Travel To Switzerland

Rob H asked:


So I’m going skiing in Switzerland on Sunday, staying in Pontresina near St Moritz. I’m a beginner skiier, having only been on dry for 10 hours, fake snow for 2 hours, and real snow for 1.5 days. I was wondering what lift pass would be ideal to get, bearing in mind I have a limited budget, and hence the £110 one for a big valley isn’t ideal for me.

Elizabeth

Crikey a Wild Ski Bum asked:


I’ve always wanted to ski in Europe, I live in Colorado, I’ve skied in British Columbia and New Zealand and states around Colorado, I actually managed to catch a powder day in NZ.

But I’ve heard that Switzerland is extremely icy, one man described it as icier than a racetrack that they’d purposely iced. And to be honest, as a telemarker, I’m just kind of a good-snow elitist.
What would a trip to Zermatt/Cervinia cost? I like to go cheap but my dad likes to stay at ritzy places so let’s say moderate costs, would it be like thousands?
oh also, can you just ski right over the border from Zermatt to Cervinia? Or is it another vacation altogether to ski on the Italian side?

Jenny

docand asked:


I would like to stay in a village high up in the mountains, full of snow, with no cars if possible and with many slopes. I have been told about Zermatt but I can’t find a room there. Anything similar?

Jamie

lilboochiegirl asked:


A friend and I want to go in early April, and I was wondering if there would be enough snow there.

Tylor

sonaughty asked:


Hey there, is there a guarantee for snow in austria and switzerland alps during december? Is it true that we can see northern lights in prague too?

Drew

Nancy Eben asked:


Situated in the central region of Europe, Switzerland is among the most sought after holiday destination. The country of Switzerland is best acknowledged for its mountainous range (Jura in northwest, Alps in south) but if you ever happen to visit the place you would realize that the region is dotted with many pretty lakes, plains, hills and pastures. It shares its borders with Italy to the south, Austria and Liechtenstein to the east, France to the west, and Germany to the north. Accommodation in Switzerland is easy to find. Many hotels in Switzerland offer special packages all through the year to make your vacation all the more pleasant. Whether you are looking for cheap hotels in Switzerland or luxurious hotels… options are galore in the country.

Although Switzerland is a beautiful destination all through the year, summer is most suitable if you are looking forward to spend some time outdoor and indulge in open-air activities. Summer in Switzerland begins from June and ends in the month of September. Being the peak tourist season, during this time around you will find a heavy crowd of tourist and visitors. Prices of hotels in Switzerland soar very high, availability of hotels room dip and places of interest becomes crowded. But if you visit Switzerland during the months of April to May and from late September to October you can easily find a tourist office in the touristy areas of Switzerland. Here you can find out about different lodging and hotels available in the country. The staffs of Switzerland hotels are helpful and gracious, and speak good English. Hotel charges in Switzerland might be a little expensive than expected, particularly in popular ski resort areas. You will also find many cheap hotels and accommodations like inns that are functional and easy on pocket too.

Old town and the Munot fortress Schaffhausen

It was in the year 1564-1589 that the magnificent Munot Fortress in Schaffhausen erected by its people. The houses of the Old Town are ornately embellished with oriels and frescos. Its narrow boulevard is pretty and tempts the visitor to stroll and shop around for souvenirs. The herb garden in the All Saints Monastery is a great place to hit if you want serenity and calmness. The locales of the lovely Rhine Falls are something to lookout for.

Augusta Raurica

To be found about 20 km east of Basel near the villages of Augst and Kaiseraugst, Augusta Raurica is the oldest known Roman colony on the Rhine River. It is an immensely huge Roman archaeological site and an open-air museum. Augusta Raurica was established by Lucius Munatius Plancus in 44 BC in the region of a local Gallic tribe, the Rauraci.

Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon)

One of the best known castles in Switzerland, the Chillon Castle is located on the shore of Lake Geneva close to Montreux, Switzerland. The castle earlier consisted of 25 separate buildings that were later connected and currently form a single whole. The castle served as a residential building to the Counts of Savoy since the mid 12th century and is open for tourists. Chillon today hosts a museum which displays ancient objects.



Emily

Jasmine Stone asked:


If you enjoy skiing, there is nothing more exhilarating than the prospect of skiing through France.  Whether taking advantage of some of the world’s best downhill runs, or heading cross country, France is a skiers paradise, and somewhere definitely not to be missed for any winter sports enthusiast.  Amidst some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, the fresh alpine air and magically contoured runs are truly a once in a lifetime experience.  It really is no wonder that France is highly regarded as one of the best skiing nations in the world. 

