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How to travel on a budget in Switzerland and a budget vacation in Switzerland

Switzerland is a very versatile country. On the one hand, there are majestic mountains, delicious fondue and chocolate, large banks where the richest people on the planet keep their savings, the world famous Swiss watches, and an organized society. But on the other hand, just incredible prices in Switzerlandthat can shock any tourist: $ 8 for a cup of coffee or a glass of beer, $ 50 for a steak, $ 15 for a menu at McDonald's, $ 35-40 for a bed in a hostel!

Switzerland is considered the most expensive country in the world among tourists, and Geneva and Zurich are two of the ten most expensive cities to live in.

Due to the high cost, it is easy to understand why so many people are afraid to travel to travel around Switzerland on your own and wait until they get older and richer. Therefore, when you say that even Switzerland can be visited by a budget tourist, many will shake their heads in disbelief and twist their fingers at their temples :).

At first glance, Switzerland will be a real challenge even for experienced tourists who are used to traveling on their own and not expensive. Switzerland is a country with a strong currency and high taxes, a Mecca for wealthy bankers, international organizations, wealthy residents, and tax havens.

Switzerland will never be a “cheap” country to visit that travelers can visit for just a few dollars a day, but to your surprise, you will be able to realize that it is possible to travel around the country for a relatively small amount. It is difficult but doable!

Find cheap flights to Switzerland

Here are some effective ways to save your budget, but at the same time enjoy the trip and avoid wasteful expenses:

1. Use Couchsurfing

With hostel beds starting at $ 30-40 per night, you are clearly going to need to find cheap accommodation in Switzerland. Couchsurfing is one of the ways to significantly save on accommodation. This is a service that allows travelers to stay with locals for free. This can be a lifesaver to keep your expenses within your planned budget. Since many travelers use this service, we recommend that you send inquiries to landlords in advance.

2. Use BlaBlaCar

Transport in the country is very expensive, even more expensive than the cost of living. Most intercity trains cost around 50 CHF (Swiss francs). True, he is very fast! Instead, use the popular BlaBlaCar service, with which many of our compatriots are already familiar, in order to avoid the cost of trains, and at the same time communicate with the locals. This service allows you to share your travel costs with multiple fellow travelers, and each trip can save you a decent family budget. It is important to remember: be careful, trips can often be canceled by the driver, even at the last minute. Therefore, try to be flexible in making decisions. But if you use the service, you will be satisfied with your trip.

3. When traveling with a company, use Airbnb

If you are traveling alone or in a group, and prefer independent accommodation, we advise you to pay attention to the service where you can rent inexpensive and comfortable accommodation in Switzerland. At around $ 50 a night, you can split the cost for two - it's only $ 25, which is much cheaper than a hostel!

4. Less alcoholic beverages (and it's better not to drink at all)

It's not cheap to drink here. Most beers cost around 8 CHF. Most wines cost between 10-25 CHF per bottle. If you do decide to have a drink, the cheapest place will be at the hostel's bar, where so-called “happy hours” are often held, where you can have 2 drinks for the price of one, or just buy a cheap cocktail - about 5 CHF.

5. Cook your own food

Lunch in a restaurant will cost you an average of about CHF 40 per person. And since this is a considerable amount for a budget tourist, we advise you to purchase food in local supermarkets. A food set for a week (bread, pasta, rice, eggs, vegetables, cheese, meats for sandwiches, assorted fruits) will cost you about 75-100 CHF. Major supermarkets are Migros, COOP and Spar. COOP is the most expensive.

6. Enjoy vegetarian meals

The meat is very expensive in Switzerland. Swiss and expatriates say they sometimes limit their meat consumption due to the high cost. Therefore, eat vegetables and avoid buying meat (especially beef). A pound of meat in a supermarket costs 12-14 CHF on average!

7. Take advantage of special offers in the cafe

If you are going to eat in a cafe or restaurant, it is better to do it during lunch, when most of the dishes of the day cost around 10-19 CHF. Also, do not hesitate to visit ethnic restaurants such as Chinese, Oriental, Indian, or Thai - here you will get huge portions for a reasonable price (on average for 10 CHF you will be full of food). Meals of the Day are a great way to save your budget while enjoying delicious meals for less. As a result, we advise you to prepare breakfast and dinner yourself, and you can also dine in a cafe.

