Switzerland has long been the premier European destination for alpine skiing. A mountainous country in central Europe, the Swiss alps beckon the ski enthusiast to an unforgettable Christmas skiing experience. There are numerous ski resorts throughout this ski-happy nation and surely there is one that would match any skier’s expectations.
Zermatt
Zermatt is a ski resort town located in a valley within the shadow of the world-famous Matterhorn about 150 kilometers southwest of Zurich. Zermatt always has ample, powdery snow and is often protected from the winter winds. Three ski areas surround Zermatt – Sunnegga, Gornergrat, and Klein Matterhorn and over 75 lift take the adventurous skier to elevations nearing 13,000 feet. There are numerous resorts in the Zermatt area catering to the Christmas ski crowd and package ski vacations are available including airfare, lodging, and lift tickets. Be sure to read the fine print to know exactly what is included in a package deal.
Verbier
Slightly to the west of Zermatt is the Verbier region. Filled with ski chalets, Verbier is world-famous for the high-quality ski slopes in the area. There are over 400 kilometers of ski runs in the region within three main areas – 4 Vallees, Savolyeres, and Bruson. 4 Valleys is the largest ski area of the three with over 200 kilometers of ski runs. Skiing within the three parks is widely varied including backwoods options, glacier runs, and a 10 kilometer toboggan run at Bruson. Many of the chalets in Verbier are located right on site of the ski areas where skiing to the chalet is possible. Verbier offers a great ski Christmas ski vacation with shopping and thriving nightlife nearby.
St. Moritz
St. Moritz is famous for its perceived exclusivity for it having long been established as a playground for the rich and famous. While the latter is true, skiing at St. Moritz does not require one to be rich or famous, but Christmas ski vacations here aren’t exactly cheap, either. St. Moritz is located in the southeastern region of the country. The skiing is not the best in Switzerland, but the nightlife that goes with the skiing probably is. The ski slopes here are perfect for the average skier – nothing too easy, and nothing too challenging. But at St. Moritz it’s all about what’s done après-ski – winter time here is full of festivals, gourmet cooking, and glitzy nightlife.
Morgins
Just on the Swiss side of the southwest border with France is the quaint ski town of Morgins. Morgins offers the skier an authentic Swiss experience, much like one dreamt up when gazing upon the boxes of Swiss chocolates with images of a snowbound mountain village filled with buildings resembling gingerbread houses. Morgins can provide that experience. There is great skiing here, but also dogsled rides and special Christmas events including traditional Christmas Carols sung in English on Christmas Eve. Morgins has been a ski resort town for over a century.
Samnaun
Located in the far southeastern corner of Switzerland is the ultimate cross-country skiing destination of Samnaun. There are over 200 kilometers of cross-country ski trails here, but there are also plenty of downhill ski runs and special areas for snowboarding and snow-shoeing. Samnaun has all the ski bases covered. There are even night sledging trips, moonlight skiing, and short trips on the local Rhaetian Railways high in the Alps. f the après-ski activities include weekly curling tournaments, cheese factory tours, nightlife, and a local museum.
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