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Switzerland Travel Guide, climate:

Switzerland Travel Guide - Information and Advice Switzerland Travel Guide Information and Advice Switzerland Pictures | Switzerland Map Guerba can take you walking in the very best parts of Switzerland with three itineraries ranging from 8 to 13 days. Guerba Tours | Swiss Alpine Trails | High Trails of Mont Blanc | Swiss Walking and Montreux Jazz | Free Brochure Switzerland Travel Guide, climate: Best: June-Sept for summer activities and Dec-March for winter sports. Length of stay: Minimum worthwhile stay, not including flights: Zurich or Lucerne for a romantic weekend, or Zermatt for a sports break. Recommended: 10 days to get totally knackered at your choice of activity. Switzerland Festivals Guide: Snow freaks have plenty of wacky winter festivals to attend, such as: pop festivals at 1,800m in deep snow [Fuchstival, mid March or Kleine Scheidegg early April]; dog sled racing [Zinal, mid March or Chandolin early April]; Waterslide Contest [Bettmeralp, late March or Valais, April]; downhill mountain bike races [on snow] from 3,600m [Allalin, early April]... Feb/March, Fasnacht [carnival] - especially colourful in Basel, but makes an appearance elsewhere too. July, Montreux Jazz Festival. August 1, Swiss National Day - with various activities including fireworks. For some precise dates see: European Festivals or Arts Festiva ls . Activities Guide: Hiking: With magnificent views of mountains, flower-carpeted alpine valleys, waterfalls and superbly organised and supported trails, this is a must-trek destination. Possibilities are too many to list with 50,000 kms of footpaths out there! Biking: There are over 150 well designed mountain bike routes in Switzerland, ranging from the easy to the insane, and all with staggering views. For regular bikes there are over 3,000 kms of track. Inline Skating: Around 600 kms of specially asphalted, reasonably flat, scenic routes , such as the Rhine, the Rhone and the Mittelland, make this possibly the world's best skating destination. Windsurfing: Wind can be erratic due to altitude or rock interference, but some popular spots are these lakes: Leman, Bieler, Urner, Alpenmacher, Maggiore [north], Lugano. Canoeing: The Muota River [Schwyz] and the Doubs [Jura] are most wanted. White-water rafting: The Rhine and Saane rivers are well known but the Alps provides many more possibilities. Mountaineering: Zermatt, Pontresina and Meiringen are areas favoured by serious climbers. Gliding: yet another use for those huge hunks of rock...hang and paragliding are well provided for in most larger resorts. Snow sports: Vast quantities of the white stuff are just about everywhere of course, but what makes this country a bit special is a] doing the white thing in the shadow of a truly awesome mountain, like Zermatt/Matterhorn, and b] that in some places the snow is around nearly all year. Zermatt and Verbier are best targets for skiing and nightlife. Wellness: With pure alpine air and a teutonic attitude to health, Switzerland offers a mass of spas, saunas and therapy centres in stunning locations. More unusual activities: Switzerland goes in for some off-the-wall sports too, such as canyoning , zorbing [rolling down a mountainside in huge transparent ball] or house running [abseiling down tall buildings at high speed]. Interlaken and Lucerne are centres for these mad moments. Switzerland Star Guide: Monuments * Shopping and souvenirs *** Walkability ***** Food Quality and Variety **** Value for Money *** Hotel Prices and Value ** Beaches lakes Wildlife *** Landscape ***** Local People ** Architecture **** Safety ***** Nightlife and Clubbing **** Health Problems none Museums **** Accommodation Guide: Tourist offices are efficient in listing local rooms/hotels available, often with boards placed outside rail stations. They also hand out 'guest cards' that secure various discounts. Hotels are not necessarily expensive but hostels are, of course, the cheapest option , though still good quality. Campsites are good too, mostly open only in summertime. Free camping is not permitted. Cuisine Guide: If you're a non-dairy eater then you'll have a big problem if you travel in Switzerland, though vegetarians will be unusually fulfilled. Cheese appears frequently and is the star of Swiss specialities like fondue [dipping bread or potato into melted cheese], raclette [similar] and rosti [cheese-topped