Switzerland is an expensive country - there is no doubt about it. The smallest possible budget with which a tourist / budget traveler can travel to Switzerland is around $ 75 dollars. For that budget, you can visit major attractions, stay in a budget hostel, and enjoy outdoor adventures and activities. A smaller budget will significantly limit your ability to truly enjoy what Switzerland has to offer.

But regardless of your travel style, following the tips above will save you a lot on your travels in Switzerland by cutting down on unnecessary expenses and focusing your hard-earned cash on your interests - museums, beer, adventure, or a pound of meat 🙂

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Most parents strive to enable their children to learn from the best educational systems. For a decision to send a child, an additional bonus is living in a country with excellent ecology and a high standard of living. In this article, we'll look at the 5 most important things to know about studying in Switzerland.

For centuries this country has been famous for the most delicious chocolate in the world, luxury watches, winter resorts and beautiful mountains, but few people know that graduates of educational institutions are Nobel Prize winners, famous researchers, influential people around the world. This is not surprising, because they were taught by the best teachers who apply effective and modern principles and teaching methods.

Russian students often ask the question: "How?" - yes, the organization process is complex and lengthy, but definitely worth it. The impeccable quality of education, a variety of training programs, moral education, the development of additional skills and the study of foreign languages \u200b\u200b- all this is available for any student in Switzerland. Among the world's elite and prominent personalities, there is a large percentage of school graduates and

5 most important things to know to send your child to study in Switzerland

Education in Switzerland for children and schoolchildren: requirements, cost and prices

• tourism
• hotel business
• banking
• finance.

These areas are especially developed in Switzerland: there is no doubt that the higher education received here will have no equal - teachers use teaching methods that help to immediately start working after receiving education.

Free language lessons are often organized in schools, since Switzerland has a large percentage of foreign students, the Government takes care of maintaining a high level of knowledge of state languages. Some educational institutions offer paid language courses, which can also be combined with basic education.

Schools in Switzerland use modern teaching methods and principles, teachers are good at communicating with foreign students, easily find a common language with them, increase children's readiness for learning, taking into account the peculiarities of education and training. With the smallest pupils in the primary grades, learning is carried out in the game - so they are happy to immerse themselves in their studies and engage in extracurricular activities.

Admission to the best schools in Switzerland on the example of Ecole International La Garenne

As an example, let's take a look at the admission requirements and the cost of tuition in a private school.

Documents required for admission:

• medical certificate with translation into English and French
• last year's report card
• recommendations from the director and teachers of the last place of study
• return ticket.

Cost of education:

Prices for additional services:

In addition to academic studies, students lead an active lifestyle, have time for entertainment, play sports - all thanks to the developed infrastructure of the school campus. For an additional fee (490CHF / term), ballet, karate, ice skating or choreography with professional trainers are offered.

"What are the requirements for admission to a school or university in Switzerland" - this question worries every student who wants to study abroad, and when contacting SMAPSE, we will tell you everything. Every day, our employees help Russian children and schoolchildren go to study at international educational institutions around the world, and a pleasant bonus is the absence of a commission for admission. The best international schools and universities in Switzerland cooperate with us under partnership agreements.

Best ski resorts for the whole family: popular ski resorts in France, Austria and Switzerland among tourists from all over the world, perfect for families.

What do you need for a comfortable family skiing holiday? Low prices, different types of entertainment for all ages and quiet tracks. All three of these are the hallmarks of the smaller ski resorts listed below.

Morillon, Grand Massif, France

More than one generation of French families have gone to this Savoyard village for clean mountain air and active pastime. According to experts, this ski resort is one of the best for those who are happy owners of children aged from six months to 10 years. There is a lot of entertainment for them, including babysitting services for a while while their parents conquer the snowy slopes. In addition to trails of varying difficulty, Morillon has an ice rink. You can also ride in a dog sled and watch the ski slopes by torchlight. The village is connected with other resorts by a cable car. Another plus is the short distance to Geneva, covered in 35 minutes by public transport.

