Switzerland ski holiday facts
Zermatt, Switzerland - Probably the most famous ski resort of Switzerland. Fantastic ski area for skiers of all skills and breathtaking sights of the Matterhorn, its biggest mountain, make it a great place to stay. It is divided into three separate areas: Gornergrat/Stockhorn, Schwarzsee/Trockener Steg/Klein Matterhorn, and Sunnegga/Blauherd/Unterrothorn. Slopes here are very sunny and mild. You can spend the whole day skiing, without getting cold or bored. If you like skiing in deep snow - this would be paradise for you. But Zermatt is not all about skiing. You can choose from various discos, bars, restaurants, and cafeterias.
Saas Fee, Switzerland - Although not as famous as St. Moritz or Zermatt, Saas Fee is a ski resort offering high quality ski areas and a great resort with wide array of attractions for everyone.
Davos skiing - Davos is internationally regarded as a "Winter Sports' Metropolis". Located in the Grissons region of Switzerland, near the borders with Austria and Italy, the town lies along a valley situated between the mountains. On each side, these mountains have been developed into five separate ski regions where visitors will find demanding and difficult slopes rating from intermediate to expert, wild and long runs for the cruiser and big, and wide runs for the beginner.
Cross country skiers will enjoy over 48 miles of prepared trails across stunning scenery with breathtaking views around every bend. For those who fancy ice skating resort offers amazing facilities. The Europe's biggest natural ice rink with the world's fastest ice, the magnificent Ice Stadium and it's new artificial open air ice rink make Davos the unchallenged number 1 of European ice sports.
Ski St Moritz - St Moritz is the most famous Swiss ski resort, with a wide range of various activities to offer. You cannot only watch real competitions, but also practice some sport activities. St Moritz held the Winter Olympic Games twice - in 1928 and 1948.
The broad slopes of Corvilia offer a beautiful view over St Moritz. This area is a pleasure for all kind of skiers - from beginners to experts. It is also a very good area for kids to begin their ski adventure. Although Piz Nair may seem impossible a ride down this slope is achievable even for intermediate skiers. Other places recommended for skiing are: Piz Julier, Chantarella, Salastrains, Suvretta. There is also a bobsleigh ride available. You can speed down the 1585 metre long ride down the mountain, with a four people team.
If you don't like the urban character of St Moritz, you can always visit Celerina, which offers you a more suburban atmosphere. It's much more calm, quiet and relaxing. A funicular will take you up to the Marguns ski area. There you can choose from a variety of Traus Fluors and Val Saluver ski areas. A T-bar and a chairlift can take you to Corviglia whenever you want.
The main ski mountain top of Silaplana is Piz Corvatsch which is quite famous among skiers. Corvatsch offers you a beautiful view over the whole area. From the restaurant at the top you can sometimes see Mont Blanc - the highest peak in Europe!
Gstaad Skiing - Gstaad is a picturesque and glamorous resort, surrounded by 250 kilometres of skiable terrain. It is a traditionally-styled village with charming alpine chalets and remarkable surrounding mountain scenery. Gstaad lies on northeast of Lake Geneva, about two hours from Geneva airport. A ski bus runs from Geneva via Lausanne and Montreux. These two cities are also worth visiting. When the weather is not good for skiing you can visit the spectacular Olympic museum in Lausanne. Gstaad is renowned as a higher class resort, but it is available for 'ordinary holidaymakers' too.
The slopes in and near the town centre are excellent for beginners and intermediates. Those looking for variety and more challenging runs can take advantage of the Gstaad Super Ski Region pass which covers the ski areas of Gstaad, Chateau d'Oex, Rougemont, Sannen, Villars, Leysin and the Diablerets glacier. This area offers more than enough piste to keep everyone happy. In the entire region there are 69 lifts, half of which are surface lifts, 155 miles of groomed trails and slopes, the highest vertical descent of 6,400 feet, and a longest run of nine miles. Advanced skiers will find some good slopes around the Schonreid and Saanenmoser area, and the Diablerets glacier which has some long challenging reds.
Heli skiing is another attraction for really adventurous visitors to Gstaad. For the intermediates there are endless tree-lined blue and red runs situated in Schonreid and Saanenmoser and there is a great selection of intermediate skiing at Les Diablerets, Villars and Leysin. Beginners should head for the Wispile and the Eggli lifts, which are not far from the resort centre and offer gentle tree lined runs ideal for children. The ski school in the area is also highly recommended.
Wengen, Grindelwald, Murren - This is a top ski region in Switzerland and is famous for offering more than 200 km of ski slopes. You can choose one of the three villages in this area: Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. Grindewald seems to be much quieter than neighbouring Wengen and Mürren. Slopes are milder and friendlier.
Wengen skiing will offer you everything that you expect. It often holds World Cup championships which may motivate you to improve your skiing skills. Apart from the skiing activities, which are impressive, you could visit one of the apres ski attraction like the amazing Ice Palace, which is completely made of ice.
Mürren is situated at the opposite side of the valley and is a less well known villageBut it is the place were the biggest ski competitions for amateurs is held annually - 'Inderno' and also where one of the James Bond films was filmed.
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