Part of one of the largest ski regions in Europe, Verbier, in the Swiss Valaisian Alps, is a Mecca for powder hounds. Along with more than 400km of diverse terrain, its snow sure slopes and constant supply of sunshine make it a favourite amongst skiers looking for their next big challenge. And, for those willing to take on the legendary Mont-Gelé and Mont-Fort to find it, they’re well rewarded.
Every jazz aficionado worth their salt has a story to tell about about Montreux, and the city’s annual two-week jazz festival is one of the most important events on the global music calendar.
Moulded into the picturesque contours of Lake Geneva, Lausanne lives up to its location with a wealth of art and culture to rival some of the greatest cities of Europe. The impressive centrepiece is the magnificent Gothic cathedral, but the city’s cultural appeal extends far beyond its physical beauty. Alongside a number of important institutions (including the IOC and Switzerland’s highest court) it’s blessed with far more than its fair share of galleries and museums. Whatever time of year you choose to visit, for those willing to fully immerse in the culture, the city more than repays the effort with
Overview of Ski Area Portes du Soleil (“Gateway to the Sun”) is one of the largest skiing areas in the world, with 650km of piste which links 14 charming and distinctive villages straddling the French-Swiss border. As a result of its size, this is a ski area which is suited to families, beginners, intermediates and experts alike. With villages in both Switzerland and France, you will find that the resorts vary greatly and each has their own unique character. They all boast spectacular views, and plenty of dining options and facilities to keep you entertained away from the slopes. On
A family skiing holiday rates very highly in my book, especially when you have kids who love the winter sports scene. There are plenty of resorts with a good set up with regards to lessons, and one of the best is Val d’Isère, in the Espace Killy. Recommended read: Snowsure Val d’Isère This is an incredible place to take your kids to ski, but with such a huge choice of ski schools and lesson types, it can be hard to decide what’s best for your youngsters. Teens and Ski Courses in Val d’Isère What Should You Consider? Of course you
Nestled in the mountains on the border between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Lake Constance is an Alpine postcard come to life. Central Europe’s third-largest lake has long attracted holidaymakers to its shores, which are ringed with small towns and villages, vineyards, beaches, orchards, and Alpine foothills. This natural summer playground offers all the outdoor attractions and activities you expect from a holiday to the Alpine countryside, but also has no shortage of cultural landmarks. If you want the ideal blend of fresh mountain air and European culture, Lake Constance is calling your name. What to Do Zeppelin Museum, Friedrichshafen Visit
Switzerland’s largest freestyle skiing contest. Over the course of this eleven-week period, it takes place in the form of seventeen steps, each of which is an individual competition at a different location. Therefore, the exact location to which you’ll be travelling will depend on which step(s) you intend to compete in or spectate. Freestyle Romand 2016 This year, the Swiss freestyle competitions will take place on the following dates, in the following locations: 10.01.16 – Moléson – Jib 16.01.16 – Grimentz – Slopestyle > cancelled 23.01.16 – Leysin – Slopestyle 30.01.16 – Thyon – Slopestyle 13.02.16 – Vercorin – Slopestyle
If you’ve got older children and you’re looking for something to spice up the ski season, the upcoming Engadin Skimarathon is another major event on the alpine skiing calendar that’s guaranteed to fit the bill. This March sees the 48th edition of this exciting annual cross-country event held in the Upper Engadine Valley, in Switzerland. Fun for All the Family In addition to the 42 km full marathon, the programme, which attracts more than 13,000 participants from over 50 countries, includes a number of other events to encompass various levels of competition. While it’s not suitable for very young skiers,
Lausanne is an ancient city, full of historical gems. The Cathedral of Notre Dame in Lausanne is often cited as Switzerland’s greatest example of Gothic architecture, replete with details and flourishes characteristic of the movement, and, organ aside, is essential viewing for anyone visiting the region. Discovering the Cathedral Construction on the cathedral began the best part of a millennium ago, in 1175, and while the church was consecrated a century later, it actually still stands incomplete to this day. The cathedral’s towers are visible from a distance, while on closer inspection the intricate detail around the church’s immense portals
The Swiss city of Geneva is known for being a ‘global city’. It is home to over twenty international organisations, including the Red Cross and the World Health Organisation. As of 2013, nearly half of the city’s residents are foreign nationals. Known as the ‘Peace City’, Geneva is an important diplomatic and financial centre and one of the most internationally influential cities in the world. But in this globalised and ever-changing metropolis, is it ever possible to feel at home? To find out, we’ve compiled the perfect itinerary for a day out in Geneva. Follow our suggestions for a quintessentially