Gréolières Les Neiges, Provence, France

Greolier-le-Neige is not the most famous place among foreigners. Perhaps only the British come to this resort occasionally. The low location and limited number of recreational facilities ensure that the majority of skiers are locals. A friendly atmosphere, more homely than other alpine resorts, and relatively free slopes are the main advantages. Chair lifts, beginner slopes, 26 km of ski tracks and trails with stunning views of the Mediterranean and Corsica are what you need for a good holiday. The mild climate, without too much cold, is ideal for families with small children. Cheap restaurants, an inexpensive hotel surrounded by a picturesque forest, and the possibility of a trip to Nice are additional advantages.

Ossouis (Aussois), Morienne Valley, France

Ossua is a ski resort in the famous Three Valleys, with renowned Courchevel, but at significantly lower prices. The resort itself is a pretty village built of stone and slate. There are still fairs on Tuesdays where you can buy the freshest and highest quality produce. Entertainment for children of different ages and the award as one of the best places for family vacations attract tourists and local residents here.

Les Houches, Chamonix Valley, France

Les Houches is a small town in the Chamonix Valley, as if created for a family holiday. It is also an award-winning resort and much cuter than the more famous resorts in the neighborhood. The length of the ski slopes is about 55 km, of which 2 are black, 13 are red, 7 are blue and 4 are green. Les Houches has many different types of lifts and opportunities for paragliding, ice skating, dog sledding, rock climbing. The largest St. Bernard farm will delight any child.

Puy-St-Vincent, Hautes-Alps, France

Puy-Saint-Vincent is considered one of the best European family resorts. Basically, the French themselves rest here. The majority of foreigners are English. The high reputation is due to the two ski schools, excellent pistes and the ability to leave children unattended right on the mountain slopes.

Safety and convenience are the main features. In addition to skiing, in Puy-Saint-Vincent you can ride a scooter and go to the movies.

Lungau, Salzburg, Austria

If you're not ready to learn how to ski during a blizzard, then the classic resort of St. Michel in Lungau is the best choice. It is famous primarily for the largest number of sunny days per year. A network of lifts, cable cars, the ability to get to other resorts by bus, several schools, an ice rink, opportunities for other sports, open-air bars and hot air balloon week in January are not so few.

Nassfeld, Carinthia, Austria

Nassfeld in Carinthia is a wonderful family-friendly ski resort on the Austrian-Italian border. A whole chain of hotels, created especially for those who come with children, offers its visitors not only accommodation and meals, but also tennis courts, playgrounds, swimming pools, cinemas, discos, health centers and much more. Nassfeld will be good for both advanced and beginner skiers. One of the longest lifts in Europe will take you to the very top.

Adelboden, Switzerland

Another place to relax with the whole family. This picturesque Swiss village is home to the Ski World Cup. It is quite quiet and cozy here. Various activities are organized for children.

, ), interesting museums (Technorama in, open-air museum near Ballenberg), (for example, in Gruyeres), (Callier in the town of Brock), picturesque waterfalls (Rhine Falls, Reichenbach Falls, Trummelbach and Staubbach Falls, Giessbach Falls near) and caves (Beatus caves near,) and much more. You can walk around by choosing one of the easy routes for.

Save money in Switzerland with children:

Despite the high cost of Switzerland, they still try to make entertainment for children as accessible as possible. Children up to 6 years of age are generally entitled to free admission to museums. And, of course, they travel for free.

Children from 6 to 15 years old are entitled to a 50% public transport fare. But you can save even more: SBB offers only 30 francs (!!!), travel for children under 6 is generally free, and if you have one, you can take STS Family card for a child under 16, and he will ride with you for free! Even on!

But the question remains, where to go with a child in Switzerland? What will be interesting to see for young children?

Below are the top attractions in Switzerland for kids:

What to see in Switzerland with children?

Park "Switzerland in miniature in Melide"

This park is a great opportunity to see all the main attractions of Switzerland in one day and to captivate your child for several hours. Numerous castles, churches, traditional houses, and even train stations and airports with moving vehicles - everything is done on a scale of 1:25. A total of 121 objects are collected here.

Park "Switzerland in miniature" is located in a town in the south of Switzerland, in. You can get here from the commuter train.

