SwitzerlandSwitzerlandSwitzerlandIMPORTANT! PLEASE READ! ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR EUROPE! (Schengen Area) The European Union EU Entry/Exit System (EES) The new digital European Union (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) will start on 12 October 2025 and register all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen area. European countries using the EES will gradually introduce the system at their external borders. Data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026. When you enter the Schengen area on your first visit to Europe after the EES is introduced, you will be required to:
This will create a digital record that registers your biometric details. If you revisit the Schengen area within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide your fingerprint and/or photograph at the border on entry and exit. You do not need to do anything before arriving at the border. The EES registration is free. The registration process should only take a few minutes, but when the system starts, you may experience longer border queues. If you frequently travel to the Schengen area for work and/or leisure, ensure your total stay is no more than 90 days in every 180 days. This period is calculated as a single period for all the European countries using the EES. It is attached to you as a person, rather than to your passport. This means that even if you enter the Schengen area using a different passport, you will still be restricted to the same 90 days in every 180 days. If you stay longer than permitted, you will be considered an 'overstayer'. If you overstay the period allowed in the European countries using the EES, the system will identify you and record this information. This may result in you being detained or removed from the country, a fine or prevent you from returning to the EU in the future. PLEASE NOTE: Entry requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the current requirements before traveling. Please verify the latest information by consulting the nearest embassy, consulate, immigration office, or the official website of the immigration authority of your destination. Package Deals
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Resorts in SwitzerlandAt 1,444 meters above sea level, Andermatt entices visitors from around the globe with its charming, traditional town center and the modern amenities of its new section, which boasts excellent hotels and gourmet restaurants that enhance the village's unique ambiance. The Andermatt region stands out as one of Switzerland's most snow-sure destinations, featuring impressive peaks that soar above 3,000 meters. This snow-covered landscape provides a diverse range of skiing experiences, from the thrilling, steep descents favored by freeriders on the Gemsstock to the family-friendly slopes at the Nätschen and Sedrun resorts. Each area caters to different levels of skill and adventure, ensuring that skiers of all abilities can enjoy the pristine conditions. In addition to its world-class skiing, Andermatt's blend of traditional charm and contemporary luxury offers a distinctive and memorable experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, savor exquisite cuisine, and enjoy a range of activities that make the most of the region's natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere. Arosa, nestled at an altitude of 1,800 meters in the stunning Schanfigg valley, is a year-round holiday destination. In summer, its unique All-Inclusive Offer draws visitors of all ages, making it an attractive spot for families and travelers alike. The scenic mountain backdrop and variety of activities make Arosa a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers. In winter, the renowned Arosa Lenzerheide ski region offers something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned skiers. Visitors can also enjoy the Arosa Bear Sanctuary or take part in the many local events, adding to the unforgettable experience. With its abundant sunshine, Arosa ensures a bright and cheerful atmosphere throughout your stay. Davos, a premier winter sports destination, offers an extensive array of activities at altitudes ranging from 1,124 to 2,844 meters, featuring 58 ski lifts, 300 kilometers of slopes, and diverse winter sports options like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice rinks, and sledging. The region boasts six interconnected skiing areas—Parsenn/Gotschna, Jakobshorn, Pischa, Madrisa, Rinerhorn, and Schatzalp/Strela—creating a sprawling winter sports arena that caters to every skier's preference. Among these, the Parsenn area stands out as a paradise for avid skiers, seamlessly linking Davos with the neighboring resort of Klosters, while the Jakobshorn is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, attracting freestylers and après-ski enthusiasts with its half-pipes and inviting huts. Davos offers a unique experience for winter sports enthusiasts, combining breathtaking alpine landscapes with a well-developed infrastructure that ensures a memorable visit. Whether you’re seeking exhilarating runs, leisurely cross-country trails, or a lively après-ski scene, Davos provides an exceptional setting for all types of winter sports fans. Engelberg-Titlis is a lesser known Swiss resort that provides some of the most spectacular skiing mountains in Switzerland. Located just one hour from Zurich Airport, Mt. Titlis is the biggest ski area in Central Switzerland - get ready to test your endurance with runs up to 12km long leading down into the village of Engelberg! This unique mountain has terrain to accommodate all ability levels. Even though it has become famous for its off piste runs it is also well suited to beginner and intermediate riders. The pedestrian town of Engelberg is cute, fun and quirky. Everything is within walking distance, making it an ideal choice for families and anyone looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of some of the busier Swiss resorts. While not the largest town you'll find a good selection or bars, restaurants to enjoy. There are loads of non-ski activities to enjoy including igloo building, snow tubing and ice-skating. We recommend visiting the Benedictine Monastery where monks still live, work and make cheese (a must try!) Interlaken is a stunning alpine town nestled between Lakes Thun and Brienz, surrounded by the iconic peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Known for its dramatic beauty and endless adventure, it’s the perfect year-round playgroung, from paragliding and kayaking to hiking, ice skating and more.
