Breaking into Switzerland

SIX Senses Crans-Montana marks the first resort and residential project in #Switzerland for Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.

Slated to open in 2021, the resort and residences will both be managed by the hotel group. With its sumptuously furnished 47 apartments and 17 residences, Six Senses Crans-Montana will be a unique comprehensive offering in what is one of the finest and most beautiful ski areas in the Alps – as desirable in the height of summer for walking and cycling as it is during the ski season.

The property is nestled in the heart of the spectacular Swiss Alps and has been built to blend harmoniously with its surroundings, providing residents and guests with stunning views and the perfect place to relax and retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.



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Epic dream job from Ski.com

THE Epic Pass offers more access than ever, and Ski.com, the largest provider of ski vacations in North America, is searching for a candidate who can show what it's like to experience it all. 

One lucky person will be hired to travel the world for two months via United Airlines to seven countries on three continents, and ski or ride more than a dozen of the 65 destinations available on the Epic Pass. In addition to being introduced to unique experiences at world-class resorts, he or she will be decked out in head-to-toe gear from Helly Hansen, Rossignol and Oakley; capture enviable content with video equipment from GoPro; have a direct line to custom snow forecasts from OpenSnow and collect a paycheck of US$10,000.

The ideal candidate must have a serious desire to travel to some of the most amazing mountain destinations in the United States, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, France and Japan; must be able to ski and/or snowboard and must love après, mingling with locals and documenting new experiences.

To apply, interested job seekers must submit an application video between September 5 and October 15, 2018 explaining in 60 seconds or less what makes them the perfect candidate. For more information and to apply, applicants should visit www.ski.com/dreamjob or apply by posting an application video to Instagram tagging @skicom, @epicpass and using the hashtag #EpicDreamJob.


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Peak travel pass perks

SWITZERLAND Tourism and the Swiss Travel System have announced that effective January 2018, the Swiss Travel Pass will include even more peaks and perks to its already generous portfolio of offerings.

The new year will see Swiss Travel Pass holders have unlimited access to the Schilthorn, home to the interactive Bond World 007, and Mt Stanserhorn, home to the world’s very first open-top CabriO areal cableway. 

Also from 2018, the Lucerne–Interlaken Express will be listed as the country’s fifth Premium Panoramic Train.  The Lucerne-Interlaken Express travels along a section of the renowned GoldenPass route and the Grand Train Tour of #Switzerland. A journey that takes under two hours across the Brünig Pass, passengers are exposed to incredible views of snow-capped mountains, at least five lakes of the deepest blue and raging waterfalls. 

www.myswitzerland.com/rail

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Save in Switzerland

WHILE many people may perceive a holiday in #Switzerland to be impossibly expensive, it is certainly more affordable than one may think. Switzerland Tourism has shared some useful tips on how travellers can enjoy a holiday in the #Alpine wonderland without breaking the bank. 

Avoid Peak Travel Seasons - The busiest travel seasons in Switzerland are summer, especially between July and August, and winter from mid-December to early January and February. To avoid high costs and crowds associated with the popular seasons, travellers should consider going over at the start or end of these seasons, also known as the shoulder periods. This is when costs are significantly lower, weather is still pleasant and most outdoor activities still available or accessible. 

Use the Swiss Travel Pass - The Swiss Travel Pass gives holders unlimited travel on all of the country’s public buses, trains and boats. Pass holders also receive up to 50% off mountain railways and cableways as well as free access to more than 500 museums around the country. Note also, children under the age of 16 travel for free when accompanied by a guardian using the Pass. 

Weekend and Alternative Stays - Many hotels, especially in the cities, offer cheaper rates over the weekend, so it’s advisable that travellers do some research while planning the best route for their visit. Alternatively, they can consider experiencing the country’s numerous Alpine huts, which, surrounded by pristine nature, offer a completely immersive and traditional Swiss experience like no other. 

Meals with Views - When it comes to meals, travellers should consider sampling a variety of local delicacies sold at market stalls or stores and enjoying their bites by the river, lake or in the middle of a lush meadow. Surrounded by great views, the luxury of picking and choosing the best – and free – vantage points for every mealtime is unbeatable. 