• Working hours: from 15 March to 26 October 2014 (annually from March to October): 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Tickets: adults 19 CHF, children 6 - 15 years old 12 CHF, up to 6 years free. Family ticket - 55 CHF.

Chillon Castle

The most famous Swiss castle, sung by Byron in his "Prisoner of Chillon". A picturesque castle with a medieval setting located in the suburbs, on the coast. The history of the castle goes back over 1000 years.

Working hours:

• January-February-November-December: 10.00-16: 00,
• March and October 9.30-17.00
• April to September, 09: 00-18: 00
• When buying a ticket, a brochure with a description is issued, including in Russian.

Tickets: adults 12.5 CHF, children 6 - 15 years old 6 CHF, up to 6 years old - free, family ticket - 29 CHF, with a Swiss pass - free.

Lenzburg castle

Lenzburg Castle, located in the town of the same name near Zurich, is one of the largest and most interesting. The Historical Museum is made as interactive as possible, with shadows and voices of people (eh, sorry in German!), Which allows you to recreate the atmosphere of past centuries. Well, where is the castle without a legend? Of course, a dragon must be imprisoned in a real castle. You can feel his menacing roar in your body at the end of your visit. Upstairs, children can dress up in medieval costumes and play in the playroom!

• Opening hours: from April 1 to October 31. Tue-Sun (and holidays) 10-17. Closed - Mon. and 2nd Friday in July (Jugendfest).
• Entrance: Adults / students under 25 / children 4-16 / family ticket (1 adult + up to 5 children) / family ticket (2 adults + up to 5 children): With museum premises - 12/9/6/20/30 francs ... Without a museum - 4 / 3.5 / 2 francs.

Gruyere cheese factory

The most famous dairy in Switzerland, where the most famous Swiss cheese is made. It is located, as you might guess, in the town of the same name. Here you can observe the different stages of cheese production yourself, as well as watch a thematic film.

• La Maison du Gruyère
• Place de la Gare 3, 1663 Pringy-Gruyères
• Working hours: daily from 9 to 12 and from 13:30 to 19.
• The best time for excursions is from 10 to 11 and from 14 to 15, when you can see the process of making cheese directly (3-4 times a day, depending on the season).
• July-August: from 7 to 19.
• Tickets: adults CHF, students / seniors 6 CHF, family ticket 12 CHF

Castle Gruyeres

The castle was built in the 13th century and for a long time belonged to the family of the Counts of Gruyere. The castle bears a curse: all the earls who owned the castle between the 11th and 16th centuries were constantly experiencing problems. The last of them - Michel - struggled with financial turmoil almost his entire life and went completely bankrupt in 1554. The baroque interior of the castle was left from one of the rulers who lived here. Romantic landscapes were painted in the 19th century by a number of famous artists under the new owners of the castle.

• Working hours:Daily, from April to October: 9.00-18: 00, from November to March 10.00-16.00 (last entry).
• Tickets: Adults - 9.5 CHF, seniors, students - 8 CHF, children from 6 to 16 - 3 CHF, groups (from 15 people) - 6.5 CHF.
  Castle and HR Giger Museum - 17 CHF.

Giger Museum

The Giger Museum and the adjacent Giger Café Bar will leave a lasting impression. It is better not for gentle vulnerable souls to come here, but lovers of the movie "Alien" and any such monsters will simply be delighted!

The collection of the museum contains numerous grotesques, sculptures, eccentric furniture and models for films, most of them from the 60s. Giger's private collection is on the ground floor. The museum contains many sketches for the film Alien, as well as models of monsters.

Keep in mind that the museum has a separate room where Giger's works of an erotic nature are collected, but there is a special warning about this in the hall.

• Opening hours: Apr-Oct daily 10-18, Nov-March Tue-Fri 11-17, Sat-Sun 10-18.
• Entrance: adults / students 12/8 CHF.

Nestlé Chocolate Factory

Which child doesn't like chocolate? And see how it is made? Of course, this idea will appeal to all children! So do not miss the opportunity to visit the Nestlé chocolate factory - MAISON CAILLER, located in the town of Brock. After all, this is where milk chocolate was invented! Inside you will find an interesting installation of the various stages of chocolate production and its history. All this will be accompanied by an audio guide (you can choose Russian). And at the end - of course - tasting the most delicious Nestlé sweets !!!

