The Switzerland Traveler

How can anyone resist this?
From February 23 to March 23, 2008, it’s possible to play golf on the snow at Wispile near Gstaad.
And it’s open to anyone; beginners, golf nuts and pros. I’m in the golf nut category, since you’re asking.
It’s a 9 hole course, which is probably enough as you have to assume it’ll be chilly.
But the cold might not be the only thing that takes your breath away. The 360-degree panorama is apparently something to be experienced.
The white-fee (I guess they’ll still think it’s a green fee…) is 50CHF, but includes three balls. Coloured balls cost extra (I …read more

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If you don’t fancy being surrounded by teenage snowboarders or hurtling skiers, then there are plenty of other possibilities to ski with the family.
One of these resorts is Amden, located about an hour east (by car) of Zürich.
One of the problems with most small resorts is that they are relatively low compared to some of the larger resorts and are therefore not as snow-sure.
But it does seem to always have enough to keep the slopes open
Amden is lovely in the summer too, ideal for hill walking and enjoying the alpine scenery

If you plan to ski, check snow conditions first, …read more

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Engelberg is one of the most popular ski resorts near Zurich, featuring ice caves and a revolving cable car.
Next weekend it also becomes the centre of attention for all in the ski jumping world.
So if you have finished all of your Christmas shopping, the wrapping is done and the turkey plucked, then why not head down to central Switzerland to watch some crazy people flying through the air?
The FIS World Cup event runs from Friday 21st to Sun 23rd, with training on the Friday and the real thing on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are 25 CHF for adults, 12 CHF …read more

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How many times have you heard people talk about flying pigs?
Of course, more often it’s done a bit more subtly, in answer to a request – such as looking out of the window and replying "well, we might be able to do that, if only those darn pigs would stop flying past".
But in Switzerland anything is possible. Well nearly!
A cow-shaped hot air balloon, who’d have thought it?
But maybe a ride in a normal hot air balloon ride would be interesting? HB Adventures offer a range of flights from 300CHF per person.
HB are reachable on +41 56 424 31 44 …read more

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Those of you that know me will not be surprised just how soon I managed to mention motor racing in a blog about Switzerland, even though it has been banned here since 1955.
Last held in 1971, this retrospective celebrates the ten years when the hillclimb counted towards the European mountain Championship. It started in 1953, so you can expect to see exotic historics from the 50s, 60s and 70s taking part.
Classic Ferrari, Maserati and Mercedes sports cars will be there, alongside single seater racing cars which will undoubtedly set the faster times. It could probably be quite noisy, so maybe …read more

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