Holidays in the mountains of Switzerland. Winter in the mountains of Switzerland. Useful links to prepare for your trip to Switzerland

Starts winter season. Many skiers ask themselves the question: where to go this season? Why not to Switzerland? We continue our review of the best winter resorts in Europe.

The Swiss Confederation, a country in Central Europe, borders France, Germany, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein. Republic, confederation, 23 cantons (3 of them are divided into half-cantons), each of which has its own constitution, parliament and government. The official name of the country is the Helvetian Confederation (Confederation Helvetique), hence the CH code on cars.

Switzerland covers an area equal to 1/9 of Germany and half of Austria. Approximately 60% of the territory is occupied by mountains. Snow-capped mountain peaks and crystal clear lakes, edelweiss (flowers), fondue and raclette (national dishes), pristine nature and ancient traditions.

SAINT MORITZ

St. Moritz is located on the southern slope of the Swiss Alps near Italy. In 1928 and 1948 St. Moritz was the capital of the Olympic Games. Stable weather, stable snow cover, 1800 meters above sea level and air "like dry champagne" - what else do you need for a winter paradise? St. Moritz, often referred to as the "Top of the World", is one of the famous ski resorts, and in winter time- the residence of the richest people in the world. The climate of the resort is also legendary - an average of 332 sunny days a year - a Swiss record!

St. Moritz is famous for its exotic winter fun: on the ice of the lake, along with skijoring (horse racing), tournaments are held annually in such exclusively summer sports as cricket, polo and golf. A one-of-a-kind golf championship on ice - with red balls more appropriate in the snow than the traditional white ones - is a picturesque sight.

CRANES MONTANA

Crans and Montana are twin villages in the middle of the Alps. This resort is located on a sunny terrace of lakes and forests with breathtaking views from the Maternhorn. Crans-Montana is a unique resort in terms of its climatic conditions, which allows skiing in winter and summer (Plaine-Morte glacier), permanent place holding international championships in alpine skiing. The resort is located on a picturesque alpine plateau among pines and lakes, above the valley of the Rhone River. A free bus runs around the city, which brings skiers to the ski lifts.

Crans-Montana is the perfect place for shopping. Here are the shops of the world's leading fashion designers. One of the best children's ski schools is located in Crans-Montana, where even the smallest children can quickly learn how to ski. In Crans-Montana, a modern tourist infrastructure awaits you: 2 six-seater chair lifts, 5 car parks at the ski lifts, a sports center, a congress hall.

Zermatt is rightfully one of the prestigious resorts in Switzerland, the center of mountaineering. The symbol of Zermatt - Mount Serven - is known to lovers of skiing all over the world. Here you can go skiing, regardless of the time of year, both in winter and in summer. Protecting the unique nature, Zermatt is completely traffic-free road transport, the air is always absolutely clean, and rides on a troika of horses or an electric car leave an unforgettable impression. Zermatt is a great place for a family holiday. Without the slightest danger, you can leave the children in the care of experienced instructors who will not only teach you how to ski, but also make sure that they are fed on time and do not experience any difficulties. In the evening, having rolled enough, you can spend time with pleasure in numerous bars, restaurants, discos.

Ample opportunities for lovers of flat skiing: 3 outdoor skating rinks, an indoor skating rink, tennis courts, squash, a fitness center, a ski school.

GRINDELWALD

Grindelwald is a skier's paradise with its variety of alpine landscape and huge selection trails and slopes. Skiers enjoy 43 mountain and cable cars, lifting to a height of 2971 m, and trails over 200 km long. In Grindelwald you will discover the "enchanting world of glaciers". This worldwide resort is known as the "Village of Glaciers". Mysterious Grotto blue ice, the exotic Glacier Gorge is the closeness of nature. Take the opportunity to touch her.

Follow in the footsteps of James Bond to the world-famous revolving restaurant "Piz Gloria", located at an altitude of 2970 m at the top of Schiltorn mountain. Over 200 Alpine mountain peaks will take your breath away. Jungerfraujoch-Top of Europe is one of the most memorable trips to the beautiful world of mountains. world famous Railway will take you to the highest station in Europe at an altitude of 3454 m. The world of eternal ice and snow in the Jungerfraujoch-Region will forever be remembered by you.