grated potatoes]. Lake fish are a popular dish and vegetarian restaurants common. Those on a budget can find good value set lunch menus or self-service restaurants in department stores. Why Travel to Switzerland? Yet another quirky little European country, Switzerland is unique, spectacular and well worth a trip or two. Clichés perhaps, but some of the best Swiss experiences involve incredible mountains and lakes, stunning sports - summer or winter, stylish, lively towns, quaint hillside villages , and all tied together with a supremely efficient transport system . In addition it's super-safe , just about everyone speaks two or three languages , including English, and it's loaded with terrific beers, rich food and amazing pastries and chocolate . Is that a good thing? You choose. Downside: - this not a cheap destination . - don't try anything remotely illegal , [such as crossing the road when the little man is red], this is a very law-abiding state. - Swiss people - about 65% Germanic - though extremely polite, are, like their climate, cool towards foreigners. Where to travel in Switzerland: South-west [Lake Geneva]: ** Geneva , attractively situated at the southwest tip of Lake Geneva and near France, is cultured and metropolitan, but more of a business and diplomatic centre than party place. It does, however, offer a great selection of museums and some decent architecture including the ubiquitous old town. ***Lausanne, on the other hand and the other side of the lake, really knows how to play, due partly to the university's youth contribution. Steeply tiered, it 's stylish and pleasantly walkable [going down or along the waterfront] and alive with varied street action and nutty cafés. On the east side of Lake Geneva lie three smaller locations of interest: *Vevey is a small, appealing market town with a lively Street Artist's Festival in late August; *Montreux , 6km down the road is bijou but wealth-oriented and not particularly hospitable apart from July's Jazz Festival; the 13thC ***Chateau de Chillon is the star attraction in this area, a beautifully located and well-preserved castle popularised by Lord Byron's ' Prisoner of Chillon .' The middle [Mittelland ]: **Bern's tiny, quiet, riverside elegance is not at all what you would expect of Switzerland's capital. The old town's cobbled streets and arcaded buildings date from the 11thC to the 18thC, and there is life there still... Just south of Bern the Lake Thun area affords castle freaks the opportunity to pleasure themselves repeatedly on fine 12th and 13thC fortifications. ***Lucerne [Luzern] is more than just another gorgeous Swiss city. Mix lake with river with mountain with alpine meadows with well-preserved old town, throw in some stunning new architecture, a lively youth-oriented street culture, plenty of adventure sports [mostly 1 hour by train uphill to Engelberg ], simmer gently and you've got the young traveller's #1 Swiss role model. The area also provides the country's most spectacular ferry rides. *Basel is wealthy, cultured and convenient, with a pleasant old town and fine museums, but too preoccupied with business to be much fun. ***Zurich, up north, is a far, gnomic cry from it's stuffy banking image these days. Gorgeously located astride a river and boxed in by Lake Zurich and distant snowy mountains, the city is a buzzing hive of creativity and charm, with a lovely medieval old town and a huge variety of imaginative new establishments to relieve you of your wad. The miniscule principality of Liechtenstein is two hours away but offers little of interest. The Alps mountains [south] : *** The Jungfrau Region towards the country's centre offers the highest and most scenic rail trip, connecting three peaks, the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, though some argue that the Schilthorn cable-car is cheaper, quicker and more scenic. **Murren and **Grindelwald towns are good bases for both winter and summer sports, but Interlaken is too busy to be enjoyable for those who value tranquility. ***The Matterhorn is a Swiss icon and the original model for Toblerone chocolate, while traffic-free *** Zermatt - at it's foot - is the place to stay and base for any number of staggering view experiences, including year-round snow sports and the day-long, panoramic Glacier Express train from Zermatt to St Moritz. **St Moritz. Very posh, very beautiful, and very expensive, though St Moritz-Bad would be less bad for