* 150 years of Swiss winter holidays. (78057en)

150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

A celebration of the best winter experiences.

MySwitzerland.com

Explore Switzerland with UBS: ubs.ch / explore

The famous winter wager.

Summer tourism was already flourishing when the Engadin hotelier Johannes Badrutt made a special bet with some English guests in autumn 1864. As the story goes, he promised that even in winter they would be able to sit on the terrace in their shirtsleeves, enjoying the mild sunshine.

If not, he would reimburse their travel costs.

1819 –1889 Johannes Badrutt, tourism pioneer and founder of the Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz.

The visitors, who knew only the cold, wet winter back home in England, could not imagine that the season could be any different in the Swiss Alps. But they accepted the bet, returned to St. Moritz at Christmas, and only travelled back to London at Easter – tanned, relaxed and happy.

Davos, too, was welcoming guests from Germany and especially Great Britain at that time. Seeking sunshine, fresh air and snow, they found perfect conditions for indulging passions such as curling, skeleton racing and bobsleigh. The stories they told back home of their snowy adventures spread quickly, and soon the phenomenon of “winter holidays” was transforming the whole of the Alps. At first, skiing remained the preserve of the wealthy and the aristocracy, but the construction of countless cable cars and ski lifts in the 1950s transformed it into a popular sport.

Switzerland’s pioneering spirit and courage have marked the development of winter tourism from the very beginning. Today, the country’s tradition of innovation and its people’s warm sense of hospitality ensure that guests continue to enjoy unforgettable experiences in the snow.

2014/15 anniversary poster by the illustrator Matthias Gnehm from Zurich, commissioned by Switzerland Tourism.

150 bewitching winter experiences.

A lot can change in 150 years. Back in 1864, barely anyone in Switzerland was thinking about skiing, let alone snowboarding. Any talk of winter sports would have focused on ice skating, or perhaps curling. Winter tourism had only just been invented.

Today, the options are far more varied. But one thing hasn’t changed: as soon as the first snowflakes fall and the sun’s rays set the white landscape sparkling, Switzerland transforms into an enchanting winter paradise.

UBS and Switzerland Tourism are taking the opportunity of the 150th anniversary of winter tourism to present 150 ideas for how you can best experience the charm of the Swiss winter. We’ve also teamed up to offer you fabulous winter deals at superb prices: find out more on pages 102 and 103.

Have fun reading the brochure, and enjoy exploring our magical winter!

Lukas Gähwiler CEO UBS Switzerland

Jürg Schmid CEO Switzerland Tourism

3

20 – 27

Toboggan runs.

28 – 35

Cross-country skiing.

Ice attractions.

Accommodation.

52 – 61

62 – 71

B

Bern Region

C

Bernese Oberland

D

Fribourg Region

E

Geneva

F

Graubünden

G

Jura & Three-Lakes

H

Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region

I

Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein

82 – 89

J

Ticino Lake Geneva Region

L

Valais

M

Zurich Region

Bir

G

134 75

Solothurn

BIEL/BIENNE

1607 Chasseral

48

135

B ie

Neuchâtel 72

La

Ste-Croix

c

N de

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ch

â

Aare 147

l te

65

Fribourg

81

D

ée

d

K

60

LAUSANNE

Les Paccots

15 / 43 2002 Le Moléson

Chateau-d'Oex

2042 104 Rochersde-Naye

14

Les Mosses 145

25

Champéry

29

70

Le

Crans-Montana 8 9

Sierre ône 97

130 Rh

Veysonnaz

Nendaz 8 / 23

34

Verbier 117 106 129 55

19 / 28

Lenk

112 82 3244 Wildstrubel

140

3257 Dents du Midi

Adelboden

54

Les Diablerets 7Sion

Morgins 96 7

23 Nies

C

Gstaad

Leysin 13 / 33 Villars 3210

131

110

Wherever you see a webcode in this brochure, you can find out more online: simply go to MySwitzerland.com and enter the number in the search field.

89 108 77

Montreux

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How to use the webcodes

me Sim 113

Charmey

30 /144

GENÈVE

2175 Gantrisch 1

64

76

1677 La Dôle

58

Schwarzsee

47/67 x ou eJ

St-Cergue

12345

BERN

Murten

Yverdonles-Bains

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La Chaux-de-Fonds

F

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Delémont

Do

90 – 97

BASEL

K

72 – 81

Animal excursions.

Pure adventure.

Basel Region

44 – 51

Winter walking trails.

Family venues.

36 – 43

A

see

Fun parks.

4 – 15

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Perfect pistes.

Our holiday regions.

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At a glance.

4314 Grand Combin

Grand-St-Bernard

Griment

4357 Dent-Blanche

44 M

D Schaffhausen 137

Eglisau Rhein

Töss

ZÜRICH

t

Aarau

44

ST.GALLEN

Herisau

150

M

Reu

Appenzell

ss g To

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52

ge

see

nb

1798 Rigi 39/83 Stans stättersee

Glarus

Schwyz 74/99 Stoos Braunwald

84

141

Klewenalp

Em me

1898 Stanserhorn

Flumserberg

1899 Grosser Mythen

Weggis

FL 123

40/122

133

Bad Ragaz 2844 Pizol

Prä

16/95

Elm

22

26

143 Sörenberg 2350 3614 Engelberg Tödi Brienzer Rothorn 59 121 101 12 3238 Melchsee-Frutt Thun Brienz Titlis 31/100 se e 36 Meiringen 10 Th ze r Disentis ein 132 ie n un errh Br 3503 ers 20/111 91 Vord 35 ee Sustenhorn 146 Sedrun Interlaken 148 362 88 Grindelwald sen 142 Andermatt Wengen Eiger 3970 2970 5 11 93 4 /94 Mönch 4107 Schilthorn

Malbun

I

2914 Glärnisch

Altdorf

H

Wildhaus

Walense e

90

Vierwald-

2119 Pilatus

Sarnen

138

2502 Säntis 32

2306 Churfirsten

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B

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Z u g ers ee

LUZERN

92

Zug

A

57 45

Zür

1408 Napf

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Liestal

ns

Rhe

Baden Lim ma

de

Frauenfeld

WINTERTHUR

A

Bo

Thur

38

Chur

Flims

Re

Laax 102 /118

63

us

Arosa

s

107 Kandersteg 66

0

tsc Lö 87

eukerbad

80 /116

he

nta

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Ale g l e t scht sch e r

4158 Jungfrau

42

4274 Finsteraarhorn

Inn

Scuol

ein

Müstair

3294 Piz Kesch 37

119 109

3056 St. Moritz 127 Piz Nair 61/149 Pontresina 86 4049 50 Piz Bernina

2973 Diavolezza

2

o Ticin

Locarno

Bellinzona

73

Ascona

Saas-Fee 4545

103

a

ia

tz 71

Davos

62

3

asc

gg

139

Grächen

3312 Piz Buin

F

Soglio

z Ver

Brig

115

errh

Savognin

J

Ma

78

3402 Rheinwaldhorn

3272 Basòdino

3934 21 Bietschhorn Riederalp

L

7

Hint

53

18

1/27

Lenzerheide

46

79 Fiesch 114 125

Bettmeralp Visp

Airolo

49

Klosters

120 56/69

a la

re

2998 Piz Beverin

V iam

Aa

Kander

Mürren

126

128

Samnaun

au

136

2834 Weissfluh

18 /51 85

17

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68 / 98

Zermatt 124 Dom

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24

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3090 41 / 105 Gornergrat 478 4634 6 Matterhorn Dufourspitze

L

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LUGANO L

Lu g a n o o di ag

1701 Monte Generoso

1097 Monte S. Giorgio

0

20 10

40 20

Motorway Main road Railway Car transport by rail Airport

80 km 40 Miles

www.swisstravelcenter.ch

Boundless.

The most inspiring pistes.

Nendaz – Veysonnaz, Valais

Parish priest and father of winter sports.

No one knows for certain who invented skiing. In the Alps, as far back as the 17th century, Slovenian farmers strapped wooden planks to their feet so they could negotiate the inhospitable mountain slopes. The cradle of skiing as a sport, however, is regarded as Norway, where the telemark style developed around 1860.

1849 The first to brave a descent on a pair of planks: the priest Johann Josef Imseng.

In Switzerland, a parish priest emerged as an early pioneer: Father Johann Josef Imseng’s descent from Saas-Fee to Saas-Grund in the Valais in 1849 was Switzerland’s first documented ski run. However, it was not the Valais that elevated skiing to a racing sport but the small canton of Glarus, where enthusiasts founded the first ski club in 1893.

When a group of lost English skiers discovered the Parsenn run in Davos, the era of the spectacular ski piste was born. From the Chuenisbärgli in Adelboden to the Lauberhorn in Wengen, these runs provide a thrilling challenge to winter sports enthusiasts to this day.

1905

Birth of the sport of skiing 849: first documented ski run 1 in Switzerland by the priest Johann Josef Imseng, on a pair of strapped-on planks.

■■ c. 1860: a joiner called Hnantek, a Czech immigrant, produces the first skis.

■■ 1893: Switzerland’s first ski club is founded in Glarus.

■■ 1902: first ski races in Glarus and on the Gurten near Bern.

■■ 1905: first official ski race in Glarus.

■■ 1911: the Englishman Arnold Lunn launches the first big downhill race – from the Wildstrubel hut in the Bernese Oberland to Crans Montana in the Valais.

■■

Striking image: the poster for the “1st official Swiss ski race” in Glarus.

c. 1910 Women embraced the new sport from the early days: female skiers in Davos.

6

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Perfect pistes.

1

The cradle of winter sports.

Parsenn, Davos Klosters, Graubünden The legendary Parsenn run offers one of Switzerland’s classic ski adventures. The route begins at the summit of the Weissfluh and ends 12 adrenalin-fuelled kilometres later and 2,000 vertical metres lower in Küblis. The Parsenn area above Davos is a historic site in the development of skiing as a sport in Switzerland. In 1895, a group of English skiers lost their way up on the Weissfluhjoch, ended up in Küblis, and spoke excitedly of the snowy slopes they had found. In 1904, skiers embarked on day tours in the region, and in 1924, one of the country’s first downhill races took place here: the Parsenn Derby. The rest is ski history…

Piste info

Contact

tart: Weissfluh summit, 2,844 m S ■■ Finish: Küblis, 810 m ■■ Length: 12 km ■■ Vertical drop: 2,034 m ■■ Level of difficulty: medium

Destination Davos Klosters Phone +41 (0)81 415 21 21 www.davos.ch

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2

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

39198

Devilishly attractive delight.

Diavolezza, Pontresina, Graubünden The Diavolezza (“she-devil”) is legendary among Switzerland’s ski mountains. The season begins earlier than elsewhere, ends later, and fans say the skiing is super-cool. Because the Diavolezza has an attraction in a class of its own: the glacier. There’s nothing remotely hellish about it – on the contrary. A heavenly ten-kilometre run, unprepared but secured and marked, leads along the spine of the Pers and Morteratsch Glaciers through a hauntingly beautiful wilderness of snow and ice all the way down to the valley.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

38975

Piste info

Contact

tart: Diavolezza, 2,978 m S ■■ Finish: Morteratsch, 1,896 m ■■ Length: 10 km ■■ Vertical drop: 1,082 m ■■ Level of difficulty: medium

Pontresina Tourist Information Phone +41 (0)81 838 83 00 www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/pontresina

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Perfect pistes. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

7

3

A dream of a piste.

Pista dal Sömi, Scuol, Graubünden “Sömi” means “Dream” in the local Romansh language, and if any piste deserves the name, it’s this one. The run is of medium difficulty and graded red. It starts at the top of the JonvraiSalaniva chairlift and winds through the wide and sunny Val Soèr to the Sömi Bar before leading through a stretch of woodland to the pretty mountain village of Sent. Here, a ski bus is ready to bring skiers and snowboarders back to Scuol.

The Pista dal Sömi is the highlight of the picturesque and varied Motta Naluns network of pistes, high above Scuol in the Lower Engadin.

Piste info

Contact

Start: Salaniva, 2,710 m ■■ Finish: Sent, 1,430 m ■■ Length: 10 km ■■ Vertical drop: 1,280 m ■■ Level of difficulty: medium

Scuol Tourist Information Phone +41 (0)81 861 88 00 www.scuol.ch

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4

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

Famous – and infamous.

Lauberhorn, Wengen, Bernese Oberland Skiers from all over the world dream of tackling the legendary Lauberhorn run. With a length of 4.5 km, this is the setting for the longest and most demanding of all World Cup downhill races.

The rest of the season, the piste is open to the public – but recommended for good skiers only. The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau form a breathtaking backdrop; in places the run is extremely steep, with notorious sections such as the Hundschopf leap, the Minschkante corner and the Finish-S chicane. There’s a photo point at the starting hut, and a speed trap in the Haneggschuss; in between, information panels give details about the thrilling run.

Piste info

Contact

tart: Lauberhorn, 2,315 m S ■■ Finish: Innerwengen, 1,287 m ■■ Length: 4.5 km ■■ Vertical drop: 1,028 m ■■ Level of difficulty: high

Wengen Tourismus Phone +41 (0)33 856 85 85 www.wengen.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

8

39195

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Perfect pistes.

189327

5

An infernal challenge.

Inferno run, Mürren, Bernese Oberland The Inferno Race fully lives up to its name: the hellish course from the Schilthorn down to Lauterbrunnen is one of the longest in Switzerland at 15 kilometres, and even good skiers need some 40 minutes to cover it. The spectacular contest was created in 1928 by daring British skiers, and takes place every year at the end of January.

Even non-skiers will enjoy the ride in the cable car to the summit of the Schilthorn, both for the sensational views and the “Bond World 007” interactive exhibition: the mountain served as a filming location for the James Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” in 1969.

Piste info

Contact

Start: Kleines Schilthorn, 2,790 m ■■ Finish: Lauterbrunnen, 800 m ■■ Length: 14.9 km ■■ Vertical drop: 1,990 m ■■ Level of difficulty: medium

Mürren Tourismus Phone +41 (0)33 856 86 86 www.mymuerren.ch

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6

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

39217

Europe’s longest run.

Klein Matterhorn, Zermatt, Valais The run from Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m) down to the resort of Zermatt (1,620 m) boasts a string of superlatives. It’s the longest in Europe, at 25 kilometres; the views of the iconic Matterhorn, the world’s most famous mountain, are unrivalled; and the adventure begins with a ride up the Klein Matterhorn on Europe’s highest cable car. Just as spectacular as the panoramic view is the descent. From the gentle slopes of the Theodul Glacier to demanding technical sections and glorious wide pistes perfect for carving, this run offers everything a skier or snowboarder could wish for.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

184273

Piste info

Contact

tart: Klein Matterhorn, 3,883 m S ■■ Finish: Zermatt, 1,620 m ■■ Length: 25 km ■■ Vertical drop: 2,263 m ■■ Level of difficulty: medium

Zermatt Tourismus Phone +41 (0)27 966 81 00 www.zermatt.ch

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Perfect pistes. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

9

7

Moguls two metres tall.

Le Mur Suisse, Champéry, Portes du Soleil, Valais The options in the ski area of the Portes du Soleil are literally boundless: the 650 kilometres of piste straddle the border between Switzerland’s Valais and France. Among the special attractions of this winter sports area is “Le mur suisse” (“the Swiss wall”), a cult mogul run on the east-facing slope below the Pas de Chavanette.

It’s best suited for very good skiers, because the moguls can grow up to two metres high; with an average gradient of 80 per cent in the upper part of the run, the “wall” guarantees a blast of adrenalin to all who brave it.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

39220

Piste info

Contact

Start: Pas de Chavanette, 2,151 m ■■ Finish: Les Pas, 1,820 m ■■ Length: 1.3 km ■■ Vertical drop: 331 m ■■ Level of difficulty: high

Champéry Tourisme Phone +41 (0)24 479 05 50 www.champery.ch

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8

Grin and bear it.

Piste de l’Ours, Veysonnaz, Valais Experts have described the “Piste of the bear” as one of the most beautiful in the world. The exciting run in the Veysonnaz ski area leads from the high Thyon plateau through a gap in the pine forest down to Mayens de l’Ours. Long ago, wild bears roamed these slopes; today, snow sports enthusiasts enjoy a fast and steep run with breathtaking views of the Rhone valley. The piste is northfacing, snow-sure and mostly follows the fall line, promising perfect conditions for thrill-seeking leisure skiers as well as for spectacular World Cup races.

Piste info

Contact

tart: Thyon, 2,150 m S ■■ Finish: Mayens de l’Ours, 1,250 m ■■ Length: 3.3 km ■■ Vertical drop: 900 m ■■ Level of difficulty: medium

Veysonnaz Tourisme Phone +41 (0)27 207 10 53 www.veysonnaz.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

10

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Perfect pistes.

182079

9

World-class thrills.

Piste Nationale, Crans-Montana, Valais For Switzerland, this piste really is of national importance: during the 1987 World Championships, the Swiss men’s downhill ski team celebrated its greatest triumph here, taking all three places on the podium. The magnificent run offers a worldclass treat not only for speed freaks but also those who enjoy a rather gentler ride. After the steep initial slope with superb views of the lower Valais, the sun-blessed plateau of Crans-Montana and the orchards of Sierre and Sion, the run continues in wide sweeps through stretches of fragrant pine forest and across sunny, scenic slopes.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

10

203850

Piste info

Contact

Start: Cry d’Er, 2,263 m ■■ Finish: Barzettes, 1,515 m ■■ Length: 4.1 km ■■ Vertical drop: 748 m ■■ Level of difficulty: high

Crans-Montana Tourisme Phone +41 (0)848 22 10 12 www.crans-montana.ch

Piste info

Contact

tart: Kleintitlis, 3,020 m S ■■ Finish: Engelberg, 1,050 m ■■ Length: 12 km ■■ Vertical drop: 1,970 m ■■ Level of difficulty: medium

Bergbahnen EngelbergTrübsee-Titlis Phone +41 (0)41 639 50 50 www.titlis.ch

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Twelve kilometres of bliss.

Titlis, Engelberg, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region The run from the top of the Titlis down to Engelberg is one of the longest in the Alps: a full 12 kilometres. The upper section, in particular, offers some thrilling challenges: soon after the start on the Titlis Glacier, at an altitude of more than 3,000 metres, the steep and unprepared Rotegg mogul piste demands total concentration.

From Stand (2,428 m), the route leads down to Trübsee, offering glorious views along the way.

After a chairlift ride across the frozen lake to Alpstübli, the run continues across snowy meadows to Engelberg.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

181956

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Perfect pistes. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

11

11

Home run of an Olympic champion.

