Magic Mountains
The soaring Alps have challenged some of history’s greatest explorers and athletes. Although Europeans shunned the peaks for centuries (fearing them to be inhospitable realms of icy terror that harbored dragons, witches, and demons), locales such as Davos, St. Moritz, Gstaad, Interlaken, and Zermatt are today choice destinations for skiers, sight-seers, and sophisticates. Each has distinct charms.The name Interlaken means "between the lakes," and water flows from its clear mountain streams to waterfalls that spill into Thun and Brienz lakes. Since the early 19th century, this village has been the tourist hub of the Bernese Oberland, and through the ages visitors have admired the awesome views of the Jungfrau Massif.
Most rail lines in this part of Switzerland lead to Interlaken. That makes traveling here convenient and provides easy access to nearby resort area for day trips. Europe's highest railway, the Jungfrau railway weaves through Interlaken’s Alpine meadows, then plunges into a stone tunnel on its ascent to permanent snowfields and spectacular sights. Other excursions include the Schilthorn aerial cable car, the Schynigge Platte cogwheel railway, and the Brienz-Rothorn-Bahn with its antique steam-driven locomotives.
Ski the Swiss Alps
Also located in the Bernese Oberland, Gstaad is a Swiss resort of fairy-tale and grown-up fantasies, renowned for luxury hotels, shopping, heel-clicking service, and the bevy of international stars it attracts as guests. At night the town’s Palace Hotel is beautifully illuminated, and every little village chalet twinkles with light.The epitome of ski-scene elegance, St. Moritz is a true winter-sports wonderland. In addition to downhill and cross-country skiing, tobogganing, ice skating, snowboarding, and winter hiking, there’s an unrivalled menu of uncommon diversions. Looking for a new experience? Play winter polo, golf, or cricket in the snow.
Dress warmly (and stylishly) if you’re planning to overnight in an igloo, ride a horse-drawn sleigh, go dog sledding, curling, ice climbing, or ice sailing. You won’t be alone in your newfound passion.
Trains depart from Zurich for St. Moritz frequently, bringing adventurers and bold-face names to the mountain. Après-ski, take your cues from the glitterati: Sip cafe fertig (coffee with a shot of schnapps)... shop at Armani and Cartier…dine at the famous La Marmite...and meet up with fellow sophisticates at the majestic Badrutt's Palace hotel.
Below the famous Matterhorn, Zermatt is a pristine Alpine village that offers glacier skiing year-round. Since no cars are allowed, you can only arrive in town by narrow-gauge railway or horse-drawn sleigh. The 12,500-foot cable car ride will lift you to the summit of the Klein Matterhorn.
The ultimate challenge for skillful skiers, Haute Route is a back-country circuit connecting Zermatt with Chamonix, France. It crosses some 20 glaciers with a total ascent and descent of more than 25,000 feet and can be hiked in late summer or skied in spring.
Those who prefer their scenic mountain views from the safety, warmth, and comfort of a train will appreciate a journey on The Glacier Express, the “slowest express train in the world,” which connects St. Moritz and Zermatt in just under eight hours. Between them lie 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and the 6,700-foot-tall Oberalp Pass. Narration provided by STS points out some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe: dense forests, snow-peaked caps, rushing mountain streams, and centuries-old villages.
