. Documents for a Schengen visa (categories A and C) must be submitted to an external outsourcing company, which will deliver them for processing to the Swiss Embassy in Moscow. Passports with completed visas can be collected at the same visa center where the documents were submitted. The operator of visa centers is TLScontact. The service fee is 22 euros per applicant in addition to the visa fee (equivalent in rubles). To obtain a tourist visa you must provide the following documents:
– One fully completed application form (in German, French, Italian or English) with the personal signature of the applicant.
– A foreign passport valid for at least three months from the date of departure from the Schengen area and having at least two blank pages.
– Copy of foreign passport (copy of pages with photo, full name and signature).
– If available: copies of the last two Schengen visas.
– 2 identical, recently taken Schengen color photographs; stick one on the form, attach the second additionally.
– Health insurance policy valid for the entire period of stay in the entire Schengen area. The sum insured must be at least 30,000 euros.
– Confirmation of hotel reservation or apartment rental and confirmation of prepayment.
– Confirmation of employment (for example, a certificate from the place of work) and income (a certificate of salary or income); for students: student ID (original and copy).
– Confirmation of solvency (bank account statement for the last three months, or a certificate from the bank about the account balance, or traveler's checks - original and copies). Each applicant must prove that he has at least CHF 100. fr. (or an equivalent amount in another currency) for each day of stay.
– Confirmation of the type of transport that is planned for the round trip (a copy of the ticket reservation).
– Information about the final purpose of the trip and the route of the trip (for the entire period of stay in the Schengen area)
For children under 18 years of age:
Additionally to the list:
– Birth certificate (original and copy, translated into German, French, Italian or English and notarized)
– If a child travels unaccompanied by one of the parents, it is necessary to provide the parent’s consent to travel abroad (original and copy, translated into German, French, Italian or English and notarized).
All travelers are required to have ski medical insurance for the entire duration of the requested visa.
When traveling in your own car, you must present to the consulate:
– a copy of the international driver’s license;
– a copy of the vehicle registration certificate;
– original and copy of an international motor vehicle liability insurance policy (Green card).
The consular fee for all types of short-term Schengen visas for applicants over 12 years of age is 35 euros, for children from 6 to 12 years old - 35 euros. Children under 6 years of age and children under 16 years of age are exempt from paying the consular fee if they are included in their parents’ passport.
Visa department of the Swiss Embassy in Moscow:
Prechistenskaya embankment, 31
There may be changes in the rules for obtaining a visa - we recommend that you contact the consulate or visa center to obtain the necessary information on visa issues.
– What is the most convenient way to travel around Switzerland? What is better - renting a car or going by train?
Switzerland is rightly proud of its railways, which are distinguished by their accuracy, comfort and excellent information system. The local bus schedule takes into account train schedules, and train connections are optimally selected. From the cashier you can get a printout of the nearest train and transfers, indicating the platform numbers and exact connection times. You can pick up free books with train schedules at ticket offices and information stands. Many ski resorts have train stations; others can be quickly reached from the nearest station by bus/cable car. Skis and other luggage can be sent directly to the resort or hotel by pre-ordering this service on the website sbb.ch .
Travel cards can be purchased at travel agencies, airports and train stations.
Detailed information:
About Switzerland in Russian
Swiss travel system
www.sbb.ch - train schedules, connections and ticket prices.
It is quite convenient to travel around Switzerland by car, the country's roads are in very good condition, the average price of diesel is 1.5 CHF, gasoline - 1.5-1.55 CHF. However, you need to remember that traffic jams may occur on the serpentines leading to the resorts, especially during snowfalls and before the weekend. To use the highways, you must pay an annual toll of 40 CHF and receive a “vignette” confirming payment. The vignette is sold at gas stations, in border stores, post offices, and at customs sales points, it is valid for a year from the date of purchase (there is no shorter period), the vignette must be glued to the windshield of the car. Car rental in Switzerland usually includes a vignette; If the car is not rented in Switzerland, such a coupon can be purchased at the border. Don't forget about speed limits - fines for exceeding them are high.