Bernhard Russi run, Andermatt, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region Skilled skiers are in their element up on the Gemsstock (2,963 m) above Andermatt, with its exhilarating high-altitude terrain, glorious views and challenging descents. The highlight is the Bernhard Russi run from the summit down to Gurschen, named after the legendary Swiss ski racer, Olympic gold-medallist and race piste designer, who grew up in the resort. The black run has gradients of up to 65 per cent, dropping 1,000 vertical metres over just four kilometres and allowing speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour. A guaranteed thrill, not for the faint-hearted!

Piste info

Contact

Start: Gemsstock, 2,963 m ■■ Finish: Gurschenalp, 2,015 m ■■ Length: 4.3 km ■■ Vertical drop: 950 m ■■ Level of difficulty: high

Andermatt-Sedrun Sport Phone +41 (0)41 887 14 45 www.skiarena.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

179446

12 Treat for demanding skiers.

Rothorn valley run, Sörenberg, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region The largest ski area in canton Lucerne culminates on the Brienzer Rothorn (2,350 m), high above the attractive family resort of Sörenberg. While the slopes immediately above the village offer a varied network of pistes of low to medium difficulty, the northern flanks of the Brienzer Rothorn provide genuine challenges for the most demanding skier. Up at the summit, the magnificent panoramic views extend from Lake Brienz to the Bernese Alps. Just as breathtaking are the runs down, from the mogul piste towards Eisee to the black valley run to Schönenboden.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

12

182106

Piste info

Contact

tart: Brienzer Rothorn, 2,350 m S ■■ Finish: Schönenboden, 1,265 m ■■ Length: 8 km ■■ Vertical drop: 1,085 m ■■ Level of difficulty: high

Bergbahnen Sörenberg Phone +41 (0)41 488 21 21 www.soerenberg.ch

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150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Perfect pistes.

13 Across the linguistic border.

Olden piste, Les Diablerets, Lake Geneva Region The demanding piste into the Oldental valley in the ski area of Glacier 3000 / Les Diablerets crosses the border between Frenchand German-speaking Switzerland in grand style. With a vertical drop of more than 1,100 metres, it’s one of the longest pistes in the Vaud Alps. The run begins at the top of the Scex Rouge cable car at nearly 3,000 metres before tackling a series of steep drops; the altitude and orientation make this one of the most snow-sure of all ski runs.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

Piste info

Contact

tart: Scex Rouge top station, S 2,971 m ■■ Finish: Oldenalp, 1,834 m ■■ Length: 7 km ■■ Vertical drop: 1,137 m ■■ Level of difficulty: high

Glacier 3000 Phone +41 (0)84 800 30 00 www.glacier3000.ch

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14

129336

Glorious glide to the valley.

La Videmanette, Rougemont, Lake Geneva Region The longest run in the Gstaad Saanenland ski area of the Bernese Oberland actually lies just beyond the canton boundary. La Videmanette in Vaud offers ten kilometres of skiing bliss all the way down to Rougemont. In contrast to the mostly gentle slopes around Gstaad, this valley run past the dramatic rock pinnacle of Le Rubli packs a punch: the piste leads through a landscape of alpine character and is relatively demanding. It’s certainly manageable for most skiers, though: only the first third is of medium difficulty (marked red), the rest is easy.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

129551

Piste info

Contact

Start: La Videmanette top station, 2,151 m ■■ Finish: Rougemont, 951 m ■■ Length: 10 km ■■ Vertical drop: 1,200 m ■■ Level of difficulty: medium

Pays-d’Enhaut Tourisme Rougemont Phone +41 (0)26 925 11 66 www.chateau-doex.ch

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Perfect pistes. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

13

15

White slopes, black magic.

Piste du Sommet, Moléson-sur-Gruyères, Fribourg Region The largest ski area in the Fribourg Alps extends across the slopes of the Moléson and delights skiers and snowboarders with its surprising variety of pistes. While the lower part of the ski area is suitable for beginners, the upper section with the black “Summit Piste” offers a genuine challenge. From the top of the Moléson (2,002 m) you can see almost the entire Fribourg region, but as soon as you set off you have eyes only for the steep initial stretch and its moguls. This later becomes a wide snowy boulevard, perfect for indulging in sweeping carved turns.

Piste info

Contact

Start: Moléson summit, 2,002 m ■■ Finish: Les Joux, 1,270 m ■■ Length: 4.2 km ■■ Vertical drop: 732 m ■■ Level of difficulty: high

Office du Tourisme Moléson Phone +41 (0)26 921 85 00 www.moleson.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

189799

16 Carver’s paradise.

Zanuz piste, Pizol, Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein The sight is enough to set the pulse racing of anyone who loves carving: even from the chairlift you can tell that the sunny Zanuz piste is going to be a real treat. Gloriously wide and superbly prepared, yet steep enough to pick up real speed, the run stretches out like a VIP white carpet. The panoramic views are just as breathtaking, from the jagged Churfirsten and the Graubünden Alps to the wide Rhine valley leading down to Lake Constance. And the perfect end to an exciting day’s skiing: blissful relaxation in the thermal baths at Bad Ragaz.

Piste info

Contact

Start: Laufböden, 2,226 m ■■ Finish: Pardiel, 1,633 m ■■ Length: 3.5 km ■■ Vertical drop: 593 m ■■ Level of difficulty: medium

Pizolbahnen Phone +41 (0)81 300 48 30 www.pizol.com

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14

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Perfect pistes.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

181976

Toughest “giant” in the world.

19

Chuenisbärgli, Adelboden, Bernese Oberland

17

Irresistible offer.

Duty-Free Run, Samnaun, Graubünden The resort of Samnaun enjoys duty-free status as well as superb skiing.

This spectacular piste from the Palinkopf (2,864 m) has gradients of up to 50 per cent and leads for eight kilometres all the way to the shops – and great bargains.

Webcode

When the Ski World Cup circus comes to the Chuenisbärgli (1,730 m), there’s invariably a big party. The world’s toughest GS (giant slalom) course always draws the crowds – but the piste is also open to amateurs the whole season.

Webcode

128081

Adelboden Tourismus Phone +41 (0)33 673 80 80 www.adelboden.ch

128481

Witches’ descent, Belalp, Valais You need to be in good shape to tackle the 12 kilometres from Hohbiel (2,680 m) to Blatten (1,327 m). This is the course of Switzerland’s biggest popular ski race in January, a colourful event that features up to 1,500 witches in costume.

Webcode

Bergbahnen Samnaun Phone +41 (0)81 861 86 00 www.samnaun.ch

18

Spellbinding spectacle.

21

111953

Blatten-Belalp Tourismus Phone +41 (0)27 921 60 40 www.belalp.ch

Fabulous views.

Descent from the Rothorn, Lenzerheide, Graubünden Sensational views and an extremely varied route characterise the ninekilometre descent from the Rothorn (2,865 m) to the resort (1,475 m).

It’s the longest ski run in the whole Lenzerheide valley – and not to be missed.

Webcode

127947

Lenzerheide Tourist Information Phone +41 (0)81 385 57 00 www.lenzerheide.com

Don’t forget your sunglasses.

20

Sunshine piste, Hasliberg, Bernese Oberland The name says it all: the Sunshine piste basks in the sun all day long while also offering glorious views. The run leads from the top of the Planplatten gondola (2,250 m) over varied terrain down to Bidmi (1,428 m).

Webcode

39200

Haslital Tourismus Phone +41 (0)33 972 50 50 www.haslital.ch

In honour of the racing queen.

22

Vreni Schneider piste, Elm, Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein The mountain village of Elm in the Glarus region named its most beautiful and varied piste after its most famous resident: Vreni Schneider, multiple gold-medallist and one of the greatest ski racers of all time.

Webcode

184219

Elm Ferienregion Phone +41 (0)55 642 52 52 www.elm.ch

Perfect pistes. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

15

EXPLORE SWITZERLAND WITH UBS.

Diversity. The Swiss winter has a lot to offer.

This was also the case as far back as the thirties and the forties, as evidenced by the hand-painted posters dating back to this era.

Winter magic in Switzerland 150 years ago Switzerland invented winter tourism.

In the following interview, Lukas Gähwiler, CEO of UBS Switzerland, explains why it is an important economic factor today and how UBS is aiming to help its clients get even more enjoyment out of the winter season.

Mr. Gähwiler, what do you think of winter sports?

Lukas Gähwiler: I find winter sports fascinating as they give me the chance to exercise in the great outdoors.

How important is winter tourism for the Swiss economy?

Tourism is heavily exportoriented and is a key sector for our country.

It creates a large number of jobs, particularly in the mountain regions. In the canton of Graubünden, for example, tourism accounts for more than 16 percent of all jobs.

Graubünden and Valais, Switzerland’s major tourism cantons, are heavily dependent on the cold season. Switzerland’s mountain railways and cable cars – which comprise more than 1,700 trains and ski lifts – generate around 80 percent of their total revenues during the winter season.

UBS has enjoyed a partnership with Switzerland Tourism for more than five years now. What are the reasons behind this partnership?

Switzerland is the home of UBS and a key market. And it is of special

importance to us. By cooperating with Switzerland Tourism, we aim to boost our commitment to our home market and to promote Switzerland and its attractions. Switzerland Tourism is committed to sustainable and innovative tourism, a cause which is very important to us.

This partnership also allows us to provide our clients with exclusive offers, such as discounts on hotels and excursions.

Why are UBS and Switzerland Tourism publishing their first-ever winter travel brochure?

UBS – partner of Switzerland Tourism

EXPLORE SWITZERLAND WITH UBS.

to highlight “ Wethe want delights the Swiss winter has to offer. ”

Lukas Gähwiler, CEO UBS Switzerland

The summer travel brochures we published have all proven to be extremely popular and received positive feedback. With Switzerland Tourism now celebrating the 150th anniversary of winter tourism, this provides us with the perfect opportunity to highlight the delights the Swiss winter has to offer. In the brochure, we have listed 150 ideas of how people can enjoy the snow, the sun and the mountains – there is something for everyone, regardless of whether you are young or old, or are looking for sports or relaxation.

What is UBS doing to make winter sports more affordable for its clients?

We are fully aware that winter sports activities can be extremely expensive, especially for families. This is why we are launching a special promotion which will run for the entire season: With SBB RailAway, we have put together a range of different offers for our clients, giving them a 30 percent discount on their journeys to winter sports resorts. There is something for everyone!

•

Lukas Gähwiler is CEO of UBS Switzerland. He lives in the canton of Zurich with his wife and three children – and likes to travel to the mountains in his free time.

Adventure. Whether on the ski slope, on hiking trails or on a frozen lake: The crystal-clear air rejuvenates body and soul. Anyone who tries out winter sports will find themselves searching for that sensation over and over again.

30% discount Lots of winter fun at bargain prices

Alpine skiing, sledding, winter hiking, cross country skiing – no matter how you want to enjoy the Swiss winter: as a UBS client, you and your family can benefit from a range of SBB RailAway offers which will get you to the snow and the sun at a 30 percent discount.

Enjoy discount prices for the entire season You can take advantage of these offers throughout the entire winter season, from December 1, 2014, until March 31, 2015. They also include your outbound journey using public transportation from anywhere in Switzerland. You can find these offers, along with all your vouchers and lots of exciting information, in one of our special-offer booklets. Pick up a free special-offer booklet now from your nearest UBS branch.

And benefit throughout the winter season.

It couldn’t be easier: All you have to do is take the voucher out of the special offer booklet and redeem it at an SBB service desk by showing your UBS Maestro Card or a UBS Credit Card. The offers are also available online, of course – at www.ubs.ch/discover.

Hire your winter sports gear from Intersport, ready, go!

Regardless of whether or not you’re a UBS client, having the right sports gear makes your winter adventure twice as much fun. Use the voucher on the last page to get a 15 percent discount when hiring your winter sports gear at Intersport Rent. And pick up one of the exclusive Switzerland Winter Tourism 150th anniversary caps at your local Intersport branch.

For more information on all of the discounts available, visit www.ubs.ch/explore

UBS – partner of Switzerland Tourism

Uplifting.

The best fun parks.

Crap Sogn Gion, Laax, Graub端nden

The gladiators of winter sports.

Today, some of the most spectacular skiing and snowboarding to be seen is in fun parks. It’s no surprise that Swiss riders are among the finest, with Gian Simmen winning the first Olympic halfpipe contest in 1998 and Iouri Podladtchikov crowned star of the 2014 Games.

Earlier, it was the ski jumpers whose daring feats won them the reputation of the gladiators of winter sports. The Norwegians were the first to practise jumping off ramps, with the earliest written records dating from 1796. The first measured jump, in 1809, was 9.5 metres; the Swiss record set by Simon Ammann stands at 238.5 metres.

Even in the early days, brave riders experimented with four edges instead of two. Back in 1900, an Austrian invented the “monoglider”; in 1977 Burton produced a small series of snowboards; and in 1985 the first unofficial snowboard world championships took place.

1913 The sky’s the limit: ski jumper in Davos, probably at Bolgen.

1905 Double trick: the Glarus region quickly developed a taste for winter sports.

22

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Fun parks.

23 The ultimate playground.

Thyon Freestyle Resort, Valais Thyon is much more than a place of pilgrimage for freestyle enthusiasts. It was here that one of Switzerland’s first snow parks was built in 1992, helping freestyle achieve the cult popularity it enjoys today. No surprise that accolades such as “Best Swiss snow park” and “Best snow park of the Swiss-French Alps” soon became commonplace, and pros began to choose Thyon as their winter base.

Once you’ve pulled off a couple of tricks, stretch out on a sun lounger for some people-watching and you may well recognise a familiar face or two.

Fun park info

Contact

Kickers: 14 ■■ Boxes: 10 ■■ Rails: 8 ■■ Picnic tables: 10

Thyon-Région Tourisme Phone +41 (0)27 281 27 27 www.thyon.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

113205

24 High thrills all year.

Gravity Park, Zermatt, Valais Like to set your sights high? Then test your skills at 3,400 metres – that’s the altitude of the Gravity Park up on the Theodul Glacier, which provides the ultimate in high thrills for freestyle enthusiasts in summer as well as winter. Known for its diversity and creativity, the snow park features a halfpipe, kickers and boxes of all sizes as well as lots of other great features. One of the highlights is the giant Air2Bag cushion, which offers riders the chance to work on their more complicated tricks – and promises a soft landing.

Snow park info

Contact

Halfpipe: 1 ■■ Boxes: 7 ■■ Rails: 15 ■■ Jumps: 10 ■■ Special features: 3

Zermatt Bergbahnen Phone +41 (0)27 966 01 01 www.snowpark-zermatt.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

113021

Fun parks. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

23

25

Super by name, super by nature.

Superpark, Les Crosets / Champéry, Portes du Soleil, Valais Nearly 300 pistes make the Portes du Soleil one of Europe’s biggest ski areas. At Champéry, the gateway to this unrivalled outdoor adventure playground spanning two countries, freestylers are in for a special treat. The Superpark at the Crosets 2 piste has gaps, rails, kickers, a quarterpipe, cool sounds and just about everything else enthusiasts could wish for. Throughout the winter, competitions and demos take place here, making the Superpark a popular attraction for the wider public as well as the undisputed focus of a hip, young freestyle scene.

Fun park info

Contact

Kickers: 24 ■■ Boxes: 4 ■■ Rails: 9 ■■ Quarter: 1 ■■ Hip: 1

Champéry Tourisme Phone +41 (0)24 479 05 50 www.champery.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

38984

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

112973

26 Europe’s biggest halfpipe.

Crap Sogn Gion, Laax, Graubünden One of many reasons Laax is a cult venue for freestyle fans is the fact its home peak has no fewer than four snow parks. The Beginner Park is perfect for getting a first taste of action on the kickers and rails. Opposite, more experienced riders test their limits in the Plaun Park. Just a few turns away, at NoName Park, attractions include Europe’s biggest halfpipe and the chance to admire the antics of the experts in a great atmosphere with cool music. And for anyone who simply can’t wait for winter proper, the Park Vorab at 2,800 metres offers top conditions from November.

Snow park info

Contact

Superpipe: 1 ■■ Minipipes: 2 ■■ Kickers: 21 ■■ Boxes: 26 ■■ Rails: 30

Gästeinformation Flims Laax Falera Phone +41 (0)81 920 92 00 www.laax.com

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24

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Fun parks.

27 Neck-and-neck suspense on the snow.

Ski cross and boardercross, Davos Klosters, Graubünden Ski cross and boardercross are booming – partly thanks to the trendsetters in Davos Klosters, where no fewer than three courses offer highspeed thrills. There’s one each at the Pischa ski area (Mitteltälli lift) and the Madrisa ski area (Schaffürggli lift), and, crowning them all, the exciting run at Parsenn, by the Totalp ski lift (piste 15). Four riders set off from the starting gate at the same time, chasing one another around banked curves and over bumps; a lot of skill and an unavoidable element of chance promise great entertainment for spectators, too.

Don’t miss

Contact

Kickers, rails and surf pipe at the JatzPark ■■ Winter Sports Museum ■■ Schatzalp toboggan run ■■ Horse-drawn sleigh rides into the Sertig valley ■■ eau-là-là spa and pool complex ■■ Kirchner Museum

Destination Davos Klosters Phone +41 (0)81 415 21 21 ww.davos.ch

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28

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

202837

Chilling me softly.

Gran Masta Park, Adelboden, Bernese Oberland The legendary Gran Masta Park up at Hahnenmoos has managed to retain its relaxed atmosphere even after many years. Professionals and beginners alike find perfect conditions at every level, and when it’s time for a break from the kickers, rails and boxes, everyone meets up at the no less legendary Gran Masta Bar. It’s nothing like your usual ski hut: just great music and good food at fair prices. The snow park is open from December to April, and has its own lift: needless to say, the lifties are totally chilled out, too.

Fun park info

Contact

Kickers: 11 ■■ Boxes: 17 ■■ Rails: 7 ■■ Wallride: 1 ■■ Corner: 1

Adelboden Tourismus Phone +41 (0)33 673 80 80 www.adelboden.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

113025

Fun parks. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

25

29

Wild chase along a twisting piste.

Audi Skicross Park, Betelberg, Lenk, Bernese Oberland Nothing matches the thrill of racing side-by-side on skis or a snowboard over a course of waves, jumps and banked curves to the finish line. The Audi Skicross Park on the Betelberg by the Hasler ski lift aims to boost awareness of the young disciplines of ski cross and boardercross – as well as offer an alternative to riding on the regular pistes and provide a training venue for elite athletes. The course is maintained continuously and is open to the public. Throughout Switzerland, Audi Skicross Parks host races of the Swiss Skicross Kids Tour.