Alternatively, you can visit the chocolate factory during an excursion on the Chocolate Train from Montreux (only from May to October).

A ticket to the chocolate factory: children under 16 years old - free in the company of an adult. Adults - CHF 12.00, students and seniors - CHF 9.00.

Opening hours: daily, April - October 10 - 17, November - March 10 - 16. Closed only on December 25 and January 1.

Bear Park in Bern

• Funicular working hours: May 4 - October 8, 2017
• Funicular tickets: adults round-trip CHF 10, one way CHF 7. Children 6 - 16 - 8 CHF and 6 CHF respectively.
• Funicular + Sherlock Holmes Museum Combo Ticket: Adults CHF 11.- / Children 6-16 CHF 8.-

Trummelbach Falls

The only waterfall in Europe, located inside the cliff, can be seen in the town, more precisely in its suburbs. An easy path (40 minutes walk) leads to the waterfall along a picturesque valley, past the Staubbach waterfall, the highest in Switzerland (100 m!) And sheer cliffs against the backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the Jungfrau region.

Taking the elevator, you will pass through a series of corridors, admiring the various steps of a waterfall rumbling in the rock, meandering inside the cave. Impressions are strong! Just grab a jacket: it's very cool and humid inside.

Trummelbach Falls consists of 10 cascades hidden inside the Black Monk Mountain. From a height of 200 meters, up to 20,000 liters of melt water flies off every second with a deafening noise. The waterfall can only be viewed in the summer with the help of an elevator going through the illuminated tunnels.

• Opening hours: daily (but may be closed in case of bad weather) from April to November 9 - 17, in July and August 8:30 - 18:00.
• Tickets: adults 11 CHF, children 4 CHF.

Holidays and activities for children in Switzerland:

Christmas market in Zurich

Mountain sled

All children love to ride with the breeze on a sled! So why not take advantage of the slides conveniently located in Switzerland .. Well, more precisely, the mountains ?! Here you can find trails of any difficulty level, suitable even for young children. There are also summer sledges, where the descent goes along special guides (similar to attractions in water parks). Renting a sled is inexpensive, you do not need to specially train, as with alpine skiing. And as a reward, you will have magnificent landscapes

Other questions about the resorts of Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful Alpine countries. The Matterhorn is the symbol of Zermatt and Switzerland.

- How to get a visa to Switzerland?
Switzerland is a member of the Schengen Agreement, with a Schengen visa you can enter Switzerland.

All representative offices of the Schengen states on the territory of the Russian Federation will accept biometric data (fingerprints and a face picture) of applicants for a short-term Schengen visa. The data will be stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) for 59 months. If you have not previously submitted biometric data, personal presence at one of the visa centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Rostov on Don, Novosibirsk is mandatory. If you have already taken your fingerprints to a representative office of any of the Schengen states and they can be copied, you will not have to re-apply your fingerprints for new applications within 59 months. Documents for a Schengen visa (categories A and C) must be submitted to an external outsourcing company, which will deliver them for consideration to the Swiss Embassy in Moscow. Passports with ready-made visas can be collected at the same visa center where the documents were submitted. The operator of the visa centers is TLScontact. The service fee is EUR 22 per applicant in addition to the visa fee (RUB equivalent). To obtain a tourist visa, you must provide the following documents:
- One fully completed application form (in German, French, Italian or English) with the personal signature of the applicant.
- An international passport valid for at least three months from the date of departure from the Schengen area and having at least two free pages.
- A copy of the foreign passport (a copy of the pages with a photo, full name and signature).
- If available: copies of the last two Schengen visas.
- 2 identical recently taken Schengen color photographs; stick one on the questionnaire, attach the second additionally.
- A health insurance policy valid for the entire period of stay in the entire Schengen area. The sum insured must be at least EUR 30,000.
- Confirmation of hotel booking or apartment rental and confirmation of prepayment.
- Proof of employment (for example, a certificate from the place of work) and income (certificate of wages or income); for students: student ID (original and copy).
- Confirmation of solvency (bank statement for the last three months, or a statement from the bank about the balance on the account, or traveler's checks - original and copies). Each applicant must show proof of at least CHF 100. fr. (or an equivalent amount in another currency) for each day of stay.
- Confirmation of the type of transport by which the round trip is planned (copy of the ticket reservation).
- Information about the final purpose of the trip and the route of the trip (for the entire stay in the Schengen area)