- What are the pros and cons of Switzerland? What should you be prepared for before your trip?Switzerland is a very convenient country for travel, and this does not depend on the time of year or the purpose of the trip. The country's currency is the Swiss franc (CHF), 1 CHF is slightly more than the American dollar (about 58 rubles), within the country francs are usually exchanged to the euro at the rate of 1.15 francs per 1 euro (plus bank commission). You can exchange euros, dollars or other currencies at exchange offices (including automatic ones), bank branches, railway stations and post offices. In tourist areas, cash euros are often accepted at a rate of 1:1 or 1.1 to 1. Credit cards are accepted everywhere for purchases over 20 CHF. Like any country, Switzerland has its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
Minuses:
– Switzerland is a fairly expensive country. How to save money when traveling?
Myths about the incredible high cost of Switzerland are successfully dispelled on the first trip. Of course, in this country there are truly luxurious resorts that bohemians love, and the price level for them is appropriate. But in general, a properly planned trip to Switzerland will cost less than a holiday of the same level in France, and, as a rule, no more expensive than a holiday of the same level in other Alpine countries. For example, what costs 4-5 euros in other countries (for example, mulled wine or cappuccino), in Swiss ski resorts will cost 4-5 francs, i.e. somewhat cheaper. A similar ratio applies to other prices. The Swiss franc rate is 1 euro = 1.15 CHF; when exchanging in banks, hotels and currency exchange offices, a commission is charged (from 5 francs) and the rate may be slightly lower. Where to change money doesn’t really matter, the rate is usually about the same. As a rule, the easiest way to exchange money (euros or dollars for francs) is either at bank branches (check their opening hours) or at the ticket office at the railway station. On weekends, banks are closed; money can be changed at the station, withdrawn from an ATM, or simply asked to exchange the amount at any large hotel.
–How to make a trip to Switzerland on a budget:
– If possible, choose low season for travel. Many Swiss resorts open early, in early December or earlier, and until Christmas week they offer very reasonable prices for accommodation and discounts on everything else (often special offers include the cost of ski passes). Lowest season is mid to late January. Prices for housing and air tickets also drop rapidly at the end of the season, in March - April (just don’t choose the European Easter week for an economical trip - even if the price level is normal, the number of skiers increases sharply at this time).
– Purchase a ready-made tour from major operators/agencies working with Switzerland. As a rule, an independent trip turns out to be no cheaper, and in many cases even more expensive, than a tourist package and special offers. When organizing a trip on your own, you need to be prepared for a significant investment of time. True, the result you will get is very predictable and absolutely what you planned for yourself. Large tour operators buy hotel rooms in advance, and it is often cheaper to buy accommodation from them rather than directly through booking systems or tourism office websites. Many travel agencies offer special packages for independent travelers, those who have already purchased air tickets and are only looking for accommodation (or vice versa). Also, hotel chains and many resorts regularly form profitable special offers .
– If you are a supporter of the “do-it-yourself” system, try to catch special offers from airlines or buy tickets much in advance (for the New Year period it is better to buy tickets in the spring-summer). The same applies to the most sought-after housing. Airlines conduct regular sales and promotions Swiss. With transfers to Zurich and Geneva, you can fly on a budget using the largest European carriers and discounters.
– Choose inexpensive resorts, evaluate the cost of the ski pass and the price level of the region, determine your skiing preferences. For beginners, it doesn’t make much sense to go to a huge region with an expensive ski pass.
– If you want to ski in a large ski area near an expensive resort, choose accommodation in neighboring villages - such options are much cheaper, and many lifts lead from small villages located next to the “main” resort. For example, you can ski in the Four Valleys and on the slopes of Verbier, choosing accommodation in the small resorts of Nendaz, Veysonnaz or Le Chable.
– If you are planning a trip with children, choose resorts where children ski for free (in Switzerland these are Villars, Les Diablerets, Leysin, Gstaad, Zermatt, Saas-Fee).