Activities and Experiences - Switzerland offers a range of free activities. Unless tour guides are required to provide in-depth information of a particular place or subject, travellers should consider picking up a brochure about the destination or reading up about it online so their actual visit can be done at their own pace. Other free activities include the many hikes available (trails are all well marked), swims (in most lakes and rivers) and museum visits. Unlike many major museums around the world, Swiss museums are free to enter for Swiss Travel Pass holders. With museums for all sort of interests from art, history to sports, transport and paper, visitors are spoilt for choice, especially on a rainy day. 

Tight budgets aside, with some planning and help from travel agents, travellers will enjoy the luxury of space, spectacular scenery and the variety of experiences on offer. www.myswitzerland.com

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On the runway . . .

AIR Canada has announced the strategic expansion of its international network from Vancouver with new services launching June 2018 to Paris and Zurich, and the start of year-round flights to Melbourne. All flights will be available for purchase starting September 6 at aircanada.com or through travel agents.

In addition, Air Canada is increasing its non-stop Delhi flights from Vancouver that resume October 14, with up to five times weekly service for the 2017/2018 season, and increasing its London-Heathrow service with twice-daily flights for summer 2018.

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Get your rush in Switzerland

GET a rush of adrenaline in #Switzerland with zip wires, cable cars combined with rock climbing, bungee jumps and abseiling.

In Bourg-SaintMaurice, Les Arcs, experience Bungee Ejection. This attraction is a cross between a catapult and a bungee jump. Equipped with a harness attached to long elastic ropes, participants get propelled to a height of 20 metres in two seconds! 

Chamonix Mont Blanc, the world’s capital of alpinism, is opening its first via ferrata. Beginning next to the top of the Flégère cable car, the via ferrata Via des Evettes has two parts: first, a via ferrata (with a steel cable), followed by a via cordata. A via cordata is a mixture of hiking, rock climbing and mountaineering, and is the perfect initiation for people who want to get into climbing. 

In Aussois, Les Jardins d’Eden circuit combines zip wires, via cordata, and abseiling in the canyon and gorges of the Arc river, just under the spectacular Fort Victor-Emmanuel. This activity is available for people aged 12 and over. 

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Bike to the Summit

THE "High-Bike Testcenter Paznaun", the only cross-brand motorbike test centre in Europe and thus the Alps, kicks off the seventh season at the end of May 2017. The enormous popularity with customers – in 2016 the record number of 2,487 full-day test rides was reached

In the "High-Bike Testcenter Paznaun", some 35 of the latest 2017 motorbike models are available for full-day test rides. Since 2011, more than 2.9 million kilometres of motorbike test riding have been reached in the heart of the Alps. At the third Top of the Mountain BIKER SUMMIT from 21 - 23 July 2017 the vehicles are also available for test rides by the hour. 

On request, navigation devices are available for some vehicles, on which a total of 14 different day-tours in Tirol, to Bavaria, Vorarlberg, South Tirol and Switzerland are stored. In addition, printed roadbooks with suggestions for tours are available. Thirty mountain passes and thousands of bends beckon fans to the Alps.

More information about the "High-Bike Testcenter Paznaun" can be found on www.highbike-paznaun.com

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Up in the air . . .

SWISS International Air Lines (SWISS) is to operate further direct flights between London and Sion in Southwest Switzerland in the coming winter timetable period. With the flights having proved highly popular this winter, SWISS has decided to again offer UK-based winter sports enthusiasts these convenient direct services between London and Sion in the coming winter season.

The services will be provided on SWISS’s behalf by Helvetic Airways under a wet-lease arrangement. The flights will be operated with Embraer 190 aircraft offering 112 passenger seats.

The new London-Sion flights are bookable now. The flying time is around two hours.

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Transform your body, mind and soul at Hidden Dragon Lodge

OPENED in 2009, Hidden Dragon is a privately-owned alpine lodge and spa situated in Veysonnaz, the heart of Les 4 Vallées, #Switzerland. Perched at 1500m, this secluded mountain retreat offers panoramic views over the Rhone Valley.

For the first time ever the ultra-luxurious lodge will be available to hire during summer for private groups, corporate bookings and events. A programme of travel packages has been launched under the theme "Summertime Samadhi". Samadhi, the Buddhist concept of bliss, will be the focus for guests booking a summer package.

