Cheap Ski Holidays in Switzerland

Switzerland ski resorts used to be exclusive to the rich and famous, but happily that’s no longer the case, more and more operators are featuring Switzerland in their ski programmes and opportunities to ski this wonderful place are becoming easier and easier to access.

Switzerland is famous for its fantastic snow conditions, with many of it resorts at a high altitude giving you guaranteed snow and very long seasons. The resorts all resemble a winter wonderland with spectacular scenery, alpine tree lined runs and views that are second no any other.

Switzerland resorts are famous for some of Europe's finest mountain side restaurants and many people will sit and enjoy the views over lunch or a hot chocolate.

Switzerland’s ski areas are vast and extensive, so many resorts are split into sub areas, for example, the Four Valleys ski area includes resorts like Verbier, Nendaz and Veysonnaz. Verbier is famous as a chalet resort with over 400 kms of piste with runs to suit all levels and abilities, and for snowboarders, Verbier is one of the best free ride resorts. Nendaz and Versonnaz are smaller resorts, equally offering runs for all abilities and many runs back to your door, and you can buy a lift pass that covers all the Four Valleys resorts or just a pass to cover your resort, the choice is yours.

Other famous Swiss resorts include Zermatt and Sass Fee, or Villars, each an exclusive charming village with an excellent choice of runs, Villars and Saas Fee being a firm favourite with families and beginners with childcare facilities and English speaking ski schools. Other favourites are Grindenwald and Wengen situated at the base of the famous Jungfrau Mountains offering traditional towns, unspoiled resorts and some of Europe's most extensive piste.

With uncrowded piste and fabulous state of the art lift systems, its no wonder people are returning year after year to Switzerland and of course even our royal family are partial to The Klosters too. Skiing in Switzerland is a pleasure, and beautiful country and the night-life is surprisingly lively so sure to keep even the biggest apres skiers entertained.

With excellent service and Swiss hospitality, there is no reason as to why you wouldn't put Switzerland and its fantastic choice of resort top of your list. It truly is a superb ski destination and all resorts will have something to suit all taste, level of ability or budget. The accommodation and resorts are kept traditional and are simply beautiful. From basic 2* pensions offering basic bed and breakfast right through to your luxurious 5* hotels offering spa treatments and swimming pools.

The non ski activities are available in most resorts and include activities such as Swimming, spa centres, ice skating, saunas, curling, squash, para gliding, ice climbing or snow shoeing, really the choice is endless.

Switzerland is truly one of Europe's finest skiing areas, offering you an alpine experience we only ever dream of.!!

Money

The official currency is the Swiss franc (CHF) divided into 100rappen (German) or centimes (French). Although not part of the EUmany prices are nonetheless indicated in Euros and some merchantsmay accept Euros. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widelyaccepted and ATMs are widespread; many are equipped with the Cirrusor Maestro system. Banks offer the best exchange rates fortravellers cheques and foreign currency, but it is also possible toexchange money at major hotels, main train stations and airports.Banks are open Monday to Friday.

Time

Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between March and October).

Language

The three official languages are Swiss German, French and Italian. A few people speak Romansch, but this is confined to the southeastern corner of the country. Most people know at least three languages, including English.

Climate

The temperature is moderate with no extremes of hot and cold, soSwitzerland can be visited at anytime of year. Summer is warm tohot lasting from about June to September, and although good foroutdoor activities it is also the most crowded time for a holiday.Ski resorts open in late November and remain so until the snow begins to melt in April.