#mymagicwinterdays – 10 inspiring winter travel destinations
Yay, the time has come! The winter season is just around the corner and with it the glittering snow, the crystal clear air and the thick snowflakes that cover the landscape with an elegant white robe. After the snow was distributed a bit unfairly last season – everything was snowed in in the south and we on the north side of the Alps had to look for the snow in the valley with a magnifying glass – I hope of course that the white splendor will make it to us this year. In any case, I’m really looking forward to the coming weeks, which, with the exception of New Year’s Eve, will be all about winter sports. And since I would like to share my enthusiasm for the winter season with you, I have thought of the following:
During the winter season, you can follow my snowy adventures on Instagram with the hashtag #mymagicwinterdays. But since I always like to be inspired by the many great pictures on Instagram, I think it would be great if you also tagged your snapshots from the snow with them. At the end of the season I will bring a best of all collected #mymagicwinterdays here on the blog. Are you in?
For the start of winter, I have put together ten excursion tips in and around Switzerland for the winter season 2014/2015. #mymagicwinterdays to the power of ten, so to speak. Voilà:
Bettmeralp: Romantic Valais idyll
A snow-covered, car-free Valais mountain village on a sun terrace at 2,000 m above sea level. Welcome to Bettmeralp. Here you can not only ski through the village, but also admire the unique view of the Aletsch Glacier from the slopes. The cost of a day ticket for the Aletsch Arena ski association is also comparatively inexpensive at CHF 59 for adults. If you arrive by train – which I recommend you do in a car-free village – you will also benefit from SBB’s Snow’n’Rail offer with a price reduction on the ski pass.
Stockhorn: Schneeschuhwinterzauber
I stood up with this look for 20 years and it still puts a smile on my face. In winter, it is a place for those seeking peace and quiet and nature lovers. Away from the Halligalli of some winter sports destinations, the Stockhorn invites you to take a leisurely winter hike on groomed paths. The novelty of this season is the winter adventure world at the Hinterstockensee. In addition to an igloo bar and activities such as ice fishing and snow sculpture building, there is also the opportunity to spend a romantic night in the secluded island igloo. Hach.
Dolomiti Superski: Boundless skiing bliss with a view of the Dolomites
When I spent a few days in Val Pusteria last winter, I decided on one thing: I would like to go skiing in the Dolomites. For me, the rugged rocks of the Dolomites are the most beautiful mountains in the Alps. The generic term “Dolomiti Superski” covers all South Tyrolean ski resorts in the Dolomites. A ski pass promises unlimited fun on the slopes. By the way, the ski pass for one day costs – hold on tight for a moment – 42 euros!! Dear Swiss ski resorts, it’s no wonder that everyone goes to Tyrol (or South Tyrol).
Laax: More than skiing in the best Swiss ski resort 2014
For the second time in a row, Laax has been named the best Swiss ski resort. The strength of the Weisse Arena (Flims and Laax) is the variety of winter sports activities. On the one hand, this is a great infrastructure for freestylers (both in terms of snow parks and indoors), the possibility of glacier skiing, but also a wide range of events and offers away from the slopes. We were in Laax for the first time two years ago and will return to Laax this year for our season opener.
Grimsel World: Simply slow down
I clicked through dozens of pictures of the Grimsel world on Instagram and found out that there are no winter pictures. Therefore, my thanks go to Urs Kyburz, who proved to me that there are people on the road there even in winter. The explanation why the Grimsel world does not attract crowds is simple. The pass road is closed and therefore muscle power is required for the above-ground journey and therefore perfect for those of you who are looking for a real nature experience. By the way, there is still the possibility of an underground journey… but more on that in January. We will once again start the new year adventurously.
Merano 2000: A night surrounded by ice and snow
One of my greatest experiences in 2014 was the unforgettable night in ice and snow high above Merano. The Salewa Basecamp will take place for the third time this season. Attention: if you also want to wake up in the middle of this wonderful mountain scenery, you should reserve an appointment between 26.12.2014 and 9.1.2015. More than top!
Chamonix: winter sports at the foot of the highest mountain in the Alps
While we’re on the subject of highs, why not include France as a winter destination? How about, for example, a detour to Chamonix. The journey from Geneva takes just 1.5 hours by shuttle and the roof of Europe – Mont Blanc – awaits us on site. By the way, the picture does not show Mont Blanc, but the Aiguille du Midi, a rocky outpost of the majesty of the Alps.
Upper Engadine: Back to the roots of 150 years of Swiss winter tourism
150 years of winter tourism will be celebrated in St. Moritz this year. If that’s not a reason to visit the cradle of winter tourism. I myself have never whizzed over the Upper Engadine slopes. But all those who were there can’t stop raving.
Innsbruck: Ski and culture perfectly combined
If you like to combine fun on the slopes with culture and shopping, Innsbruck is the ideal winter destination. Imagine standing in front of the Golden Roof at 9 o’clock in the morning and less than 20 minutes later you are weaving down the Nordkette. This is only possible in Innsbruck. By the way, it can be easily reached from Zurich by Railjet in 3.5 hours without changing trains.
Château-d’Oex: Balloon spectacle in snowy Vaud
Last but not least, a little insider tip of the Vaud Alps. Behind the well-known Gstaad follows the so-called Pays d’Enhaut – the white highlands with the two larger villages of Château-d’Œx and Rougemont. The ski pass connects the region with the Gstaad Mountain Rides area. However, the real asset of this region is the annual International Balloon Festival (this season from 24 January to 1 February 2015). 100 balloons of all shapes and colors in the air at the same time – what a spectacle!
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