WINTER INTERLUDE IN THE SWISS ALPS

For most skiers and snowboarders, the call of the Alps is a constant allure, beckoning alpine enthusiasts to this storied range that spans eight countries from France to Slovenia.  With snowy mountain peaks as far as the eye can see, wide open slopes sweeping down in every direction, cozy mountain huts serving hearty local dishes, and unique cultural experiences awaiting at the end of each day, a winter holiday in the Alps is not to be missed. And the low cost of lift tickets and off-season airfare make the decision an easy and emphatic “Mais Oui”!

GENEVA

There are several international airports in Switzerland that will serve you well on a ski vacation. We flew into Geneva to begin in style at The Woodward Hotel, an all-suite icon with a Belle Epoque facade and elegant chic interiors. Each of the 26 suites is a stunner with most offering balconies and front row views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. The finishes and artwork are exceptional and the service follows suit. Add to that an expansive Guerlain spa, generous indoor lap pool, and excellent dining including Geneva’s only 2-Michelin star restaurant, L’Atelier Robuchon, and your family is in for a treat.

Switzerland boasts a plethora of world-class ski resorts, each offering a unique blend of luxury, charm, and adventure. Some of the best known include Zermatt, nestled at the foot of the Matterhorn and renowned for its extensive ski area and picturesque village; St. Moritz, perhaps Europe’s most glamorous winter playground, combining style and luxury with exceptional skiing conditions; and Verbier, with its expansive terrain and vibrant après-ski scene, attracting thrill-seekers and socialites alike. 

crans-montana

We secured First Class Swiss Rail Passes to travel into the heart of the Alps. First stop: Crans-Montana Haut Plateau, 3000 feet above the valley floor, and accessed by Europe’s longest funicular. Crans-Montana is famous for ski racing in the winter and hiking, biking, and golf in the summer. We enjoyed bluebird skies, 87km of wide-open pistes, and lunch at Merbé, one of the traditional slopeside chalets with views for days. There is après-ski, of course, plus shopping, Michelin-starred dining, time in the spa, and more. A wonderful spot to spend a week with family!

GSTAAD

Next up: Gstaad, a charming village preferred by travelers looking for quiet luxury rather than a party atmosphere.  The quaint town center is pedestrian-only and offers luxury shops, restaurants and cafes, an ice skating rink, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Most of the local residents work in the ski and tourism industry but also manage family farms, turning out local cheeses and meats that are a staple of the Swiss diet. Pick up a wedge of cheese at a roadside Honesty Bar or visit a local cheese shop for a fondue picnic pack complete with pot, forks, fuel, cheese, and a map to the local picnic barrels! 

Lodging options to consider include the long-celebrated Gstaad Palace and the authentically contemporary Alpina Gstaad. I adored my stay at Alpina with mountain views, an alluring bar, the traditional Swiss Stübli serving authentic dishes, an upscale Japanese restaurant, and the Michelin-starred Martin Göschel. A Six Senses spa was just what the doctor ordered and included expansive pools both inside and out. Alpina is a beautiful five star hotel with a strong sense of place! 

There are many options for nordic and alpine skiing around Gstaad. I met my guide at the Eggli base in the heart of Gstaad, 3min from the hotel. We made our way up one side of the mountain and down the other to the neighboring village of Rougemont, the smell of woodsmoke wafting up from the valley floor. The runs were long, well groomed, and mostly empty. On another day, we drove 20 minutes to Glacier 3000. Accessed by a tram that takes you to the tippy top for skiing and other glacier activities, a wonderful lunch at Restaurant Botta, and the incredible peak-to-peak suspension bridge with views of all the highest mountains including the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Eiger, and Jungfrau. This is not to be missed! 

THE TAKEAWAY

Planning a trip to Europe can be overwhelming but adding in the logistics of a ski trip take it to the next level. Flights, trains, cars, rentals, guides, and more; this is where working with our professional team makes all the difference. Trip planning is our passion and with a network of partners in every destination, we will turn your travel dream into a dream-come-true. Leisure time is your most precious non-renewable resource and it is important to get it right. Your family will thank you and the shared memories will last a lifetime!