09 November 2009 x Close
Ski resorts in the Alps have begun their ski seasons earlier than expected thanks to unseasonably heavy snowfalls. Many places were left looking as though it was the middle of winter after snowfalls of up to 20ins (50cm) fell in the last week. In Saas Fee, Switzerland, the snow is already piled 3ft (1m) deep on upper slopes, while the Austrian resort of Kitzbühel earlier set an 80-year record by opening on 24 October.
Read More at UK Telegraph
Switzerland © swiss-image.ch
With snow-capped Alps, forested hills, fairytale castles,
Renaissance cathedrals, shimmering lakes, stylish spas and luxury
ski resorts - it's easy to see why Switzerland has been one of the
world's top tourist destinations for the past two centuries.
It is the country that fashioned tourism, so it's no surprise
that Switzerland caters to visitors all year round. In spring and
summer it offers lakeside chalets, mountain trails and spa resorts.
In the sunny southern region of Ticino, near the Italian border,
visitors will find palm-fringed Riviera-style resorts offering a
host of water sports. Those keen on hiking and mountaineering will
find over 31,000 miles (50,000km) of mountain and forest trails
throughout the country.
In November the country's ski resorts begin opening, and
visitors pour in throughout the Christmas season and until the snow
begins to melt with the onset of spring. With the highest pistes in
Europe, Switzerland's ski runs offer reliable snow and breathtaking
views. Most resorts also have plenty to do for those not so keen on
skiing, making Switzerland the perfect destination for a winter
fantasy of log fires, fondues and glistening snow.
Switzerland's cities are pristine and beautifully laid out with
famous Swiss precision. Zurich is widely held to be the
intellectual and artistic centre of the country, sporting
incredible architecture and more than a thousand fountains, with
many museums and galleries. Geneva is the principal city for the
international community, and is home to hundreds of world
organisations. Its setting on the shores of Lake Geneva gives it a
romantic atmosphere, and the city has an exciting, if rather
expensive, nightlife.
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