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.

Harriet and Lucy G 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...

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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

Harriet, 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

Hotel Monte Rosa

Zermatt

The charming 4* Hotel Monte Rosa has remained in the same family for some six generations, and in the intervening years the Seilers have refined hospitality to a fine art.

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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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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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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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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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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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Zermatt

Switzerland

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

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The Lodge Verbier

Verbier

Perched high in the Swiss Alps, The Lodge (Sir Richard Branson’s Verbier retreat) is in prime position in one of Europe’s hottest and most exclusive ski spots. Perfectly placed for the slopes and Verbier’s legendary après ski scene, The Lodge is set back from the road, just in front of returning pistes for easy ski in ski out, and comes complete with heated indoor pool, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, a gym with every conceivable piece of equipment and steam room. There are also three private chefs, serving up a mixture of Swiss and international dishes, and a spa therapist for soothing any aching muscles post-piste.

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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. The Winter Olympics of 1928 and 1948 were officially opened from its terrace, and the hotel retains an aura of history and tradition.

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