For children under 18:
Additionally to the list:
- Birth certificate (original and copy, translated into German, French, Italian or English and notarized)
- If the child travels unaccompanied by one of the parents, it is necessary to provide the parent's consent to travel abroad (original and copy translated into German, French, Italian or English and notarized).

For all those traveling, ski medical insurance is required for the entire duration of the requested visa.

When traveling by car, you must submit to the consulate:
- a copy of the international driving license;
- a copy of the car registration certificate;
- original and copy of the international insurance policy for motor vehicle liability (Green card).

The consular fee for all types of short-stay Schengen visas for applicants over 12 years old is 35 euros, for children from 6 to 12 years old - 35 euros. Children under the age of 6 and children under the age of 16 are exempted from paying the consular fee if they are entered in the parents' passport.
Visa Section of the Swiss Embassy in Moscow:
Prechistenskaya emb., 31

There may be changes in the rules for obtaining a visa - we recommend that you contact the consulate or visa center to obtain the necessary information on visa issues.

- What is the most convenient way to travel around Switzerland, which is better - rent a car or go by train?
Switzerland is justly proud of its railways, which are distinguished by their accuracy, comfort and excellent information system. Local bus timetables take into account the train schedule, and train connections are optimally selected. From the cashier, you can get a printout of the nearest train and transfers, indicating platform numbers and exact connection times. Free booklets with train timetables are available from ticket offices and information stands. Many ski resorts have train stations, while others can be quickly reached from the nearest station by bus / funicular. Skis and other luggage can be sent directly to the resort or hotel by pre-ordering this service on the website sbb.ch .

Passes can be purchased from travel agencies, airports and train stations.

Detailed information:
About Switzerland in Russian
Swiss travel system
www.sbb.ch - train timetables, connections and ticket prices.

It is quite convenient to travel around Switzerland by car, the country's roads are in very good condition, the average price of diesel is 1.5 CHF, gasoline is 1.5-1.55 CHF. However, remember that the serpentines leading to the resorts can be prone to traffic jams, especially during snowfalls and before weekends. To use expressways, you must pay an annual toll of 40 CHF and receive a "vignette" confirming the payment. The vignette is sold at gas stations, in border shops, post offices, at points of sale at customs, it is valid for a year from the date of purchase (there is no shorter period), the vignette must be glued to the windshield of the car. Car rental in Switzerland usually includes a vignette; if the car is not rented in Switzerland, such a coupon can be purchased at the border. Don't forget about speed limits - the fines for exceeding them are high.

Pros:

- Switzerland is a rather expensive country. How to save money when traveling?
The myths about the incredible high cost of Switzerland are successfully dispelled on the very first trip. Of course, in this country there are also truly luxury resorts that bohemians love, and the price level for them is appropriate. But in general, a well-planned trip to Switzerland will cost less than a vacation of the same level in France, and, as a rule, not more expensive than a vacation of the same level in other Alpine countries. For example, what in other countries costs 4-5 euros (for example, mulled wine or cappuccino), in Swiss ski resorts will cost 4-5 francs, i.e. somewhat cheaper. A similar ratio applies to other prices. The Swiss franc exchange rate is approximately 0.92 euros per franc, 1 euro \u003d 1.09 CHF, when exchanging at banks, hotels and currency exchange offices, a commission is charged (from 5 francs) and the rate may be slightly lower. Where to change money does not really matter, the rate is usually about the same. As a rule, it is easiest to exchange money (euros or dollars for francs) either at bank branches (check their opening hours) or at the ticket office at the railway station. On weekends, banks are closed, money can be changed at the train station, withdrawn from an ATM, or simply asked to exchange the amount at any major hotel.

