Next season

I am looking at the possibility of trying out either Saas Fe, Grindlewald or Zermatt.

Can anyone suggest reasons to go/not to go to any of these resorts? I havent done Switzerland, and it just looks so fantastic. I would like somewhere with a varied and good sized ski area, so I dont get bored, but also with a pretty alpine village centre with enough going on.

Short transfers are preferable, but not essential.

Any particular hotels etc that can be recommended would be appreciated.

This is a thread I've been tucking away for when I get a year that isn't already booked up;

http://www.j2ski.com/ski-chat-forum/posts/list/2225.page

Quite fancy doing Switzerland again at some point.

Thanks for that Keith. Quite interesting reading, but it doesnt really answer my specific resort questions.

I was also under the impression that Swiss skiing holidays were more expensive, but I see that France is now costing more generally. From my experience of France in general, not just for skiing, I find the people less friendly and their accommodation far more cramped, dirty and unpleasant. A lot of that has an impact on where you choose to holiday, and I only tend to use France as somewhere to pass through to be perfectly honest. Having said that, I would like to return to Val Thorens where I learned to ski, in order to appreciate it now that I can get about far quicker! Sadly, most of the accommodation there is either 4 or 6 berth cramped and stinky apartments, or ridiculously expensive chalets.

I really rather like the look of Swiss resorts, proper looking ski places, Chocolate box scenery, and something quite quaint about it all. And then there is the efficiency of the whole place, including transport, which has a kind of appeal in a strange way.

Anyway, thanks for the link. Any specific resort info would be welcomed from anyone who has any.

Hi

You are so right about the French resorts and Switzerland has become much better value for money, eating our and accomodation are better and the service is second to none. Have a look at this site
http://www.4vallees.ch/en/main/index.php

I am in my second season at Thyon/Les Masses on the 4 Valleys.

Chalet Chasseur sleeps 6 people - 3 en-suite rooms http://www.chalet-chasseur.co.uk/

Ski Area
Access to over 400k of piste, loads of off piste, you can ski to Verbier in just over one hour dependent on level and have the advantage of the great local ski area which is more relaxed and not crowded. Swiss ski school from 3.5 years, group and private lessons available. French speaking area of Switzerland.
If you have any questions just let me know.

Helen

Switzerland has become relatively lower cost, suspect it has to do with Sw.Fr./Euro exchange. Pluses for Zermatt ~ good open skiing, good lift system, easy access to Italian side, very pleasant, good retention of Old Zermatt buildings, loads of shops, no cars. Minus points morning lift queues getting up the mountain, crazy electric taxi drivers.

Make sure you get a room view of the Matterhorn, it will live with you for a long time.