Grindelwald offers an extensive skiing program. For kids there is a ski Kindergarten, for adults - courses for beginners, as well as courses for learning how to perform conjugated turns and descent along an unprepared track.

Not far from Grindelwald, one of the oldest resorts in Switzerland, Interlaken, is located, where you can experience the social life of Switzerland in its entirety by walking along Hoeweg Boulevard, with chic hotels, cafes, fashion stores, watches, jewelry.

Situated between the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. It has a reputation as a ski Mecca. The village combines a bustling town and a place where you can relax while spending your holidays. People from all over the world flock here for sports and other entertainment: nowhere else can you enjoy the sun and delicacies in more than 50 restaurants!

Skating. Whatever your standards, Verbier will seem like one of the best ski resorts in the world. One of the best systems is organized here, lifting to a height of 2200-3000 m. The lift is almost always full. Its popularity is explained by the fact that the slopes of the mountain are wonderful for skiing, and the endings of the slopes are simply endless. Verbier is part of the great 4 Valleys circle, connecting with Haute Nendaz, Thyon-2000 and Veysonnaz.

Apreschi is well organized and an integral part of your stay in Verbier. It is full of pubs, bars and even a milkshake bar. Terrace on La Farinet the best place for a warm welcome. Another popular brasserie, Montfort and Nelson is a great place to visit before lunch. Or you can dare and go to one of the 4 nightclubs.

A magical village located on a glacier in the south of Switzerland, in the German-speaking canton of Valais, where the use of any vehicle is prohibited. One of the highest mountain resorts in Switzerland, called the "Pearl of the Alps". Majestic mountains, 13 of which rise to a height of more than 4000 m and are forever covered with snow, surround the town. The most modern cable car "Alpin Express" will take you up to Falskino, into the world of glaciers. From here you can take the Alpin Metro underground railway, the highest metro in the world, to Mittelallan, at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level. Here you will discover a new fantasy world inside the glacier. The largest ice pavilion in the world will reveal the secrets of ice and snow for you. Conquer easily the easiest four-thousander of the Swiss Alps to climb, Allain, accompanied by our experienced guides, or go skiing in the glacier area at any time of the year.

You won't be bored here day or night. In Saas-Fee, both beginners and professionals will find a track to their liking. After skiing, relax and unwind in one of the resort's 60 restaurants. For example, in the revolving restaurant located above all in the world at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level, which offers a fantastic panorama of the Swiss Alps and surrounding glaciers. This is a place worth visiting.

Review prepared by Alexander Pudikov

One of the most influential banking centers, one of the most prosperous countries in the world, the owner of the best European ski resorts Switzerland is a small country in Western Europe, located in the heart of the Alps. Find out on the Tour Calendar why the most favorable time to visit this mountainous country is from December to February and from May to September.

Tourist season in Switzerland

Impeccable environmental conditions, breathtaking natural landscapes and the best ski resorts in Europe are not all the reasons for such a high tourist popularity of Switzerland, which annually attracts 10 million people. Switzerland is unimaginable without Geneva and Zurich, where the priceless artistic, musical and architectural treasures of Europe are stored, without first-class hotels with well-trained service, without a high level medical care and excellent balneological centers, as well as regular summits and congresses of the highest level. In fact, everyone perceives Switzerland in their own way. For a millionaire, it is associated with comfort, reliability and respectability, for a simple layman - with pristine beauty nature and the prim restraint of the population. Due to the favorable climate, holidays in the country are relevant throughout the year.

High season in Switzerland

First of all, Switzerland is the leading destination for winter recreation, so the lion's share of the tourist flow to the country falls on the height of the ski season from December to early March. This period coincides with the New Year and Christmas season. Pre-holiday turmoil reigns everywhere, and a premonition of magic is in the air. Travelers go equally to large cities and ski resorts. Fortunately, the last ones with “apre-ski” are in full order. It's no secret that holidays in Switzerland are suitable for the rich, or at least for people who are not very constrained in their means. So, in winter, even some of them can be jarred by astronomical sums for accommodation and average check in a restaurant. In general, saving in Switzerland is a sign of bad taste. Another period of the high season in the country is the summer peak months, which are very popular for sightseeing tourism. Of course, in terms of the number of tourists, it is slightly inferior to the winter one, but in major cities there is no shortage of foreigners. There is also a very decent demand for recreation "in the bosom of nature" - at lake or thermal resorts. And this, of course, is immediately reflected in the pricing policy of hoteliers.

