Luxury Holidays to Switzerland: an Overview

Despite what Harry Lime had to say, somewhat dismissively, in The Third Man, we at Original Travel think there's a good deal more to Switzerland than cuckoo clocks. The Confederation Helvetique (the CH of car stickers - one for the pub quiz) is no less than a mountain playground in both winter and summer.

Nick, Dave and Harriet are here to help give you the inside track.

Why we think you’ll love it

Switzerland has some of Europe's most challenging Ski terrain
The country also promises some of the best hot chocolate and cheese fondue...well in the world...

From the gallery

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Luxury Tailor Made Holidays in Switzerland: the Detail

There's some of the best skiing in the Alps, and in the swish resort of St Moritz the chance to hurtle down the Cresta Run or bobsleigh run, which makes an original - if hair-raising - change from the slopes.

Original Travel knows the Swiss Alps extremely well, having travelled, worked and lived there over the years, and can recommend the best hotels, restaurants and activities for your luxury holiday. We also highly recommend a visit in summer, when the mountains become a haven for walkers and mountain bikers.

Did you know

Switzerland has four official languages: Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansh
Switzerland is home to more than 1,500 lakes
The St. Peters Church in Zürich is the largest church clockface in Europe
Zürich has 1224 fountains, many with crystal clear drinking water

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Original Highlight

Tackling Verbier's infamous Tortin run after a big dump of fresh powder

Dave, Original Traveller

A note on price

A luxurious family ski holiday in Zermatt can be yours for about £10,000 or so. The Cresta Run experience should be something to tick off everyone’s bucket list: three friends staying in separate accommodation can experience the thrill for less than £2,000 each. Learn more about our pricing

Weather in January January February March April May June July August September October November December

Average Temp. — 1°C / 33°F
Rainfall — 7cm / 2.8 inches

Average Temp. — 1°C / 33°F
Rainfall — 6cm / 2.7 inches

Average Temp. — 5°C / 41°F
Rainfall — 6cm / 2.4 inches

Average Temp. — 8°C / 46°F
Rainfall — 6cm / 2.6 inches

Average Temp. — 13°C / 55°F
Rainfall — 8cm / 3.2 inches

Average Temp. — 16°C / 60°F
Rainfall — 9cm / 3.9 inches

Average Temp. — 18°C / 64°F
Rainfall — 9cm / 3.6 inches

Average Temp. — 18°C / 64°F
Rainfall — 11cm / 4.5 inches

Average Temp. — 15°C / 59°F
Rainfall — 7cm / 3.1 inches

Average Temp. — 10°C / 50°F
Rainfall — 6cm / 2.4 inches

Average Temp. — 5°C / 41°F
Rainfall — 8cm / 3.3 inches

Average Temp. — 2°C / 35°F
Rainfall — 7cm / 2.8 inches

Flight from London

2:00 hrs

Time Difference

GMT +1 hr

Useful Links

Top picks for Switzerland

Zermatt

Switzerland

The prettiest town in the Alps, and some of the best skiing.

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The Kulm

St Moritz

Situated right next to the famous Cresta Run, the Kulm enjoys stunning views over the lake and the majestic mountain landscape.

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Andermatt

Switzerland

Small but perfectly formed, Andermatt marries challenging skiing with excellent accessibility in one neat package.

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Verbier

Switzerland

Verbier might just be the best all-round resort in the Alps. Here's why....

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Saas-Fee

Switzerland

Possibly the most underrated resort in the Alps, Saas-Fee is a high altitude gem.

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Nira Alpina

St Moritz

Just three miles from the glitz and glamour of St Moritz, the Nira Alpina is a more understated hotel in the pretty Engadin Valley village of Surlej, by Silvaplana. The genius of the hotel is that, unlike other St Moritz and Silvaplana hotels, the Nira Alpina is effectively a ski in, ski out property thanks to a private walkway to the Corvatsch cable car, which in turn whisks guests to the highest point of the entire ski area.

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Engadin Ski Marathon

St Moritz

The Engadin Ski Marathon has become a major international sporting event, attracting participants from more than 35 nations every year. While the idea of 26 miles of cross country skiing might not appeal to all, one of the Original Travel gang did it a few years ago and he has been virtually the first to apply every year since. Once you get over the fact that it’s strange to be in the mountains and not be going downhill it’s the most wonderful sport, a great challenge and a brilliant event in stunning surrounds.

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Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains

St Moritz

Set at the eastern entrance to St. Moritz, the hotel has fine views of the Engadine valley.

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Grand Hotel Zermatterhof

Zermatt

Dating back to 1879, the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof is one of the grandest of the grand dame hotels in Zermatt, offering 19th century elegance combined with 21st century amenities and polished service.

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The Chedi Andermatt

Andermatt

Asia meets Alps in the Chedi Andermatt, the first of a slew of new luxury hotels aimed at turning Andermatt from a sleepy (albeit brilliant) resort in to a genuine rival to St Moritz.

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Cresta Run

St Moritz

St Moritz is famous for the thrilling Cresta Run. Descending the ¾ mile long run at speeds in excess of 60 mph (the best riders approach 80 mph), your face just inches above the surface of the ice, is the ultimate in adrenaline fixes.

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St Moritz

Switzerland

St. Moritz is the oldest winter sports resort in the world, and has been host to two Winter Olympics and three Alpine Ski World Championships. The resort enjoys one of the most spectacular settings in the Alps, situated on the Upper Engadine lakes.

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