Don’t miss

Contact

Wallbach adventure pool, Lenk ■■ Indoor climbing wall, Lenk ■■ Airboard piste at Leiterli, Lenk ■■ Tobogganing on the Betelberg ■■ Marked snowshoe trails at the frozen Lenkerseeli

Lenk-Simmental Tourismus Phone +41 (0)33 736 35 35 www.lenk-simmental.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

202832

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

38981

30 Let’s rock the superpipe.

SnowPark, Leysin, Lake Geneva Region Half of Europe knows Leysin’s iconic SnowPark: one of the first of its kind, it continues to set standards in the international scene. The superpipe, for example, is a giant, with walls five metres high: drop in at the top and you’re promised your share of thrills on the way down. With attractions like this, chances are good you’ll spot the odd star rider conjuring tricks here. There are lines to suit every level of ability, a ski cross and boardercross run, two additional snow parks in Les Mosses and of course a freestyle bar with views of the experts in action.

Fun park info

Contact

Superpipe: 1 ■■ Kickers: 8 ■■ Box: 1 ■■ Picnic tables: 2

Télé-Leysin Phone +41 (0)24 494 16 35 www.teleleysin.ch

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26

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Fun parks.

31 Spoilt for choice.

Fruttpark, Melchsee-Frutt, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region At central Switzerland’s biggest fun park, 40 different elements keep riders happily entertained for days on end. Kickers, boxes, rails, spins, drop-ins, tree rides and many other obstacles offer skiers and snowboarders fun challenges and promise endless variety. The park is prepared freshly every day and reconfigured regularly with new elements added. Even with this much choice, you’ll want to take a break now and again: there’s a grill for barbecues, and the comfortable loungers are perfect for chilling out to the cool sounds.

Fun park info

Contact

Kickers: 7 ■■ Boxes: 14 ■■ Rails: 7 ■■ Wallride: 1

Sportbahnen / Tourismusverein Melchsee-Frutt Phone +41 (0)41 669 70 60 www.melchsee-frutt.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

32

113116

Base camp for budding freestylers.

Snowland, Wildhaus, Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein Needless to say, hotshots will find the perfect environment here for perfecting their tricks. But what makes Snowland up at Freienalp in Wildhaus special is the fact that the conditions are so good for beginners, too. As well as kickers, corners, slides and fun boxes for all levels, there’s a nine-metre curved box and a four-metre beginner box. Anyone who wants to pick up skills for the fun park from real experts can join one of the excellent freestyle courses. Since 2001, countless volunteers have maintained and extended the superb facility.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

113042

Fun park info

Contact

Kickers and corners: 4 ■■ Boxes: 8 ■■ Rails: 3 ■■ Picnic table: 1 ■■ Wallride: 1

Toggenburg Tourismus Phone +41 (0)71 999 99 11 www.toggenburg.ch

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Fun parks. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

27

Thrilling.

The top toboggan runs.

Grosse Scheidegg, Bernese Oberland

Fun on runners.

The bolder, the better – such was the motto of the early British tourists. The Swiss sun and magnificent snow-covered slopes were all well and good, but British visitors saw that they offered the potential for rather more fun – especially the sort of fun they could bet on.

So they set to work. In 1872, the first artificial toboggan run appeared behind the Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz; in 1883, the first tobogganing club was founded in Davos; and in 1884, the Cresta Run opened in St. Moritz.

In 1889, also in St. Moritz, the blacksmith Christian Mathis made the first racing bobsleigh to an order from an Englishman, using British steel; it consisted of two connected skeleton toboggans.

c. 1910

The craze for riding the snow and ice on runners seemed boundless, and culminated in 1904 with the construction of the bob run from St. Moritz to Celerina. It is still made afresh every winter by hand, and is the last natural ice track that still hosts international races.

The joys of speed on snow: pioneering bob riders in Davos.

Sledges, skeletons and bobs 872: English visitors build the first artificial 1 toboggan run in St. Moritz.

■■ 1882: first race from the Wolfgang Pass above Davos to Klosters.

■■ 1883: first international toboggan race, Davos–Klosters.

■■ 1884: the Cresta Run is built in St. Moritz for toboggans and skeletons.

■■ 1904: the St. Moritz–Celerina bob run opens.

■■ 1911: the inventor of the Velogemel (“bike sledge”) in Grindelwald applies for a patent. It is still produced today.

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30

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Toboggan runs.

1911 Like riding a bike without any grip: the “Velogemel” in Grindelwald.

33 Fairy-tale adventure.

Les Diablerets, Lake Geneva Region The chairlift ride up to Les Mazots may be short but the toboggan run back down is anything but: measuring a proud 7.2 kilometres, the trail leads through an enchanting landscape of snowblanketed forests with romantic views. Protective walls of snow on either side make the run a safe adventure for families, too. Three times a week, the descent opens for night-sledging. Riders, equipped with head torches, are welcomed with a mulled wine at the start – and if they wish, enjoy a warming fondue at the summit restaurant before setting off.

Run info

Contact

tart: Les Mazots, 1,717 m S ■■ Finish: Les Diablerets, 1,151 m ■■ Length: 7.2 km ■■ Level of difficulty: medium ■■ Local sledge hire: yes ■■ Evening illumination: no

Office du tourisme Les Diablerets Phone +41 (0)24 492 00 10 www.diablerets.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

41104

34 The longest run in the Romandie.

La Tzoumaz, Valais The ride in the gondola from La Tzoumaz up to Savoleyres (2,354 m) is surprisingly gentle – given the thrilling ride back down again.

At ten kilometres, this is the longest sledge run in the Romandie (the name French-speakers give to their part of Switzerland). The vertical drop of 819 metres means you can pick up a lot of speed, so children must be accompanied by an adult. On six dates during the winter, there’s tobogganing by moonlight, combined with a fondue dinner at the Savoleyres summit restaurant: in January, February and March, always on the Friday and Saturday closest to full moon.

Run info

Contact

Start: Savoleyres, 2,354 m ■■ Finish: La Tzoumaz, 1,535 m ■■ Length: 10 km ■■ Level of difficulty: medium ■■ Local sledge hire: yes ■■ Evening illumination: no

Office du tourisme de la Tzoumaz Phone +41 (0)27 305 16 00 www.latzoumaz.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

39290

Toboggan runs. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

31

35

Big is beautiful.

Grindelwald, Bernese Oberland Locals call it Big Pintenfritz: 15 kilometres long and with a vertical drop of 1,600 metres, the toboggan run from Faulhorn to Grindelwald is the longest in Europe. First, you have to earn your thrills – with a magnificent walk of about 2½ hours from Bussalp or First up to the summit of the Faulhorn (2,680 m), complete with five-star views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The name Big Pintenfritz (“Big Pub Fritz”), incidentally, refers to a landlord in the village who is said to have been the first to brave the descent following a bet.

Run info

Contact

Start: hike from First, toboggan from Faulhorn, 2,680 m ■■ Finish: Grindelwald, 1,034 m ■■ Length: 15 km ■■ Level of difficulty: medium ■■ Local sledge hire: yes ■■ Evening illumination: no

Grindelwald Tourismus Phone +41 (0)33 854 12 12 www.grindelwald.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

39319

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

183411

36 Perfect prospects.

Beatenberg, Bernese Oberland The lovely views of the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and sparkling Lake Thun make the Niederhorn–Vorsass toboggan run a magnet for seasoned tobogganists as well as thrill-seeking novices. The gondola carries riders swiftly up to the Niederhorn and the starting point of the run, which takes about 40 minutes and makes a perfect combination with a panoramic winter walk. Every Friday and Saturday evening, night-sledging enthusiasts are in for a treat: lanterns mark the trail, and the gondola runs every quarter of an hour.

Run info

Contact

Start: Niederhorn, 1,950 m ■■ Finish: Vorsass, Niederhorn gondola mid station, 1,580 m ■■ Length: 3 km ■■ Level of difficulty: medium ■■ Local sledge hire: yes ■■ Evening illumination: yes

Thunersee-BeatenbergNiederhorn-Bahnen Phone +41 (0)33 841 08 41 www.niederhorn.ch

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32

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Toboggan runs.

37 Let there be light!

Preda–Bergün, Graubünden The six-kilometre toboggan run from Preda to Bergün is not only the most famous in Switzerland but also the longest illuminated sledge run in Europe. The journey to the start is an adventure in itself: over the breathtaking viaducts of the Rhaetian Railway’s Albula line, part of UNESCO World Heritage. The descent starts at Preda station, where toboggans are available for hire; the run is superbly prepared, and ideal for families. The track twists and turns down the valley before ending at Bergün station, return point for the rental sledges.

Run info

Contact

Start: Preda, 1,789 m ■■ Finish: Bergün, 1,386 m ■■ Length: 6 km ■■ Level of difficulty: medium ■■ Local sledge hire: yes ■■ Evening illumination: yes

Bergün Filisur Tourismus Phone +41 (0)81 407 11 52 www.berguen-filisur.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

38

78969

Relaxed valley run.

Fideris, Graubünden The sledge run from the Fideriser Heuberge down to the village of Fideris is one of the longest in Switzerland: about 12 kilometres in all. It’s also one of the most relaxed, and therefore ideal for families. The run follows a road closed to traffic other than the few minibuses that carry tobogganists to the start. The route is popular for evening outings – but not illuminated, so riders need a head torch. The night-time descents preceded by a fondue dinner at the legendary Kuhstallbar (“Cow shed bar”) at the summit are famous far and wide.

Run info

Contact

Start: Fideriser Heuberge, 2,000 m ■■ Finish: Fideris village, 900 m ■■ Length: 12 km ■■ Level of difficulty: medium ■■ Local sledge hire: yes ■■ Evening illumination: no

Fideriser Heuberge Phone +41 (0)81 300 30 70 www.heuberge.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

157579

Toboggan runs. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

33

39

Super-comfy slide.

Rigi, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region The Rigi is known as the “Queen of the mountains” – and with its four toboggan runs, the mother of all sledging destinations. The most attractive descent leads from Rigi Kulm along a glorious track to Rigi Klösterli (3.1 km); cog trains bring riders back to the start. For extra comfort, special padded Rigi sledges with wide runners are available for hire. Other runs lead from Rigi Kulm via Schwändi to Rigi Klösterli (4 km), from Rigi Staffel to Rigi Klösterli (2 km) and from Rigi Staffelhöhe to Rigi Kaltbad (0.6 km).

Run info

Contact

Start: Rigi Kulm, 1,752 m ■■ Finish: Rigi Klösterli, 1,315 m ■■ Length: 3.1 km ■■ Level of difficulty: medium ■■ Local sledge hire: yes ■■ Evening illumination: yes

Rigi Bahnen Phone +41 (0)41 399 87 87 www.rigi.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

189064

40 Sporty challenge.

Matt, Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein The three-kilometre run through the Chrauchtal gorge is guaranteed to set the heart racing of any tobogganist: you whizz from Weissenberge to Matt in what feels like a matter of seconds.

Of course it takes longer, but on this super-fast run, you only start to think clearly again when you reach the bottom – ready for the gondola ride back to the start. The night-time version is even more fun: first a tasty fondue in an atmospheric mountain restaurant, then a thrilling ride through the romantically illuminated landscape down to the valley.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

34

189307

Run info

Contact

Start: Weissenberge, 1,266 m ■■ Finish: Matt village, 847 m ■■ Length: 3 km ■■ Level of difficulty: medium ■■ Local sledge hire: yes ■■ Evening illumination: yes

LMW Luftseilbahn Matt-Weissenberge Phone +41 (0)55 642 15 46 www.weissenberge.ch

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150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Toboggan runs.

Twists and turns galore.

43

Moléson-sur-Gruyères, Fribourg Region

Below the mighty Matterhorn.

41

Zermatt, Valais The thrilling run from Rotenboden to Riffelberg lasts ten breathless minutes, with the majestic Matterhorn as a dramatic backdrop. Cog trains of the Gornergrat Bahn, Europe’s highest open-air cog railway, run back to the start six times an hour.

Webcode

Behind you, the towering Moléson; at your feet, the picturesque region of La Gruyère – but the chances are you’ll only have eyes for the next corner on this four-kilometre, adrenalin-fuelled run. All the more reason to repeat it a few times!

Webcode

135837

Office du Tourisme Moléson Phone +41 (0)26 921 85 00 www.moleson.ch

Eastern adventure.

45

Jakobsbad, Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein At seven kilometres, the toboggan run on the Kronberg is the longest in Eastern Switzerland and takes about 60 minutes, top to bottom. The views of the Säntis and Lake Constance along the way are bewitching.

Webcode

39301

Zermatt Tourismus Phone +41 (0)27 966 81 00 www.zermatt.ch

132360

Luftseilbahn Jakobsbad-Kronberg Phone +41 (0)71 794 12 89 www.kronberg.ch

To the lake and beyond.

42

Ticino family treat.

46

Kandersteg, Bernese Oberland

Leontica / Nara, Ticino From the top of the gondola, a toboggan run leads gently down to the frozen Oeschinensee before descending more steeply to the resort: 3.5 kilometres in all, a vertical drop of 480 metres, and great fun for all the family!

Webcode

39294

Hotel-Restaurant Oeschinensee Phone +41 (0)33 675 11 19 www.oeschinensee.ch

44

The Basel run.

Wasserfallen–Reigoldswil, Basel Region This is the only toboggan run in the Basel Region served by cable car.

The ride from Wasserfallen in the Jura mountains back down to Reigoldswil takes about 30 minutes and is especially popular with families.

Webcode

Skittis are ski-mounted sledges made in Ticino, perfect for the charming toboggan run at Nara in the Blenio valley. The five-kilometre trail leads from Pian Nara to Cancorì, through snowy pine forests and pretty hamlets.

Webcode

189741

Amici del Nara Phone +41 (0)91 871 18 28 www.nara.ch

190555

Luftseilbahn Reigoldswil-Wasserfallen Phone +41 (0)61 941 18 20 www.wasserfallenbahn.ch

Toboggan runs. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

35

Heavenly.

The finest cross-country ski trails.

Alp Sellamatt, Toggenburg, Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein

c. 1905 From postman to ski star: Fritz Steuri collected cups the way others collect stamps.

Winning streak of the ski king.

It was a postman from Grindelwald who dominated the early days of Alpine long-distance ski racing: Fritz Steuri was so much faster than his rivals that after his third Swiss championship title, he was politely asked not to enter again.

He was just a teenager when he watched with fascination how elegantly Gerald Fox, an English skier, mastered the new sport from Scandinavia.

In 1898, Steuri bought his first pair of cross-country skis from a local joiner, and soon he was outskiing everyone. He won everything there was to be won, and in 1905 completed the 20 kilometres of the legendary Pragel race, from Guetentalboden in canton Schwyz over the Pragel Pass to Glarus, 38 minutes faster than the previous year’s winner. Eventually the request came to let others have a chance, too. He became a ski instructor and mountain guide – about one hundred years before another Swiss racer, Dario Cologna, once again set new standards in the sport.

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150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Cross-country skiing.

47 On top of the world.

Vallée de Joux, Lake Geneva Region The Vallée de Joux in the Vaud Jura promises heaven on earth for cross-country ski enthusiasts. Instead of towering peaks, gentle hills dominate the scenery, along with sweeping forests and the frozen Lac de Joux. The valley floor lies at about 1,000 metres, and its snowy slopes are home to no fewer than 200 kilometres of trails for classic-style skiing, about 150 kilometres for skating and four illuminated kilometres for nightskiing. Cross-country ski centres are located at La Thomassette, Les Charbonnières and at the access points at the Col du Marchairuz and the Col du Mollendruz.

Trail info

Contact

Altitude: 950–1,502 m ■■ Classic trails: 200 km ■■ Skating: 150 km ■■ Night trail: 4 km ■■ Dog trail: none

Vallée de Joux Tourisme Phone +41 (0)21 845 17 77 www.myvalleedejoux.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

38959

48 Heights of wide horizons.

La Chaux-de-Fonds, Jura & Three-Lakes As you ski the trail along the high ridge of the Pouillerel, just outside La Chaux-de-Fonds, it’s worth slowing down a little, lifting your eyes off the tracks in the snow in front of you and taking in the sweeping panorama. On a clear day, the views to the south extend from Mont Blanc to the sparkling pinnacles of the Bernese Alps; to the north, you can see beyond the mountains of the French Jura as far as the Vosges. The circuit starts at the La Sombaille car park and leads to the Ferme Modèle and back, a total of 15 kilometres.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

38930

Trail info

Contact

Altitude: 1,050–1,270 m ■■ Classic trails: 22 km ■■ Skating: 22 km ■■ Night trail: none ■■ Dog trail: none

Tourisme neuchâtelois Montagnes Phone +41 (0)32 889 68 95 www.neuchateltourisme.ch

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Cross-country skiing. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

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49

Valley of superlatives.

Goms, Valais The 85 kilometres of cross-country ski trails along the Goms – as the valley of the young River Rhone is known – link 12 typical Valais villages between Oberwald and Niederwald. The Matterhorn Gotthard railway serves all of them, so skiers can hop on a train just about anywhere to return to their starting point. Another unique feature is the cross-country ski lift, 30 metres long and with a vertical drop of 12 metres. Every year, specialists create a fun park alongside, with moguls and small jumps on which Nordic skiers can test and improve their balance.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

38958

Trail info

Contact

Altitude: 1,250–1,380 m ■■ Classic trails: 85 km ■■ Skating: 85 km ■■ Night trail: 4 km ■■ Dog trail: 4 km

Obergoms Tourismus Phone +41 (0)27 974 68 68 www.obergoms.ch

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50 All the magic of the marathon.

St. Moritz, Graubünden The Engadin Skimarathon is one of Switzerland’s biggest sporting events. Every year, about 13,000 cross-country ski enthusiasts compete along the 42.195 kilometres from Maloja to St. Moritz and on to S-chanf. The legendary marathon route is just one of the Engadin’s many superb attractions for Nordic skiers, which range from charming circuits in the side valleys to beautiful long glides around Zuoz and the “Direttissima” across the three frozen lakes, which reveals delightful views of scintillating St. Moritz, birthplace of winter tourism.

Trail info

Contact

Altitude: 1,450–2,200 m ■■ Classic trails: 210 km ■■ Skating: 200 km ■■ Night trail: 9.5 km ■■ Dog trail: 7.5 km

Engadin St. Moritz Phone +41 (0)81 830 00 01 www.engadin.stmoritz.ch

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40

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Cross-country skiing.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

38957

51 Trails fit for champions.

Lenzerheide, Graubünden Lenzerheide alternates with the Val Müstair as a venue for the annual international “Tour de Ski” race. This says a great deal about the quality of the resort’s cross-country ski facilities – and also the appeal of this high valley. The trails lead through a landscape of picture-book charm, with extensive forests, snow-blanketed meadows and the frozen Heidsee lake. Night-skiing enthusiasts enjoy the trail in Lantsch/Lenz, illuminated over four kilometres. Three cross-country ski centres have changing rooms, WCs, showers, lockers and a kiosk.

