Switzerland Small Group Holidays

Introducing Switzerland (Continued...)

nd Romansh. Until national reconciliation in 1848, Switzerland was the most consistently turbulent, war-torn area of Europe. Although two centuries of tourism have left their mark, and the Swiss are content to abide by a quaint stereotype. To explore the real Switzerland requires patience and time, but is infinitely more rewarding than accepting the chocolate-box, alpine stereotypes.
The land is divided into three geographical areas: the Jura Mountains, Mittelland (Middle Land) and the Alps. During the Ice Age, the land was grafted by glaciations blessing Switzerland with many beautiful lakes, which together with the mountains, form spectacular scenery. The mountains are the nation’s heart and soul. Stretching from Slovenia in the east to France in the west, they form one of the world’s largest collections of snow-capped peaks. The Swiss Alps represent roughly 20 per cent of the entire range and have been carefully protected and developed to support mountaineering, hiking, skiing and other adventure sports.
The weather is temperate but varies with altitude. Switzerland boasts cool to warm humid summers with occasional showers and cold, snowy winters. This is the perfect climate for those seeking an adventure with stunning views and unrivalled scenery, at any time of year.

Mountaineering

If you are a first-time climber and fancy a raw and exhilarating experience, then the Swiss mountaineering course is the one for you! Based around Saas Grund, you will be given the opportunity to climb 4000m-plus peaks and enjoy a wealth of natural beauty. This is also perfect for families as it is suitable for all abilities and ages. The guide will start you off slowly with a moderate climb before progressing onto more challenging routes. This gives you a chance to adjust to the pace and acclimatise to the breathtaking views. There is nothing more refreshing and rewarding than a hike in the Alps.

Skiing

Skiing and snowboarding is a huge craze, with resorts hosting lessons for all abilities and boarding tournaments all winter long. The classic destinations include St Moritz and Zermatt, which is famous for the Matterhorn. Indeed, in most people’s minds the Matterhorn stands for Switzerland like the pyramids stand for Egypt. Here you will also find Monte Rosa with its summit, the Dufourspitze (4634m), which is the highest point in Switzerland.
If you are a skilled skier and take all necessary precautions, venturing off-piste may just be what you are looking for. Or if you would like to conquer the grand Alpine heart of Switzerland, then head to the Bernese Oberland. It is best known for a triple-peaked ridge of Alpine giants: the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Interlaken is the main transport hub for this region. For some cross-border skiing head to Champéry and Chalet Les Cascades, where you can ski the Portes du Soleil region, straddling the French border - a truly unique experience.

Snow Kiting

If you are looking for something that is exciting, unbelievable and wild then feast your senses on snow kiting! Skiing using a snowboard and kite traction power is simply the next natural step in your discovery of winter sports. You don’t have to be an expert at snowboarding, as many skiers find it thrilling and easy enough to pick up. Snow Kiting is a sport that is an answer to all your adrenaline needs. There are many ideal resorts and courses to take at Simplon and St Moritz, so take the opportunity to explore your skills in these beautiful surroundings.

Skydiving

The only way to fully appreciate all the splendour of Switzerland’s wilderness of glaciers, peaks and blue ice crevasses is to see it from the air. Sky diving provides an adrenaline-fuelled journey and once the parachute is open you can enjoy the fantastic panoramic views the Swiss are so proud of. Head to the bustling town of Interlaken for a once-in-a-lifetime experience and judge it for yourself. You will not regret it!

Trekking

You do not have to be a mountaineer to enjoy an active holiday in the Alps. Switzerland is host to the finest terrain, which provides enough variety to suit every taste. Trekking is the perfect way to spot some wildlife whatever the season. Some of the most interesting routes can be found around Matterhorn, which allows you to traverse into the Italian Alps and down to the picturesque Gressoney Valley. The massif of Grand Combin, reaching an altitude of 4314m at its peak, is an excellent alternative to busier trails. If you would like to re-live a piece of history then the Haute Route is what you are looking for, a legendary route first taken by British climbers at the end of 19th century.

Whitewater Rafting

If you are seeking to get your heart rate going then white water rafting will certainly work. If you are seeking to get your heart rate going then white water rafting will certainly work. There is no better place to do it than in the main town Scoul, located in the farthest corner of Switzerland, in Lower Engadine. Alone from the rest of the country, this attractive valley nurtures a quite distinct, thoroughly Romanish culture.

Mountain Biking

If you are seeking to get your heart rate going then it’s time to take on the slopes with a mountain bike! There is no better place to do it than in the main town Scoul, located in the farthest corner of Switzerland, in Lower Engadine. Alone from the rest of the country, this attractive valley nurtures a quite distinct, thoroughly Romanish culture.

Classic Itineraries

Travellers are always spoiled for choice when visiting Switzerland. Zurich is hard to beat for sightseeing, shopping and nightlife; it is easy to discover on foot and the Old Town (Altstadt) is perfect for exploratory wonderings. Taste the world’s finest chocolates at Sprungli in Paradeplatz, but don’t forget to also indulge in a cheese tasting exercise. Some cheese dairies are open to visitors, as with Appenzeller Schaukaserei in Stein and La Maison du Gruyere, at Pringy.
If a city break doesn’t appeal, head to Appenzellerland to find the picture perfect, postcard Switzerland. In this beautiful canton you will find locals dressed in traditional costume, meadows of wild flowers, cows with giant cowbells, and you may even hear yodelling! In winter months skiing would be the perfect option, either heading to Zermatt for the Matterhorn or Bernese Oberland and its magnificent scenery.

Other Activities

The classic Swiss sport is Hornussen, where one person launches a puck (hornuss) in the air by hitting it along a curved track with a long cane; the other players then try to knock it aside with large wooden bats before it hits the ground. Sledging is the oldest winter sport in Switzerland and is still one of the most popular with Swiss families. Grindelwald has a sledge run 15km long. Variations on traditional sledging include snowtubing, where oversized inner tubes are used, and snow rafting, where a rubber boat slides down a prepared piste. Snowshoeing has become a popular sport, with many utilising snowshoes to participate in some great backcountry hikes!