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The world’s longest half-pipe in Laax
Laax is Europe's premier freestyle resort with more than 90 obstacles spread over four snowparks. And the rides here just get better and better: 2013/2014 saw the new Olympic-sized pro-kicker-line in Snowpark Curnius. Now from winter 2014/2015 visitors can ride the new Superpipe at the NoName Park. At 200 metres in length, it will be the longest continuous half-pipe in the world, offering pure freestyle pleasure for rider and spectator alike.
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£390pp – 7 nights at Riders Palace, Flims Laax
Offer includes hotel accommodation only
From 21 March 2015
Europe's first indoor freestyle hall at the Laax base station
Europe’s first indoor Freestyle hall at the Laax base station is the new base of the Freestyle Academy. Jumps and tricks can be practised all year round – so whether snowboarders, free skiers, skaters or bikers, the Freestyle Academy has something to offer to everyone! Besides trampolines and skate-ramps, the core of Europe's first indoor training hall is a kicker facility for snowboards, skis and bikes. And to cushion your fall while you’re ironing out those tricks, you land in a huge foampit.
Europe’s longest floodlit toboggan run
Switzerland’s first floodlit toboggan run goes from Preda to Bergün. Covering six kilometres, it’s also Europe’s longest floodlit toboggan run. Ride up the mountain on the Rhaetian railway – a fabulous scenic journey over the 90 metre-high Solis viaduct, across the Landwasser viaduct and through the helical tunnel of the Albula valley. Then, in Preda, fling yourself into the white-knuckle curves of the winding toboggan run, finishing six exhilarating kilometres and 400 awe-inspiring altitude metres later in Bergün, where the Rhaetian railway is waiting to take those thirsting for more back to the start in Preda.
Davos - Europe’s highest town
Discover the diversity of Davos Klosters, Europe's highest town and a classic Swiss winter sports destination with six ski areas to suit every taste. Unspoilt side valleys offer inviting romantic winter walks and this extensive mountain location imbues Davos Klosters with an urbane quality of life. The traditional winter spa town of Davos has excellent cultural attractions – including the internationally renowned Kirchner Museum - and a vibrant night life. The town’s high-altitude spa has even been immortalised in print, in Thomas Mann’s novel The Magic Mountain. The village of Klosters is an understated holiday destination for those who savour the finer things in life and it’s long been a popular holiday spot with the Royal Family. Davos Klosters has also been awarded the prestigious ‘Families welcome’ label of quality.
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£554pp – 7 nights at Piz Buin, Klosters
Offer includes hotel accommodation only
From 21 March 2015
The world’s slowest express train
A 7½ hour train ride over 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels, over the 2,033m high Oberalp Pass, the Glacier Express is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful railways journeys - a panoramic ride through the High Alps right at the heart of Switzerland. The Glacier Express goes from Chur, St Moritz or Davos to Reichenau, continuing through the impressive Rhine gorge as far as Disentis. It goes from there over the Oberalp Pass to Andermatt and on into the Wallis region with its glacier scenery as far as Zermatt.
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£567pp – 7 Nights at Club Hotel Davos, Davos
Offer includes bed & breakfast accommodation only
From 14 February 2015
The fastest footpath in the world
There’s no slow shuffling on this footpath! Arguably one of the most beautiful ice rinks on earth - and certainly the only ice ‘trail‘ - the three kilometres of ice path between Surava and Alvaneu are unique and spectacular. The Skateline runs through the winter forest and guarantees thrills as well as sights. The inspiration for the ice path came from nature: the shaded forest path, over which the rink runs, was as smooth as glass in the winter months due to the spray of the nearby creek. You don’t have to be a professional ice skater if you want to glide down the narrow slope through the winter forest. You should, however, bring a bit of experience with you since the ice cold amusement is not for complete beginners. There is a shuttlebus for a comfortable return journey to the start.
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£878pp – 7 nights at Hotel Lenzerhorn Spa & Wellness, Lenzerheide
Offer includes hotel accommodation only
From 28 February 2015
World’s first solar-powered lift in Tenna
In the Safiental valley, skiers ride up the mountain by harnessing the power of the sun, on the Tenna ski lift - the first solar lift in the world. And because the lift, now in its fourth winter, produces more energy than it needs – about 13 times - a huge amount of clean energy is still left for the village. With this, Tenna‘s small skiing area is the only one in the world that not only fuels energy for its guests, but for the whole region.
The world’s oldest bob run and also the world’s last remaining natural ice track
The famous St Moritz Celerina Olympic bob run was opened in 1904, making it the world’s oldest and also the world’s last remaining natural ice run. All other bob runs in Europe, North America and Japan have to be artificially frozen as they do not have the climatic benefit of high altitudes. So not only the construction of the St Moritz ice channel – which makes exclusive use of snow and water – is unique, but also its history.
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£679pp – 7 nights at Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl, St Moritz
Offer includes hotel accommodation only
From 20 December 2014
The world’s smallest whisky bar
The world’s tiniest whisky bar is found in Sta. Maria, a charming little hamlet in the Val Müstair valley. The fact that it hosts the world’s smallest whisky bar has even been confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records. Opened in 2006, this little bar has been expanding its whisky selection to over 200 varieties – impressive going for such a small establishment (the venue measures a total of 8.53sq metres)! Admittedly, it can get a little ‘cosy’ during the weekends. 2009 saw an extension of the bar to include a Whisky Museum, featuring rare and unique exhibits.
Switzerland’s oldest city
, In winter Chur is an ideal starting point for mountain adventures. Take the cable car straight from the centre to the local snow-covered mountain, Brambrüesch, which offers families an extensive variety of activities, with a sledge run, natural ice-skating rink, ski and snowshoe tours, and cosy chalet dining. From Chur, you can also discover the nearby ski resorts of Lenzerheide, Arosa and Laax – easily reached by railway or postbus. Chur is also the starting point for the Rhaetian Railway. The Bernina Express covers 1,669 metres in altitude between Chur and Tirano on the UNESCO route, at a comfortably warm 22C in the observation car – with stunning views of blue glaciers included. Another of Chur’s very special cultural assets is the 800-year-old cathedral, you can even take a guided tour with the priest! And take the opportunity to wander through the old town, with its many boutiques and shops.
Top deal
£602pp – 7 nights at The Excelsior, Arosa
Offer includes hotel accommodation only
From 31 January 2015