Best of all, Interlaken is the ideal base for skiers, offering quick access to world-class resorts like Grindelwald and Wengen. With breathtaking views and top-tier snow experiences just a short train ride away, it’s the ultimate Swiss winter gateway. Package Deals
Saas Fee, also known as the Free Republic of Holidays, has narrow streets, lined with attractive old buildings and newer low-rise chalets, are a charming setting for a stroll. And the surrounding mountains are stunning – known as The Pearl of the Alps, the resort has 13 peaks measuring 4,000m and higher towering above it. The village is traffic‑free, with car parks at the entrance and electric buses, taxis and hotel vehicles to ferry people around. It gets very little sun in early season, so March and April are good months to visit, when temperatures in the resort and on the mountain are warmer – December and January can be bitterly cold. Use the access gondola to Felskinn, an underground funicular speeds through the mountain to Mitelllalin at 3,500m. Beware – the air is thin up there, it's a good idea walk slowly when getting out. And to visit the world’s highest revolving restaurant – the floor revolves under diners and drinkers, allowing 360-degree views of the surrounding ring of 4,000m peaks. Unusually, Saas Fee also has a whole mountain, Hannig, that’s served by a gondola and devoted to activities other than skiing and snowboarding – snowshoeing, tobogganing, parapenting or walking on cleared paths. There’s a leisure centre as well, with a 25m pool, kids’ pool and waterslide, hot tub, a variety of saunas and steam rooms, and a gym, plus a natural ice rink, and the Feeblitz, a fun rollercoaster-style ride on rails. Finish off a full day of skiing, snowboarding, or non-ski activities with some true Swiss apres! St. Moritz, renowned as one of the world’s most opulent ski resorts, seamlessly blends luxury with an extensive array of both snow and off-snow activities, making it a premier destination for winter enthusiasts. Situated in the picturesque southern region of Switzerland, St. Moritz offers an unparalleled combination of reliable snowfall and over 300 days of sunshine annually. This idyllic setting ensures perfect skiing conditions and a plethora of outdoor activities throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy not only the 350 kilometers of pristine pistes and 58 lifts catering to skiers of all skill levels but also unique experiences on the resort’s frozen lake, including skating, curling, golf, polo, horse racing, and even cricket. In addition to its winter sports offerings, St. Moritz excels in providing luxurious amenities and exceptional service, making it a favored choice for those seeking both adventure and indulgence. With its rich history of hosting elite events and maintaining its reputation for excellence, St. Moritz continues to attract travelers from around the globe, promising an unforgettable winter escape. Verbier, nestled on a sun-drenched plateau with awe-inspiring alpine vistas, stands as a premier destination for sports and adventure enthusiasts, offering panoramic views of the majestic Combins and Mont-Blanc mountain ranges.
With its expansive and diverse skiing terrain, Verbier caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from novices to experts. The resort is celebrated for its legendary freeride routes, which, while securely marked, remain ungroomed to preserve the natural snow experience. Among these, the Mont-Gelé route is particularly renowned. Standing at 3,023 meters, Mont-Gelé provides an unparalleled vantage point, offering breathtaking views over Les Attelas and the surrounding alpine landscape. Beyond skiing, Verbier's charm extends to a vibrant après-ski scene and a range of other outdoor activities. The resort’s picturesque setting and well-maintained infrastructure ensure a memorable experience for visitors, whether they seek adrenaline-pumping adventures or serene alpine relaxation.
Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn. This picturesque alpine town is a car-free zone, helping to preserve its original character. Home to the highest observation deck in the Alps with a 360-degree panorama across France and Italy overlooking 38 4000m+ peaks and 14 glaciers, Zermatt is undoubtedly one of Switzerland's best winter resorts.
