Planning your Switzerland Vacation

Charming villages with steep-roofed homes, snowy peaks and fields filled with wildflowers; for a small country, Switzerland packs a punch year round, with rich and varied experiences on offer.

With 26 distinct cantons and close proximity to France, Germany and Northern Italy, Swiss cuisine is defined by a combination of regional character and foreign influences. The country’s local products are revered across the country, making milk and cheese an essential part of Swiss culinary specialties.

The simplicity of Swiss fondue is pure genius. One of the world’s simplest pleasures is dipping a piece of bread in a fondue pot and watching it emerge covered in a creamy layer of melted cheese. Now imagine enjoying this decadent dish with a glass of delicious white Riesling wine, while warming up by the fire after a day of conquering some of the most beautiful ski slopes in the world.  

Another must-try cheese dish is Raclette - where an entire wheel of nutty cheese is melted layer by layer in front of the fire. Waiters scrape off a caramelized and bubbling layer of the good stuff for each diner, on top of a plate already piled with potatoes, bread, cornichons and silverskin onions.

Your Helvetian culinary discoveries won’t stop there. Meat lovers should look out for Berner platte – a selection of local sausages and ham – or Zurcher Geschnetzeltes, pieces of veal cooked in a cream and wine sauce with mushrooms and onions. For the sweet-toothed traveler, a trip to Switzerland will be an absolute treat. With chocolate factory tours to choose from in almost every Canton, and a wealth of pastry shops overflowing with buttery, flaky pastries, there are many gastronomic reasons to travel to this small and enchanting country.

Switzerland is known as the European capital of extreme sports, and the world’s biggest playground for adrenaline junkies. If you’re a daredevil, you’ll be delighted by all the different ways you can get your heart racing. During the summer, we suggest challenging yourself with a long steep hike, or a rock-climbing adventure. Those with enough stamina to climb the toughest peaks will see their efforts rewarded with breathtaking views of alpine landscapes. Other GoPro-worthy experiences include paragliding over lakes, valleys and the picture-perfect mountain villages.

Of course, winter is when Switzerland’s mountain landscapes really come alive - with skiing, snowboarding and snowshoe adventures. Advanced skiers can get the ultimate winter adventure by heading off-piste with a guide, or even heli-skiing – jumping out of a helicopter onto the most pristine snow imaginable before carving their way down to the base of the mountain. You can also take your time and glide down the mountain at your own pace. Most of these slopes are speckled with chalets offering snacks and drinks for skiers to take a break in a warm and cozy environment.

If hurtling down the mountainside is not your idea of a good time, there’s still plenty of ways to enjoy Switzerland’s natural wonders. The country’s pristine alpine lakes are perfect for learning how to water-ski, sail or wind-surf, and the mountains offer many hiking trails that are perfect for more low-key adventurers. Each and every outdoor adventure will give you an opportunity to enjoy Switzerland’s bucolic charms, like acres of green fields filled with wildflowers and dotted with dairy cows.

If you’re on your honeymoon or traveling to Switzerland with a special someone over the summer months, we suggest a romantic hot air balloon tour so you can enjoy the country’s natural beauty, a chilled glass of champagne in hand. In the winter, channel your inner Russian heroine and enjoy the thrilling experience of gliding through a shimmering winter wonderland on a sled pulled by siberian huskies.

For an unforgettable experience that is as much a part of Switzerland as tiny knives and cow bells, we suggest booking a ticket to Jungfrau on the Bernese Oberland railway. The alpine experience begins the moment you step into the train, which will take you through scenic landscapes on its ascent through the mountains before docking at Jungfraujoch, which at 3,454 meters is the highest railway station in Europe. Summer or winter, the views from the top are truly spectacular.

Luxury Villa Ski Vacations in Switzerland

Picture yourself waking up in your Swiss Alps chalet , and admiring an endless view of blue skies and snowy peaks. With its fairytale alpine landscapes, rustic cabins, pristine lakes and elegant urban centers, Switzerland has everything you need to plan the ski-vacation of your dreams.

If you’re planning on traveling to this beautiful European country with your family or friends, a luxury log cabin in Verbier that sleeps 6 to 20 people will be big enough to accommodate all your loved ones. With amenities like ski-lockers, boot warmers and laundry facilities, these homes are the easiest way to enjoy your favorite wintersport. Some of our luxury homes even come with Nanny services (which our Concierge can easily arrange for you) so that you can enjoy your alpine activities without worrying about the little ones. When you’re done hitting the slopes, we suggest you relax in your hot tub, or simply warm up by the fireplace while recounting the day’s exploits to your fellow travelers.

Nestled between vibrant green hills and snowy peaks, ourZermatt chalet rentals combine the rustic charm of typical alpine architecture with elements of sleek and modern Swiss design. With their spa-like amenities and cozy lounge areas, these mountain chalets are the perfect place to recuperate before getting back to your daily routine. What’s more, you will be delighted by beautiful views of Zermatt resort, and be able to practice all of your favorite winter sports in close proximity to your luxury vacation home.

Are you ready to reach new heights? Your Swiss alpine adventure awaits. Get in touch with a Villa Specialist and book your luxury chalet in Switzerland today.