Zermatt epitomises the global image of Switzerland: high-alpine, awe-inspiring and original. Almost one-third of the 4,000-metre mountains in the Alps are grouped around this word-famous health resort, which has been visited by mountaineers from all around the world since the first successful ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865.
The hotels and restaurants are world-class, and the ski area is not
only the highest in the Alps – it is also one of the best developed and most convenient in the world, ensuring thrilling sporting experiences
on the steepest slopes in the world – 365 days a year.
More information: www.zermatt.ch
Nestled in a sun-drenched south-western facing bowl, resting high up on a spectacular mountainside at an altitude of 1500m, Verbier is the quintessential ski resort. Vaunting a wide spectrum of sporting and leisure activities during both the summer and winter seasons, the resort also has a lively, yet intimate nightlife. Coupled with some of the most breath taking scenery that the Alps have to offer.
Verbier can be enjoyed at whichever pace suits you, whether your looking for bustle and a scene, or if peace and quiet is what you’re after, you never have to venture too far to get it.
More information: www.verbier.ch
Gstaad is the archetype of a Swiss resort of fairy tales. Surrounded by Alps, the town’s most prominent feature is a picturesque castle that nestles on a hill overlooking the village. By night, the Palace Hotel is lit by spotlights and the eves of every chalet in the village are illuminated by strings of small white lights. Adding to the charm of this winter marvel is that the town is car free and all destinations are a close walk away. Gstaad is known for its luxury hotels and shopping, excellent service, and international stars, as well as being one of the largest ski areas in Europe. Visitors can ski the entire Gstaad “Super Ski Region,” which is comprised of some six sectors, over 70 lifts, and 150 miles (250 kilometers) of trails.
More information: www.gstaad.ch
Fit for a King, Klosters offers a unique combination of a renowned mountain retreat – the British heir to the throne Prince Charles is a regular guest – and the idyll of an untouched Graubünden village.
The diverse range of activities on offer in summer and winter is well suited to families with children.
Nestling in a rural vally with its romantic village-like atmosphere, Klosters is a picturesque old mountain town that stands in stark contrast to the nearby alpine metropolis of Davos. Boasting 320 kms
of pistes, the Klosters-Davos skiing region offers an extensive winter playground for both skiers and snowboarders.
More information: www.davos.ch
St. Moritz is the epitome of style, elegance and class. One of the world’s most famous ski holiday resorts, St. Moritz is chic, elegant and exclusive with a cosmopolitan ambiance. Located at 1,856 metres above sea level in the middle of the Upper Engadin lake landscape, the dry, sparkling “champagne climate” is legendary and the celebrated St. Moritz sun shines for an average of 322 days a year.
Feel the sun on your face and the powder under your ski’s the whole day long! For the region can lay claim to 350 km (217 miles) of ski pistes. Thanks to its altitude of between 1,800 and 3,303 metres(5,906−10,837 ft) above sea level, snow is guaranteed.
More information: www.stmoritz.ch
Les 4 Vallées is undeniably one of the most dynamic ski regions in Europe and yet one of the least publicised. A well-kept secret by those in the know. 92 lifts interlink 412kms of groomed pistes, connecting the numerous resorts of Verbier, La Tzoumaz, Siviez, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Mayens de L’Ours, Thyon, Les Collons and Les Masses.
The 4 Vallées ski region is suitable for people of all abilities and ages – there is truly something for everyone: board parks, world cup race pistes, freeride championships, numerous ski de fond trails, torchlight descents, and multiple opportunities for the snow-walker on raquettes to enjoy the alpine air.
More information: http://www.4vallees.ch/
Davos is the highest city in Europe, sitting more than 5,000 feet above sea level, straddled by the Plessur and Albula ranges. In the early 90’s, Davos became famous for hosting the World Economic Forum, an annual winter gathering of international politicians and financiers who represented a transnational elite.
Together with the nearby town of Klosters, Davos offers a wide variety of winter sports activities, and summer hiking trails, set amid stunning Alpine scenery.
More information: www.davos.ch
Grimentz lies at an altitude of 1570 meters in the Valaisian Val d’Anniviers. It is a veritable picture-book Swiss village full of charm and natural beauty. The Grimentz ski slopes above Bendolla stretch along the Becs de Bosson up to an altitude of almost 3000 metres, affording stunning panoramas of the Moiry Glacier, Val d’Anniviers and Rhone Valley. Other attractions include a fun park, tours, cross-country ski trails, a toboggan run and hiking trails. Behind the sun-darkened walls, the characteristic buildings of the Val d’Anniviers have a vast choice of catering, elegant wines, local dishes and gastronomical menus.
More information: www.grimentz.ch
No less than 13 four-thousand-metre peaks encircle Saas-Fee at the foot of the glaciers like a shell and give it its distinctive name “the Pearl of the Alps”. Let yourself fall under its spell and enjoy your holiday in the fresh, clean alpine air of the village where cars are not permitted.
Discover the unique world of mountains which fascinates and
entertains visitors in both summer and winter. The four villages in the Saas Valley have a wide variety of activities for tourists all year round, and some of the best ski areas in Europe.
More information: www.saas-fee.ch