Snowboarders and freestylers are able to hone their skills in the Snowpark Zermatt, where Olympic hopefuls also train. A crossover to the Italian ski region of Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche is possible from the Matterhorn glacier paradise / Theodulpass. Ideal as a ski destination for beginners to experts and families, every expectation of a traditional winter Alpine destination is met here. Views of Matterhorn? Check. Stunning picture-book scenery? Check. Cosy Swiss chalets? Check. And finally, impressive ski slopes? CHECK! With 200km of pistes, a slick lift system, extensive off-pistes, and outstanding mountain restaurants, Zermatt’s glacier is open all year round for skiing and snowboarding (weather permitting, of course). Situated at altitudes between 1,500 and 3,000 meters, the Crans-Montana ski area offers breathtaking views across its 140 kilometers of south-facing marked pistes, making it a premier destination for skiing enthusiasts of all levels. The ski area features a wide range of slopes that cater to both beginners and advanced skiers, with runs stretching from the majestic peaks above the Plaine Morte Glacier down to the verdant golf course on the 'Haut-Plateau.' This diverse terrain ensures that every skier can find a slope that matches their skill level, providing a memorable experience for all. In addition to its varied pistes, Crans-Montana is also home to a snowpark, which adds an extra layer of excitement for those seeking to hone their freestyle skills. Whether you're carving turns on groomed runs or testing your limits in the snowpark, the combination of stunning landscapes and diverse skiing options makes Crans-Montana a destination that promises unforgettable days on the slopes. Nestled beneath the iconic Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch peaks, Grindelwald offers a quintessential Alpine escape, blending breathtaking views with an expansive range of winter sports and activities. As the largest resort in the Jungfrau Top Ski area, Grindelwald provides unparalleled access to 132 miles of meticulously maintained ski terrain across 50 pistes, all covered by a single lift ticket. With elevations reaching over 7,500 feet, skiers and snowboarders are guaranteed exceptional snow conditions throughout their visit. Despite its popularity, the Jungfrau region remains surprisingly uncrowded due to its expansive base areas and the central location of Interlaken, which serves as a convenient gateway to the resort. The area's efficient network of 20 chairlifts, capable of transporting 42,000 passengers per hour, ensures swift and easy access to the slopes.
For those who prefer activities beyond skiing, Grindelwald has a wealth of options. The renowned cogwheel train offers a scenic journey to the “Top of Europe,” providing panoramic views from the saddle between Jungfrau and Monch peaks. The resort also boasts the longest toboggan run in the Alps and 12 miles of world-class cross-country skiing trails in the Grindelwald Valley. With its diverse offerings and vibrant base village in Interlaken, Grindelwald is an ideal destination for both avid skiers and those seeking a variety of winter experiences. Package Deals
Villars-sur-Ollon, located on a south-facing plateau at 1,300 meters, has been a hub for sports and leisure for over 150 years. This charming village features numerous restaurants, hotels, bars, a bustling shopping street, and a train station.
With a cosmopolitan vibe, Villars attracts visitors of all ages, partly due to its international private schools. The village blends traditional chalets with modern wooden buildings, creating a picturesque alpine setting. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Dents du Midi, Mont Blanc, and Lake Geneva. The Villars ski area connects to Gryon, Les Diablerets, and Glacier 3000, offering well-maintained slopes for all skill levels, from snow gardens for young children to snowparks for advanced skiers. Pedestrians can easily access the ski area and mountain restaurants via cogwheel trains, gondolas, and winter hiking trails. Nestled in the Bernese Oberland and sharing its ski area with Grindelwald, Wengen is a serene, car-free village perched on a sun-drenched, wind-sheltered terrace, renowned for its enchanting blend of traditional Swiss timber houses and charming belle époque chalets. Wengen offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of larger ski resorts, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a romantic retreat or a peaceful family vacation. The village's gentle nursery slopes cater to beginners and families, providing a perfect environment for snow-sport novices to learn and enjoy winter activities without the pressure of more crowded resorts. In addition to its skiing facilities, Wengen is home to the spectacular Trümmelbach Falls, the world’s only glacier waterfalls, which offer a breathtaking natural attraction. The village also features an impressive sledding track, which draws as many visitors as its ski slopes, ensuring that there’s plenty of excitement for everyone, regardless of their winter sport preferences. | ||