your wallet than snooty St Moritz-Dorf. Ticino, the Italian region, south of the Alps: Warmer and culturally very different from the rest of Switzerland , Ticino sports palm trees, piazzas and pizzas along with the usual lakes, woody hills and medieval old towns. Prime targets are **Locarno and ***Lugano, both on lakes, with the latter offering more views, style and sights. Switzerland Tours Tour operators offering travel around Switzerland can be found in our listings here: Switzerland Tours For links to Tourist Offices, Embassies, Cheap Air Tickets, Currency Converter, Climate, Language advice, other online Travel Guides and more, visit Bugbog Travel Directory Europe Map Visas: EU citizens and nationals of USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan do not need a visa for up to 3 months, though you should carry your passport. Electricity Guide: Electric sockets are 230v and are built for three round pin plugs but will accept the usual 2 round pin plugs , fortunately. Safety Guide: Switzerland is just about the safest place on the planet. Apart from overeating and snow accidents the biggest dangers are likely to be altitude sickness [AMS] or hypothermia if you overestimate your climbing/hiking ability . Language: Not a problem in this country which has more multi-lingual ability than any other on earth . A twisted German is the dominant tongue and French second, but everyone can handle English. Local Transport: Swiss transport is brilliant and trains are the way to go if available. InterRail or Eurail passes offer well-discounted travel, though not on a few spectacular mountain routes. Lake ferries are famously scenic [only June-Sept]. International Transport: Roads and railways from the rest of Europe are superb , while boating from Germany, France and Italy is also possible . Buses are a less comfortable option. Money: Contrary to expectations, the local currency is the Swiss Franc [also used by their little brother Liechtenstein], but most places in tourist areas will accept the Euro. Tipping is not necessary anywhere as 15% service charge is applied to just about everything including taxis. Costs are on the high side, though cheapish travel in Switzerland is possible if you eat fast food, use a railpass and stay in hostels. Pictures are courtesy of Switzerland Tourism. If you plan to travel Switzerland you may find these other Bugbog guides useful: Germany Travel Guide Austria Travel Guide France Travel Guide Italy Travel Guide Czech Republic Guide Hungary Travel Guide Belgium Travel Guide Travel Pictures | Destination Finder | Exotic Places | World Festivals | World Wonders | Safari Wildlife | Beaches | Top of Page European Places | Walking Tours | Travel Health | Travel Safety | Travel Directory | English Speaking Places | Tours Gap Year | Site Map | Travel Guide Homepage | Contact | Press | Advertising | Legal | Maps | Travelogue © 2000-2005 Bugbog

Cheap Travel

Ski vacation with heavy

Utah Ski Vacations Utah Ski Vacations Utah Vacationers Last week I took some time off to re-visit many fine resorts in Utah and the incredible snow its mountains had to offer. With early storms, the snow is nearly perfect. Fluffy, white powder covers each hill and crevice. But being back at Sundance really reminded me of how magnificent the sliding is in Utah. The snow wasn't the only perfect aspect of Utah, but the weather was as well. With over 2 feet of fresh powder, Utah was the ideal place to ski or slide, and it still is. Many resorts are already open. The snow season is here. Experience a great Ski vacation with heavy early snowfall in Utah’s Skier Vacations Paradise by visiting Sundance. Sundance opens December 10th, 2004. Spend the holidays in Utah, sliding and skiing away in the Wasatch Mountains. If you can’t get away for the holidays don’t fret as March and April are considered to be the peak months to enjoy the winter snow offered at the Utah Mountains. Another Utah vacation bonus besides great sunny weather and loads of fresh powder is the lack of lift lines experienced at various resorts throughout the country. No one wants to spend their Utah Vacation standing in line. Sundance has no line even during the busiest days. Most visitors are amazed at the quality, quantity of fresh powdery snow to ski or board during their Utah Vacations. Now its time for you to get out to Utah and enjoy its mountains, have some fun in the sun and snow, and go on your own Utah vacation. The