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Showing posts with label Laax. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Laax. Show all posts

LAAX In Switzerland-A Skier And Snowboarder Hotspot

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 tons 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.

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The Top 10 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

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