Trail info

Contact

Altitude: 1,387–1,560 m ■■ Classic trails: 56 km ■■ Skating: 56 km ■■ Night trail: 4 km (Foppa–Lantsch / Lenz) ■■ Dog trail: none

Lenzerheide Tourist Information Phone +41 (0)81 385 57 00 www.lenzerheide.com

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52

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

193945

Below the jagged Churfirsten.

Toggenburg, Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein The Toggenburg region loves cross-country skiers – and vice versa. In the stretch of valley around Alt St. Johann, Unterwasser and Wildhaus, Nordic skiers glide through tranquil forests and across sunny plateaus dramatically framed by the jagged Churfirsten to the south and the mighty Säntis massif to the north. There are flattish trails for beginners and hillier terrain to suit experts as well as night-skiing: two kilometres of the St. Peterzell trail are illuminated until 9.30 pm, weather permitting.

Trail info

Contact

Altitude: 680–1,560 m ■■ Classic trails: 84 km ■■ Skating: 73 km ■■ Night trail: 5 km ■■ Dog trail: 2 km

Toggenburg Tourismus Phone +41 (0)71 999 99 11 www.toggenburg.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

38925

Cross-country skiing. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

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53

Sunny trails of Ticino.

Campra, Ticino The finest and most snow-sure cross-country ski area in the southerly Ticino region is the Centro Sci Nordico in Campra (1,500 m). It lies in the Blenio valley on the road up to the Lumkanier Pass, and is quick to reach, even from Milan. The flattish to slightly hilly trails in the upper section are ideal for beginners, while experienced Nordic skiers will enjoy the demanding black trail lower down. Altogether, the Campra area has 30 kilometres of trails for both classic and skating technique. A two-kilometre section is illuminated at night.

Trail info

Contact

Altitude: 1,420 m ■■ Classic trails: 30 km ■■ Skating: 30 km ■■ Night trail: 2 km ■■ Dog trail: none

Centro Sci Nordico Campra Phone +41 (0)91 872 22 78 www.campra.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

38956

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

38949

54 Between the Simme and the Saane.

Gstaad, Bernese Oberland No fewer than 14 cross-country ski trails lead around Gstaad, along the young River Saane and into the side valleys of Lauenen and Turbach.

Suitable for both classic and skating technique, they are among the finest in Switzerland. There’s an illuminated night trail in Schönried, and a charming route up the Simme valley to Lenk. High above Zweisimmen, at an altitude of 1,600 metres, the snow-blanketed Sparenmoos moorland offers an enchanting experience of pristine nature; the views into the Bernese Oberland are bewitching.

Trail info

Contact

Altitude: 1,020–1,850 m ■■ Classic trails: 82 km ■■ Skating: 71 km ■■ Night trails: 3 km ■■ Dog trails: none

Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus Phone +41 (0)33 748 81 81 www.gstaad.ch

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42

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Cross-country skiing.

55

Insiders’ tip.

La Fouly, Valais At the end of the secluded Val Ferret, a network of idyllic cross-country ski trails leads through a pristine natural landscape of forests and snow-covered meadows, overlooked by towering rock pinnacles draped with glaciers.

Webcode

28476

TéléLaFouly – Val Ferret Phone +41 (0)27 783 25 83 www.telelafouly.ch

Valley of Nordic charm.

57

Gonten, Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein This high valley in the Appenzell region lies at the foot of the north-facing, snow-sure slopes of the Kronberg at an altitude of 900 m. With its distinctly Nordic feel, the valley seems made for cross-country skiing.

Webcode

193901

Appenzellerland Tourismus AI Phone +41 (0)71 788 96 41 www.appenzell.info

Perfect for beginners.

59

Sörenberg Salwideli, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region One of the most beautiful and diverse of all Swiss cross-country ski trails leads through the Entlebuch UNESCO Biosphere. The region’s 14 kilometres of trail include flattish terrain ideal for novices.

Webcode

193905

Sörenberg Flühli Tourismus Phone +41 (0)41 488 11 85 www.soerenberg.ch

Pioneer of winter sports.

56

Davos, Graubünden 76 kilometres of trails to suit every taste and ability (including a 15-kilometre dog trail): Europe’s highest-altitude city has long been recognised as a driving force in the development of modern winter sports.

Webcode

38947

Destination Davos Klosters Phone +41 (0)81 415 21 21 www.davos.ch

58

Pure nature.

Gantrisch Nature Park, Bern Region Pure tranquillity, expansive views, glorious trails: the Gantrisch cross-country ski area between Bern and Fribourg is popular with athletes as well as occasional skiers. 45 kilometres of trail link the various access points.

Webcode

53381

Gantrisch Cross-Country Ski Centre Phone +41 (0)31 735 55 55 www.lzg.ch

In the heart of La Gruyère.

60

Charmey, Fribourg Region Between Jaun, Charmey and Les Monts de Riaz are some 80 kilometres of trail, five of which are illuminated. After a spot of night-skiing, enjoy blissful relaxation at the modern La Gruyère baths in the charming village of Charmey.

Webcode

38927

La Gruyère Tourisme Phone +41 (0)848 424 424 www.la-gruyere.ch

Cross-country skiing. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

43

Impressive.

The coolest ice attractions.

Eisweg Engadin at Sur En, Scuol, Graub端nden

The ice rink as society hotspot.

From the early days of winter tourism, British guests proved to be a gregarious crowd with a strong playful streak. They quickly persuaded local hoteliers to adopt their ideas for sporting and often highly adventurous pursuits. Ice rinks appeared everywhere, with “gymkhanas” especially popular among guests. Activities such as steeplechases, snow-shovel-shoving, rolling wooden barrels, blowing eggs and figure skating on stilts made for a carnival atmosphere.

c. 1880

Graceful game: British curlers on the rink in front of the Kulm Hotel, St. Moritz.

When Davos built Europe’s largest ice rink at the end of the 19th century, the resort became the international capital of ice sports. Between 1898 and 1910 alone, five curling world championships took place here, providing a prized social fixture for high society. Although ice hockey was also popular, it was the Vaud resorts of Leysin and Les Avants that took on a pioneering role in the development of this sport in Switzerland.

c. 1900 Fun on ice: “gymkhana” afternoon in St. Moritz.

The rise of ice sports 870: British visitors found Switzerland’s 1 first skating club in Davos.

■■ 1877: the first natural ice rink in Davos opens.

■■ 1880: the first curling games take place in St. Moritz.

■■ 1892: British guests found the Belvédère Curling Club in Davos.

■■ 1904: the first ice hockey league is established in French-speaking Switzerland.

■■ 1908: the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation is founded.

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1906 46

Cradle of ice sports: an ice hockey match on the Davos ice rink.

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Ice attractions.

61 Lightning speeds on a twisting track.

Olympia Bob Run, St. Moritz, Graubünden The Olympia Bob Run from St. Moritz to Celerina is the world’s oldest bobsleigh run and the only natural ice track that continues to host international races – almost every weekend. Adventurous visitors aged 18 and over can experience the thrills for themselves on a guest ride: safely seated between the pilot and brakeman, novices enjoy speeds of up to 135 kilometres an hour and forces of up to 4G. The exhilarating descent lasts about 75 seconds, with features such as the legendary Horse Shoe corner guaranteeing an incomparable adrenalin rush.

Don’t miss

Contact

Whirlpool bath up on the Diavolezza ■■ Muottas Muragl toboggan run ■■ Muottas Muragl Philosophers’ Trail ■■ Winter walk into the Val Bever ■■ Samedan Mineral Baths & Spa ■■ Bernina Express train ride

Olympia Bob Run Phone +41 (0)81 830 02 00 www.olympia-bobrun.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

39327

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

202876

62 Escape on skates through a fairy-tale forest.

Eisweg Engadin, Sur En, Scuol, Graubünden The “Engadin Ice Path” is as slippery as it sounds: an open-air track for ice skaters that winds between the trees of the enchanting forest by Sur En in the Lower Engadin. The delightful three-kilometre loop leads along the floor of the wild and mountainous Inn valley; the entrance is by the Sur En campsite below the village of Sent, about six kilometres downstream from Scuol. Skaters can access the ice path by PostBus – from Scuol or Sent, dismounting at the Sur En campsite – or by private car. Ice skates and helmets are available for hire on site.

Don’t miss

Contact

Ice climbing tower for novices and experts, Sur En ■■ Bavarian curling, Sur En ■■ Alberto Giacometti Museum at the Pensiun Aldier hotel, Sent ■■ Tarasp Castle ■■ Prui–Ftan toboggan run

Eisweg Engadin Phone +41 (0)81 860 09 09 www.eisweg-engadin.ch

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Ice attractions. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

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63

“Curling light”.

Ice stock sport, Feldis, Graubünden The game known as Bavarian curling or ice stock sport probably found its way from Scandinavia to the Alps and thereby to the Swiss mountains in the 13th century. The simpler version of curling is enjoying a revival here as enthusiasts discover the joys of this accessible sport. One place it is proving especially popular is above the town of Feldis in the Domleschg valley. The natural, open-air ice rink at Alp Raguta offers perfect conditions for groups of six people or more; both Alp Raguta and the rink are open to visitors as soon as the chairlifts start operation.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

191967

Don’t miss

Contact

Mountain village of Feldis ■■ Heinzenberg family ski area ■■ Chur’s charming Old Town ■■ Graubünden art museum, Chur ■■ Andeer thermal baths

Alp Raguta Phone +41 (0)44 821 93 57 www.alpraguta.ch

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64 Fairy-tale palaces of ice and light.

Ice palaces, Schwarzsee, Fribourg Region Every winter, the ice artist Karl Neuhaus creates his fairy-tale world of ice and light anew in a small wood between Plaffeien and Schwarzsee. The ice palaces are up to 15 metres high, and visitors can walk into and climb up on them. Strong footwear and warm clothes are recommended: it can get pretty chilly in the caves, grottos and igloos and on the pirate ship. There’s also a charming café where visitors can warm up. The ice palaces and sculptures are especially impressive after dark, thanks to the colourful and imaginative lighting.

Don’t miss

Contact

Walk around the frozen Schwarzsee ■■ Night sledging on the ski piste ■■ Ice skating on the frozen Schwarzsee ■■ Swiss Snow Kids Village

Eispaläste Schwarzsee Phone +41 (0)79 613 09 97 www.eispalaeste.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

48

78679

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Ice attractions.

65 Capital attractions in a historic setting.

Outdoor ice rink, Bern, Bern Region Politicians normally steer clear of situations where they could slip up. Not so in Bern, where members of parliament enjoy lacing on a pair of skates after work. From December to February, the square in front of the Federal Palace becomes a spacious open-air ice rink (700 sq. m). A light system bathes the ice in warm colours, creating a romantic winter atmosphere. The rink is also accessible for guests with limited mobility: the Cerebral association provides free “ice gliders”, special platforms on runners for visitors in wheelchairs.

Don’t miss

Contact

wiss Alpine Museum S ■■ Zentrum Paul Klee ■■ Bernaqua indoor adventure pool ■■ Oktogon Bern Hammam & Spa ■■ Tobogganing up on the Gurten ■■ Shopping in the Old Town

Kunsteisbahn Bundesplatz Phone +41 (0)31 351 62 39 www.kunsteisbahnbundesplatz.ch

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66

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

187536

Fishing with a difference.

Ice fishing, Kandersteg, Bernese Oberland The frozen Oeschinensee lies in a hollow framed by towering peaks, which makes for consistently low temperatures around this lake above Kandersteg in the Bernese Oberland. Good news for ice fishing enthusiasts: from January to the end of March, the ice reaches a thickness of 30 to 50 centimetres, enough for anglers to venture out, bore holes and fish for trout. Those in the know come with a sledge for riding back down to the valley on the speedy toboggan run before it closes at 5 pm. Day fishing permits are available from the restaurant.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

154282

Don’t miss

Contact

Oeschinensee–Kandersteg toboggan run ■■ Artificial ice rink, Kandersteg ■■ Cross-country skiing, Kandersteg ■■ Winter walking trail, Gemmi ■■ Tropic house, Frutigen

Kandersteg Tourismus Phone +41 (0)33 675 80 80 www.kandersteg.ch

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Ice attractions. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

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67

Sparkling ice show.

Lac de Joux, Vallée de Joux, Lake Geneva Region As winter arrives and the temperatures drop in the valleys of the Jura mountains, children around the Lac de Joux long for one thing: the official OK that it’s safe to go out on the ice. This is the green light for endless fun. Far from the bustle of well-known ski resorts, hundreds of visitors venture out every day onto the biggest expanse of ice in the Jura massif: from aspiring figure skaters to budding ice hockey champions and couples in love. The ice yachts, skimming and pirouetting across the surface of the frozen lake, are especially impressive.

Don’t miss

Contact

Marked snowshoe trails in the Vallée de Joux ■■ Vallée de Joux sports centre, Le Sentier ■■ Night skiing at L’Orient ■■ Tobogganing on the Col du Marchairuz ■■ Cross-country skiing along the shore of the Lac de Joux

Vallée de Joux Tourisme Phone +41 (0)21 845 17 77 www.myvalleedejoux.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

41103

68 Dizzy climb among frozen waterfalls.

Gorge Alpine, Saas-Fee, Valais An experienced mountain guide leads visitors on a descent of the dramatic, narrow gorge from Saas-Fee to Saas-Grund by means of zip lines, suspension footbridges, ladders, steel pegs fastened into cliff faces and dizzy walkways secured with cables. The “Gorge Alpine” adventure is doubly dramatic in winter, when frozen waterfalls adorn the walls of the canyon like fantastical sculptures, promising an experience of nature at its most inventive. Night-time descents are especially atmospheric – and followed by a delicious celebratory fondue.

Don’t miss

Contact

Skiing / snowboarding among glaciers ■■ Freestyle Park ■■ Revolving restaurant, Mittelallalin ■■ Ice pavilion, Mittelallalin ■■ Saas Museum

Saas-Fee / Saastal Tourismus Phone +41 (0)27 958 18 58 www.saas-fee.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

50

39882

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Ice attractions.

In the depths of the glacier.

71

Zinal, Valais

69

Stone by stone.

Davos, Graubünden Curling is enjoying a boom. Davos, as “Cradle of ice sports”, is the ideal place to have a go at this ancient game, and the resort offers courses for groups on the open artificial ice rink. Demand is great, so it’s advisable to book early.

Webcode

After about 2½ hours of snowshoeing up the valley and onto the Zinal Glacier with an expert guide, you reach the highlight: a descent into a glacier grotto, a magical world of echoing chambers, sparkling ice and bubbling meltwater.

Webcode

39233

Office du Tourisme de Zinal Phone +41 (0)27 476 17 05 www.valdanniviers.ch

28480

Adelboden, Bernese Oberland High up at Engstligenalp, skating enthusiasts can glide through the passageways and pirouette under the domes of three interconnected igloos.

Imaginative lighting and inspiring music create a fairy-tale atmosphere.

Webcode

From late November until New Year, the ice rink on Locarno’s famous Piazza Grande conjures the romantic charm of the festive season. Bars, a stage for live music and chalets serving food and drink add to the atmosphere.

187555

Ente turistico Lago Maggiore Phone +41 (0)84 809 10 91 www.ascona-locarno.com

Natural ice rink on the lake.

Ice climbing for beginners.

La Brévine, Jura & Three-Lakes

Muotathal, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region

Already in December, a layer of ice often covers the Lac des Taillères in the Neuchâtel Jura, turning it into a playground for skating enthusiasts.

Before making the journey, however, it’s best to check that the ice has been declared safe.

Ice axes to the ready: a 20-metre cliff sheltered by a natural overhang offers the perfect location for novices to try the exciting sport of ice climbing. The ice sheet is produced artificially and illuminated; mountain guides provide expert tuition.

Webcode

Webcode

72

Ice skating in an igloo.

Locarno, Ticino

Webcode

Tourismus- und Sportzentrum Phone +41 (0)81 415 36 00 www.davos.ch

70

Cool capers on the piazza.

73

144860

Tourisme neuchâtelois Montagnes Phone +41 (0)32 889 68 95 www.neuchateltourisme.ch

74

28479

Erlebniswelt Muotathal Phone +41 (0)41 830 28 45 www.erlebniswelt-muotathal.ch

199574

Berghotel Engstligenalp Phone +41 (0)33 673 22 91 www.engstligenalp.ch

Ice attractions. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

51

Liberating.

The prettiest winter walking trails.

Les Paccots, Fribourg Region

A timely revival.

We have intellectual curiosity to thank for many pioneering alpine achievements: scientists were often the first to explore new realms including the Swiss mountain winter. In 1832, for example, Franz Joseph Hugi from Solothurn set off across the snowy expanses above Grindelwald to reach the summit of the Faulhorn. The arrival of Norwegian snowshoes around 1890 made the higher Alpine peaks accessible, and mountaineering became the ultimate winter activity.

1890 New horizons: mountaineers on the Diavolezza Glacier above Pontresina.

While the choice of mountain adventures may seem boundless today, winter walking is enjoying a remarkable revival. What was seen as a pastime for elderly folk has blossomed into a highly popular activity for visitors of all ages. Thousands of kilometres of prepared winter walking paths and snowshoe trails criss-cross the Swiss Alps. After all, there’s no better way to experience the enchanting winter landscapes in all their bewitching beauty.

Step by step to the summits 832: the scientist Franz Joseph Hugi scales the 1 Strahlegg, Mönchsjoch and Faulhorn in winter.

■■ 1884 / 85: the Basel painter Carl Egger completes the first winter ascent of an alpine summit – the Aroser Rothorn – equipped with Canadian snowshoes.

■■ c. 1890: Norwegian snowshoes allow winter mountaineers to tackle some of the highest alpine summits.

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c. 1900 Aiming high: good preparation was the key to success.

54

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Winter walking.

75 Freedom of the Franches-Montagnes.

Le Noirmont, Jura & Three-Lakes With their wild, open expanses and magical beauty, the FranchesMontagnes seem to belong to another world. The circular hike from Le Noirmont reveals all the charms of this impressive high plateau – without presenting great challenges, making the flattish walk accessible to all. The trail through the sparkling white winter landscape takes about three hours, not counting a break at the “Prospecteur” tepee café halfway. Here, it’s all too easy to be seduced by the Jura sunshine and the enchanting atmosphere and forget the passing of time altogether.

