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| | Switzerland has a long tradition of winter sport tourism. [[St. Moritz]] is usually refered as one of the first winter resort in the world (1864). | | Switzerland has a long tradition of winter sport tourism. [[St. Moritz]] is usually refered as one of the first winter resort in the world (1864). |
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| − | Usually, Switzerland ski resorts are original mountain villages that have retained some of their charm, even if they have grown much larger with the development of tourism. Some villages in [[Bernese Oberland]] or in [[Valais]] are themselves considered as tourist attractions. | + | Usually, Switzerland ski resorts are original mountain villages that have retained some of their charm, even if they have grown much larger with the development of tourism. Some villages in [[Bernese Highlands]] or in [[Valais]] are themselves considered as tourist attractions. |
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| | | | |
| | ==When to go== | | ==When to go== |
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| | ===Price, Size and Location=== | | ===Price, Size and Location=== |
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| | As a general rule, the larger the ski resort and the higher the elevation above sea level, the | | As a general rule, the larger the ski resort and the higher the elevation above sea level, the |
| | higher the price. Ski passes will consume a large proportion of your budget. | | higher the price. Ski passes will consume a large proportion of your budget. |
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| − | | + | Large ski resorts such as [[Zermatt]], [[St. Moritz]], or [[Grindelwald]] are the best in the Alps, but also the most expensive ones. Many less known resorts can offer cheaper alternatives, but have of course smaller and lower ski areas. Which can mean that hey lack snow later or early in the season |
| − | Large ski resorts such as [[Zermatt]], [[St. Moritz]], or [[Grindelwald]] are the best in the Alps, but also the most expensive ones. Many less known resorts can offer cheaper alternatives, but have of course smaller and lower ski areas. | + | |
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| | ===Apres Ski=== | | ===Apres Ski=== |
| − | | + | Ski resorts across the alps will always have a bar in the village, right at the bottom of the piste. This ranges from a loud glass temporary bars, perfect for a drink at 4 o'clock, to classy nightclubs great for spending the night. |
| − | | + | |
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| | ===Other Activities=== | | ===Other Activities=== |
| − | | + | Larger ski resorts will offer various other winter activities, such as cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and winter walking tracks. Telemark and ski touring equipment will generally be available. |
| − | | + | |
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| | ==Get in== | | ==Get in== |
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| | ===Avalanche danger=== | | ===Avalanche danger=== |
| − | | + | {{warningbox|Warning:Unlike in America, only the piste and marked runs are covered by the resort patrol and rescue service. You will be rescued, but you will be liable for straying off the piste}} |
| | As with all ski resorts, avalanches are an underestimated hazard. | | As with all ski resorts, avalanches are an underestimated hazard. |
| | Off-piste skiing is available and there are often Itinerary Runs. Some ski areas offer a 'Free Ride' area. This is a 'safe' area to ski and board off piste. | | Off-piste skiing is available and there are often Itinerary Runs. Some ski areas offer a 'Free Ride' area. This is a 'safe' area to ski and board off piste. |
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| | ==List of Ski Resorts== | | ==List of Ski Resorts== |
| | + | |
| | + | This is a non exhaustive list of mountain resorts in Switzerland. Many ski areas are situated well above 3000 meters (3900 m in Zermatt, 3600 m in Saas Fee for instance) and are snow sure until late in spring or even in summer. |
| | + | As mentioned above these resorts are also great for summer vacations. |
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| | ===[[Valais]]=== | | ===[[Valais]]=== |
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| | *[[Zermatt]] (summer ski, highest ski area in Europe) | | *[[Zermatt]] (summer ski, highest ski area in Europe) |
| | *[[Crans-Montana]] | | *[[Crans-Montana]] |
| − | *[[Saas Fee]] (summer ski, best summer ski area in the Alps) | + | *[[Saas-Fee]] (summer ski, best summer ski area in the Alps) |
| | *[[Saas Grund]] | | *[[Saas Grund]] |
| | *[[Leukerbad]] | | *[[Leukerbad]] |
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| | *[[Morgins]] | | *[[Morgins]] |
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| − | ===[[Bern]]=== | + | ===[[Berne]]=== |
| | *[[Grindelwald]] | | *[[Grindelwald]] |
| | *[[Mürren]] | | *[[Mürren]] |
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| | *[[Scuol]] | | *[[Scuol]] |
| | *[[Arosa]] | | *[[Arosa]] |
| − | *[[Davos]] | + | *[[Davos|Davos/Klosters]] |
| − | *[[Klosters]]
| + | |
| | *[[Lenzerheide]] | | *[[Lenzerheide]] |
| − | *[[Laax]] | + | *[[Laax]] [[Flims]] [[Falera]] (The Alpenarena) |
| − | *[[Flims]] (ski until end of April)
| + | |
| | *[[Brigels]] | | *[[Brigels]] |
| | *[[Disentis]] | | *[[Disentis]] |
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| | ===[[Central Switzerland]]=== | | ===[[Central Switzerland]]=== |
| − | *[[Engelberg]] / [[Titlis]] | + | *[[Engelberg]] / [[Mount Titlis]] |
| | *[[Melchsee-Frutt]] | | *[[Melchsee-Frutt]] |
| | *[[Andermatt]] | | *[[Andermatt]] |
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| | ===[[Vaud]]=== | | ===[[Vaud]]=== |
| − | *[[Les Diablerets]] | + | *[[Les Diablerets]] (ski until end of April) |
| | *[[Leysin]] | | *[[Leysin]] |
| | *[[Villars]] | | *[[Villars]] |
| | *[[Château-d'Oex]] | | *[[Château-d'Oex]] |
| | + | |
| | + | {{Outline}} |
Almost all winter resorts in Switzerland are frequented in summer by hikers, alpinists and tourists due to the many natural wonders and facilities.
Usually, Switzerland ski resorts are original mountain villages that have retained some of their charm, even if they have grown much larger with the development of tourism. Some villages in Bernese Highlands or in Valais are themselves considered as tourist attractions.
The ski season lasts from early December to April. In some areas it is possible to ski later or even all year (summer ski).
The best conditions for skiing are in mid-January, the coldest time of the year.
Late February is a good time for sun-seekers.
As a general rule, the larger the ski resort and the higher the elevation above sea level, the
higher the price. Ski passes will consume a large proportion of your budget.
Ski resorts across the alps will always have a bar in the village, right at the bottom of the piste. This ranges from a loud glass temporary bars, perfect for a drink at 4 o'clock, to classy nightclubs great for spending the night.
Larger ski resorts will offer various other winter activities, such as cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and winter walking tracks. Telemark and ski touring equipment will generally be available.
As with all ski resorts, avalanches are an underestimated hazard.
Off-piste skiing is available and there are often Itinerary Runs. Some ski areas offer a 'Free Ride' area. This is a 'safe' area to ski and board off piste.
Skiing off-piste is always an excellent activity but never be unprepared and ski safely!
There are numerous ski and snowboard rental shops in every larger resort and in many smaller ones. The choice is normally best made by convenience to the slopes or to accommodation.
This is a non exhaustive list of mountain resorts in Switzerland. Many ski areas are situated well above 3000 meters (3900 m in Zermatt, 3600 m in Saas Fee for instance) and are snow sure until late in spring or even in summer.
As mentioned above these resorts are also great for summer vacations.
