Travel to Switzerland

Situated in Western Europe, Switzerland is a federal republic and a multilingual country with four national languages (Italian, German, Romansh and French) and 26 states (also called cantons). One of the wealthiest countries across the world, this nation has been host to organizations like WTO and Red Cross and more.

Following are some of the places to visit when holidaying in Switzerland:

Fraum?er Church

Established in 853 in Zurich, this tourist attraction is rich with architectural features and has huge elaborate organ, Romanesque choir and a striking as well as picturesque built. The major draw of the church that has been pulling tourist and visitors in massive form is the glass windows beautiful stained. The marvelous windows were designed and planned in 1970 by Marc Chagall.

Rhine Falls

One of the dynamic and largest waterfalls of Europe, Rhine Falls is situated in Zurich and due to its natural beauty. The fall has a hill top over it, which holds various shops, restaurant and a medieval castle. When on a holiday in Switzerland, visiting this tourist attraction offers a breathtaking view and spectacular enigma to power of natural beauty. If you re on a holiday in Switzerland during the august, you can also witness superb fireworks presentation hosted by the Rhine falls for celebration of independence of the Swiss land.

Ch?au de Chillon

Ch?au de Chillon is a wonderful medieval castle built in 13th century and is a famous tourist attraction of this Swiss land. The castle has a lakeside location to it and was aimed to manage the area between the lake and mountains for the protection of north-south route. Every year a large number of tourist and visitors come to this castle for its magnificent structure, history and picturesque beauty. Some of the attractions that pull tourist on holiday in Switzerland to this castle are the dungeons, secret passages, courtyard, towers, luxurious chambers, grand knight's halls, furniture, paintings, huge rooms and frescoed chapel.

Lake Geneva (Lac L?n)

Lake Geneva is spread across both France and Switzerland is biggest lake of central Europe. The lake region of Swiss land is rich with attractions like ski resorts, cathedrals, castle, wine-growing villages, boat cruises and amazing lake view resorts.

Bern

Bern is an ancient city of Europe and is also a part of UNESCO's world heritage site. This Swiss land has attractions like ornate fountains, astronomical clock, old building and cobbled medieval streets. Bern is also thronged with tourist and visitors as it is also capital to this Swiss land.

Best time to visit or holiday in Switzerland

When holidaying in Switzerland for outdoor activities like capturing major Swiss attractions and architectural tour, the best or the ideal time to visit is the summer months from June-September. While for those who wish to visit this Swiss land mainly for its ski activities, the best time is the November to march.

Arosa is located on a height of 1774 meters a.s.l. in the county of Pleasure in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland. Arosa is one of the ski resorts in Switzerland with snow guarantee. In summer numerous tourists from all over the world visit Arosa. Whether you want to mountaineer, mountain bike or climb Arosa is a great place! Yet, it doesn't leave any desires unsatisfied, especially during winter. Skiers, snowboarders, Nordic skiers and free riders will find a white paradise. 

Due to its geographical location if 46 degrees north and 9 degress south of Chur it receives many sun hours. Nonetheless, it is still one of the ski resorts in Graubünden with snow guarantee. From December to April you definitely don't have to worry about snow conditions. Amongst others, popular winter sportsmen such as Gian Simmen, Roger Staub and David Zogg are at home in Arosa. Popular author and TV chef Kathrin Rüegg is from Arosa, too.

Arosa gas about 2,285 citizens and some hotels in Arosa offer accommodation for uncountable guests. Since Arosa is a quite popular holiday destination it might be difficult to find accommodation, especially during the peak season. During these times you can switch to the neighbouring villages of Maran and Innerosa.

Arosa ski resort offers 60 km of designated trails of which 35 km are easiest (blue), 20 km are intermediate (red) and 5 km are most difficult (black). In addition, there are a couple of ski routes. 13 lifts cater for a quick progression and give the skier and riders a ride up to the top. 4 of them are surface lifts, 6 chair lifts and 3 gondolas and aerials cableways. One thing is for sure: Arosa is one of the most popular ski resorts in Switzerland.

With brilliant white snow and crisp clean air, Switzerland represents an amazing opportunity to hit the slopes.

Listed below is a breakdown of Switzerlands top 10 resorts and places to ski. These locations represent some of the finest skiing resorts in the world!

1. Arosa - Doubling as both a summer and winter resort, Arosa is located in the Eastern section of Switzerland. Arosa, with its traditions and unusual history, cannot be fully experienced in one trip. So how are the slopes? Arosa has over 50 miles of pristine terrain for you to fully immerse in. The air is especially pure and the slope drop offs will challenge even the most experienced skiers. Nature lovers will also enjoy the relative isolation of Arosa as compared to some of the other resorts on this list

2. Gstaad/Saanenland - Looking for a ski resort where you can gain some experience without be subjected to extremely difficult courses? If so, then Gstadd might be the place for you. Their courses attract mostly beginners and intermediate skiers because the slopes aren't as insane as some of the other locations in Switzerland. The only drawback for me is Gstaad is a bit on the pricey side. Swank hotels, trendy shops, and upscale restaurants are a common sight throughout. However, if money is not an obstacle, you will be pleased to know that the Gstadd/Saanenland area is one of the largest ski resorts in the Alps.