–How to make a trip to Switzerland on a budget:
- If possible, choose a low season for travel. Many Swiss resorts open early, in early December and earlier, and offer very humane accommodation prices and discounts on everything else until Christmas week (often special offers include ski passes). The lowest season is mid to late January. Prices for accommodation and air tickets are falling rapidly at the end of the season, in March - April (just do not choose the European Easter week for an economical trip - even if the price level is normal, the number of people skating at this time will increase dramatically).
- Purchase a ready-made tour from large operators / agencies working with Switzerland. As a rule, an independent trip is not cheaper, and in many cases even more expensive than a travel package and special offers. When organizing a trip on your own, you need to be prepared for a significant investment of time. True, and the result you will get is very predictable and absolutely the one that you yourself planned. Large tour operators redeem hotel rooms in advance, and it is often cheaper to buy accommodation from them, and not directly through booking systems or websites of tourism offices. Many travel agencies offer special packages for independent travelers, those who have already bought air tickets and are only looking for accommodation (or vice versa). Also, hotel chains and many resorts regularly form profitable special offers .
- If you are a supporter of the "do it yourself" system, try to catch special offers of airlines or buy tickets much in advance (for the New Year period it is better to buy tickets in spring and summer). The same applies to the most demanded housing. Regular sales and promotions are held by airlines SWISS ... With transfers to Zurich and Geneva, you can fly on a budget by the largest European carriers and discounts.
- Choose inexpensive resorts, estimate the cost of the ski pass and the price level of the region, determine your skiing preferences. For beginners, it doesn't make much sense to travel to a huge region with an expensive ski pass.
- If you want to ride in a large ski area near an expensive resort, choose accommodation in neighboring villages - such options are much cheaper, and many lifts lead from small villages located in the vicinity of the "main" resort. For example, you can ski in the Four Valleys and on the pistes of Verbier, choosing accommodation in the small resorts of Nendaz, Veysonnaz or Le Chable.
- If you are planning a trip with children, choose resorts where children ride for free or with significant discounts (Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Villars, Les Diablerets, Leysin, Leukerbad and others).
- When traveling with a large company or a family with children, choose an apartment - this will save on the cost of housing and food. Apartments can be booked on resort websites, in Interhome , at russian tour operators .
- If you intend to cook food yourself, go for large-scale purchases in a supermarket in a nearby valley or city, the price level will pleasantly please you. Large hypermarkets are usually located at the entrances to cities.

- What are the largest ski areas in Switzerland?
The longest runs in Switzerland are:
1) Portes du Soleil - 650 km of trails divided between France and Switzerland. Resorts on the Swiss side: Champery, Le Crozet, Champuissant, Morgen. There are no luxury resorts on the Swiss side, small villages mainly offer accommodation in apartments and small hotels (maximum category - 3 *)

3) Zermatt-Cervinia- The Swiss-Italian region offers 360 km of slopes of various levels and perhaps the most beautiful views in Switzerland. The tracks are completely connected by lifts.

4) St. Moritz - the most famous and expensive Swiss resort. Together with the slopes of the Engadine Valley - 350 km. True, a significant part of them are scattered across the valley and are not completely connected by lifts. One of the best places for freeriding, international freeride competitions are held on the tracks above the resort.

5) Davos - the highest mountain city in Switzerland is surrounded by different ski areas, in total - 310 km of tracks, the main and most interesting areas are separated from each other, to move between them you need to use a train / bus. One of the most attractive resorts for snowboarders. Snow resort, excellent off-piste skiing opportunities.

6) Skipass Gstaad operates on 210 km of slopes, however, not all of them are connected by lifts. The shared ski pass, also valid for the slopes of Villars, Grillon and neighboring resorts, includes 420 km of slopes. There are small ski areas in the valley around the resort, the general ski pass of Gstaad also includes the Glacier3000 glacier (in Les Diablerets).

7) Samnaun - the same ski area with the Austrian resort of Ischgl - 235 km of tracks, mostly of medium difficulty. Samnaun is Switzerland's only duty-free ski resort with duty-free shops.

8) Flims-Laax-Falera - a dynamically developing region in Graubünden with modern lifts - 220 km of slopes, mostly red and blue. Great place for snowboarders and families.