– When traveling with a large group or family with children, choose apartments - this will save on both the cost of housing and food. Apartments can be booked on resort websites, in Interhome, y Russian tour operators .
– If you plan to cook the food yourself, go for large-scale purchases at a supermarket in the nearest valley or city; you will be pleasantly pleased with the price level. Large hypermarkets are usually located at the entrances to cities.
– What are the largest ski areas in Switzerland?
The longest trails in Switzerland are:
1) Portes du Soleil- 650 km of pistes, divided between France and Switzerland. Resorts on the Swiss side: Champery, Le Crozet, Champoissant, Morgins. There are no luxury resorts on the Swiss side; small villages mainly offer accommodation in apartments and small hotels (maximum category - 3*)
2) Four Valleys (Verbier and neighbors)– 410 km of trails. An excellent resort, primarily for freeride and intermediate skiers. A huge selection of chalets, including luxury ones, and a fairly large selection of hotels and apartments.
3) Zermatt-Cervinia- the Swiss-Italian region offers 360 km of pistes of different levels and, perhaps, the most beautiful views in Switzerland. The slopes are fully connected by ski lifts.
4) St. Moritz- the most famous and expensive Swiss resort. Together with the trails of the Engadin Valley - 350 km. True, a significant part of them are scattered throughout the valley and are not completely connected by lifts. One of the best places for freeride, international freeride competitions are held on the slopes above the resort.
5) Davos- the highest mountain city in Switzerland is surrounded by different ski areas, a total of 310 km of slopes, the main and most interesting areas are separated from each other, to move between them you need to use a train/bus. One of the most attractive resorts for snowboarders. Snow resort, excellent opportunities for off-piste skiing.
6) Ski pass Gstaad operates on 210 km of slopes, although not all of them are connected by ski lifts. The general ski pass, also valid on the slopes of Villars, Gryon and neighboring resorts, includes 420 km of slopes. There are small ski areas in the valley around the resort; the general Gstaad ski pass also includes the Glacier3000 glacier (in Les Diablerets).
7) Samnaun– a ski area shared with the Austrian resort of Ischgl - 235 km of slopes, mostly of medium difficulty. Samnaun is the only duty-free ski resort in Switzerland with duty-free shops.
8) Flims-Laax-Falera- a dynamically developing region in Graubünden with modern ski lifts - 220 km of slopes, mostly red and blue. A great place for snowboarders and families.
9) Alps of the Lake Geneva region: a single ski pass combines 225 km of slopes above the resorts Villars, Gryon, Les Diablerets, Leysin, Les Mosses. The slopes of Villars-Gryon and part of the slopes of Le Diableret are connected by ski lifts (125 km of slopes); the remaining resorts must be reached by car or bus.
10) Jungfrau region - Grindelwald, Wegnen and Murren offer 213 km of trails, mostly of medium difficulty. The Grindelwald and Wengen trails are connected by ski lifts; you need to get to Mürren by bus.
– Which resorts are best suited for families with children?
The best resorts for families with children in Switzerland are awarded the “Families Welcome” certificate of quality. These are not just advertising “tricks” of the resorts, this is a strict certification system for a number of parameters, and resorts with these certificates regularly undergo strict inspections.
What to look for when choosing a family resort:
– an abundance of blue trails;
– availability of training trails near hotels/apartments;
– availability and location of playgrounds;
– availability of kindergartens and ski schools close to residence;
– climate (high mountain resorts are not very suitable for holidays with babies);
– duration of the transfer;
– availability of apartments or kitchen (if necessary due to diet or allergies);
– the ability to walk with a stroller (look at the map of walking paths, do not choose resorts located only along the main road, in the gorge).