powder is pilling up and the sun is still shinning- with the occasional cloud taking over the crystal blue skies. Utah skiing and boarding weather is great so make sure to bring your sun block before heading out and wear those hats and glasses! Enjoy your Utah Vacation to Sundance. “South of Salt Lake is the casually elegant community of Sundance. The resort was created in 1969 within the locale of a 6,000-acre village devoted to artistic experimentation and environmental conservation. Under the direction of the resort’s owner, Robert Redford, Sundance is an experience for the senses. Guests can ski and enjoy 41 runs on 450 acres, take an art class in the Artisan Center , cross-country ski by lamplight, eat lunch in the cozy Foundry Grill , enjoy a candlelight dinner at the award-winning Tree Room , or belly up to the bar that once was shot up by the original “Hole in the Wall gang” in the Owl Bar .” www.skiutah.com Utah Vacation Utah Vacation Utah Ski Vacation Utah Ski Vacations Utah Snowboarding Vacations Utah Vacation Stay 3 Ski Free Romantic Weekend Getaway Check out our LiftPrices » Day pass » Season Passes Take a SkiLesson » Adults » Kids » PerformanceSki Labs Rent Equipment View the Stats View the Image Gallery View our Ski Lodging » LodgingOverview » Promotions » Experiences& Packages Book Your Trip | Hot Deals | Calendar | Contact | Site Map | Weather | Search 1-800-892-1600

ski vacation packages. To

Whistler Hotels, Accommodations, Lodging and Ski Accomodation Packages from Whistler eStays Whistler Blackcomb Resort Hotels, Accommodation and Lodging: 1-800-777-0185 Whistler Accomodations, Hotels, Lodging and Rentals Bookmark Us Welcome Whistler eStays is your one-stop resource for Whistler Blackomb resort accomodations , hotels , lodging and ski vacation packages. To serve you better, this web site combines the information on both Whistler Lodging Company 's ten lodges in the Whistler resort 's best locations and Mountain Memories Accommodation ' suites, townhomes and private chalets also located throughout the resort, thus providing you with over 1,000 unique accommodation choices. Personally managing Whistler's largest selection of accommodations from hotel rooms, studios, and one to four bedroom suites, townhomes and private mountain chalets, we offer you the very best last minute ski vacation packages and hot deals , accomodations options throughout the Whistler ski resort . We can book everything you need from transportation to your lift tickets , ski or board rentals and lessons . Plus book all the extras to make your winter ski vacation memorable such as spa treatment after long day of skiing or snowboarding or choose to book a thrilling snowmobile adventure through the scenic backcountry. We want to assist you in creating a memorable Whistler vacation. Main Categories: Whistler Reservations Whistler Blackcomb Hot Deals/Packages Whistler Accommodation Directory Transportation to Whistler Whistler Blackcomb Lift Tickets Whistler Resort Guide About Us My Dates Start Date Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 # of Nights 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Place a check mark next to your choices: My Choices: Hotel/Lodging Air Travel Activities/Events Great Savings with our Accommodation Packages Whistler eStays offers a variety of packages including lift tickets and accommodation. Our packages offer value all season long and make it convenient to plan your Whistler vacation. Spring Sale (April 3 - 17, 2005) starting from $231* -- Free Fresh Tracks Vouchers Spend Your Holidays in Whistler! Book by December 15, 2005 and you'll receive 2 FREE Vouchers Good for breakfast and early-loading privileges to Whistler Mountain's ski slopes! More Details Come with family and/or friends and enjoy our Holiday Specials Rates starting as low as $199.00 per night. More details. Private Collection Whistler Resort Newsletter Choose from an exclusive collection of condominiums, townhomes, signature executive homes, log homes and mountain chalets offering the ultimate in luxury and comfort. Whistler Private Accommodations Updates on mountain events, snow conditions, vacation deals, special offers, contests and more. Sign up Now! Our Privacy Policy Whistler Blackcomb Accommodations Home | Reservations | Hot Deals/Packages | Accommodations Transportation | Lift Tickets | Whistler Resort Guide | About Us | Bookmark Us -- Call Now To Reserve Your Vacation: 1-800-777-0185