Don’t miss

Contact

Horse-drawn sleigh rides, Le Bémont ■■ Cross-country skiing on the Franches-Montagnes plateau, Montfaucon-La Ferrière ■■ Snowshoe hike around Saignelégier ■■ La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle: watchmaking cities, UNESCO World Heritage ■■ International Clock-making Museum, La Chaux-de-Fonds

Jura Tourisme Saignelégier Phone +41 (0)32 420 47 70 www.juratourisme.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

202975

76 A taste for nature.

Les Paccots, Fribourg Region Les Paccots is a charming small holiday resort in the Fribourg PreAlps – and a paradise for snowshoeing enthusiasts. Various marked trails of different levels of difficulty form a network of 25 kilometres offering great variety. Families are also in for a treat: child-friendly options include an afternoon “Chocolate snowshoe adventure” with tea and chocolate at the end of the walk. The “Fondue snowshoe adventure”, meanwhile, combines a night-time hike with a tasting of the region’s most famous gastronomic export.

Don’t miss

Contact

Les Paccots children’s ski area ■■ Sledging beside the “Lac des Joncs” piste ■■ Les Paccots artificial ice rink ■■ Rathvel family ski area ■■ Dog-sled rides in Fiaugères

Office du Tourisme Châtel-St-Denis / Les Paccots Phone +41 (0)21 948 84 56 www.les-paccots.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

202973

Winter walking. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

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77

Eleven paths to happiness.

Château-d’Oex, Lake Geneva Region The 11 new snowshoe trails of Château-d’Oex, Rougemont and Les Mosses lead at various altitudes through landscapes of bewitching beauty. Special flyers give details of the routes, which are carefully signposted and have information panels at strategic points. Two of the paths are equipped with reflective markers, allowing for atmospheric nocturnal hikes – and ensuring walkers find their way back home rather than straying a couple of kilometres off-trail and onto Gstaad’s large ski area, which lies just around the corner.

Don’t miss

Contact

Skijoring: skiing, pulled by a horse ■■ Espace Ballon hot-air balloon museum ■■ Museum of “decoupage” paper-cutting ■■ Cross-country skiing in the Château-d’Oex valley ■■ Family tobogganing from La Montagnette to Praz Perron

Château-d’Oex Tourisme Phone +41 (0)26 924 25 25 www.chateau-doex.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

39240

78 From the sun to Pluto.

St-Luc, Valais Switzerland’s most scenic planet trail leads high above the Val d’Anniviers and is more atmospheric than ever in winter. The path begins at the top of the funicular at Tignousa and leads up to the Hotel Weisshorn. Along the way, walkers encounter scale models of the planets of our solar system, with the distances separating them also to scale. With each step, hikers travel another million kilometres through space. Just as impressive are the mountain views: several 4,000-metre peaks adorn the horizon, dazzling white against a piercing blue sky.

Don’t miss

Contact

Ski run from Bella Tola to Prilett ■■ Swiss Snow Kids Village ■■ Dog-sled rides ■■ Skating on the natural ice rink ■■ Ice climbing in Zinal and Mayoux

Anniviers Tourisme – Bureau de St-Luc Phone +41 (0)27 476 17 10 www.valdanniviers.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

56

41052

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Winter walking.

79 Above a mighty river of ice.

Riederalp, Valais At 23 kilometres, the Aletsch Glacier is the longest in the Alps. The sight of this mighty river of ice sparkling in the sun, framed by mighty peaks, is breathtaking. The most spectacular view of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is from the winter walking trail from Moosfluh to Riederalp. The path leads along the top of a gently sloping ridge pointing south-west, towards the afternoon sun. On the right-hand side, the Aletsch Glacier stretches to the distance; to the left, the views extend from the Mischabel massif to the Matterhorn and a string of other 4,000-metre peaks.

Don’t miss

Contact

Skiing / snowboarding in the Aletsch ■■ Views from the Bettmerhorn and Eggishorn ■■ 72 km of prepared winter walking trails with the new winter walking pass Aletsch + ■■ Bettmerhorn Ice World exhibition

Aletsch Arena / Riederalp Mörel Tourismus Phone +41 (0)27 928 60 50 www.riederalp.ch

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80

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

41088

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

159025

Heavenly vista.

Leukerbad, Valais The new panoramic winter walking trail from the Rinderhütte mountain restaurant to the middle station of the gondola promises pure mountain air, a pristine winter landscape and, best of all, spectacular views over the Rhone valley framed by the famous 4,000-metre peaks of the Valais. With a little luck, walkers may spot wildlife such as chamois or ptarmigan along the easy, four-kilometre trail. At the end, various restaurants offer the chance to savour regional delicacies, the perfect way to round off a magical winter experience.

Don’t miss

Contact

Viewing platform up at Gemmi ■■ Gemmiwind toboggan run on the Gemmi Pass ■■ Cross-country skiing on the frozen Daubensee ■■ Winter walk from the Gemmi Pass to Sunnbüel above Kandersteg or from the Rinderhütte to Flaschen ■■ Guided ski tour up the Wildstrubel

Leukerbad Tourismus Phone +41 (0)27 472 71 71 www.leukerbad.ch

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Winter walking. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

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81

On the balcony of the Jura.

Sainte-Croix / Les Rasses, Lake Geneva Region The panoramic heights around Sainte-Croix, Les Rasses and Le Chasseron are known as the “balcony of the Jura” for their glorious views across the Swiss Plateau – often covered by a cotton-wool blanket of cloud – to the Alps. This pristine winter landscape is heaven for snowshoeing enthusiasts, with many kilometres of marked trails. Highlights include a hike from the Col des Etroits via the Mont-des-Cerfs to La Gittaz, a pretty walk between Les Planets and Les Cluds, and an evening outing combining a hike with a fondue dinner on the Chasseron.

Don’t miss

Contact

Museum of music boxes and automata, Sainte-Croix ■■ Petites Roches ski piste to Les Rasses ■■ Winter walks above a sea of clouds, Sainte-Croix ■■ Cross-country ski trails in Sainte Croix, Les Rasses and L’Auberson

Office du Tourisme de Sainte-Croix / Les Rasses Phone +41 (0)24 455 41 42 www.sainte-croix-les-rasses-tourisme.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

39241

82 Nature for all the family.

Lauenen-Gstaad, Bernese Oberland A glorious winter walking trail through the Lauenen wildlife reserve promises an enchanting experience of nature for the whole family.

The route leads south along the banks of the Lauibach river before looping around the snow-blanketed Rohr meadows and returning the same way. With sufficient snow children can ride along, pulled on a sledge. Families should allow about 1½ hours for the six-kilometre walk. Another adventure sure to thrill visitors of all ages is a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh from Lauenen to the famous Lauenensee lake.

Don’t miss

Contact

Glacier 3000 Fun Park ■■ Rellerli Fondue Trail, Schönried ■■ Mike von Grünigen piste, Schönried ■■ Toboggan walk from Wispile to Gsteig ■■ Speciality: Saanenland Hobelkäse cheese

Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus Phone +41 (0)33 765 91 81 www.gstaad.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

58

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Winter walking.

159731

83 Queen of the mountains.

Rigi, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region Hike its high trails, and you realise why the Rigi is called the “Queen of the mountains”: the easy panoramic walk along the ridge from Rigi Kaltbad to First and on to Rigi Scheidegg is one of the finest experiences Switzerland has to offer.

Far below, the limbs of Lake Lucerne resemble fjords framed by the sparkling Alpine summits of central Switzerland; in the distance, an infinity of peaks stretches to the horizon. The most impressive way up the mountain is a ride on the Vitznau-Rigi-Bahn, Europe’s first cog railway, built in 1871.

Don’t miss

Contact

Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths & Spa ■■ Vitznau-Rigi-Bahn: rides on Europe’s oldest cog railway ■■ Rigi Staffel children’s ski area ■■ Sledge run from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Klösterli

Rigi Bahnen Phone +41 (0)41 399 87 87 www.rigi.ch

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84

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

147750

High above the heart of Switzerland.

Klewenalp-Stockhütte, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region Klewenalp enjoys both glorious sunshine and the panoramic views you normally only find in picture books, dreamt up by particularly imaginative illustrators. The little settlement is perched on a rise high above Lake Lucerne, framed by the snow-capped mountains of central Switzerland.

From here, idyllic winter walking trails lead through a landscape of fairy-tale beauty: for example, via Twäregg to Stockhütte, with its friendly mountain restaurant. From here, an modern gondola carries hikers down to Emmetten.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

40968

Don’t miss

Contact

Toboggan run from Klewenalp to Emmetten ■■ Airboarding at Klewenalp-Stockhütte ■■ Snowli-Land children’s ski area, Klewenalp-Stockhütte ■■ Winter Nordic walking route at Klewenalp

Bergbahnen Beckenried-Emmetten Phone +41 (0)41 624 66 00 www.klewenalp.ch

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Winter walking. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

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85

A taste for the open trail.

Vella, Val Lumnezia, Graubünden You won’t need a big knapsack for the gastronomic winter walks in the Val Lumnezia. You can happily leave energy bars and dried fruit at home, because each of the two trails links three different mountain restaurants and village inns that serve local specialities. At each venue, you enjoy a dish of an extended three-course lunch. By the end of the walk, you’ve explored the region’s gourmet delights as well as its gorgeous mountain scenery: you can be sure that when you leave the “valley of light”, your stomach won’t be rumbling.

Don’t miss

Contact

hildren’s ski area, Vella C ■■ Cuolm Sura sledge run to Ilanz ■■ High winter walking trail, Brigels ■■ Carlo Janka piste, Obersaxen ■■ Rufalipark indoor leisure centre, Obersaxen

Surselva Tourismus – Info Val Lumnezia Phone +41 (0)81 931 18 58 www.surselva.info

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

195621

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

143484

86 Boundless freedom.

Silvaplana, Graubünden With its wide-open expanses and sparkling light, the Upper Engadin invariably enchants visitors. The high plateau of the young River Inn is especially attractive with its three lakes, which spend the winter under a thick blanket of ice. A flat winter walking route leads along them from Silvaplana to Sils-Maria and on to Maloja, towards the afternoon sun. At the Chastè peninsula, walkers step onto frozen Lake Sils and cross it with a sensation of boundless freedom.

In good weather, a small bar welcomes customers in the middle of the lake.

Don’t miss

Contact

Segantini Museum, St. Moritz ■■ Winter sports up on the Corvatsch and Corviglia ■■ Nietzsche Museum in Sils-Maria ■■ Horse-drawn sleigh rides into the Val Fex

Engadin St. Moritz Phone +41 (0)81 830 00 01 www.engadin.stmoritz.ch

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150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Winter walking.

Pure winter poetry.

89

Zweisimmen, Bernese Oberland

In the realm of the sun.

In winter, the expansive high moorland of the Sparenmoos becomes a white wonderland of fairy-tale beauty. A round walk reveals glorious views down into the Simmental valley and across the Saanenland region.

Lötschental, Valais

Webcode

The pristine Lötschental valley is famous for its living traditions and its wealth of sunshine. One of the finest attractions is the five-kilometre panoramic adventure trail with ten interactive stations – great fun for all the family.

Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus Phone +41 (0)33 748 81 81 www.gstaad.ch

87

144362

Meadows and moorland.

91

Disentis, Graubünden

Webcode

41058

Webcode

Lötschental Tourismus Phone +41 (0)27 938 88 88 www.loetschental.ch

Stroll to the north face of the Eiger.

A high but easy trail leads from the Männlichen (2,230 m) south to the Kleine Scheidegg (2,061 m).

The sunny path is perfect for walkers of all ages – and promises superb views of the Jungfrau, Mönch and the north face of the Eiger.

Webcode

40994

Jungfraubahnen Phone +41 (0)33 828 72 33 www.jungfrau.ch

202974

Sedrun Disentis Tourismus Phone +41 (0)81 920 40 30 www.disentis-sedrun.ch

88

Jungfrau Region, Bernese Oberland

Through a small forest of alder, past mountain huts, across open meadows up to wild moorland: the romantic snowy landscapes around Disentis and Sedrun seem to have been made for exploring on showshoe treks and winter walks.

Into the heavenly hills.

Sparkling winter gem.

Einsiedeln, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region

Zugerberg, Zurich Region

90

A trail leads from historic Einsiedeln with its vast baroque monastery over the ridge of the Chatzenstrick and into the white expanses of the snowy Rothenturm moorland. The scenery is sublime and the views are heavenly.

Webcode

41069

Einsiedeln Tourismus Phone +41 (0)55 418 44 88 www.einsiedeln-tourismus.ch

92

A funicular leads up Zug’s local mountain to the start of a bewitching winter walk. An easy circular trail of about 2½ hours loops the high plateau, revealing five-star views across the lake and to the mountains.

Webcode

159178

Zug Tourismus Phone +41 (0)41 723 68 00 www.zug-tourismus.ch

Winter walking. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

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Enchanting.

The most original places to stay.

62

Grimsel Hospiz – historic alpine hotel Õ, Guttannen, Bernese Oberland 63

Golden age of Swiss hotel hospitality.

When Johannes Badrutt made his legendary bet in 1864, summer tourism was already booming in Switzerland. In early February 1865, the first winter guests arrived in Davos and stayed at the Pension Strela. Hotels were popping up like mushrooms; many were palatial venues that continue to set standards in the luxury hotel scene today. One of the most ambitious projects came to fruition in the Engadin in 1884: the Maloja Palace, with no fewer than 350 rooms.

1878 Innovative: on Christmas Eve, Switzerland’s first electric light illuminates the dining room of the Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz.

In 1888, the Hotel Baer in Grindelwald was the first in the Bernese Oberland to stay open for the winter; other large holiday resorts quickly followed suit. Today, guests can still experience the charm of the early days of winter tourism by booking into a member of Swiss Historic Hotels: the label promises the highest standards of hospitality.

Swiss hotel milestones 142: the first surviving record of a 1 Swiss guest house refers to the Grimsel Hospiz at the Grimsel Pass.

■■ 1816: Switzerland’s first mountaintop hotel opens on the Rigi, with six beds.

■■ 1864: the hotel pioneer Johannes Badrutt makes his “winter bet” with English guests.

■■ 1865: the mountain health resort of Davos welcomes its first German winter guests.

■■ 1878: the Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz unveils Switzerland’s first electric light.

■■ 1888: Grindelwald is the first resort in the Bernese Oberland to launch a winter season.

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1864 Visionary: Johannes Badrutt launches the “second season” at his Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz.

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150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Accommodation.

93 Switzerland’s first hotel.

Grimsel Hospiz – historic alpine hotel Õ, Guttannen, Bernese Oberland The first Swiss guest house mentioned in historical records (1142) was here at the Grimsel Pass.

Perched above a turquoise reservoir in a wild rocky landscape, the Grimsel Hospiz served as accommodation for the people who built the area’s pioneering hydroelectric plants, and made waves in 1932 as Europe’s first electrically heated hotel. An impressive renovation project in 2010 by the architect Jaques Wipf created a tasteful getaway to delight admirers of fine design as well as nature lovers. The historic dining room is a protected monument; the comfortable rooms have retained the style of the 1930s.

Don’t miss

Contact

Skihäsliland children’s ski area, Hasliberg ■■ Sherlock Holmes Museum, Meiringen ■■ Grosse Scheidegg–Schwarzwaldalp sledge run, Rosenlaui valley ■■ Wood carvers in Brienz

Grimsel Hospiz – Historisches AlpinhotelÕ Phone +41 (0)33 982 46 11 www.grimselwelt.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

54459

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

54455

classified by

94 Living hotel history.

Hotel Bellevue des Alpes, Kleine Scheidegg, Bernese Oberland 100 beds and 1,000 stories to tell: the Hotel Bellevue des Alpes has stood at Kleine Scheidegg since 1840, overlooking the north face of the Eiger and the station for the cog trains up the Jungfraujoch. Many illustrious visitors have stayed here, and the interiors are full of history; the hotel served as a filming location for dramas including “The Eiger Sanction” with Clint Eastwood and “North Face” with Benno Fürmann. The ski-in, ski-out Hotel Bellevue des Alpes has been run by the von Almen family for five generations; in 2011 it was crowned “Historic Hotel of the Year”.

Don’t miss

Contact

Cog train ride up the Jungfraujoch ■■ Lauberhorn race piste ■■ Kleine Scheidegg–Männlichen winter walking trail ■■ Tobogganing down the Eiger Run, illuminated at night

Hotel Bellevue des Alpes Phone +41 (0)33 855 12 12 www.scheidegg-hotels.ch

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Accommodation. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

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95

How to build an igloo.

Pizol, Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein The Pizol used to be called Piz Sol: “Sunshine Peak”. Today, the scenic mountain fully lives up to its historic name, making it the perfect place for learning the fine art of igloo-building.

Visitors make their own huts of ice under expert guidance before celebrating their achievements with a convivial outdoor fondue. After dinner, a gentle night-time walk in the snow is the perfect prelude to a restful night snuggled up in a cosy sleeping bag. After a hearty breakfast, the next adventure awaits: a thrilling descent on airboards to Pardiel.

Don’t miss

Contact

Panoramic winter walking trail, Pizol ■■ Pizol airboard piste ■■ Riderpark, Pizol ■■ Wangs children’s ski area ■■ Night skiing, Pizol ■■ Bad Ragaz thermal baths

freizeit-aktiv.ch Phone +41 (0)81 723 43 67 www.freizeit-aktiv.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

37469

96 High-tech eco-camp.

Whitepod eco-luxury hotel

, Les Giettes, Valais

Whitepod is unlike anything else in Europe: a camp of futuristic geodesic tents high above the Rhone valley with its own ski area. The pods are anchored on individual wooden platforms that offer breathtaking views of the Alps. The interiors are spacious (40 sq. m) and decorated with antique objects from the region. Each unit has a panoramic window, large double bed, a bathroom with toilet and shower and a woodburning stove. Whitepod’s commitment to minimising its impact on the natural environment in all ways has won the resort the Responsible Tourism Award for innovation.

Don’t miss

Contact

Dog-sled rides ■■ Abbey of St. Maurice with treasury ■■ Fondation Pierre Gianadda, Martigny ■■ Vine and Wine Museum, Aigle ■■ Aquaparc, Le Bouveret

Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel Phone +41 (0)24 471 38 38 www.whitepod.com

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

66

39262

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Accommodation.

classified by

97 All the magic of the Alps.

Lodge Alpes et caetera, Vercorin, Valais This lodge at the edge of the village of Vercorin high above the Rhone valley consists of eight authentic small chalets, each with its own theme. The hamlet combines a relaxed, cosy atmosphere with modern comforts, and charms guests with its fabulous views of the Valais mountains. The heart of the complex is a large chalet with spacious sun terrace, a popular gathering point for guests.

The converted sheep barn serves as reception, lobby-bar, lounge and restaurant serving delicacies from the region.