Low season in Switzerland

The low holiday season in Switzerland is in late autumn and early spring (with the exception of Easter week). Many ski centers are closed, but resort towns continue to receive tourists as before. The weather is not quite friendly, but there is no crowd, and travel agencies make great deals on tours. Concerning independent travel, then the choice of place of residence will be the determining factor in pricing. It is not necessary to count on big discounts for hoteliers in major cities of Switzerland. Demand is always high there, because the off-season period is typical only for tourism, and in the business world this is the most active time. It often becomes more profitable to book hotels with travel agencies that buy rooms in advance at attractive prices than on all kinds of booking platforms. But here you need to look at the situation. Also, it will not be superfluous to follow the special offers for tickets, often arranged at this time by some airlines.

The best time for excursions

Switzerland is the charm of old cities, the splendor of over 1000 castles, an abundance of museums and galleries, as well as winding paths along charming alpine meadows. Switzerland is a true adventurer's paradise: climbing, paragliding, canoeing and more. Speaking about this country, quite often we have to use the word "most", since it is here that the "world's most terrible bridge", "the world's largest lake", "the world's largest ice grotto" and much more are located. himself." When is the best time to plan an acquaintance with the country? I must admit that at the height of summer there are a lot of tourists in Switzerland, so if there is an opportunity to postpone your vacation to other dates, we advise you to use it. April, May and June are excellent times for city sightseeing tours, in September and October, you can safely go to the mountain passes (often they are still covered with snow until mid-June). You can also go to the south of Switzerland, replete with subtropical vegetation, in late autumn due to the mild climate during all year round.

Beach season in Switzerland

One of the most popular holiday destinations in Switzerland is relaxation on the country's numerous lakes, despite the fact that most of them are of glacial origin. Lakeside beaches, as well as ski resorts, are equipped at the highest level. The beach season on Lake Geneva lasts from mid-July to August. And on Lake Lugansk and Lake Maggiore on the border with Italy, they begin to swim in the first days of June. Here, in the midst of summer, the water warms up to +26 °C. Due to the subtropical climate uncharacteristic for the country and protection from the winds by the high slopes of the mountains, take sunbathing in the south of the country it is possible even in September-October. By the way, on Swiss reservoirs, rest is unlikely to be passive. Activities such as yachting, windsurfing, golf, etc. are available here.

Ski season in Switzerland

Switzerland boasts the most respectable ski resorts in the world and the best ski schools for both adults and children. Holidays in the Swiss Alps are considered truly elite, so don't be surprised if you have to share the track with some famous top model or popular pop star. Here it is business as usual. The mass opening of the skiing season begins a week before Christmas, although a number of ski resorts receive their guests as early as the last days of November. The closing of the season falls on mid-March - mid-April. However, some high-mountain stations and several ski centers on alpine glaciers operate until the summer itself. Cultural life in the resorts of Switzerland is in full swing. In addition to interesting show programs offered by local restaurants and entertainment venues, the season is always marked by interesting competitions and holidays. For example, in mid-January Grindelwald hosts the Snow Sculpture Festival, and the Bull-Trophy international curling championship is expected in the same month. And in Zermatt in April, a lot of world pop stars flock to the three-day Zermatt Unplugged music festival.

Wellness season

In Switzerland, there is an increase in the tourism sector related to wellness holidays. The Swiss are the healthiest nation in the world, it is not for nothing that millions of tourists choose their country, visiting numerous balneological resorts every year. Absolutely every thermal complex has baths with hot water from healing springs, a hammam, a gym, a water park, medical offices and entertainment industry establishments. As a rule, such thermal complexes operate on the basis of hotels located in the most secluded corners of the country, on the shores of picturesque lakes or surrounded by Alpine mountains. They operate throughout the year, however the best time to visit them - the second half of spring, early summer and early autumn. Wellness centers at ski resorts are in great demand, of course, in winter.

