Switzerland Skiing
Ski Switzerland
Zermatt The charming town of Zermatt is Switzerland's best-known ski resort. Nestled on a high plateau, it sits at the foot of the highest and most photographed peak in the country, the Matterhorn (14,692ft or 4,478m). The resort is a picturesque, if rather sprawling, old mountain village that is car-free with Swiss-style chalets.
The village can only be reached via a spectacular cog railway from the valley below. It has one of the best networks of super-efficient cable cars, gondolas and cog railways in the country that whisk skiers to three separate ski areas and to altitudes of over 12,000ft (3,600m). Twenty-one of the 36 lifts also operate during the summer to cater for the busy hiking and climbing season. There are also plenty of non-skiing activities, superb views, some of the best mountain restaurants worldwide, and a raucous nightlife to keep everyone entertained. The Alpine Museum commemorates the tragic first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865 and the many lives claimed by 'the killer mountain' are honoured in the cemetery.
Mapa de Suiza
Because of abundant snowfall, high altitudes and the glacier area of the Klein Matterhorn, Zermatt offers some of the finest skiing in Europe, and glacier skiing can be enjoyed well into the summer. The high and extensive terrain stretches across three individual mountains and mainly caters for intermediate and experienced skiers. The resort is best known for its excellent powder skiing, although off-piste areas and unofficial runs should only be explored with a guide, due to sudden drop-offs and avalanche risk. Intermediate skiers have a wide range of slopes to enjoy around the Zermatt-Matterhorn Ski Area and it is possible to ski across all three mountains in a day. Klein Matterhorn is reached by the highest aerial cable car in Europe that provides access to a snowboard half pipe and the longest ski run in Europe, an exhilarating slope with breathtaking views that drops all the way down to the village.
The easiest slopes are high up on the glacier in the Klein Matterhorn region, but beginners should be aware that trails that start out as novice often end up being intermediate and there are no beginner trails that connect the mountains. Snowboarders share the same exciting terrain.
Shopping:
Switzerland is renowned for high quality products, and most of them are on offer in the dozens of classy shops that line the main street of Zermatt. Price tags are heavy. Favourite buys are, of course, souvenirs from fine Swiss watches to the classic Swiss army knife, or perhaps a T-Shirt bearing an image of the mighty Matterhorn. Cuckoo clocks and fluffy toy animals abound, too, and there is enough jewellery to stock a treasury. Being a ski and climbing resort Zermatt also boasts several stores offering the latest in equipment and outfits, and then, inevitably, there are also numerous designer clothing boutiques.
Restaurants:
Zermatt excels particularly in the area of fine dining, with a multitude of options, but those who prefer something a little more basic can also find McDonalds in the Main Street. The most charming dining experiences are offered at the mountain restaurants in little villages (like Sunnegga, Rothorn and Findeln) surrounding the town, where quaint chalets have been turned into gourmet paradises and view sites topped with terraces where hearty snacks and warming drinks are guzzled with gusto. The mountain restaurants specialise in luncheons, and reservations are advisable. In Zermatt itself there are plenty of restaurants throughout the town. Regarded as the best is the Rôtisserie La Broche in the Zermatterhof, with prices to match its elegant and flawless reputation. Part of the Zermatt experience is to enjoy a traditional Swiss fondue (either meat or cheese). The Stockhorn Grill Room is highly recommended for fondue, as is the Café Du Pont set at the south end of the main street. Homegrown lamb is another local speciality prepared in a variety of delicious ways. For an excellent budget meal the station buffet (Bahnhofbuffet-Panorama) is a good bet, offering a buffet 'menu of the day'.
Nightlife:
The evening fun begins in Zermatt usually when skiers are wending their way down the slopes heading home, stopping off to warm up with schnapps or a mug of hot spiced wine in one of the cosy mountain 'stubli'. In Zermatt itself restaurants tend not to open too early, so before dinner drinks are called for at one of the multitude of bars hidden away in the village alleys, or the firelit pubs in the hotels. To dance off the effects of dinner later there are discos aplenty. The hottest spot in town is the Post Hotel, which has a disco and a jazz bar. Moby Dick in the Schweizerhof and Pollux are also happening spots.