For families with small children, the most important criteria may be the proximity of the resort to the airport, the ability to walk with a stroller or near the educational slide (if older children in the family ride), and the presence of a kitchen in the room. For a comfortable holiday with skiing children, just choose a resort where there are many blue and easy red slopes. Ski schools operate in all Alpine resorts; the language barrier, as a rule, does not matter much, because... The basic principle of training in the Alps is “do as I do.” If your child absolutely needs a Russian-speaking instructor, it is better to order his services in advance or join Russian ski schools that regularly provide training at Alpine resorts. Many family resorts offer significant discounts on accommodation and ski passes for families with children. B (1.5-2 hours in Geneva) - good opportunities for families with children. The Villars ski pass includes 125 km of pistes, including the Glacier3000 glacier and the Les Diablerets ski area. Most of them are not too difficult, blue and red, although you can also find interesting freeride routes if you wish. Above the resort there are quite a few slopes suitable for skiing with the whole family; strong skiers will be interested in the slopes leading to Les Diablerets or neighboring Gryon. During the season, the resort holds special programs and organizes events for families with children: ski school demonstrations, astronomy and magic lessons, competitions and competitions.
In the central part of the canton of Graubünden there is a small resort called Arosa, offering good conditions for families with children. It is considered one of the sunniest in Switzerland and is located at an altitude of 1800 meters. Every week the resort offers events and entertainment for families with children (free for all holidaymakers). Many hotels are equipped with their own wellness centers with swimming pools and spas, there are children's playgrounds next to the slopes, the resort has a special children's club, and there are toboggan runs and walking paths around the resort. The length of the trails is not too long (70 km), but the trails are quite varied and located quite high. A great option for a weekend trip.
Another child-friendly resort is located in the Jungfrau region, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the country and in the Alps. The largest resort in the region is located at an altitude of 1034 meters. Together with , St. Moritz and Grindelwald is part of the Best of the Alps club. This resort is highly valued by sledging enthusiasts: around Grindelwald there are very long and picturesque sledding runs of varying difficulty (more than 50 km). There are not many top-class hotels in this resort; it offers a good selection of chalets and apartments; the resort has one five-star hotel and several good 4* and 4*super hotels. The ski area around Grindelwald mainly offers blue and red slopes, which are comfortable and very picturesque. In addition to all the possibilities for active recreation, the resort offers a new service for thrill-seekers. Those who wish can fly 800 m down at a speed of 80 km/h on a special attraction - First Flyer. This unique, absolutely safe analogue of the bungee will appeal to those who love speed.
Small resorts in Portes du Soleil are also great for families with children, but don’t look for luxury accommodation and five-star hotels there.
– I want to go skiing, but my wife doesn’t like skiing and wants to go to a spa resort. Where is the best place to go?
– One of the best resorts for those who want to both ride and swim is Leukerbad, located in the canton of Valais. The resort in the full sense of the word corresponds to the saying “just what the doctor ordered.” Alpine skiing and other winter activities in Leukerbad are rather an addition to the local thermal springs, known since Roman times. Skiing in Leukerbad is going well, although experts, accustomed to hundreds of kilometers of pistes, may wince with disgust - there are only 50 km of pistes. However, the resort's ski area is very beautiful and perfect for intermediate skiers. Recently, the “Welsh Bath Village” was added to the thermal waters of the Lindner Alpentherme complex. Small traditional huts built from old wood house baths and saunas with different temperatures, a hammam, a waterfall and an ice-cold plunge pool. The Burgerbad thermal complex will appeal to families with children: water slides, swimming pools and various attractions are open to them. For adults, in addition to various hydromassages, there is a swimming pool with unfiltered hot water directly from the source (used in strictly dosed quantities for medicinal purposes). A visit to the resort's thermal complexes is included in the Snow and Spa ski pass, and after skiing, most guests head to the pools and saunas. Many hotels in Leukerbad have their own thermal springs, and in addition to the standard set for any wellness center, guests are offered a variety of exotic treatments. The 6-day Leukerbad ski pass includes 1 day of skiing in the neighboring resort of Crans-Montana, without spending too much on the road to other resorts in Valais.