When skiing in France, you’d be mad not to go to the alps.  Famous the world over for their excellent ski slopes, the alps also border on Switzerland, so you might also like to pop over and visit while you’re in town.  And don’t worry if you don’t have your equipment - there are simply thousands of dedicated ski shops to serve the tourists, and some stock some pretty good bargains!

France is also home to the world famous Val d’Isere resort.  A huge scenic expanse, the resort was made famous by top French skier Jean Claude Killy, and is a magnet for tourists all year round, with a near guarantee of absolutely perfect conditions.  Additionally, the resort caters for all levels of experience and ability, and so you’re sure to find a challenge somewhere!  To top it all, the resort boasts amazing facilities, from its ski lifts to its hotels and refreshment areas.  The Val d’Isere really is a skier’s heaven.

France is fortunate enough to benefit from great wine, great food, great culture…as well as great skiing!  If you decide to opt for France for your next skiing trip, don’t spend all your time on the slopes - get out there and experience a different style of living.  Sample the delicacies, and experience the delights of this highly metropolitan European nation.

Why not look online for great French skiing deals?  Thanks to the internet, holiday prices have really come down over the last few years, and you can find some real bargains with a bit of research.  Additionally, there is no need to consider booking each individual element separately, given the sheer number of top quality package deals, which will come included with your skiing, accommodation, flights and lift pass.  You might even be lucky enough to find a deal that includes some exotic French food to fill you up after a hard day on the slopes! 

Alternatively, you could just pop in to your local travel agents to see what they have on offer.  Although the travel agent will usually inflate the price to cover their commission, you can still find some real bargains that aren’t available elsewhere.  And what’s more, the travel agent can recommend where to go and what to see, and there is nothing quite like that personal recommendation.  Additionally, he can help allay any fears or worries you may have about your holiday, and can answer any questions you might have.  Again, it is important to shop around for the best deal, and this will also help you get a better idea of what your chosen resort is like as a whole.

Before leaving for France it is important to make sure you have a valid passport, with over six months before expiry.  This will be absolutely critical for passing through French customs.  If you need a new passport, you should allow around eight to ten weeks before leaving, given the lengthy application process.  Make sure you plan well in advance - the passport is vital if you’re to set foot out of the country.  Without it, you won’t get to experience the magic of French skiing, and additionally, you will lose the money you paid for your holiday, so this really is a vital consideration.

So why not consider France for your next skiing trip?  The real home of skiing, France is waiting, and it doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might think!



Tiffany

Anna Stenning asked:


Weekend holiday breaks are a great way to refresh yourself, unwind and recharge your batteries before getting back into the grind of working Monday morning. Long weekend breaks can usually start from Thursday straight after work and arriving back on Monday, therefore you would not need to take so much time off. The best way to fully appreciate your time off on a weekend holiday break is to take part in sporting activities.

Ski weekends are a very popular way of taking your mind off the real world and feel rest assured by the prospect of losing calories whilst on holiday. Going skiing in France or Italy, has been a popular choice for many and was once exclusive to the rich and wealthy. These days skiing is something that everyone including young people and students are able to enjoy sliding down slopes of the French Alps, without worrying about breaking the bank.

Looking for the right resort for the perfect ski weekends getaway, can prove to be a difficult task especially if this is the first ski trip you have ever made. For first-timers this is a very important part of your skiing experience as this is what will help to improve your skiing ability, for example choosing the resort with the best slopes suitable for beginners. There would be no point in choosing a short break in Morzine, France, if it is popular amongst expert and professional skiers.

A resort like Morzine is good for large groups and for people who are familiar with skiing on an intermediate level. Beginners will most likely feel overwhelmed by the amount of people taking part in skiing and intimidated by the expert skiers. Resorts such as Flaine or Meribel offer a great deal of comfort in practising your skiing techniques and provide good teaching grounds for private skiing tuition. Beginners should consider paying the extra cash on taking up on private skiing lessons, although group ski lessons are good for people not so keen on doing it on their own.

For those who are more experienced in the field of skiing, will perhaps feel that their ski weekends are best enjoyed in places such as Chamonix, Morzine, or Chatel In France. Other resorts which offer a diverse piste and off-piste skiing are Courmayeur in Italy, Verbier in Switzerland or Schladming in Austria. These resorts offer a great variety for the young or experienced thrill seekers, however beginners may feel out of place, therefore its is best to select your resorts carefully.