Activities:
Although Zermatt is a resort dedicated to skiing, there are plenty of other winter sports and indoor pursuits to keep everyone busy. Hiking paths can be tackled even in winter, or those who can't balance on skis can hire a sled from their hotel and toboggan down the trails. A great way to get some exercise and explore the area is to take one of the walking tours arranged by the local tourist office. Sleigh rides and dog sledding are also popular diversions. Indoors there are seven swimming pools and 17 saunas distributed through the various hotels, and indoor sports like tennis, squash and even golf can be enjoyed. The village also sports two ice rinks and a fascinating museum devoted to mountaineering.
Matterhorn, Los Alpes, Suiza
Gstaad
Overview:
Bernese Oberland's most glamorous resort and the place for glittering socialites to be seen is the chic town of Gstaad, known for its high society, luxury hotels, fine dining and expensive boutiques. It has been the favoured destination of the rich and famous for years, entertaining the likes of Roger Moore, Paris Hilton, Elle Macpherson and Tina Turner, among others. The picturesque village is traditional in style with delightful alpine chalets, a pedestrian-only centre and spectacular scenery, and lies at the centre of the Gstaad Super Ski Region, one of the largest ski areas in Europe.
Skiing:
There is excellent skiing and snowboarding for beginners and intermediates in and around the town centre, but for more challenging runs it is best to make use of the Gstaad Super Ski Region pass, which is valid for about 155 miles (250km) of prepared runs spread over six different ski areas. The pass provides access to the ski areas of Château d'Oex, Rougemont, Saanen, Schönried, Saanenmöser, Zweisimmen, Lauenen and Gsteig, which are all accessible by train. Intermediates are the most spoilt for choice with a huge variety of blue and red runs available, while the Diablerets glacier has snow most of the year and some challenging skiing and snowboarding for experts, as well as heli-skiing. Advanced skiers will also find off-piste possibilities in the Saanenmöser and Schönried area. There is an excellent ski school in Gstaad, and many others in the Gstaad region.
Shopping:
Gstaad's main shopping street is Hauptstrasse, with a large selection of stores and boutiques offering wares from the latest fashions and exclusive sporting goods to jewellery and pastry shops that cater mainly for the wealthy elite. There are also a variety of Swiss-made devices to be found at Von Siebenthal, as well as a range of extremely chic boutiques in the renowned Palace Hotel.
Restaurants: Visitors to Gstaad are spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants. A large number of establishments have been awarded with Gault Milau points for outstanding cuisine, such as Restaurant Le Grill at the Palace, while about 70 others offer everything from traditional specialities to Asian, Italian, fish and grills.
Nightlife:
There is a good choice of trendy bars and pubs in Gstaad, and there is dancing at Rosie's Suite at Hush and Chlösterli. The GreenGo bar and nightclub at the Palace Hotel is the place to be seen and is the centre of Gstaad's nightlife with two bars and a massive dance floor. Richie's Pub is a popular meeting spot for locals, an English pub with a large TV screen for sporting events.
Activities:
Besides skiing and snowboarding, Gstaad offers ice-skating, tobogganing, ice-climbing and curling in winter, as well as a wide range of summer activities. In summer, hiking is popular, as well as mountain biking, climbing, tennis, golf, horse riding and even beach volleyball. There are also lots of excursions in the surrounding area, and a variety of top events throughout the year, including the Swiss Open Tennis Tournament, classic music festivals and international hot-air ballooning.
Negatives:
Gstaad has a reputation for being exclusive and therefore rather expensive. The skiing might be a disappointment for expert skiers, and snow coverage is unreliable due to the relatively low altitude.
Mapa de pistas - Crans Montana - Suiza
Davos
Davos was one of the first ski resorts to be created and is the largest in Switzerland: an alpine city with major thoroughfares and hotel blocks lining the streets. Despite its lack of character it is a premier European resort, offering not only accommodation with a reputation for excellence, an endless array of winter and summer recreational activities, crisp mountain air and a health spa, but also five separate ski areas ensuring a superb variety of skiing and snowboarding for all abilities. Nearby is the little sister resort of Klosters, a small traditional village with a quiet and unobtrusive atmosphere that shares the large Parsenn ski area.
