Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier, Switzerland

One of the largest resorts in the Swiss Alps, Verbier is preferred by many celebrities. Located in the canton of Valais - Verbier is the largest resort area in Switzerland. More than one million tourists a year come to Verbier.The altitude of the slopes varies from 1500 to 3330m. Verbier gives the opportunity for the enthousiasts of all levels to explore over 400km  downhill runs.19 of the trails are intended for beginners, 20 are intermediate tracks and there also are 5 runs for experts. The resort  have on disposal a total of 35 lifts. The high altitude of the slopes ensures the presence of  snow throughout the active season. Verbier is large alpine village which offers all amenities you can want for your vacation.

Verbier, Switzerland, map of ski pistes

Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier has many ski and snowboard schools, companies organizing mountain guides. They propose variety of options- private lessons, group courses and some special ones. The best is you can even see Mont Blanc at an altitude of 1500m.

Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier is the resort with best conditions for skiing outside the processed tracks. The slopes are suitable for snowboarding. If you want to get away for a bit of ski atmosphere, you can go to the Mont Gele - one of the few areas in the vicinity, which has no ski slopes yet. This resort has a large ski area which is reached by funnicular that will suit most skiers, with a link to the glacier of Les Diablerets. 

 

Branson's The Lodge, Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier, Switzerland, chair lift

A holiday to Verbier allows you to explore the areas 4 valleys and to take in the magnificent views.  Again, this is classified as the most fashionable and cosmopolitan resort of you skiers out there but don’t be put off by this as it still has a traditional feel that will make you feel extremely welcomed. Verbier’s après ski is legendary with its nightclubs and 60 restaurants.

For more places where you can spend your vacation enjoying skiing and others you can see here.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

St.Moritz, Switzerland

St.Moritz, Switzerland, ski pistes

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This resort town  is called the “luxury resort of the Swiss Alps”. Saint Moritz is one of the most famous and prestigious ski resorts in world, especially after having hosted the 1928 Winter Olimpic Games and also the 1948 Winter Olimpic Games./ Here we have to note that only 3 cities in whole world have hosted Winter Olmpic Games more than once/. Nowadays its name is associated with finesse and elegance. Many celebrities have properties here. We can come across its name in a great number of novels as well as the famous series of James Bond.

St.Moritz, Switzerland, Badrutt's Palace-5 Star Luxury Hotell

St.Moritz, piste map, Switzerland

 St.Moritz is situated in the Engadine valley. It is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Graubunden. A few kilomemetres south of the town is situated the highest summit in the Eastern Alps- the Piz Bernina. St. Moritz is influenced with both cultures- the german speaking majority and  those who are using the roman languages- mainly Italians. In the beginning the besort becomes famous due to its mineral healing springs, which have been known for more than 3 thousand years. This place is perfect for those who want to spend their time close to nature, among a well balanced combination of mild snow cover, nice weather   and fine altitude. A great advantage is the possibility to practice a lot of sports there, such as: skiing, snowboarding, hiking, bobsleigh, sledging, horse races, polo, cricket, ski jumping, sliding on a frozen lake and others.

St. Moritz, Switzerland, Badrutt's Palace

St.Moritz, ski slopes, Switzerland

St.Moritz, Switzerland

For more places where you can spend your holiday enjoying skiing and others you can see here.

Top 10 Best ski resorts in Europe

 As the ski season is approaching I propose a quick review of  some of the best  ski resorts in   Europe. They have stunning landscapes, wonderful hotels, chalets, clubs and restaurants. Many celebrities like to spend their holidays here. I think there is no doubt why. Most of the sceneries are breathtaking, the resorts have on disposal very good ski tracks. That puts them on the top of the list of ski resorts.

    1.St. Moritz, Switzerland

St.Moritz, Switzerland

   

 2. Courchevel, France

Courchevel, France

  
 3. Verbier, Switzerland

 

Verbier, Switzerland

   

   4. Val D'Isere, France

Val d'Isere, France

    5. Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy

Cortina d'Ampezzo,  Italy

     6. Kitzbühel, Austria

Kitzbuhel, Austria

     7. Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France

Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France

Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France

     

     8. Lech – Zurs, Austria

 

Lech, Austria

    9. Les Portes du Soleil, France

Morzine chalet, Les Portes du Soleil, France

Les Portes du Soleil, France

     

    10. Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt, Switzerland

Riffelalp Resort, Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt at night, Switzerland

10 Places To Visit In Europe During The Winter Holidays

Europe is a wonderful destination through all the seasons but in winter there are lots of  interesting places to visit. My favourite are the Christmas Markets and everything related to Christmas.