Don’t miss

Contact

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Toboggan runs and natural ice rink Le Lavioz children’s ski area ■■ Paragliding flights over the Val d’Anniviers ■■ Toboggan run and snowtubing

Lodge Alpes et caetera Phone +41 (0)27 456 46 07 www.alpesetc.ch

Don’t miss

Contact

Night tobogganing with fondue, Hannig ■■ Saastal valley winter walking pass ■■ Guided ski tours up the Allalinhorn ■■ Ice Flyer – 30-metre abseiling adventure for adrenalin addicts

wellnessHostel 4000 Phone +41 (0)27 958 50 50 www.wellnesshostel4000.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

98

186493

The first spa hostel.

wellnessHostel 4000

, Saas-Fee, Valais

In September 2014, new guest accommodation with an unusual concept opened at the entrance to the car-free resort of Saas-Fee. The venue combines the typical features of Swiss Youth Hostels (affordable prices, a relaxed atmosphere and spacious communal rooms) with the sports and wellness facilities of the neighbouring Aqua Allalin pool and spa complex. Prices at the hostel include breakfast and admission to the indoor swimming pool. The wellnessHostel4000 was built to a lowenergy, eco-friendly design and accommodates up to 168 guests.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

94307

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Accommodation. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

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99

Valley of wild adventures.

Husky-Lodge, Muotathal, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region The guest cabins around the main building blend smoothly into the landscape, offering different levels of comfort: from simple but cosy six-bed huts with toilet to a luxury cabin with bathroom and own sauna. But night-time here is not just for sleeping: adventures in this wild valley continue after dark. A husky-sled ride under star-filled skies, for example, will be a highlight of any visit.

Other attractions on the doorstep include the Stoos ski area and the vast Hölloch cave system, which guests can explore with an expert guide.

Don’t miss

Contact

Ice climbing, Muotathal ■■ Tours of the Hölloch cave system ■■ Airboarding up at Stoos ■■ Stoos children’s ski area ■■ Forum of Swiss History, Schwyz

Erlebniswelt Muotathal Phone +41 (0)41 830 28 45 www.erlebniswelt.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

58998

100 Alpine design gem.

Hotel Frutt Lodge & Spa À, Melchsee-Frutt, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region The highest-altitude four-star-superior hotel in Europe enjoys an idyllic location above the lake in the sunny, car-free resort of Melchsee-Frutt (1,920 m). Opened in 2011, it radiates a sense of relaxed alpine luxury, and delights guests with its modern design featuring warm wood elements.

Attractions include restaurants serving superb regional cuisine, the seductive and extensive spa (900 sq. m) and night skies festooned with stars.

The Hotel Frutt Lodge & Spa makes an ideal base for winter walks, skiing and adventures in nature.

Don’t miss

Contact

Ice fishing at 2,000 m on the frozen Melchsee or Tannensee ■■ Winter walking trails on the Melchsee-Frutt high plateau ■■ Fruttli-Land children’s ski area ■■ High thrills on the Paradiesli piste

Frutt Lodge & Spa À Phone +41 (0)41 669 79 79 www.fruttlodge.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

68

138781

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Accommodation.

classified by

101 Luxury igloo.

Hotel Landgasthof Kemmeriboden-Bad Ã, Schangnau, Bern Region Although these charming igloos promise a taste of adventure, guests need not go without the comforts that appeal to body and soul after a day in nature. The romantic double rooms of ice stand in the grounds of the Hotel Landgasthof Kemmeriboden-Bad, and residents have free use of the small spa area with sauna and steam shower as well as the natural open-air bath in a wood barrel complete with bubble jets. A larger igloo serves as a restaurant in which this typical Swiss hotel serves its Kemmeriboden fondue of local cheese.

Don’t miss

Contact

Kemmeriboden–Saliweidli winter walking trail ■■ Innereriz snowshoe trail ■■ Schangnau-Bumbach family ski area ■■ Cross-country ski centre, Wasen i.E. ■■ Langnau artificial ice rink ■■ Emmental visitor cheese dairy, Affoltern i.E.

Hotel Kemmeriboden-Bad à Phone +41 (0)34 493 77 77 www.kemmeriboden.ch

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102

classified by

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

136635

Let’s rock and roll.

rocksresort

, Laax, Graubünden This highly original ski-in, ski-out resort consists of eight modern buildings conveniently located at the bottom of the lifts in Laax. The complex is a world of its own with 122 stylish and comfortably furnished apartments (each sleeping four to eight guests), shops, bars and several restaurants. The renowned design magazine “Wallpaper” named the innovative development “best new ski resort” in 2010.

The Riders Palace next door is the place to party: every weekend, the buzzing Palace Club hosts top international DJs.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

Don’t miss

Contact

Curnius toboggan run, Laax ■■ Freestyle Academy, Laax ■■ Gelbes Haus art centre, Flims ■■ Surselva brewery visit, Flims ■■ Crap Sogn Gion: snowboard heaven

rocksresort Phone +41 (0)81 927 97 97 www.rocksresort.com

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142120

classified by

Accommodation. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

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103

At home with Schellenursli.

Boutique-Hotel Romantica Val Tuoi Ô, Guarda, Graubünden This charming boutique hotel occupying an Engadin house dating from 1728 is full of nostalgic charm, from its comfortable rooms to its cosy pine restaurant and garden bistro. Specialities such as Engadin walnut cake and the “Schellenursli fondue” have created a popular following among locals, too. The village of Guarda in the lower Engadin is a proud winner of the Wakker Prize for architectural conservation; it also inspired Alois Carigiet’s illustrations for the classic children’s book “Schellenursli” (English version: “A bell for Ursli”).

Don’t miss

Contact

Schellenursli Trail, Guarda ■■ Ardez and Ftan: pretty Engadin villages, sgraffito decoration ■■ Engadin Baths, Scuol ■■ Cantieni nut cake, Ftan and Scuol

Boutique-Hotel Romantica Val TuoiÔ Phone +41 (0)81 862 24 70 www.romanticavaltuoi.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

152889

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

42182

104 The magic of Mongolia.

Rochers-de-Naye yurt village, Lake Geneva Region Word has spread that even Santa Claus sets up residence here at Christmas time… Up at Rochers-de-Naye (2,000 m), seven original Mongolian yurts delight guests with their authentic charm, romantic atmosphere and breathtaking views of sunset over Lake Geneva. The nomad dwellings each sleep up to eight guests and are open all year round. The panoramic journey up from Montreux by cog train doesn’t even take an hour.

Guests who bring skis or a snowboard can enjoy the pistes of the small ski area at Col de Jaman.

Don’t miss

Contact

Les Avants and Les Pléiades sledge trails ■■ Natural ice rink at Caux ■■ Swiss Camera Museum, Vevey ■■ Visits of the Château de Chillon ■■ Thermal baths in Lavey-les-Bains

GoldenPass Services Phone +41 (0)21 989 81 81 www.goldenpass.ch

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150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Accommodation.

Charming grandeur.

107

Landgasthof Ruedihus , Kandersteg, Bernese Oberland

A five-star panorama.

105

3100 Kulm Hotel Gornergrat Ô, Zermatt, Valais From the Gornergrat (3,100 m), guests can see Switzerland’s highest peak, the Dufourspitze (4,634 m), plus no fewer than 28 other summits above 4,000 metres. The ride up is on Europe’s highest-altitude open-air cog railway.

Webcode

Built in 1753 in original chalet style, the Ruedihus is one of the most beautiful buildings in the Bernese Oberland. Kings, princes and a UN Secretary-General have all stayed here; the restaurants celebrate the best in traditional cuisine.

Webcode

54419

Landgasthof Ruedihus Phone +41 (0)33 675 81 82 www.doldenhorn-ruedihus.ch

41422

Hotel W

Yurt village in Parc Ela, Alp Flix, Graubünden In the heart of Switzerland’s largest regional nature park, visitors stay in Mongolian yurts with glass domes revealing the sparkling night sky.

From the Jacuzzi there’s a bewitching view of the panorama of mountain peaks.

Webcode

3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat Ô Phone +41 (0)27 966 64 00 www.mygornergrat.com

106

A bed beneath the stars.

109

196514

Agrotour.ch Phone +41 (0)81 637 12 16 www.agrotour.ch

Day and night. Ä

, Verbier, Valais

Mountain charm meets urban chic right at the foot of the pistes: the innovative and stylish W hotel sets new standards in design in Verbier, and from the day of its opening in 2013 took a leading role in the resort’s nightlife.

Webcode

186513

W Ä Verbier Phone +41 (0)27 472 88 88 www.wverbier.com

Straight from hotel to piste.

108

Hamilton Lodge Ô, Zweisimmen, Bernese Oberland Opened in 2012 in modern alpine style, the hotel enjoys a panoramic car-free location at 1,450 metres on the Rinderberg, beside the pistes.

The atmosphere is warm and welcoming; the rooms range from familyfriendly to the ultimate in alpine chic.

Webcode

185441

Hamilton Lodge Zweisimmen Phone +41 (0)33 222 74 74 www.hamiltonlodge.ch Ô

Seductive luxury.

110

La Réserve Hotel & Spa Ä, Geneva Fabulous views across Lake Geneva, a spacious beauty and spa area (2,000 sq. m), five restaurants, exquisite cuisine and an in-house ice rink: this elegant hotel cultivates a distinctive and irresistible vision of luxury.

Webcode

54372

La Réserve Hotel & Spa Ä Phone +41 (0)22 959 59 59 www.lareserve.ch

Accommodation. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

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Delightful.

The most imaginative family venues.

Engelberg, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region

The great change.

More than 20 holiday resorts meet the strict criteria of the “Families welcome” quality label. Thousands of specially trained children’s ski instructors introduce youngsters to the joys of snow sports from pre-school age upwards. Fun and imaginative snow playgrounds and children’s ski areas form part of the standard facilities of a winter resort. In Switzerland, young guests are a big priority.

This was not always the case. At the beginning of the 20th century, the closest thing to winter sports for children was shovel-shoving – whereby one child sat on a snow shovel and another pushed. Later on came ice skating and tobogganing. The first ski school was founded only in 1929. Hardly a single mountain transport facility – where any existed – was child-safe. For many years, the Swiss winter revolved around adult visitors.

The fact that the youngsters have loved it since time immemorial must be down to nature itself, in all its magical beauty.

Growing excitement In search of new adventures: Davos often proved to be a pioneer in winter sports.

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150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Family venues.

The twists and turns of learning to ski ■■ 1889: the Davos brothers Tobias and Johann Branger teach themselves the new-fangled art of skiing – in secret, to avoid ridicule.

■■ 1927: the first ski instructor law comes into force in Graubünden – and a year later in the canton of Bern.

■■ Until 1929: learning to ski is a private matter; there is not yet a qualification for ski instructors.

■■ 1929: Switzerland’s first ski schools are founded in St. Moritz and Zermatt.

■■ 1936: Giovanni Testa, founder of the St. Moritz Ski School, develops the “wedeln” technique of short-radius turns.

111 Land of adventure.

Meiringen-Hasliberg, Bernese Oberland A snow carousel, three children’s ski lifts, two lifts for small children, a snowboard lift, a magic carpet and the popular igloo village with its fun slide tower: at the Bidmi children’s ski area, the adventures last as long as the kids have energy.

New skiing skills come quickly, thanks to the attentive tuition of the professional instructors at the snow sports school. During high season, there’s another lift below the secured Bidmi area that children who are not attending ski school may use free of charge.

Don’t miss

Contact

Superb view from the Alpen Tower, Hasliberg ■■ Sunshine piste, Hasliberg ■■ Käserstatt night-skiing piste, Hasliberg ■■ Brünig–Reuti panoramic winter walking trail ■■ Haslital indoor climbing hall

Swiss Ski and Snowboard School, Meiringen-Hasliberg Phone +41 (0)33 972 51 41 www.skischule-hasliberg.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

128178

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

128180

112 A village just for children.

Lenk, Bernese Oberland Halfway up the Betelberg above Lenk, by the Stoss gondola station, Snowli and his friends welcome children to a charming world of snow and fun. The Kids Village here at an altitude of 1,634 metres has experienced children’s ski instructors who know how to give youngsters a taste for snow sports in the most entertaining way.

Children up to the age of four may be accompanied by a parent during class. Older boys and girls with more confidence enjoy using the magic carpets on their own – naturally under the watchful eyes of the staff.

Don’t miss

Contact

Spa at the Lenkerhof ■■ Cross-country skiing along the Simme river ■■ Thrilling Tschuggen piste, Lenk ■■ Tobogganing on the Betelberg ■■ Lenk–Zweisimmen winter walking trail

Swiss Ski and Snowboard School, Lenk Phone +41 (0)33 733 26 23 www.lenksportundevents.ch

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Family venues. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

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113

Fun and games at Grimmialp.

Schwenden in the Diemtig valley, Bernese Oberland Children’s ski lifts, children’s pistes, children’s play areas: Grimmialp has devoted itself entirely to families, so children have the time of their lives here. At the Schlaraffenland snow playground, for example, kids enjoy their earliest experiences on skis, get a first taste for winter sports, play among fun wooden figures and even get to conquer a castle. Parents, meanwhile, enjoy a good view of the whole terrain from the sun terrace of the restaurant. There are relaxation benches, too, perfect for a picnic in the sun.

Don’t miss

Contact

Wiriehorn toboggan run ■■ Superb ski touring in the Diemtigtal ■■ Cross-country skiing in the Diemtigtal Nature Park ■■ Family ski areas: Springenboden, Grimmialp, Wiriehorn ■■ Diemtigtal sports hall, Horboden

Diemtigtal Tourismus Phone +41 (0)33 681 26 06 www.diemtigtal-tourismus.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

202976

114 Winter fun in Bobo’s playground.

Riederalp, Valais Bobo’s Kinderclub is a wonderful, spacious club for children aged 3 to 13, complete with ski school. Bobo the penguin promises a fun atmosphere and safety on the piste; everything else is down to a superbly trained team of specialised children’s ski instructors. The state-of-the-art facility at an altitude of 1,950 metres boasts all modern amenities and can also be used outside ski lessons. The club is centrally located in the car-free family resort of Riederalp, and is easy to reach from everywhere in the village.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

76

184591

Don’t miss

Contact

Riederalp–Bettmeralp–Fiescheralp panoramic trail ■■ Alp Museum, Riederalp ■■ Cross-country ski trails, Riederalp and Bettmeralp ■■ Gassen–Fleschen snowshoe tour

Swiss Ski and Snowboard School, Riederalp Phone +41 (0)27 927 10 01 www.skischule-riederalp.ch

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150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Family venues.

115 Where children rule the roost.

Grächen, Valais Even the scenery in Grächen has a fairy-tale feel. But more impressive still is the way this Valais mountain village has developed into the ultimate family resort. From the hotels, restaurants and swimming pools to the gondolas that retell Grimms’ fairy tales, facilities are entirely geared towards children. SiSu Kids’ Park up at Hannigalp, with its snow carousel, beginners’ piste, snowtubing run and igloo cinema, is in a class of its own. Grächen is holiday heaven for children – and for parents who know that their loved ones are in the best hands.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

Don’t miss

Contact

Fast sledge run through the Grächen forest ■■ Fondue in the gondola to Hannigalp ■■ Fun snowbike rides ■■ Winter walk to Bärgji ■■ Sports centre with natural ice rink

Touristische Unternehmung Grächen Phone +41 (0)27 955 60 60 www.graechen.ch

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116

28415

The largest thermal spa in the Alps.

Leukerbad, Valais Leukerbad, at 1,400 metres, has been famous for its thermal springs since Roman times. Two large and modern thermal baths, open to the public, promise fun and relaxation for the whole family.

The Leukerbad Therme is Europe’s largest alpine thermal spa, with ten indoor and outdoor pools (from sports and hydrotherapy pools to a toddlers’ paddling pool) as well as various slides, waterfalls and play features. The Walliser Alpentherme boasts a range of attractions including pools, Roman-Irish baths and a Valais sauna village.

Don’t miss

Contact

Eat, drink and bathe as in Caesar’s time: Roman-Irish night every month ■■ Valais sauna village ■■ Snowshoe trails up at Gemmi and around Albinen ■■ Snowkiting on the frozen Daubensee

Leukerbad Tourismus Phone +41 (0)27 472 71 71 www.leukerbad.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

36988

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117

Ideal for the first time.

Nendaz, Valais From Nendaz, a panoramic gondola glides up to Tracouet at 2,200 metres; just beyond the summit, a frozen lake framed by gentle slopes provides the perfect setting for children to learn to ski. Here, kids from the age of three enjoy their first experiences of sliding on snow, either with parents or a qualified instructor. Facilities including a magic carpet, Pinocchio lift, ski carousel and snowtubing run promise plenty of variety and are available for families to use free of charge.

The Bar du Lac café offers the perfect view over the children’s ski area.

Don’t miss

Contact

Moonlight skiing, with dinner ■■ Cross-country skiing in Haute-Nendaz ■■ Snowpark and Skicross Park ■■ High winter walking trail to Europe’s oldest larches from Tracouet summit station ■■ Snowtubing by the frozen lake, Tracouet

Télé-Nendaz Phone +41 (0)27 289 52 00 www.telenendaz.ch

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118 Playground for freestyle fans.

Laax, Graubünden Laax fully lives up to its reputation as a trendsetting resort. For example, it recently created Europe’s first indoor freestyle hall: the Freestyle Academy at the bottom of the lifts offers snowboarders, freeskiers, skateboarders and mountain bikers superb training opportunities and a lot of fun. Highlights include trampolines, a skatebowl, rail slope and big air with kickers of various heights. But this isn’t just a destination for adrenalin addicts: three Snow Wonderlands ensure that Flims Laax Falera delights even the youngest visitors.

Don’t miss

Contact

Winter walk through the Flims forest to the “Il Spir” viewing platform ■■ Flims–Foppa toboggan run ■■ Curling at the Flims indoor ice rink ■■ DJs and concerts at the Riders Palace in Laax ■■ Cross-country ski trails, Trin

Freestyle Academy Phone +41 (0)81 927 71 70 www.freestyleacademy.com

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

78

168606

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Family venues.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

184571

119 Magic carpet to adventure.

Savognin, Graubünden In the right setting, learning to ski is child’s play. At the charming kids’ ski area of La Nars in Savognin, Switzerland’s longest covered magic carpet carries youngsters and their parents along a 171-metre tunnel to the top of the slope. Here, the budding champions enjoy their first experience of a lifelong pleasure. On the Rotondo carousel, children learn to balance, glide and turn on skis, while in the Magicparc, the focus is on jumps and balance exercises.

The Pinocchio Club offers expert childcare – and a welcome break for parents.

Don’t miss

Contact

Marked snowshoe trails in Savognin ■■ Schlittada sledge run, Savognin ■■ Fun snow rides at Park Tigignas ■■ Somtgant–Tigignas panoramic winter walking trail ■■ Horse-drawn sleigh rides in Savognin

Swiss Ski School, Savognin Phone +41 (0)81 684 17 40 www.schneesportschule-savognin.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

128155

Kids’ park and junior-pipe.