Skiing:
The best-known and largest area in Davos is the Parsenn, offering intermediates and beginners miles of wide slopes that are ideal for smooth cruising. There are also advanced runs, steep drops and moguls that appeal to experienced skiers. Opposite the Parsenn, Jakobshorn, or the 'Fun Mountain', is the second largest area in Davos and has become one of the top snowboarding destinations in the world. Davos also boasts the second largest cross-country ski area in Switzerland, with miles of groomed trails available.
Shopping:
Being a 'mega-resort' in comparison to the usual village-centred ski destinations in the Alps, Davos also offers mega shopping opportunities, with more than 100 shops, art galleries and boutiques ready and waiting to swipe eager visitor's credit cards in exchange for a plethora of goods from tinkling cow bells to designer label clothing. It takes hours to explore all the shops clustered mainly along the two main streets around the Davos Platz.
Restaurants:
There are scores of restaurants in the greater Davos/Klosters area offering a vast selection to suit every taste and pocket. When it comes to haute cuisine the best are located in the major hotels, but for cosy après ski evenings use the funiculars and cableways and head for a mountain restaurant to sample homegrown local delights. Around the Davos Platz there is an international selection including Italian, American, Mexican, Indian, Chinese and Thai at reasonable prices. Of course the Swiss are best known for the fondue, which is on offer everywhere, but particularly recommended at the Bistro Gentiana. The more upmarket restaurants require advance booking, and many establishments close their kitchens at around 10pm.
Nightlife:
Most visitors to Davos turn in fairly early to ensure an early morning on the ski slopes, but those who want to burn the midnight oil won't be disappointed. There are close on 20 discos and nightclubs in the area offering live entertainment and dancing, and a casino in the Hotel Europa. Focus of the bright lights on the Davos Platz is the all-night Express Bar, which only heats up after 3am and closes at 7am. There are also several late-night pubs and bars, some with pool tables. Young snowboarders tend to congregate at the bars at the foot of Jakobshorn.
Activities:
If you can do it on the snow or ice, you can do it in Davos, particularly skiing of course, from beginners to advanced, with some notorious off-piste adventures thrown in. This is also one of Europe's most popular snowboarding venues. There are several funparks for boarders, particularly at Jakobshorn. Tobogganing, sledding, sleigh rides and skating events on the largest open-air ice rink in Europe are also popular pastimes. Some worthwhile excursions are a trip through the high Alps to the famous spa of Scoul, or visit St Moritz (90 minutes away). Snowmobiling, snow-shoeing, ice-climbing, hang-gliding and paragliding are on offer, as are numerous indoor sports like tennis, golf and squash, and there is an indoor pool.
Activities
Glacier Express:
Advertised as the 'slowest express train in the world', the Glacier Express is also the most panoramic, and is a breathtaking way to experience the magnificence of the Swiss Alps. The seven and a half hour journey begins daily from Zermatt. The red mountain train crosses more than 291 bridges, winds its way through 91 tunnels and seven valleys and over the 6,670ft (2,033m) Oberalp Pass to the resort of St Moritz, in a spectacular feat of mountain engineering. The train is equipped with large windows for clear viewing and the scenery, including mountain panoramas, quaint villages and wooden chalets, forests and alpine pastures, is stunning. A dining car provides lunch and the mini-bar contains tilted wine glasses to counter the lean of the carriages along the steep mountainous route. The train can be taken in either direction, and if time is short it is possible to travel along a short section of the route, but either way it is advisable to make advance bookings as the train is very popular. There are several departures a day during summer and one a day in winter.