Created for a unique tribe of alpine adventurers, explorers, dreamers, yogis, nature lovers, foodies and free spirits, the Summertime Samadhi packages provide the perfect transformative travel experience for people looking to improve their quality of life.

Package themes include holistic health coaching, wellness, yoga, fitness and weight-loss bootcamps, digital detox, family fun, alpine sports, food, music and more. Guests also have the option to tailor-make their own experience or retreat.

www.hidden-dragon.com.

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Swiss golf region joins the Open Golf Club

ANDERMATT #Golf Region, established in 2016, is the first Swiss golf region to join the Open Golf Club, the leading association of premium golf clubs in Europe. With this membership, the golf destination Andermatt has become even more attractive to both domestic and international markets.

Thanks to the association with the Open Golf Club, members of the golf clubs comprising the Andermatt Golf Region receive a green fee reduction of 25 percent on all Open Golf Club courses throughout Europe. 

Open Golf Club incorporates over 55 of the most beautiful golf courses in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal and Italy. With the Andermatt Swiss Alps Golf Course, one of the most attractive golf courses in #Switzerland now belongs to this prestigious association.

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Five-star glamour and apres-ski fun in Verbier

THE W Hotel group is renowned for its stylish properties and their Verbier outpost does not disappoint. While the rooms offer a modern take on mountain cosyness, the wellness facilities are spectacular and include the only AWAY Spa in #Switzerland.   

Peace and quiet boasting a sauna, hammam, Jacuzzi, aromatherapy, massages and beauty treatments using the famous Swiss brand La Prairie as the spa’s flagship product line. 

The Seven Night Cosy Signature Experience includes seven nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis and a 60-minute bespoke massage from £1,499.

www.spabreaks.com

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Top Four Walking and Cycling Holidays

BAVARIA'S Allgäuer Alps, Germany, ideal for remote, off-the-beaten-track adventure.

Few cyclists have discovered this unspoilt region, through the scenic Vils Valley, traffic-free lanes carved through towering Alpine mountain ranges, whilst exploring the traditional music, food, language, architecture and customs of the region.

COASTAL Cycling in the Algarve, Portugal, ideal for year-round cycling in the sunshine.

This tour links Vila Real de Santo António on the Spanish border with Cabo de São Vicente (Sagres) in the west. The diverse route passes beautiful beaches, charming fishing villages and stunning nature-protected terrain.

SUDTIROL, Lake Garda & Valpolicella, Italy, through deep valleys and apple orchards down to the shores of stunning Lake Garda.

Scenery, culture and food are concerned as this tour covers two countries, each boasting spectacular lake and mountain views in the Italian Alps. Punctuated by ancient castles, rolling vineyards and quaint villages, the trip allows guests to visit the romantic city of Verona as well as the famous Lake Garda, and sample the finest Italian wines in San Pietro in Carino.

ST. MORITZ and Lake Como, Switzerland and Italy, epic mountain views without the climbs.

Breath taking mountain views, this route is hard to beat, especially since it includes a leisurely ride on the iconic Bernina Express, which is renowned for its scenic Alpine vistas. Glamorous St. Moritz with its ancient mineral springs, chic restaurants and shops, as well as the stunning Lake Como, passing through valleys and picturesque villages along the way.

All itineraries in the BSpoke Tours portfolio are self-guided and include bed and breakfast accommodation within three and four-star hotels, flights and transfers, luggage transfers between hotels, route maps, GPS (on request), a personalised itinerary, onsite assistance, bike hire, panniers and puncture repair kits.

www.bspoketours.com 

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Picture Credit: ultrakml 34948727@N00/28826337403 via photopin

Top 5 Alpine places not to miss . . .

EUROPE'S alpine countries Germany, Austria and Switzerland have some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe from cities to mountains and lakes so make sure not to miss these top 5 chosen by Monograms.

• Lucerne, Switzerland

• Salzburg, Austria

• Berlin, Germany

• Innsbruck, Austria

• Geneva, Switzerland

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Picture Credit: Magdalena Roeseler 84894254@N03/28687020491 Switzerland via photopin