Time for holidays and festivals

The Swiss holiday calendar easily stretches over the whole year. The most significant state and religious dates include: December 6 - St. Nicholas, December 25 - Catholic Christmas, December 26 - St. Stephen, December 31 - St. Sylvester or New Year January 2 - St. Berthold, late March - early May - Easter, August 1 - Confederation Day or Swiss National Day, August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin Mary, November 1 - All Saints Day. It is impossible to imagine Switzerland without the rich folk traditions, ritual festivals and alpine celebrations. However, as a rule, in each canton they have their own - the multinationality of the country affects. Therefore, to mention all of them, unfortunately, will not work. But we will try to list the most ambitious ones. In mid-February - early March, a real carnival madness called "Fasnacht" is going on in Basel. The holiday opens on the Monday after Ash Wednesday and is a large costumed procession to the accompaniment of a musical orchestra. The Swiss capital also follows carnival traditions. Only carnival in Bern does not start on Monday, but on Thursday, immediately after Ash Wednesday. Its main symbol is the Bernese bear, which opens the holiday. The culmination of the fun takes place on Saturday, on this day a grandiose parade is arranged, in the evening, a chic theatrical performance and a gala concert await the audience. Third Monday in April in Zurich traditional holiday spring "Six Rings", which marks the meeting of spring. The apogee of the celebration is the public burning of a straw effigy. Summer is the time for festivals. So, in the first days of July, tens of thousands of people flock to Montreux to enjoy jazz music at the Montreux Jazz Festival, a little later, the mountain resort of Verbier delights the ears of its visitors with classical music for two weeks.

Climate in Switzerland

In general, we can say that Switzerland is dominated by a continental climate type. However, different regions are characterized by large amplitudes of temperature fluctuations. The higher the altitude, the colder the weather and the higher the humidity level. The northwestern and central parts of the country are influenced by the Atlantic, in the east the alpine climate subtype prevails in the mountains, and in the south, on the border with Italy, the subtropical Mediterranean. Winters in Switzerland are quite cold and snowy, while summers are warm and rainy.

Switzerland in spring

The beginning of spring in Switzerland is marked by a slight increase in average daily temperatures. In the lowlands, the thermometer reaches +8 °C..+9 °C. Geneva and Zurich are the warmest, while central Bern is a couple of degrees cooler. It is still frosty in the mountains, but at most resorts at the height of the day, positive temperatures are recorded. March is a pretty tricky month. Already in the first days of March, young grass breaks through in the southern regions, but it is possible that after a while this part of the country will be covered by a wave of cooling. The April weather pattern is strikingly different from the March one, especially in the west and south of the country. Here begins the active time of flowering. AT open ground magnolias, camellias and tulips bloom. At noon, the air sometimes warms up to +14 °C. It is also warm in Bern - at least +13 °C. This month is more likely to rain, do not forget to take an umbrella with you. But in the mountains there is still snow confidently, spring has not yet reached here. May heralds the imminent approach of summer. It kicks off an active excursion season: the sun wins back everything from inclement weather. large quantity hours, daylight hours are getting a little longer, and there is no need to wrap yourself in the usual winter things. If you go to Zurich, you will expect at least +19 °C, a little more restrained in Bern - about +17 °C. Most of the ski resorts have already completed the next season, but there are some where the snow continues to hold confidently. For example, in Zermatt. Here reign eternal ice.

Temperature and weather in Switzerland in spring

	March weather	April weather	May weather
Berne	+8	+12	+16
Geneva	+10	+14	+18
Interlaken	+9	+13	+17
Zurich	+11	+15	+20
Lausanne	+8	+13	+17
Lugano	+8	+12	+16
Zermatt	+10	+15	+18
Basel	+10	+15	+18

Switzerland in summer

Summer is a rather wet season in the Swiss valleys, but warm. The average air temperature for the season in the north in the central regions ranges from +19 °C to +24 °C during the day, and from 11 °C to 14 °C at night. In the south of the country the weather is somewhat hotter. On some days, the thermometer can fly up to +28 °C .. +32 °C, however, such temperatures are surprisingly easy to endure. As the evening approaches, the air cools sharply, so it will not be superfluous to take a light jacket with you. In July, many lakes of the country have an active swimming season. The coolest water is on Lake Geneva, its maximum temperature mark is about +20 °C. Lake Zurich is slightly warmer - from +22 °C to +23 °C. And on Luhansk there is a real beach paradise, here the water can warm up to +26 ° C! Summer in the foothills is ideal for enjoying the alpine nature. It is not so cold during the day - +15 °C..+17 °C. And at an altitude of over 2000 m - within +5 °C .. +10 °C.