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Calm, stable and prosperous Switzerland attracts tourists from different parts of the world: cosmopolitan Geneva, discreet, modest Bern, as well as numerous ski resorts are always open to travelers, ready to surprise and give an unforgettable experience. Moreover, experienced tourists strongly recommend not to “burrow” into the ski slopes right away: it will be more interesting and useful to first travel a little around small and picturesque Switzerland, visit several towns, acclimatize and only then go straight to the mountains.
Tours to the ski resorts of Switzerland are most in demand in winter. Their cost ranges from 350 to 750 EUR. Usually the cost of skiing is calculated separately, but there are tours that immediately include a visit to the slopes. To get your bearings: on average, in Swiss resorts, a magnetic card for descents costs about 50-55 EUR.
How to get there
You can get to Switzerland from Moscow by plane, train and bus. Geneva, Zurich and Basel receive daily Moscow flights. The Aeroflot company delivers tourists in 3 hours 40 minutes. Round trip tickets cost an average of 900 EUR.
The train will need to make one change in Germany. In this case, you must have a Schengen visa. Typically this trip takes approximately 36 hours. The price of such a trip is close to the cost of a flight. However, when purchasing EuroDomino there is an opportunity to save money on trips within the eurozone - at least getting to Switzerland will be somewhat cheaper.
Ski Switzerland
Mountains occupy almost two-thirds of the territory of this Western European country: the Swiss Alps are deservedly considered the birthplace of skiing and mountaineering. All ski resorts in Switzerland are united by an exceptional level of service, comfort and corresponding prices, and the preparation of local slopes is considered a standard throughout the world.
Significant altitudes, excellent infrastructure, as well as a favorable climate everywhere guarantee excellent skiing from November to April. And for lovers of snowy landscapes all year round, there are the resorts of Zermatt, Saas-Fee and a number of others on Alpine glaciers, which operate even in summer.
On the slopes of Switzerland
Canton of Bern
The Bernese Highlands are the northern spurs of the Bernese Alps, located southeast of the capital of Switzerland. In fact, this is the most easily accessible part of alpine Switzerland, offering downhill enthusiasts a “magnificent trio” of mountain peaks: the Eiger (3970 m), Mönch (4107 m) and Jungfrau (4158 m). The most famous ski slopes in the region are Gstaad and Grindelwald, in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, as well as the less popular Adelboden, Kandersteg, Meiringen, Eengelberg.
Gstaad
Gstaad is a secular glacier resort where high society likes to relax all year round. At the same time, there are excellent ski slopes here that will also appeal to downhill skiing professionals. However, the resort has its own nuance: those who prefer off-piste skiing will have to get to such areas by helicopter, since all nearby pistes are equipped with markers.
Grindelwald
Grindelwald is one of the most famous ski resorts in Switzerland, including three popular ski areas: Wengen, Mürren and Grindelwald itself. There are quite a few interesting trails of varying difficulty, but the main “hit” is the descent from the top of Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen, then the journey to Männlichen and the descent to Grindelwald itself. In addition, this area is amazing in that mountain glaciers descend almost to the valley itself, and are available for winter recreation lovers almost all year round.
Canton of Valais
The canton of Valais is located in southwestern Switzerland, stretching along the Rhone River - from its source in the glaciers of the central Alps to its mouth in Lake Geneva. There are many glaciers and the climate is one of the driest in the region with the highest number of sunny days. The ski resorts of the canton are not very popular among Russians, although the largest of them - in Verbier, Crans-Montana and Zermatt - do meet Russian tourists. In addition to those listed, there are such resort places as Anzere, Leukerbad, Morgens, Nendaz, Ovronna, Saas-Fee, Torgon, Champery, Champoussin.
Verbier
The Verbier ski resort is located in the Four Valleys area, and ranks fourth according to the international classification among the largest ski stadiums in the world, combining the Verbier, Nendaz, Chumaz and Veysonnaz slopes. Ski tours in Verbier are equally interesting for both professionals and beginners. The resort has a variety of slopes to suit every taste and therefore thrives as a destination for all types of skiers. For lovers of cross-country skiing there are 40 km of prepared trails and beautiful routes.
