The Switzerland is very well known for its ski areas. Most of them are in the Swiss Alps.
background
People were already skiing in Switzerland at the end of the 19th century, back then with wooden skis. With the development of ski and chair lifts, gondolas and funiculars, higher mountains were also made accessible to tourists. At first, winter tourism was primarily a cure. Anyone who had enough money or suffered from tuberculosis could go to the spa centers throughout the Swiss Alpine region. Many cantons themselves had their own spa hotels.
Since fewer and fewer people can afford expensive spa holidays, many of the magnificent buildings have already had to close. Today there is increasing emphasis on either small but fine pensions and hotels or on trendy and yet cheap hotels for young people.
Today more and more people rely on artificial snow, which results in high water and energy consumption. That is why there are ski areas that have come together to form a label for only natural snow.
A Helmets are compulsory for children does not currently apply in Switzerland. Because of the given hazard, helmets are absolutely useful for children.
Ski areas
Grisons
Surselva
Engadine
Landwassertal
Schanfigg
Bernese Oberland
Valais
Vaud
Central Switzerland
getting there
Public transport
Many of the ski resorts can be easily reached with the SBB or the Rhaetian Railway. For some ski areas and villages, especially higher up, you still have to take the bus, often PostBus.
In the street
You can also get to many ski resorts by car, but due to the lack of parking spaces, it is advisable to use public transport. In some places motorized traffic is even prohibited or you cannot even get to the village by car (e.g. Zermatt).
Road conditions
The road conditions in winter, on passes and in higher areas from autumn to spring are often quite precarious and sometimes dangerous for those who are unfamiliar with the area. Winter tires are essential. At certain times there is also one on many passes and other roads in higher elevations Chain compulsory. This means that snow chains must be installed on all vehicles without all-wheel drive.
Often passes and roads are closed because of the danger of avalanches or because of too much snow. Information boards usually provide early information about the road conditions on the Alpine pass roads, and the traffic information on Swiss radio SRF also provides information about pass closings or chain obligations in the "road condition reports".
The police sometimes check compliance with the regulations very carefully and do not allow motorists who are not properly equipped to pass.