Mapa de pistas de Davos, Suiza
St Moritz
St Moritz is the original Swiss winter resort, an extravagantly fashionable mountain resort world famous for its skiing, fantastic scenery, the curative waters of its Health Spa and the social life. Although not the classic image of a Swiss mountain resort, the setting and spectacular scenery more than makes up for its lack of charm. Consisting of two villages, St Moritz-Bad on the lake and St Moritz-Dorf on the hillside above, its romantic setting in the wildly beautiful corner of the southeastern Swiss Alps is a combination of forests, mountain and lake. St Moritz boasts some of the most reliable and abundant winter snowfall in the country and the miles of downhill runs offer some of the finest intermediate skiing anywhere. The area also encompasses a network of cross-country ski trails, legendary toboggan and bobsled courses and an Olympic ski-jump. The spa section of this exclusive and exciting town, St Moritz-Bad, offers the long-time tradition of mineral baths, mud baths and spa therapies for a relaxing spa vacation. The nightlife at St Moritz is renowned as the most energetic and expensive of all the alpine ski resorts.
Skiing:
The St Moritz area has five major resorts in the immediate vicinity, which can all be accessed by a general ski pass. Due to the altitude of between 5,906ft and 10,827ft (1,800m to 3,300m) the area is fairly snow sure, but there are also extensive snowmaking facilities available. St Moritz is ideal for intermediate skiers and snowboarders, with about 70% of the terrain suited to the intermediate level with a wide variety of slopes and degrees of difficulty. Each of the four larger mountains also has challenging terrain for advanced skiers, a favourite being the famous Diavolezza-Morteratsch Glacier and the long steep runs from the summits of Lagalb and Diavolezza. The Corviglia-Piz Nair ski area is the most convenient and can be accessed by foot from most hotels in St Moritz; Piz Nair is the highest skiable peak in the area at 10,030ft (3,057m) and is suited to more advanced skiers and snowboarders, while Corviglia has many broad intermediate runs. Corviglia is also the most versatile area for all abilities with slopes high up for beginners. The St Moritz Ski School for skiers and boarders is ranked as one of the top in the world with highly trained instructors for all levels.
Shopping:
With its reputation for style and elegance, St Moritz inevitably draws the elite of the world to its winter sports season and caters for them in store as well. Hundreds of designer boutiques are crammed into the resort leaving shoppers overwhelmed by the number of choices representing international brands and trends. Even the less well-heeled can indulge in pleasure simply by window-shopping.
Restaurants:
In line with its promotional tag as being 'on top of the world' St Moritz does not lack for gourmet fare. A variety of delicious international cuisine is on offer in elegant formal restaurants, romantic rustic rendezvous, chic cafes and snow bars. Even the several pizzerias here are elegant wood-panelled edifices with upholstered chairs where the traditional base and toppings become a work of gastronomic art.
Nightlife:
A refined new casino is the latest addition to St Moritz' renowned nightlife and entertainment scene, which encompasses close on 30 other nightspots ranging from hot nightclubs to cosy hotel bars, and discos to demure cigar bars.
Activities:
Anything imaginable that can be done on or in snow and ice is available in St Moritz, whether it be the legendary Cresta Run, bob-sledding, ice-skating, curling or kite-sailing. Of course the main attraction is skiing, with more 217 miles (350km) of snow-covered runs. All ski slopes are serviced with restaurants, ski huts and snow bars ensuring that après-ski is just as much fun as the physical thrills.
Negatives:
The town contains some hideous block buildings and lacks the classic Swiss 'chocolate box' charm. There are no proper beginner slopes at resort level and there are very few blue (easy) runs in the area. Spread over several unlinked mountains, the ski terrain is vast and transport is needed between most areas. The resort is exclusive and very pricey.
Activities
Glacier Express:
Advertised as the 'slowest express train in the world', the Glacier Express is also the most panoramic, and is a breathtaking way to experience the magnificence of the Swiss Alps. The seven and a half hour journey begins daily from Zermatt. The red mountain train crosses more than 291 bridges, winds its way through 91 tunnels and seven valleys and over the 6,670ft (2,033m) Oberalp Pass to the resort of St Moritz, in a spectacular feat of mountain engineering. The train is equipped with large windows for clear viewing and the scenery, including mountain panoramas, quaint villages and wooden chalets, forests and alpine pastures, is stunning.
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