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Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana is a famous resort area in French-speaking Switzerland, enjoying worldwide recognition as a year-round mountain resort. This is facilitated by a dry climate, an abundance of sunny days a year and clean mountain air, combined with active pastime on trails of varying difficulty. Once it was a small village with ski slopes, and now it is a venue for prestigious sports competitions and an excellent place to start skiing (there are a lot of ski schools for children and adults here).
Zermatt
The glacier ski resort of Zermatt is considered the most romantic resort in Switzerland. Here, from an altitude of 3883 m, travelers can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Italian, French and Swiss Alps, as well as an international ski area open to skiing all year round. For lovers of winter recreation, not only ski slopes are open, but also snowboarding and freestyle trails, where the cool Gravity Park operates 300 days a year.
Saas-Fee
Saas-Fee, despite the usual summer heat in the Rhone Valley, offers excellent conditions for skiing on its glacier at any time! It is located among the highest alpine peaks, reaching 4000 m, and at the same time has a fairly mild and dry climate, perfect for winter holidays. The Saas-Fee ski resort has 20 km of slopes open all year round, thanks to which national and international ski teams of skiers, snowboarders and freestylers train in the summer.
Skiing in Crans-Montana
Canton of Vaud
The Canton of Vaud is even less known as a ski resort, but here, in western Switzerland, in its French-speaking area, there are excellent slopes and places for flat skiing. The local mountains circle Lake Geneva, as if diverging in different directions, and offer views of a picturesque valley, once covered with forests, and now replete with picturesque towns and villages. Ski slopes here are laid in the towns of Villars, Leysin, Les Diablers, Chateau-d'E.
Villar
The Villars ski resort is famous not only for its slopes (the ski area extends at altitudes from 1250 to 2971 m), but also for its magnificent views of the Welsh and Savoy Alps. And the proximity to other ski areas of the canton (for example, to the glacial Les Diableurs, open almost all year round), allows you to find convenient slopes in any weather and in any season. The tourists here are dominated by the French and Belgians.
Canton of Grisons
The canton of Grisons is the largest region of Switzerland in the southeast of the country. At the same time, Graubünden is one of the least populated regions, since dense pine forests, mountain peaks and small isolated valleys have not contributed to settlement here since ancient times. But today, most of the country’s ski resorts are located here: Arosa, Val Mustaire, Davos, Disentis, Diavolezza-Legalb, Samnaun, Zedrun, Pontresina, Savognin, St. Moritz, Silvaplana, Scuol, Falbella, Flims, Zuoz.
Davos
Davos, first of all, is the main European health resort: here, it would seem, everything is aimed at high-quality treatment and maintaining health. And among other health procedures, skiing takes its place of honor, because it is no coincidence that it is part of the world-famous group of specialized resorts “The Best of the Alps”. Beginner skiers should head to the Mardis and Dörfi areas, the Parsenn region is suitable for intermediate skiers, and the more advanced slopes are located in the Jakobshorn area.
St. Moritz
A world-famous ski resort, quite expensive even for Switzerland, a symbol of luxury and an active lifestyle for the past century and a half - this is all St. Moritz. The unique climate annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists here: in total there are about 350 km of ski slopes, from the gentlest for beginners to the truly extreme for pros. Moreover, the sun shines here 325 days a year, which is a truly unique phenomenon, especially for a ski resort.
Canton of Uri
The canton of Uri is located in the center of Switzerland, in a wooded area in the northern Swiss Alps. Many of the mountains here are covered with glaciers, which extends the ski season for almost all seasons. The main ski center in the region is Andermatt.
Andermatt
In fact, Andermatt is four ski areas: Gems-Stock, Winterhorn, Realp and Nechen-Guch. The peculiarity of the resort's slopes is the alternation of long and relatively narrow slopes at the top with very wide lower slopes. In general, the slopes are not long (up to 4 km), with a height difference of up to 800 m, and their interesting topography adds an element of variety.
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