Ski Switzerland - Home to a classic mix of picturesque ‘chocolate-box’ resorts and some seriously large ski areas, Switzerland is recognised as a timelessly classic, high quality ski destination. The infrastructure of the resorts, transport and lift systems really does run like clockwork, but their is also a genuine warmth to the Swiss welcome, which brings skiers back here time after time.
The Ski Areas
With lift-accessed skiing at up to 3,820m above sea level, Zermatt offers the highest skiing in the whole of Europe! And it’s a huge area too - 380kms of piste to be precise, with the added appeal and panache of crossing the mountain-top border into Italy, with the whole of the Cervinia ski area to explore.
Near neighbour, Saas Fee, although a smaller ski area, remains perennially popular due to its 100% guaranteed snow, incredible scenery and charming village centre (see below).
Meanwhile in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, Verbier sits at the heart of the ‘Four Valleys’ ski area, with 410kms of piste, plus a well-deserved reputation for fantastic powder snow off-piste.
The Resorts
Zermatt is one of the world’s undisputed ‘must-ski’ resorts, not least due to its dramatic setting, with the mighty Matterhorn dominating the skyline, and likely to feature in 90% of your holiday photos! Oozing sheer class, its restaurants are outstanding and the range of après-ski and nightlife, frequently with live music from top name bands, is as famous as its skiing.
Quieter Saas Fee has the ultimate, archetypal Swiss village centre, where ancient wooden ‘mazot’ chalets contrast with beautifully stylish modern buildings along its traffic-free streets.
Verbier meanwhile is a resort which simply buzzes with life, especially after the sun goes down, with bars and clubs to suit all tastes and all budgets.
ACCOMMODATION IN SWITZERLAND
Catered Chalets
As in France, chalets are an established part of the accommodation choice in Switzerland, providing excellent value for money in contrast to Swiss hotels, which have a reputation for being extremely pricey. Choose from older, cosy, traditionally styled chalets, or opt for one of the ‘new breed’ or properties increasingly coming available, where cutting edge modern design offers a different take on Swiss style.
Catered Chalet Hotels
There is not the range yet that France has to offer, but places like our Chalet Hotel Ambassador in Saas Fee are laying the marker down for what can be achieved in Switzerland with the right property, in the right place, with a strong team completely focussed on providing excellent guest service at unbeatable value for money.