1. Switzerland:
Mountains wonderfully covered with snow..Breathtaking views...Just imagine the start of the New Year in  a place like this...

Switzerland, Europe

 2. Berlin, Germany:

Ice rink, Berlin's City Hall, Germany

Besides the wonderful Christmas Markets, there is a lot more.....Berlin’s important public square Potsdamer Platz is turned into a winter wonderland this time of year. Visitors can choose from a 40m long ice rink, an Alpine ski hut, a 70m ski slope and a wide range of competitions to enter. Another highlight is having the chance to slide down a long slope on a huge rubber tyre.Opens from early 29th October 2011 to 1st January 2012.

 

 3. Sweden: 

This is an extremely cool place to visit if you're willing to travel. Northern Light is a life time experience.You won't ever forget it. Also you should definitely visit the famous Ice Hotel.

Northern Lights, Sweden

Sweden, Europe

The nature of Sweden, Europe

4. Reykjavik, Iceland:

Reykjavic, Iceland

Reykjavik is a great place to celebrate the New Year’s Eve. This city is famous for its nightlife. There after the amazing fireworks held in midnight, everybody heads downtown to party. Most of the clubs and bars offer live music until at least 5am the next day.

 

 5. Chamonix: 

This is a place which is most preferred by adventure lovers. It offers many sports and activities specially in winter.Most common are skiing, snowboarding and all other snow sports. The beauty of Chamonix makes it a wonderful resort. Cable-car ride is another interesting feature of this place.

Chamonix - a wonderful ski resort, Europe

 

6.Prague:

The beauty of this city is really divine. Here you will find many beautiful castles, medieval bridges and beautiful forests. All this is even more beautifil when covered with snow. It's like a fairyland. So for all lovers of the great places and feelings - visit this lovely town.

Christmas Market, Prague, Old Square

Charles Bridge, Prague, Europe

7. Eiffel Tower, Paris:

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Enjoy the beautiful views of Paris, after that skate on this unique small but perfectly formed ice rink - enough to make your winter holiday an unforgettable experience. The ice skating rink is located on the first floor observation deck of the famous French landmark – lodged between two of the tower’s massive steel legs. Up to 80 skaters at a time can enjoy this unusual skating experience but vertigo sufferers might want to give this one a miss! Opens from December 2011 to February 2012.

 8. Best all rounder – Vienna Christmas Market:

Viennese Christmas fair

The “Christkindlmärkte” in Vienna, Austria is a very popular seven hundred year old Christmas market. Here you’ll find a traditional event with plenty of nostalgia, fun and romance. As well as the usual concerts and nativity displays there is also a crowd-pleasing live advent calendar display and a children’s Christmas workshop located in the City Hall. Wander through Vienna’s atmospheric streets and town square which are filled with the aromas of candied fruits, cotton candy, Christmas punch and roasted chestnuts – surely the perfect way to get you in the Christmas mood?

Vienna Christmas Market: 19th November – 26th December 2011

 

9. Norway:

Norway is another place where you can have a lot of fun in winters.For adventure lovers there are many activities like snowshoeing, take a ride on a husky dog sled, ice fishing and an exciting ride on a reindeer.And for nature lovers this place has beautiful sights like snow covered mountain plateaus, wilderness and sea.So visit this place to have long lasting fun.

Norway, Europe

10. Edinburgh, Scotland:

Edinburgh, Christmas market

Magnified view, click on image and drag to move.

The annual Hogamany in Edinburgh is a legendary event and is often cited as the world’s best New Year’s Eve party. Join merry Scots and 100,000 other revellers and expect four days of fun and free events. The organisers ensure everyone’s tastes are catered for and festivities include a traditional torchlit procession, street performers, ceilidh bands as well as the famous gigantic street party. Guests are also treated to a large and impressive firework display at midnight – just make sure you bring your warmest clothes.