When travelling for a short skiing weekend break, it is always a good idea to buy insurance prior to boarding the plane. This is imperative to people going for the first time and is certainly a must for even the most professional of skiers, as it is best to prepare yourself for any unpredictable situations. It is not always a good idea to stick with the cheapest equipments as they may not be as durable as new equipment. Always purchase equipment and attires that is custom fitted for you, by approaching a well known retailers. If in doubt approach someone with some background in skiing.

The problem with taking a ski weekend break is that the only way people are able to travel further is if they are willing to pay the extra cash on the journey there and taking the time on fully enjoying the experience. Longer breaks are generally better for those looking to enjoy a relaxing time abroad as well as skiing. This could also be an ideal time for beginners to practise and improve on their skiing. One thing is for certain, that is a weekend away skiing will mean a good short burst of adrenaline rush and a good way to vent out any pent up frustration.



Blake

Paul asked:


Easily accessible from all points in Switzerland and beyond, Zermatt has become a very special location to enjoy walking, hiking, skiing or just a relaxing holiday away from it all! The famous Matterhorn at almost 4,500 metres high, towers majestically above the village and whether in full sunshine or covered in snow, it is easily the biggest talking point for visitors and residents alike. The Matterhorn is Switzerland’s most famous landmark - it’s the most beautiful mountain in the world and is considered by many mountain climbers and skiers to be their ‘peak of all peaks’.

Getting there

Swiss railways must be ranked among the best in Europe, if not the world, and by choosing Zermatt as your holiday destination you’ll find you are in safe hands, knowing they are usually spotlessly clean and that all trains run to time! Depending on your initial travel arrangements to Switzerland, onward train travel is ideal from Geneva or Zurich as they both have stations within the airports, with just one change at Visp required en-route to Zermatt. Travel times do vary, approx 3 hours from Geneva and around 4 hours from Zurich, but the journey won’t seem that long with so much scenery to enjoy along the way. Upon arrival you’ll find the train station is in the main street and there is ample opportunity there to make contact with the holiday apartment owner for your collection.

Zermatt is a ‘car-free’ area, only ‘electrically driven’ vehicles are permitted in Zermatt and some of these may be Taxis, although most hotels seem to have their own vehicle for the ‘pick up’ service. Zermatt is enjoyed best on foot, as there is no problem with noisy or congested traffic.

Motorists who drive to this region must use the ‘Matterhorn Park Haus’ at the nearby village of Tasch to park the car for the duration of their stay, and then catch the shuttle from the new train station, for the very short journey into the resort of Zermatt.

Holiday Apartments in Zermatt

Really the size of a small town, Zermatt is a delightful place which now provides almost 1600 Holiday Apartments that are available for holidaymakers to rent throughout the year. Apartments to rent are modern, comfortable and suitable for all your requirements. For the first time visitor it will seem like a “home from home” holiday. Most apartments are fully equipped, furnished with every conceivable necessity and generally accommodate from 2 to 10 or more holidaymakers. With such a comprehensive choice on offer, they are ideal for both summer and winter visitors, especially those in groups or with families who may not wish to stay in hotels.

Winter in Zermatt

In winter, ‘picture postcard’ Zermatt is popular with skiers, snow boarders and cross- country walkers who arrive from all over Europe. They enjoy everything that Zermatt has to offer, including the snowy mountains, alpine sports and dining out. The village has numerous shops and pretty boutiques, selling more fashion wear and the latest designs in winter sports clothing and ski-wear than you could imagine. Although many newcomers discover skiing and snowboarding in Zermatt each year, they all find good holiday rental accommodation quite easily and often it’s close to the centre of this picturesque resort. For experienced skiers arriving in Zermatt, the challenging ski-runs and off-piste powder snow conditions that surround the famous Matterhorn are just 2 of the big attractions. The Italian resort of Cervinia is great to visit when skiing for the day. Take the route to ski via the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, it’s a very possible stop for lunch.

The Mountains

All year round, there are several points at which to access the mountains, either by train, cable-car or gondola. The local Tourist Information office will provide you with the very best maps, guides and train timetables for use during your holiday, most completely Free of charge. You’ll find at least 3 main routes from which to enjoy an ‘adventure’ directly into the mountains.

Route 1 – Zermatt-Sunnegga Paradise-Rothorn Paradise

Route 2 – Zermatt-Rifflealp-Riffgleberg-Gornegrat

Route 3 – Zermatt-Furi-Schwarzee Paradise-Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Winter visitors just need to purchase a ski pass and / or train ticket for any chosen destination and can generally get on and off at any station along the route. Most high mountain areas provide suitable rest areas and good catering facilities. Don’t forget your camera!