Arosa, Graubünden Here, the little ones are the big stars… The Arosa Junior Club promises its youngest visitors the gentlest of introductions to winter sports thanks to its specially equipped ski kindergartens complete with cartoon characters and magic carpets.

Parents, meanwhile, can relax completely as they explore the “grown-up” pistes. A professional team of children’s ski instructors takes care of the youngsters, introducing them to every aspect of snow sports. The Junior Club programme also includes activities such as tobogganing and a ride on the fairy-tale gondola.

Don’t miss

Contact

Squirrel Trail, Arosa ■■ Local history museum, Arosa ■■ Snowpark, Arosa ■■ Winter walking trail up the Weisshorn, Arosa ■■ Sapün–Langwies toboggan run

Swiss Ski and Snowboard School, Arosa Phone +41 (0)81 378 75 00 www.sssa.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

128139

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121

Fun in the snow with Globi.

Engelberg-Brunni, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region Globi’s Winterland is a dedicated ski area at the foot of the slopes, centrally located, gently sloping, manageable in size and consequently ideal for families with young children. Kids particularly enjoy learning to ski and snowboard here as Switzerland’s favourite cartoon character, Globi, is on hand to ensure a fun-filled atmosphere.

Alongside Globi, a team of specially trained children’s instructors provides a safe learning environment. The facility has two magic carpets as well as tow lifts and a challenging run with gates and bumps.

Don’t miss

Contact

Candlelight dinner on the Titlis ■■ Titlis Cliff Walk: Europe’s highest suspension footbridge ■■ Snowtubing and sledging at the Rutschpark, Engelberg ■■ Engelberg-Titlis igloo village ■■ Cross-country ski night trail

Swiss Ski and Snowboard School, Engelberg Titlis Phone +41 (0)41 639 54 54 www.skischule-engelberg.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

113895

122 Horse-drawn sleighs and a fairy-tale hotel.

Braunwald, Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein Family holidays in Braunwald promise a break for parents, relaxation for grandparents – and endless fun for children. The charming ski resort boasts horse-drawn sleighs instead of cars, and has the goal of total satisfaction for even its youngest guests. At the Snowli kids’ ski area, a team of children’s ski instructors takes care of the youngsters and introduces them to the joys of winter sports in an entertaining way. Braunwald’s legendary “fairy-tale hotel” also promises a special experience for the whole family.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

80

128164

Don’t miss

Contact

Romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides ■■ Grotzenbüel panoramic walking trail ■■ Braunwald and Grotzenbüel children’s ski areas ■■ Grotzenbüel toboggan runs ■■ Panoramic cross-country ski trail

Sportbahnen Braunwald Phone +41 (0)55 653 65 65 www.braunwald.ch

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150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Family venues.

123 Princely pleasures.

Malbun, Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein The big children’s attraction in winter is the Malbi Park in the heart of Malbun. With Malbi the mascot marmot offering cheerful encouragement, ski lessons for the kids are an unforgettable adventure.

The spacious park (3,600 sq. m) offers everything to make sure that youngsters’ first attempts to stand, walk and slide on snow are fun.

And if any children find this is all too much of a good thing, they can always take a little break in the Malbi nursery, a heated room for them to rest and play in.

Don’t miss

Contact

Tobogganing at Sücka, Steg Superb cross-country skiing around Steg ■■ FIS Ski and Winter Sports Museum, Vaduz ■■ Malbun ice climbing tower ■■ Walser Museum, Triesenberg

Swiss Ski and Snowboard School, Malbun Phone +423 263 97 70 www.schneesportschule.li

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

78125

Awesome adventures with Wolli.

Sun, snow and fun on skis.

Zermatt, Valais

Lenzerheide, Graubünden

Wolli the mascot is a young blacknose sheep with a taste for adventure. Up in the sunny, sheltered beginners’ park at Sunegga, he makes sure youngsters have fun as they learn to ski.

Tops for budding champions.

Lenzerheide has carried the “Families welcome” quality seal for more than ten years thanks to a superb range of facilities and activities for children, parents and single mums and dads.

The focus of snow sports for kids is the Auarara Snowliland ski area.

Bellwald, Valais

Webcode

The perfect place for discovering the joys of skiing: at Snowlis Hasenland (“Snowli’s Bunny Land”), children quickly learn to make their first turns. The spacious kids’ ski area (7,000 sq. m) is set in a pretty larch forest by the pistes.

Nova ski school Phone +41 (0)81 384 64 69 www.skischule.ch

124

Webcode

129759

Zermatt Tourismus Phone +41 (0)27 966 81 00 www.zermatt.ch

126

125

Webcode

128160

130187

Swiss Ski and Snowboard School, Bellwald Phone +41 (0)27 971 26 74 www.bellwald.ch/schneesportschule

Family venues. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

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Wild.

The most entertaining animal excursions.

Huskies, Thyon, Valais

Barry, the greatest rescue dog of them all.

When he died in 1814, all of Switzerland mourned: Barry, the most famous of all rescue dogs at the Great St. Bernard Pass, was a legend in his own lifetime. He is said to have saved more than 40 people from certain death – which earned him a place not only in the hearts of dog lovers and mountain enthusiasts but also in the Natural History Museum in Bern. He is one of the reasons why the St. Bernard is now regarded as Switzerland’s national dog.

Also exclusive to Switzerland are the “St. Moritz horses”. Since 1906, the chic resort in the Upper Engadin has staged thrilling skijoring races, which feature brave skiers pulled at great speed across the snow by galloping thoroughbred horses without riders. The exciting sport originated in Scandinavia but St. Moritz’s frozen lake provides a perfect venue, and today the White Turf races are the highlight of the winter calendar.

c. 1910 Equestrian sports with a difference: usually with skijoring, the horse has no rider.

Animals in the Swiss winter 7th century: monks at the hospice on 1 the Great St. Bernard Pass use rescue dogs to search for lost travellers.

■■ 1812: the rescue dog Barry (1800–1814) retires.

■■ 1887: the St. Bernard officially becomes Switzerland’s national dog.

■■ 1906: the first skijoring race is held between St. Moritz and Champfèr.

■■ 1907 to the present: skijoring races take place on frozen Lake St. Moritz.

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1800–1814 The rescue dog Barry has been on display in Bern’s Natural History Museum since 1923.

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150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Animal excursions.

127 Sleigh ride into another world.

Pontresina, Graubünden The trip to the Hotel Roseg Gletscher (“Roseg Glacier”) at the far end of the Val Roseg is delightful, however you do it. You could easily walk the seven kilometres, but a romantic ride in a horsedrawn sleigh perfectly suits the winter charm of this beautiful wild valley. Warmly wrapped in thick furs, you enjoy superb views of the Bernina massif to the soothing sound of the horses’ hooves on the soft snow. Depending on how much you wish to indulge in the legendary dessert buffet at the hotel, you may wish to work off a few calories and head back on foot after all.

Don’t miss

Contact

Diavolezza glacier ski run ■■ “Glüna Plaina”, full-moon skiing on the Diavolezza ■■ Bernina Express to Tirano ■■ Bellavita Pool and Spa, Pontresina ■■ Visit to Poschiavo

Wohli’s Sleigh Rides Phone +41 (0)78 944 75 55 www.engadin-kutschen.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

203834

128 A leisurely walk with llamas.

Safien, Graubünden With their expressive eyes, thick woolly coats and gentle demeanour, llamas make charming companions on walks through the romantic Safien valley. Once animals and humans have got to know one another, the good-natured creatures happily trot along through the delightful winter landscape, carrying the little luggage that the colourful caravan needs. After about an hour, the party reaches an organic farm: time for a refreshing break with home-made soup and bread baked on the farm. A gentle stroll downhill leads back to the starting point.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

78637

Don’t miss

Contact

Camana and Tscheurig marked snowshoe trails ■■ Solar-powered ski lift in Tenna ■■ Winter walking trail, Tenna ■■ Safien Heritage Museum ■■ Andeer thermal baths

Safiental Tourismus Phone +41 (0)81 630 60 16 www.safiental.ch

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The St. Bernard shuttle.

Champex-Lac, Valais The big, cuddly St. Bernard is Switzerland’s national dog, famous the world over through countless appearances on film and television. With its neat wooden barrel around its neck, its job, as everyone knows, is to dig people out of avalanches and save lives.

That’s one thing the St. Bernards on these hikes definitely don’t have to do. Instead, they patiently pull young children along on sledges as they stroll with visitors across the wintry landscape.

This is the dogs’ home region, and they are its fitting emblem – and a delight for visitors of all ages.

Don’t miss

Contact

Walk around the lake, Champex-Lac ■■ La Source snowshoe trail through the larch forests, Champex-Lac ■■ Small, charming ski areas: Champex-Lac, La Fouly, Vichères-Liddes ■■ La Breya panoramic mountain terrace ■■ Ice-climbing on the ice cascade at Fionnay

Pays du St-Bernard Phone +41 (0)27 775 23 83 www.saint-bernard.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

37461

130 Horsepower for skiers.

Nax, Valais The village of Nax lies on a high, sunny and scenic balcony overlooking the Rhone valley. Here, skiers can try the art of skijoring, which entails being pulled by horse – with or without rider – across the idyllic winter landscape of the Espace Mont-Noble. Children can also have a go at the four-legged ski lift, in miniature version – riding behind a pony.

Speed and a blast of adrenalin certainly contribute to the appeal, but what makes this experience really special is the extraordinary interplay between the horse and its human companion.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

86

202965

Don’t miss

Contact

Snowshoe hike at night to the restaurant La Dzorniva ■■ Pony afternoon for children ■■ Moonlight walk with husky dogs and outdoor fondue ■■ Cultural walk through the village of Mase

Office du Tourisme de Mont-Noble Phone +41 (0)27 203 17 38 www.mont-noble-tourisme.ch

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150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Animal excursions.

131 Rides from a winter ranch.

Morgins, Valais “Le Ranch de Morgins” is a former farm that has developed into a modern riding centre at the entrance to the Vallon de They, a tranquil valley closed to traffic. Staff offer accompanied rides on horses and ponies into the pristine natural landscapes of the Portes du Soleil, and give riding tuition at every level in various languages. It’s especially beautiful here in winter, when the range of activities expands to include rides by horse-drawn sleigh and the thrilling sport of skijoring: clip on a pair of skis and glide across the snow pulled by a horse or pony.

Don’t miss

Contact

Portes du Soleil, one of Europe’s largest winter sports areas ■■ High cross-country ski trail around the Lac de Morgins ■■ Numerous snowshoe trails ■■ Winter walk into the Vallon de They ■■ Val d’Illiez thermal baths

Morgins – Portes du Soleil Phone +41 (0)24 477 23 61 www.morgins.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

28506

Guided hikes with goats.

Ringgenberg, Bernese Oberland The Ringgenberg goats make charming companions on walks through the beautiful winter landscapes of the Bernese Oberland. With their cheerful bleating and sprightly skips and jumps, the animals seem to enjoy the treks as much as the humans do. The guided, tailor-made hikes last one to three hours, and culminate in a picnic with local produce or even an outdoor fondue.

The goats belong to ancient and in some cases rare breeds, which is why the Hügeiss project is supported by ProSpecieRara, an organisation for the protection of endangered plant and animal varieties.

Don’t miss

Contact

Wood carvers in Brienz ■■ JungfrauPark, Interlaken ■■ Axalp family ski area above Brienz ■■ High winter walking trail with tobogganing, Beatenberg ■■ Night tobogganing on the Niederhorn, Beatenberg

Hügeiss.ch Phone +41 (0)79 127 12 64 www.hügeiss.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

195682

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133

World of the sled dogs.

Flumserberg, Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein With their piercing blue eyes and boundless energy, huskies are among the most adorable of dogs. Up on the wintry expanses of the Flumserberg, the creatures are in their element, and ready to take visitors on exhilarating sled rides. First, you learn from an expert how to handle the animals – by now barking in cheerful anticipation.

Then the brakes are released and all falls silent as the dogs set to work and the sled glides silently across the snow. Each guest has the chance to take control for a while. Back at base, there’s hot punch or mulled wine for everyone.

Don’t miss

Contact

Snowboarding in The Real Park ■■ Night skiing on the Chrüz piste ■■ Prodalp toboggan run ■■ Winter walking on the Madils high plateau ■■ Bobo’s Kids’ Club, Molseralp

Heidiland Tourismus Flumserberg Tourist Office Phone +41 (0)81 720 18 18 www.flumserberg.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

28430

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

202978

134 Gallop into a fairy tale.

Saignelégier, Jura & Three-Lakes The Franches-Montagnes horse breed takes its name from its home: a wild, wide-open landscape in the Jura. This is a paradise for riding, and enthusiasts will find horses accustomed to the snow available for hire, suited to any level of ability. The terrain is superb: nearly a hundred kilometres of prepared winter trails, stretching across the rolling hills to the horizon. Crisp air, fragrant forests, meadows blanketed in white, snow scattering from the hooves of your horse: you feel you could be in a fairy tale. All that’s missing is a prince or a princess…

Don’t miss

Contact

Horse-drawn sleigh rides, Le Bémont ■■ Nordic skiing: Franches-Montagnes plateau, Montfaucon-La Ferrière ■■ Snowshoe hike around Saignelégier ■■ La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle: watch making cities, UNESCO World Heritage ■■ International Clock-making Museum, La Chaux-de-Fonds

Manège des Franches-Montagnes Phone +41 (0)32 951 17 55 www.vivianeauberson.ch

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150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Animal excursions.

135 Exotic ride with a heated seat.

Lamboing, Jura & Three-Lakes They may not be native to the mountains of the Bernese Jura, but Mongolian camels flourish here: their thick fur protects them perfectly from the cold. Ride one, and you’ll also be wonderfully snug, thanks to the warmth that the creatures radiate. The camel caravan on this sightseeing tour with a difference along the foot of the Chasseral is sure to delight visitors of all ages. Children ride alongside on ponies – for safety reasons, as the camels’ humps are rather too far off the ground for them. At the end of the tour, everyone enjoys a delicious warming fondue back at the farm.

Don’t miss

Contact

Dog-sled rides on the Chasseral, Les Prés-d’Orvin ■■ Adventure trail from the Mont-Soleil up the Mont-Crosin ■■ Cross-country skiing from Les Prés-d’Orvin up the Chasseral ■■ Paragliding in winter, Nods ■■ History, art and archaeology at the New Museum, Biel/Bienne

Mini Zoo Zahir Phone +41 (0)79 658 69 19 www.zahir-arabians.com

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

37502

Prättigau banana boat.

Gentle glide across the snows.

Pany, Graubünden

Oberägeri, Zurich Region

The Prättigau has reinvented the banana boat: the “Schleipfe” is a big tree trunk with comfy padding, mounted on runners and pulled by a horse. The ride across the snowy landscape is unique in Switzerland – and great fun!

Just half an hour from Zurich, a magical winter world stretches out around Raten, high above Oberägeri. Explore it in a cosy horse-drawn sleigh – on a short outing, a panoramic tour or a night-time ride, especially romantic by moonlight.

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136

Webcode

195966

Prättigau Tourismus Phone +41 (0)81 325 11 11 www.praettigau.info

137

It’s cool by cow.

Hemishofen, Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein The Morgenegg farming family in Hemishofen offers the most unusual winter treks far and wide. First you spend time getting to know your cow, then you set off for a ride together across the winter landscape. A real family adventure!

Webcode

Webcode

202979

Hansruedi Nussbaumer Phone +41 (0)41 750 19 56 www.raten.ch

42109

Bolderhof Phone +41 (0)52 742 40 48 www.bolderhof.ch

Animal excursions. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

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Breathtaking.

The most innovative adventures.

Simplon, Brig, Valais

Riding high – in style.

Practice makes perfect. But what do you do when there’s hardly any time for practice? That’s the question the Davos ski school asked itself in the late 1920s when it calculated that in a one-hour class, students spent just six minutes skiing – and 54 walking back up the slope again. An engineer from Zurich called Ernst Gustav Constam solved the problem, and at Christmas 1934, the Bolgen lift carried its first skiers 270 metres uphill.

1934 A skiing revolution: the world’s first T-bar began life as a J-bar on the Bolgen slopes in Davos.

The Swiss have continued to be innovators in the field: the world’s first solar-powered ski lift, for example, began operation in 2011 at the village of Tenna, generating electricity as it carries skiers and snowboarders up the mountain. The sun also warms the seats of the stylish new chairlift in Laax. This carries the signature of Porsche Design Studio and offers every comfort – with its six-seater units rotating 45° to make the most of the views.

2011 Tenna solar ski lift: transports winter sports enthusiasts while generating electricity.

Swiss winter innovations ■■ 1934: a revolutionary new lift begins operation at Bolgen in Davos: the J-bar ■■ 1935: The lift’s capacity is doubled by converting it to a T-bar – the world’s first.

A young ski instructor had the idea.

■■ 2011: The solar-powered ski lift in Tenna in the Safien valley is the first of its kind in the world. Surplus electricity generated is fed into the network.

■■ 2012: The new Porsche chairlift in Laax has six-seater units that rotate 45° to make the most of the fine views.

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150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Pure adventure.

139 High as a kite.

Snowkiting, Brig Simplon, Valais Around the Simplon Pass high above Brig, the mountains open out to reveal an impressive landscape that offers ideal conditions for snowkiting, a thrilling sport that promises an incomparable natural high for skiers and snowboarders. With the help of a kite, you sweep up snowy slopes, skim across the white expanses, jump and glide through the air and enjoy exhilarating descents – powered only by the wind and gravity. For safety reasons, novices are advised to learn from a qualified expert at a specialist school – such as the one on the Simplon Pass.

Don’t miss

Contact

Charming small ski areas of Rosswald and Rothwald ■■ Brig’s Old Town with patrician houses ■■ Guided tours of Stockalper Castle ■■ Ice rink on the Stadtplatz in Brig during Advent ■■ Olympica sports and spa centre

Swiss Snowkiting School Phone +41 (0)78 628 59 73 www.snowkiting.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

39342

140 When the green is a white.

Winter golf course, Nendaz, Valais On the Tortin plateau, at an altitude of 2,050 metres, skiers can swap their poles for golf clubs for an afternoon to play a course where the greens are all white and the balls brightly coloured. Players do not need any previous experience: the three-hole course is open to skiers, winter walkers and anyone else seeking a snow adventure with a difference. Afterwards, golfers can relax and relive the drama of the game at the Restaurant La Chotte de Tortin, located beside the course, which has the necessary equipment for hire.

Don’t miss

Contact

Tobogganing at Tortin ■■ Sun terrace of the Cabane Balavaux ■■ Marked “freetracks” for advanced skiers ■■ Mogul piste on the Mont-Fort for experts

Nendaz Tourisme Phone +41 (0)27 289 55 89 www.nendaz.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

88656

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141

Wild ride on a cushion of air.