Temperature and weather in Switzerland in summer

	June weather	July weather	August weather
Berne	+20	+22	+21
Geneva	+22	+26	+25
Interlaken	+20	+24	+23
Zurich	+21	+24	+23
Lausanne	+21	+24	+22
Lugano	+20	+23	+22
Zermatt	+22	+24	+23
Basel	+22	+24	+23

Switzerland in autumn

In September, the light breath of autumn is already felt, but the general climatic background of the country is quite pleasant. This is especially true of the southern cities of Switzerland. The sun shines for at least 6 hours a day, the heat recedes, and comfortable warm weather sets in instead. This month there is much less precipitation than in the summer season. Although in the central regions it rains quite often. In the mountains at the end of September, the first snow may fall. In October, autumn comes into its own in Switzerland: the air cools sharply, gusty winds begin to blow. Despite the occasional rainfall, the weather is often overcast. Light frosts are possible at night. The Alps are already dominated by negative temperatures and sometimes it snows. November is not the best time to visit the country. The cities are rather uncomfortable: damp, overcast and windy. Despite positive temperatures, short-term frosts are possible. It gets dark early, so the main tourist audience spends the evenings in bars or restaurants. The ski resorts are much more fun. There, by the end of the month, the ski season opens, and instead of dirty slush, there is fluffy white snow underfoot.

The best winter holiday is considered to be ski holidays in Switzerland thanks to the picturesque nature of the Alps, as well as the fact that the slopes of this region are just perfect for skiing, snowboarding and relaxing in the mountains.

It is not for nothing that skiing Switzerland is a real paradise for skiers and climbers, because the mountains occupy almost two-thirds of the entire country. The Swiss Alps are the birthplace of mountaineering and skiing.

Unique ski tours in Switzerland are highly valued, because, first of all, they are high-class slopes and the best ski resorts in Switzerland, excellent service in hotels, as well as not inflated prices, the same as in other ski resorts in Europe.

When they say Switzerland skiing, it means impeccable reliability, the strongest guarantees of safety and the highest quality of service. The undisputed leader in winter tourism is the ski resorts of Switzerland, this is an indisputable fact.

The reasons why skiing in Switzerland has always been considered the best is that there are so many slopes that differ high quality, it is possible to choose a track by difficulty level, by its length, and, of course, here the highest level service

And it doesn’t matter if you are an experienced skier or a beginner, the beautiful country of Switzerland will offer mountain skiing tours - this ideal places for relax.

The level of preparation of slopes of ski resorts in Switzerland is a benchmark all over the world, as well as the level of service and comfort, and reasonable prices are distinctive feature Swiss resorts.

The absence, even at the height of the season, of queues for lifts, their large number and high throughput, significant heights of the location of the resorts - all this makes it possible to visit the ski resorts of Switzerland from November to April, and such as Zermatt - possibly in the summer.

Switzerland is a country of interest to travelers from various countries.

On the territory of an amazing country there are numerous resorts, where all conditions for winter and summer holidays are created. Winter holidays in Switzerland are very popular, and it consists in winter sports. A variety of tours attract with a rich program, include interesting and exciting entertainment. No wonder Switzerland is one of the most popular skiing destinations in the world.

Winter holidays in Switzerland are suitable for people of all ages; ski resorts will be interesting for both adults and children.

A classic tour that includes a journey on the famous Glacier Express through the Alps. The train journey takes about 7.5 hours. During this time, the train crosses 291 bridges, passes through 91 tunnels and rises to a height of 2033 m. During the trip, stunning views of natural landscapes open up. The price of the tour starts from 600 francs and depends on the route, the number of passengers, the date of booking, the room where you will stay and some other factors.

