Swiss Alps Tourism As A Significant Source Of Income

Added: 01/17/2006

Taking into consideration the fact that the Alps occupy nearly 60 percent of the Swiss territory, Switzerland is considered to be the second most Alpine country after Austria. The country boasts a great number of glaciers and lakes, the majority of them being concentrated in the Mount Rosa in the Valais canton. The best way of enjoying landscapes of the Swiss Alps is one of the scenic trains, regarded as the main destination in the country.

Because the Swiss Alps have always attracted more and more people willing to experience challenging sports, the Swiss Alps tourism has grown to comprise a significant sector of national economy. Swiss resorts are built around mountain villages in the traditional atmosphere, differing in this aspect from the purpose-built resorts in France. The development of the Swiss Alps tourism has resulted in the establishment of various ski resorts to suit every taste and budget. Thus, Switzerland has a great number of resorts to offer, many of them rating with the most luxurious resorts in the world.

One of the best and, perhaps, the most famous Swiss ski resort is Zermatt, located at the foot of the Matterhorn. Regardless of its status as a top resort in the nation, Zermatt hasn't lost its charm as a Swiss mountain village. You'll find no traffic here, since the entire village is a car-free zone to prevent air pollution. Except for the great skiing, Zermatt is a perfect place for enjoying a great number of other winter activities, like ice climbing, tobogganing, hockey, sleigh riding, snow hiking and snow shoeing.

In the summer, visitors to Zermatt are offered squash courts, indoor tennis, gyms and pools, and also extensive shopping opportunities.

Having hosted the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948, St. Moritz is now seen as one of the most prestigious ski resorts in Switzerland and also the world, whose name stands for elegant and luxurious. It is located in the heart of the Engadin Valley and has the impact of three cultures. Originally, St. Moritz's importance was achieved due to its mineral springs, appreciated for more than 300 years and attracting more tourists in summer than in winter. At present winter is seen here as the more important season for the development of the Swiss Alps tourism, owing to a number of facilities for indoor and outdoor activities.

To enjoy their Swiss Alps vacation, many visitors to Switzerland choose Davos, the oldest mountain resort in Europe whose history can be traced back to 1860 when it was established as a health resort. Due to its prominent architecture and extensive facilities, Davos is popular all-the-year-round, offering excellent skiing in winter and beautiful landscapes in summer. 143 miles of skiing slopes and 46 ski lifts make it one of the largest and most prominent ski resorts in Switzerland, with snow coverage good for the period from December till April.

Surrounded by the greatest alpine scenery of Switzerland, Gstaad is located in the west of the country between the Vaud Alps and Bernsee Oberland. It is an average traffic-free Swiss village, which has the reputation of a fashionable resort for the jet set, and, hence, is recognized as an important contributor to the prosperity of the Swiss Alps tourism.

In winter, more than 60 ski lifts make possible various runs to suit individual tastes. In summer Gstaad is home to some world-class tournaments and festivals, such as the ATP Tennis Championship, the Polo Silver Cup, and the Menuhin Classic Music Festival. In winter visitors can enjoy hot-air balloon festival, held in Chateau-d'Oex.

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