3. Murren - Murren is truly a picturesque sight to see. Located on a high cliff in Lauterbrunnen Valley over 5,400 ft. in the air, this mountain village can only be reached by cable car. During the rare occasion where snow is in its top form, you will have no problem finding other activities to do. However, during peak snow season you will find that Murren offers some of the best snow and slopes around, attracting more advanced skiers.

4. Davos/Klosters - Davos is located in East Switzerland on the Landwasser River. The popularity of Davos has tailed off a bit from its heyday and the village is a bit rundown. Klosters offers a better alternative and brings in many skiers from The Netherlands and UK. This region offers ample slopes for the less experienced skier. First class hiking and fine dining located thousands of feet in the air, are just a few things to do.

5. Laax/Films/Falera - This area offers a wide range of summer sports. The winter months provide ample opportunity for world class competitions. Skiing and snowboarding are just a few of the many top notch events that attracts visitors. Combinded, the Laax/Films/Falera area occupies over 130 sq. miles of prime skiing opportunities. The Vorab Glacier and Crap Sogn Gion attract much of the cross country skiing crowd while Foppa and Nagens represent an awesome downhill alternative for beginner and intermediate skiers. The lodging accommodations are reasonable and isn't as pretentious as say Gstaad. If crowds aren't your thing be sure to book your trip during the weekdays, the locals take advantage of the prime snow conditions during the weekends.

6. Saas-Fee - Saas-Fee is located in southwest Switzerland, next to Zermatt, and is home to the highest mountain in all of Switzerland, The Dom. What attracts many visitors to Saas-Fee is the amount of glacial activity. Glaciers of the Dom and the Allalinhorn allow for year-round sports activities, including summer skiing in some locations. With a wide range of blue rating slopes, Saas-Fee brings in much of the intermediate and advanced enthusiast. Don't be intimidated,however. There are also many slopes and schools of training for beginners.

7. Grindelwald - Next on my list is Grindelwald, which lies in the valley of Bernese Oberland, located very close to the middle of Swizterland. With over 120 miles of prime ski slopes, Grindelwald skiers have many different areas to choose from, most choose the Kleine Scheidegg for a fine sking experience. What sets this location apart from the others are the slopes accesabile only by helicopter. Griendwald has some of the best helicopter skiing in the world! In addition, you will be amazed to find that Grindelwald is a hub for activity. If you ever get tired of the slopes, (highley unlikely) Grindelwald is filled with museums, top notch golf courses, and a wide array of other adventure sports.

8. St. Moritz - Fancy a place with over 300 days of sunshine, superb housing, and a resort full of ancient history? If so, then St. Moritz is the place for you! Located in the far south east corner of Switzerland, St. Moritz is one of the most famous destinations in Switzerland. Beginners will enjoy the area of Corviglia where you will experience relatively easy slopes while advanced skiers will soak up the mind-numbing bliss of Pontresina. The view is said to be majestic. However, as with many of the other higher end resorts in Switzerland, be prepared to spend a bit of money!

9. Verbier - The runner up on my list of top places to ski in Switzerland is Verbier. As one of the more popular Swiss resorts in the Alps, the slopes can get a bit crowded during peak season. The slopes stay in pristine condition during the Spring months and make for a wonderful alternative to the sometimes overcrowded winter. The wide assortments of unique and challeneging courses suits both beginners and advanced skiers. Tortin has consistently been rated as a top draw for experts while the numerous ski training locations in Verbier create a fun atmosphere for the beginner. In addition, superb hotels, dining, sporting activities, and night life make Verbier one of the world's top ski destinations and tourist attractions.

10. Zermatt - Heard of Zermatt? If you haven't heard about Switzerland's greatest ski resort, you have now! In Zermatt, skiing is a year round affair. Enjoy the Sunegga and Gornergrat regions during the winter months and make your way over to the Theodul Glacier for a fine intermediate adventure during the warmer summer months. With great snow, a wide array of obstacles and challenges, and some of the cleanest,freshest air in the world, Zermatt caters to just about everyone. 

In addition to incredible skiing, Zermatt features some of the most beautiful, natural ice skating rinks and many other adventure sporting activities such as climbing and paragliding. The world famous Matterhorn draws locals and tourists alike to scale this magnificent mountain. Nature lovers will appreciate the car-free resort with unbelieveable natural hiking trails. To visit Zermatt is said to have a Zen-like feel and this is why Zermatt is my top place to ski in Switzerland!

Copyright (c) 2009 Jason Boehle