Winter holidays in Switzerland can be different. So choosing another tour that is suitable for those who have only a few days to rest. An excellent option there will be a 5-day vacation, including a visit to two cities at once - Interlaken (Interlaken) and Lucerne (Lucerne). An exciting unaccompanied mountain tour will give you unforgettable feelings. Tourists spend the first 2 nights in the city of Interlaken, and then 2 days in Lucerne with a trip to Mount Pilatus. In addition, while visiting Lucerne, there will be time to explore the sights of the city. This tour involves accommodation in three-star hotels located in the city center. The hotel rooms are equipped with everything you need, including shower, toilet, TV, radio, telephone.

In addition to ski resorts, thermal resorts in Switzerland are in demand, where you can spend your vacation pleasantly and with health benefits, enjoying amazing mountain scenery at the same time being in hot water pools right under the open sky. Such winter holidays in Switzerland it is accompanied by skiing, snowboarding along the mountain slopes located on the territory of the resorts, there are ski slopes.

During the winter season in Switzerland, you can have a great time skiing or snowboarding. Another exciting activity is paragliding, which will be a real delight for adventurers and thrill seekers. Paragliding is possible on skis or snowboard. Beginners fly accompanied by an instructor. The flight lasts from 15 to 20 minutes, at different altitudes. Winter holidays in Switzerland in the form of paragliding are popular from December to April. A suitable place for this sport is Belalp. In addition, you can appreciate the beauty of the snow-capped mountains by flying in a hot air balloon.

Ski resorts The Swiss have several types of trails, including toboggan runs. This entertainment will give an unforgettable experience, sledding is no less interesting than skiing and a very popular winter holiday in Switzerland.

Another entertainment for a variety of winter holidays in Switzerland is living in an igloo village. Depending on preferences and possibilities, needles of different price categories are offered. An igloo designed for more than 4 people is perfect for relaxing with the whole family or a company. Some rooms made of ice and snow include whirlpool tubs with hot water. Special feelings arise while being in a Jacuzzi located under the open sky. At night, those who wish can walk on snowshoes. Guests are offered hot meals and mulled wine. The beds are made of ice, they offer to sleep on warm sheepskins. For young and married couples, there are special romantic igloos, with carved walls depicting pretty patterns, swans, dolphins. Therefore, a winter holiday in Switzerland can be romantic.

Popular ski resorts in Switzerland

Davos
Zermatt
Crans Montana
Verbier
Adelboden
Grindelwald
Gstaad
Champery - the resort is located high in the mountains.
Arosa is a small ski resort for the whole family.
Villars
St. Moritz

Switzerland - unique country, which is worth a visit if possible in any case. And not only to see how rich she is, but to enjoy her extraordinary beauty and amazing regularity and calmness. Driving through the Swiss cities, walking through the streets of any city, one can only marvel at the silence and confidence reigning everywhere. Do not be surprised if in the evening, having entered even the capital of Switzerland, Bern, you will see empty streets. It's quite normal. People are used to working here and earning money, and not to waste time on an empty pastime. Therefore, get ready in advance for the fact that in the evening in the very center of any city, even the capital, you can see mostly tourists walking around. At the same time, once in the same place in the morning, you will be amazed at the traffic that fills the streets: people in a hurry, cyclists in business suits and helmets, and beautiful buns from the coffee seller. Although the major tourist centers are of course an exception to this rule, showcasing a vibrant nightlife.

Having gathered for a vacation in Switzerland, it is worth remembering that this is perhaps the most expensive European country. Therefore, prices in stores can, to put it mildly, be a little scary. Even for a magnet, in most cases, you will have to pay about 10 - 12 euros here, which cannot even be compared with French or German 4 - 5 in tourist centers. Although some products are not so different in value. For example, some clothing brands adhere to approximately the same ... read more

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The discreet charm of Graubünden, or how we got "stuck" in the vicinity of St. Moritz.

In winter, when you travel around Switzerland, the silence, peace and unique Swiss atmosphere "sucks" there that you want to stay anywhere for a long time.

Which is what happened to us on the way to St. Moritz. We drove through Graubünden, the easternmost region of Switzerland, and headed to the famous resort of Davos. Unusual clean streets, such silence that you can hear snowflakes falling from the sky, and suddenly ... the sound of horse hooves, and a picturesque cart, as if from the last century, sailed past us. It seems to be the twenty-first century, fashionable cars are scurrying around, what has such an out-of-date mode of transport lost here?