Travel to Switzerland

1.) The Matterhorn, Zermatt

The most famous peak in the Alps, the Matterhorn in Zermatt stands 4,478 meters high. Mountaineers flock to this town to conquer this technically difficult peak, and Zermatt also offers skiing and beautiful views. There are also non-skiing activities, best restaurants and lots of energetic nightlife for visitors to enjoy.

2.) St. Moritz

A famous playground of the wealthy, St. Moritz is a winter resort which offers skiing and a variety of summer and winter sports as well as mud and mineral baths and mud therapies. Savor caviar and truffles in some of the resorts' fine restaurants or spa treatment at the Health Spa Centre. This town is also known for its active and expensive nightlife.

3.) Mt. Pilatus

Near the lakeside city of Lucerne stands Mt. Pilatus, a 2,120-meter-tall mountain. Tourists can take a cable car to reach its top and enjoy the thrilling view. It is also a great venue for walking with numerous trails, and the visitors here can witness the spectacular scenery of the Swiss Alps.

4.) St. Gallen

An Irish monk founded St. Gallen in 612 AD. What was once a medieval center has now grown into the seventh largest city in Switzerland, and this old town has a lot of picturesque buildings, with carved balconies, colorful murals, and relief statues. The large twin-towered cathedral has remarkable ceiling frescoes and stucco designs.

5.) The Rhine Falls

Situated near the town of Schaffhausen, Europe's largest waterfalls, is a magnificent natural wonder. Near the falls is the medieval castle, Schoss Laufen, which houses a restaurant, a youth hostel, and shops. On Swiss National Day, August 1, the Rhine Falls is host to fantastic display of fireworks which attracts thousands of tourists.

Switzerland is regarded as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Many holiday makers go to Switzerland on family holidays and stay in self catering holiday homes.Switzerland has a very small geographical area. That's why, all its attractions are at a stone throw's distance from one another. They can be easily reached as well. The credit of being a superb tourist destination goes to its modern and ancient architecture, museums, castles, forests, lakes, and mountain resorts. It is one of the safest places to travel due to lower crime rate.

The Jungfrau Region is a home to spectacular scenery. The meadows and green valleys in this wonderland of the Alps give a good contrast to the white peaks of 3 towering mountains- Eiger, Monch, and the Jungfrau. There is an abundance of fresh air here. There are some superb skiing chalets in this area and they can be rented direct from their owners. Many families stay in these skiing chalets and take part in the winter sports and skiing.

The Montreux town lies in the centre of the Swiss Riviera besides the Lake Geneva. The Chillon Castle can be explored by walking by the lakeside. Touring of the courtyards, tower, rooms, and dungeons of this 11th century castle would also render a pleasant experience. This castle is the most recurrently visited historical structure in Switzerland. It is the place where weaponry, furniture, and frescoes are exhibited through its various rooms. Walking along the lake front or taking a trolley bus or train would facilitate the reaching. It is possible to rent self catering holiday apartments in this area and use them as a base to explore the local area and get a feel of the local culture and food.

Basel, the 2nd largest city of Switzerland should not be missed out. This is because it witnesses the Fasnacht Spring Carnival every year. This carnival lasts for 3 days. Participants exhibit themselves in colourful masks and dresses parading on the streets. Monday is the first day of the Carnival. This Monday is the one that comes after Ash Wednesday. The bars and cafes remain open throughout the night as sweets, flowers, and confetti are distributed to the mob. Families often come here on holiday to Switzerland to experience the festival and many stay in some of the holiday chalets that can be rented as holiday homes.

The Swiss National Park constitutes an area of 169 Km. It occupies the majority of the area under woodland and mountains. The wildlife consists of marmots, ibexes, chamois, and red deer. Walking about its trails, one can admire its awesome views. It is a popular holiday destination for family walking holidays and there are some fabulous chalets available to rent as holiday homes.

Geneva is located on the banks of lake Geneva. It ranks third (in Switzerland) in terms of area. It has one of the tallest fountains in the world, fine restaurants, and enchanting museums. People passionate about alternative arts should visit Geneva. Many tourists come here on short holiday breaks and stay in one of the many self catering apartments that are available to rent. St.Moritz is one of the most famous resorts in the world and has some fabulous chalets and self catering apartments available to rent as holiday homes. This winter resort is one of the most exclusive resorts in the world. Various winter and summer sports, along with mineral baths, mud therapies, and mud baths are put into practice here.

Lovers of skiing holidays may stay in Switzerland in some of the best skiing chalets in the world. There are also some excellent self catering apartments in Switzerland and the country offers some of the best holiday accommodation in Europe. Many families come to Switzerland on holiday year after year and enjoy the beautiful countryside and clean fresh air.

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