White paradise

Switzerland is amazing for winter sports lovers. As the country is quiet small, you can get to many resorts for skiing or snowboarding pretty quickly from anywhere. I went several times in different ski resorts of the Bernese Oberland. Most of the ski resorts are open from the beginning of December until mid-April.

Swiss people ski very well, I've never seen as many skiers skiing as well as in Switzerland. Even the slopes embody the high level of ski: there are almost only blacks and reds one, few of them are blue (the green doesn't exist!). Ski in Switzerland isn't made for beginners.

BE OFF TO THE SLOPES

For my first ski day in Switzerland, we decided with the other students to go to Jungfrau region in Mürren – Schilthorn that is the highest-altitude skiing area in the Bernese Oberland. This ski resort is well known for its steep slopes, long downhill runs, modern transport system, cosy locales and its breathtaking panorama. Over there I did the black piste n°10 called "Inferno devil's descent". With a slope of 75%, it is the steepest piste in the Jungfrau region. The descent starts on the Schilthorn summit and leads towards Engetal - the ultimate winter kick. Adrenaline is guaranteed!

We decided to take advantage of our ski pass to go to the summit of Schilthorn: Piz Gloria (2,970m). After a short trip of just 30 minutes by aerial cableway we reached the summit of Schilthorn where we enjoyed the spectacular view from the big terrace of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau (UNESCO World Heritage) and on more than 200 other summits. We also visited the interactive exhibition Bond World 007 at the summit showing scenes from "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" movie as well as general background information.

For the second time, we choose to have a day in the region of Gstaad. Come up – slow down. The snow sport region of Gstaad stands for comprehensive winter fun on and besides the slopes – located in glorious Alpine scenery at an altitude of between 1,000 and 3,000 metres. With 220 kilometres of superbly prepared slopes and the only glacier area in the Bernese Oberland - Glacier 3000 - the region scores high. I traveled from Bern to Zweisimmen in 78 minutes without having to change trains. From the station, I reached Rinderberg valley station, boarding at the Gstaad ski area, comfortably on foot.

SNOW'N'RAIL

Winter sports can be quite expensive, especially in big resorts, but the price is worth it. Check in the SBB website for the Snow'n'Rail to get convenient deals!

With SBB and RailAway, my winter sports days cost less in the 40 most popular ski areas in Switzerland. I also benefited from advantageous combined offers with a 20% discount on the public transport ticket, a reduced 1-day, 2-day or 6-day ski pass and 15% discount at Intersport rent.

EnregistrerEnregistrerEnregistrerEnregistrerEnregistrerEnregistrerEnregistrerEnregistrerEnregistrerEnregistrerEnregistrerEnregistrer