Airboard piste, Stoos, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region An airboard is like a robust, air-filled bodyboard that you ride headfirst down a dedicated piste. Invented by the developer Joe Steiner from Zug, the airboard has been winning fans across the world for more than ten years. Its home run, however, is in the heart of Switzerland, on the Fronalpstock. The setting is spectacular: from the summit, visitors enjoy a breathtaking view taking in ten lakes and countless mountain summits. Riders can either bring their own airboard, snow suit and helmet, or hire them from the middle station of the Fronalpstock chairlift.

Don’t miss

Contact

Exciting Franz Heinzer piste, Stoos ■■ Stoos children’s ski area ■■ Swiss Holiday Park leisure centre and pool, Morschach ■■ 10 km of marked winter walking trails, Morschach-Stoos ■■ Victorinox Visitor Center, Brunnen

Stoosbahnen Phone +41 (0)41 818 08 08 www.stoos.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

28488

142 Ski, shoot, ski, shoot.

Biathlon for all, Andermatt, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region Although biathlon has long been an Olympic discipline, this exciting combination of cross-country skiing and target-shooting remains a niche sport.

The former biathlon pro and TV expert Matthias Simmen wants to change this, and invites all interested to the new biathlon venue in Realp near Andermatt. During a short course, novices learn the rules and tricks of the sport and see behind the scenes of the modern facility before having a go themselves – and finding out what it takes to shoot with a steady hand when your heart is pumping wildly.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

94

195659

Don’t miss

Contact

Snowkiting, Andermatt ■■ Ursern valley museum, Andermatt ■■ Train trips on the Glacier Express ■■ Andermatt-Ursern valley cross country ski area ■■ Tobogganing from Nätschen to Andermatt

Andermatt holiday region Phone +41 (0)41 888 71 00 www.andermatt.ch

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150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Pure adventure.

143 Take to the skies.

Ski jumping, Marbach, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region Sure, you need a little courage to try ski jumping – but you don’t have to set your sights as high as Simon Ammann, Switzerland’s multiple Olympic gold-medallist. The small jump at Marbach in the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch offers novices the chance to have a go, under expert guidance and with all possible safety precautions.

The fact that the distance jumped doesn’t usually match the distance you feel you’ve jumped doesn’t lessen the thrill!

Don’t miss

Contact

Marbach-Marbachegg ski area ■■ Snowshoeing in the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch, Marbach ■■ Natural ice rink in the village, Marbach ■■ Cross-country skiing on the night trail, Marbach ■■ Kambly Experience, Trubschachen

Marbach Tourismus Phone +41 (0)34 493 38 04 www.marbach-lu.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

144

37485

Twisting slides of ice.

Tobogganing Park, Leysin, Lake Geneva Region The name is deceptive: the Tobogganing Park at Leysin in the Vaud Alps is in fact for snowtubing. This thrilling attraction is the only one of its kind in Switzerland. Every year, the Swiss bobsleigh racer Silvio Giobellina – former world champion and Olympic medallist – creates new runs.

These start at the top of a five-metre-high tower and extend for up to 250 metres. There are mini runs for children, and icy, twisting tracks with banked corners and even a 360° curve for adults.

The latest highlight: a jump with a flight and a soft landing on the Big Air Bag. Don’t miss

Contact

Leysin children’s ski area ■■ Winter walk high above the Rhone valley, Leysin ■■ Ski run from the Berneuse to Leysin ■■ Freestyle fun at Leysin Park ■■ Leysin sports centre

Tobogganing Park Phone +41 (0)24 494 28 88 www.tobogganing.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

41106

Pure adventure. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

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145

Submerged secrets of the high Alps.

Ice diving, Les Mosses, Lake Geneva Region Every winter, a thick layer of ice covers Lac Lioson at an altitude of 1,850 metres, promising a thrilling adventure for experienced scuba divers. Three access holes are kept clear the whole season, offering diving clubs the chance to explore the mysterious world of an alpine lake under a ceiling of ice. Divers (certificate required) follow a submerged line to witness an enchanting spectacle: the play of light around the air bubbles trapped by the ice, and, on sunny days, the form of the mountains reflected in the depths of the lake.

Don’t miss

Contact

Les Mosses children’s ski area Espace Nordique cross-country ski centre, Les Mosses ■■ Les Mosses–La Lécherette winter walking trail ■■ 32 km of snowshoe trails in the Les Mosses / La Lécherette region ■■ Tobogganing Park, Leysin

Office du Tourisme Les Mosses-La Lécherette Phone +41 (0)24 491 14 66 www.lesmosses.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

146 All about avalanches.

Avalanche courses, Stockhorn, Erlenbach, Bernese Oberland The pristine white expanses beyond the edge of the piste may look heavenly – but they can also be deadly. Avalanches are a natural feature of the mountain winter, and freeriders, ski tourers and snowshoe hikers should all get to know the risks – and how to avoid them. A good option is to join one of the courses run by the Bergfalke Alpine School. A one-day workshop includes analysing snow layers, understanding how avalanches are set off, tour planning, safety tactics on the snow and practical training with avalanche transceivers and probes.

Don’t miss

Contact

Ice fishing on the Hinterstockensee, Erlenbach ■■ Winter adventures on the Hinter stockensee, Erlenbach ■■ Stockhorn panoramic mountaintop ■■ Shopping and culture in Thun ■■ Sparenmoos–Zweisimmen sledge run

Alpinschule Bergfalke Phone +41 (0)79 502 50 80 www.bergfalke.ch

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

96

167200

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Pure adventure.

39333

147 A taste for World Heritage.

Fondue trishaw, Bern, Bern Region Cross a cheese fondue with a three-wheeled taxi rickshaw and you get Bern’s fondue trishaw – easily one of the most original ways in the world of combining sightseeing with traditional cuisine. The tour reveals the highlights of Bern’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The two passengers, warmly wrapped in a woollen blanket in the back of the rickshaw, enjoy a delicious fondue and a crisp white wine while the driver pedals gently along the pretty streets, pointing out sights and telling anecdotes along the way. The Swiss capital never tasted so good!

Don’t miss

Contact

BearPark ■■ Ka-We-De ice rink ■■ Museum of Communication ■■ Natural History Museum ■■ Schönbühl saltwater pool ■■ View from the cathedral tower

Bern Tourismus Phone +41 (0)31 328 12 12 www.bern.com

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MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

187892

Après-ski school for all.

Tasty meal on the move.

Après-ski, Grindelwald, Bernese Oberland

Fondue Tram, Zurich, Zurich Region

All the local gossip, from those in the know… Ski instructors are by nature good storytellers, which is why grindelwaldSPORTS, the official ski school, invites clients to aprèsski every day from 3.30 to 7pm at the “Ski instructor bar”.

From the end of October, the nostalgic Fondue-Tram is a familiar sight on Zurich’s streets. During the two-hour trip, passengers enjoy a fondue made with a special mixture of local cheeses; ideal for groups of up to 28 people.

148

Webcode

198642

Grindelwald Sports Phone +41 (0)33 854 12 90 www.grindelwaldsports.ch

150

The world’s first yoga piste.

149

Yoga on Snow, St. Moritz, Graubünden The Paradise piste on the Corviglia is a place of special energy, with four sites recently selected as inspiring settings for yoga. Enthusiasts may practise individually or with a qualified yoga instructor from the Suvretta Snowsports School.

Webcode

Webcode

154300

Fondue-Tram Phone +41 (0)84 880 18 80 www.fonduetram.ch

196502

Engadin St. Moritz Mountains Phone +41 (0)81 830 00 00 www.engadin.stmoritz.ch

Pure adventure. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

97

Information, advice and booking.

Call us free of charge on 0800 100 222.

Personal tips for you Our experts on Switzerland will tell you where you can find the best adventures in the snow and how to plan an unforgettable winter holiday in Switzerland.

All the information you need for your holidays in Switzerland: Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 10am–4pm, 0800 100 222 (freephone) info @ MySwitzerland.com, MySwitzerland.com

Book with confidence.

Full range of accommodation From stylish spa hotels to historic mountain inns and from luxurious palace hotels to snug igloos, the choice of places to stay in Switzerland is enormous. Find your ideal accommodation and book it online or over the phone.

Book your hotel quickly and easily here: Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 10am –4pm, 0800 100 222 (freephone) MySwitzerland.com/hotels MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

25385

Order our latest holiday magazines and brochures.

The best of Switzerland

Holiday magazines

98

Themed brochures, hotel brochures and partner brochures

Planning your next trip is an adventure in itself with our colourful holiday magazines and themed brochures packed with ideas and useful information. Order printed copies free of charge or browse the digital versions online. It’s quick and easy using the following webcode:

150 years of Swiss winter holidays. Information, advice and booking.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

100

Winter is one click away: MySwitzerland.com/winter.

Experience the magic of the Swiss winter!

From sensational ski runs to glorious walks through blissfully tranquil snow-covered landscapes – experience the fairy-tale beauty and endless variety of the Swiss winter. More at: MySwitzerland.com / winter

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MySwitzerland.com / facebook

MySwitzerland.com / newsletter

Free apps.

All on your tablet With the Swiss Mag app and its e-brochures, exploring your Swiss holiday options is an adventure in itself.

Download the Swiss Mag app for iPad: MySwitzerland.com / ipad

Mobile apps Useful info, practical tips and inspiring ideas are always at your fingertips with our free mobile apps: MySwitzerland.com / mobile

Swiss Snow Report

Swiss Snow Hike

Best Swiss Hotels

Swiss City Guide

Swiss Events

Information, advice and booking. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

99

Reach any corner of Switzerland in comfort with public transport.

Switzerland’s public transport system is famously punctual, comfortable, reliable – and fast. From the buzzing cities, it’s just a quick hop to the tranquil natural landscapes blanketed in snow. For every winter enthusiast, there’s a ticket to suit – along with a wide range of attractive special offers.

Frequent and regular timetable The public transport system runs to a regular-interval timetable, unique worldwide: services link major cities every half an hour, and towns and regions every hour. The extensive network covers every corner of the country, with arrival and departure times for connecting services coordinated throughout, minimising waiting times.

Full service at half price With a Half-Fare travelcard, you save 50% on tickets for travel on all SBB routes, on many private railways, cable cars and funiculars, and on boats and postal buses. For short distances, discounted tickets and combined offers, the reduction may be less than 50%. The Half-Fare travelcard can be

used to buy tickets in both 1st and 2nd class; it is available in validities of one, two or three years. sbb.ch/en/half-fare Unlimited travel for a day Explore to your heart’s content: if you hold a Half-Fare travelcard, you can buy a 1-day travelpass that grants unlimited travel for the whole day on the entire public transport network.

If you’re planning on setting off after nine, opt for the cheaper 9 o’clock travelpass. Both tickets are available for 1st as well as 2nd class. sbb.ch/en/1daytravelpass Supersaver tickets Supersaver tickets allow you to travel to destinations throughout Switzerland

at bargain fares. Tickets must be bought online; there is only a limited number available. To purchase, enter details of your chosen route and travel date in the online timetable for a list of options and prices. sbb.ch/en/supersaver More adventure for less Find a wide range of excursion ideas at unbeatable prices on the SBB leisure page. Options include exciting day trips, short breaks of several days and the popular Snow’n’Rail combined deals. Each package features return travel by train plus extras such as lift passes, vouchers for activities or tickets to an attraction, with each element discounted. sbb.ch/en/leisure

Information for holidays, meetings and conferences in Switzerland

Address Switzerland Tourism Postfach, CH-8027 Zurich

News and info about Switzerland

Credits

Interested in what is happening day to day? The news and information website on politics, the economy, society, culture and science, in ten languages.

Publisher Switzerland Tourism, Zurich

Cover photograph Horse-drawn sleigh ride in the Val Roseg, Graubünden, Stephan Schacher

Travel within Switzerland Convenient, comfortable and carefree: a dense public transport network and optimal connections guarantee flexible travel and enjoyable explorations throughout Switzerland.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

25349

Equipment tip High-quality, reliable equipment is essential for active holidays, and Swiss quality brands provide the very best. An overview of our Swiss outdoor partners.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

14066

Shopping A small gift for those back home? A personal souvenir from the holidays? A host of ideas, from the celebrated Swiss Army Knife to precision watches and Swiss chocolate.

MySwitzerland.com, Webcode

Design and production Festland AG, St.Gallen / Zurich Switzerland Tourism, Zurich

25321

An emphasis on sustainability Switzerland is known as a country of unspoilt nature that is committed to environmentally sensitive policies regarding natural resources, to careful stewardship of the landscape, and to its eco-friendly public transport system.

This commitment to the environment and to sustainable development guarantees a high-quality tourism for our guests.

Photographs / illustrations Switzerland Tourism, holiday regions and destinations Historic photographs / illustrations

Cover: Johannes Badrutt, Wikipedia, 2014; p. 6: Johann Joseph Imseng, www.alpentoppen.be, 2014; p. 6: Ski-Rennen Glarus poster, 1905, Artifiche AG vintage poster gallery, Zurich; p. 6: Davos skiers, Gugelmann/Pilman, Davos – Wiege des Wintersports; pp. 16–19: historic posters of the Swiss National Tourist Office, Vacanze invernali: Herbert Matter, 1934, Liete vacanze: Herbert Leupin, 1939, Tous les Suisses à ski: Hans Falk, 1943, Innere Kraft: Alois Carigiet, 1941, Winter in der Schweiz: Emil Cardinaux, 1921; p. 22: Davos ski jumping, 1913, Gugelmann/Pilman, Davos – Wiege des Wintersports; p. 22: Glarus double jump, 1905, Sport Schweiz Vol. 2, OSB Verlag AG Baar, 1980; p. 30: Davos bobsleigh riders approx.

1910, Wikipedia, 2014; p. 30: Velogemel, Grindelwald Tourismus /Holzkreation Schmid AG; p. 38: Fritz Steuri, Bracher/Michel Collection, www.grindelwaldgeschichten.ch, 2014; p. 46: curling in St. Moritz around 1880, Kulm Hotel St. Moritz; p. 46: gymkhana games around 1900, St. Moritz postcard (gymkhana), Verlag Wehrli AG Kilchberg; p. 46: ice hockey on Davos ice rink, 1906, Gugelmann/Pilman, Davos – Wiege des Wintersports; p. 54: Diavolezza Glacier, 1890, Legendäre Reisen in den Alpen, Frederking & Thaler, Munich, 2007; p. 54: mountaineer around 1900, Emil Cardinaux, poster for Charles Knecht & Cie., SNB Bern, 2014; p. 64: Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, St. Moritz Tourismus, 2014; p. 64: dining room of the Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, St. Moritz Tourismus, 2014; p. 74: children on skis in Davos, Gugelmann / Pilman, Davos – Wiege des Wintersports; p. 84: Barry the rescue dog, Natural History Museum, Bern, 2014; p. 84: skijoring in St. Moritz, Sport Schweiz Vol. 2, OSB Verlag AG Baar, 1980; p. 92: Davos ski lift poster, Davos Klosters Tourismus, 2014

Printer Stämpfli Produktionen AG, Bern Print run 255,000 copies

Seals of quality Through the “Swiss Tourism Quality Seal” programme, the leading tourism organisations and a total of 2,400 tourist establishments are committed to a clearly defined quality of service for their guests.

Edition November 2014

UBS order number: SAP 84145 E

Information for holidays, meetings and conferences in Switzerland. 150 years of Swiss winter holidays.

101

EXPLORE SWITZERLAND WITH UBS.

Pick up points and good deals in winter, too Participants in the UBS KeyClub bonus program benefit even more from the partnership between UBS and Switzerland Tourism – in the form of great hotel packages at KeyClub prices.

Every quarter UBS and Switzerland Tourism present eight hotels in the 3-star or 4-star category throughout Switzerland. These hotels stand out for the fantastic services they offer and are available for a fixed price of CHF 199 (3-star) and CHF 249 (4star) per person for a double room.

The price includes two nights with breakfast and resort fees – and a CHF 50 spa or restaurant voucher which can be redeemed at the hotel.

Book now to avoid missing out Many of Switzerland’s destinations are at their most beautiful during the winter season. Take a look now at the current hotel deals available and treat yourself to a break offered at KeyClub terms.

Book online at www.myswitzerland.com/keyclub or by phone using the free Travel Service Line 0800 100 222. Only condition: you have to make a payment of at least 10 KeyClub points towards the special offer.

See what’s on offer UBS KeyClub does not only offer you outstanding hotel deals.

Through our long list of other KeyClub partners, you also have access to the latest fashions, fresh food, first-class wines, gift vouchers, and tickets for sports and cultural events. Don’t miss out on the current deals. Whether in the latest edition of the UBS magazine or in the KeyClub eStore – have a look to see what’s on offer! www.ubs.com/keyclub-e www.ubs.com/keyclubestore

UBS KeyClub All clients who use UBS banking services are eligible to participate in the UBS KeyClub bonus program and collect KeyClub points.

These points can be redeemed electronically at the KeyClub eStore and are accepted in the form of paper checks by many of our KeyClub partners, such as Switzerland Tourism. One KeyClub point is always worth one Swiss franc.

Exclusive hotel deals for

KeyClub participants: www.myswitzerland.com/keyclub or toll-free number 0800 100 222

Ready to experience the snow anew?

At Intersport you can find everything you need to make the most of the winter – at unbelievable prices.

White mountain tops, blue skies, wonderful trails and slopes: you are usually only a short journey away from a magical winter paradise. But before you get started, have you already got your winter sports gear?

Skis, snowboards, ski shoes, novelty items – Intersport Rent has everything both beginners and experts need to make the most of the winter. You can take advantage of a 15 percent discount on Intersport’s wide range of rental items.

Sport with style You can pick up the official Switzerland Winter Tourism 150th anniversary cap exclusively at Intersport – to enjoy the winter in style, even when the cold winds blow. Pick up your cap at your local Intersport store for CHF 19 instead of CHF 39, using your UBS voucher.

Tip: Intersport and Intersport Rent accept UBS KeyClub points as payment.

Not finding any more Intersport Rent vouchers here?

Not finding any more Intersport vouchers here?

Then visit a UBS branch and pick up another brochure – containing new vouchers.

Then visit a UBS branch and pick up another brochure – containing new vouchers.

UBS – partner of Switzerland Tourism

The bank that’s always with you.

UBS e-banking.

*:

e charg ee of r f w king ter no Regis s.com/eban b u . www

As a UBS client, you always have your bank with you.

You can now customize the new UBS e-banking to suit your needs, making banking even quicker and more intuitive. Take advantage of your Personal Financial Assistant, the comprehensive range of available notifications and 24-hour access to financial markets – wherever you are.

* When you first subscribe to a Pay and Save basic offering. © UBS 2014. All rights reserved.