9) Alps of the Lake Geneva region: a single ski pass connects 225 km of slopes above the resorts Villars, Grillon, Le Diablerets, Leysin, Le Moss... The Villars-Grillon slopes and part of the Les Diablerets slopes are connected by lifts (125 km of slopes), the rest of the resorts must be reached by car or bus.

10) Jungfrau Region - Grindelwald, Wengnen and Murrenoffer 213 km of slopes, mostly of medium difficulty. The tracks of Grindelwald and Wengen are connected by lifts, you need to get to Murren by bus.

- Which resorts are best suited for families with children?
The best resorts for families with children in Switzerland are awarded the “Families Welcome” certificate of quality. These are not just advertising "gimmicks" of the resorts, it is a strict certification system for a number of parameters, and resorts with these certificates are regularly tested.

What to look for when choosing a family resort:
- an abundance of blue tracks;
- availability of training tracks near hotels / apartments;
- the presence and location of playgrounds;
- the presence of kindergartens and ski schools near the residence;
- climate (high mountain resorts are not very suitable for rest with babies);
- the duration of the transfer;
- the presence of apartments or a kitchen (if it is necessary due to the diet or due to allergies);
- the ability to walk with a stroller (look at the map of walking paths, do not choose resorts located only along the main road in the gorge).

In the central part of the canton of Graubünden, there is the small resort of Arosa, which offers good conditions for families with children. It is considered one of the sunniest in Switzerland and is located at an altitude of 1800 meters. Every week, the resort hosts events and activities for families with children (free for all holidaymakers). Many hotels are equipped with their own wellness centers with pools and spas, there are playgrounds next to the slopes, a special kids club operates in the resort, toboggan runs and walkways for pedestrians are laid around the resort. The trails are quite varied and located at an optimal height, making it a great option for a weekend trip.

Another child-friendly resort is located in the Jungfrau region, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the country and in the Alps. The largest of the region's resorts - - is located at an altitude of 1034 meters. Together with , St. Moritz and Grindelwald is part of the Best of the Alps club. This resort is very much appreciated by lovers of toboggans: around Grindelwald there are very long and picturesque toboggan runs of varying difficulty (over 50 km). There are not many extra-class hotels in this resort, it offers a good selection of chalets and apartments, the resort has one five-star hotel and several good hotels of the 4 * and 4 * super categories. The ski area around Grindelwald mainly offers blue and red pistes, comfortable and very scenic. In addition to all the possibilities for active recreation, the resort offers a new service for thrill-seekers. Those who wish can fly 800 m down at a speed of 80 km / h on a special attraction - First Flyer. This unique, absolutely safe analogue of the "bungee" will appeal to those who love speed.

Small resorts in Portes du Soleil are also great for families with children, just don't look for luxury accommodation and five-star hotels there.

- I want to go skiing, but my wife doesn't like skiing and wants to go to the spa resort. Where is the best place to go?
- One of the best resorts for those who want to ski and swim is Leukerbad, located in the Valais canton. The resort in the full sense of the word corresponds to the saying "what the doctor ordered." Alpine skiing and other winter activities in Leukerbad are rather an addition to the local thermal springs, known since Roman times. With skiing in Leukerbad, things are going well, although experts who are accustomed to hundreds of kilometers of tracks may frown with disgust - only 50 km of tracks. However, the ski area of \u200b\u200bthe resort is beautiful and great for intermediate skiers. Spa lovers will appreciate the Alpentherme's Welsh Bath Village. In small traditional huts, built of old wood, there are baths and saunas with different temperatures, a hammam, a waterfall and a hot tub with ice water. Families with children will love the Burgerbad Thermal Complex with water slides, swimming pools and various attractions. For adults, in addition to various hydromassages, there is a pool with unfiltered hot water directly from the source (it is used strictly in dosage for medicinal purposes). A visit to the spa's thermal facilities is included in the Snow and Spa ski pass, and after skiing most of the guests go to the pools and saunas. Many hotels have their own thermal springs in Leukerbad, and in addition to the standard set for any wellness center, guests are offered a variety of exotic treatments. The 6-day Leukerbad ski pass includes 1 day of skiing in the neighboring resort of Crans-Montana, it will not take too much on the road to other Valais resorts.

Resorts of Central Switzerland:

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