Summer in Zermatt

The spring and summertime in Zermatt is generally a beautiful time to visit, and it feels invigorating just to breathe in the pure clean and fresh mountain air. The summer temperatures are much warmer than other parts of Northern Europe and the need for sun protection is just as important, but when walking at higher altitudes it’s advisable to carry an extra jumper or fleece as the high mountain air can be cooler.

Getting around is easy for most holidaymakers, and being a ‘car-free’ zone with only electric vehicles, taxis, utility and service vehicles allowed into the village, visitors are not restricted in anyway. All the main thoroughfare and surrounding areas are mostly on the level, with good roads and pathways for walking, but higher areas can be reached either via steps, taxi, the Gornergrat train service or some next level lifts adjacent to the ski lift / gondola stations. Summer visitors can just take things leisurely, sunbathe in a comfortable spot or simply stroll around the shops and restaurants gradually getting to know the village and its people. To access the mountains, just purchase a train / gondola ticket for each chosen location. As in winter, it’s generally permissible to get on and off at any station along the route, at no extra cost. Most high mountain areas provide really good rest areas and catering facilities. Once again, the camera is a must!

Adults and children of all ages can and do enjoy the endless opportunities that Zermatt has to offer. It’s a great place for families to spend time together, in a relaxed and unhurried region that’s full of fantastic sights and spectacular scenery.



Alex

Jasmine Stone asked:


LAAX in Switzerland stands over 30 000 feet high, with skiing and snowboarding facilities that suit everyone’s needs - from beginners to world champions. LAAX has hosted all the big events in snowboarding and skiing, welcoming thousands of tourists from around the globe each week. LAAX was one of the first major skiing locations to get on the map, when in the 70s skiing holidays started to rise in popularity for western travelers - LAAX was right their, waiting to ride the wave. Millions of visitors later, LAAX are renowned for their 3rd slalom known only as “Death Mountain” by some. With glaring views down the steep, tangling mountain-side it is no wonder “Death Mountain” scares even the most resilient of skier. 

With excellent facilities for everyone LAAX recently hosted the snowboarding world open, in which over 10,000 people took part from 60 countries around the world. An interesting element of this was that over 100 entries came from south Asia and Africa showing the rise of the sport, and the exposure of the location on a global scale. LAAX was voted number 1 skiing location around the world, by “Ski Press Magazine” that also notes LAAX as having the third best Snowboarding facilities and, as being the best new comer to Freestyle snowboarding. The popularity of LAAX, has also lead to continued investment from the company operating the slope, building an amazing ski lift that can handle weights of over 80 tonnes as it climbs 30 000 feet up the mountain face. The ski lift’s unique attribute is its balancing technology that allows the ski lift to carry massive amounts of weight disproportionately whilst keeping a balanced angle and speed. 

The popularity of LAAX is not just shared by avid skiers and snowboarders. Top music names and DJs also come to LAAX to experience the amazing events first hand. With the rise of snowboarding many of these musicians feel they can appeal to a certain audience out on the slopes, especially under the cover of darkness, with only flood lights keeping the mountains alive. The DJs provide entertainment as the crowd snowboard and ski into the morning sunlight. The views and the experience are utterly amazing, and are a sure way to ensure top class entertainment for the young travelers who visit LAAX.

However it is not only the night-time DJ sets and fireworks that sparkle for the young skiers; there are also plenty of locations tailored to their needs off the slopes as well. With local pubs, clubs and even swimming pools the young ones are sure to enjoy themselves off the snowy mountains of LAAX. Despite being an amazing location for younger skiers the location also appeals to those who have never been skiing before. They have multi-lingual training facilities and indoor centres where they train first-time skiers up before taking them to the slopes. They also have amazing training facilities for advanced skiers, facilities that would undoubtedly be used by the world’s top skiers and snowboarders at the world events that are held at the slope almost every year.

The local hotels and accommodation are amazing because unlike most skiing locations, they don’t limit the skiers and snowboarders to a single choice. There are youth hostels that are perfect for those looking to ski on the cheap; there are 5 star hotels for those looking to live the lap-of-luxury and there are many options in between. LAAX is home to more than just pubs, clubs and swimming pools, with banks and supermarkets also at realistic walking distance. LAAX is said to be at its peak during August, however this is said to be true for most of Europe’s top, skiing locations. That is why it is advisable to find a quieter time to visit, preferably a short time following the busy spell. The great thing about coming after the peak is that you are able to come for around half the price of another time of the year.



Rodriguez