Best Ski Resorts in Europe
Word Count:
329
Summary:
Tourism has been a booming industry for the past few decades and ski resorts have seen a surge in interest, but where are the best places to go in Europe to make the most of the snow and the nightlife?
Keywords:
ski resorts, skiing, Europe, Austria, Switzerland
Article Body:
Tourism has been a booming industry for the past few decades and ski resorts have seen a surge in interest, but where are the best places to go in Europe to make the most of the snow and the nightlife?
For many people Val D'Isere remains the first choice. This area in the French Alps has become so popular with foreign visitors that you'll be hard pushed to find a bar or shop where the locals don't speak English.
The ski area is first class, as are the facilities away from the slopes. Of course, it's sheer popularity may put some holiday-makers off. If you're looking for a quiet week away then Val D'Isere may not be right for you.
St Anton in Austria is less well-known but also has a wonderful ski area. So great, in fact, that it recently hosted the World Championships. This provides a great platform for both skiing and snowboarding.
The Zermatt resort in Switzerland is another contender for the title of the best ski resort in Europe. It benefits from fine Alpine scenery, matching the sort of scenes that you might expect if you've ever seen any film footage of Switzerland.
Set in the centre of Europe, Switzerland is of course highly accessible for Europeans, but has recently been proving very popular with tourists from all over the world.
Many people are put off Switzerland and Austria because they believe that prices can be prohibitive. Whilst it's certainly true that both countries have some very expensive resorts, such complaints can be applied to many European ski resorts. Equally, if you shop around you can still find some bargains in terms of both travelling to your chosen destination and making the most of your stay there.
There are plenty of great articles available online reviewing and describing the many European ski resorts, but this will hopefully have given you a taster of the finest resorts around.
Showing posts with label switzerland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label switzerland. Show all posts
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
An Overview of Switzerland for Travelers
An Overview of Switzerland for Travelers
Word Count:
469
Summary:
The official name of Switzerland is the Swiss Confederation. If you are considering visiting Switzerland, you should know something about the country.
Keywords:
switzerland, europe, swiss, neutrality, roman catholic church, zurich, basel, geneva, celts,
Article Body:
The official name of Switzerland is the Swiss Confederation. If you are considering visiting Switzerland, you should know something about the country.
An Overview of Switzerland for Travelers
Switzerland is uniquely positioned in Europe because it sits on the crossroads of many routes. Although not as important in modern times, the geographic position explains the odd situation where the official languages of the country are German, Italian and Romansch. French is widely spoken in the west and English is prevalent throughout the country. There is no language unique to Switzerland…Switzerish perhaps.
Switzerland is a very modern country rating at or near the top of all living standards in the world. Literacy rates are near 100 percent, 25 percent of adults hold diplomas from higher education and religious freedom is guaranteed. Switzerland has one of the highest usage rates of computers and the Internet, not to mention a high per capita income level. Health care services are outstanding and nearly all Swiss are insured.
Historically, Switzerland was first inhabited by Helvetic Celts. It eventually came under the rule of the Roman Empire. During this period, it flourished as cities such as Geneva, Basel and Zurich served as major commerce centers in the Roman Empire.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Switzerland was invaded and ruled by various groups. It later passed into control of the popes of the Roman Catholic Church. Eventually, the three dominant families in Switzerland agreed to a joint rule pact in which they pledged joint defense, peace and autonomous rule. They signed the agreement on August 1, 1291, a day now considered Nations Day in Switzerland. Following this period, Switzerland pursued land capture through military ventures, defeating the Habsburgs on three separate occasions. They were subsequently defeated by the French and Venetians and renounced expansionist policies, the foundation of Swiss Neutrality.
After a brief civil war between Protestants and liberals, Switzerland settled into the country it is today in 1848. Free of Catholic rule, the country passed a constitution establishing strong civil liberties. Unlike most countries, the Swiss federal government is very weak. The states, known as cantons, have significant autonomy and the effective law makers in the country.
The citizens of Switzerland go by the name “Swiss.” The population totals about 7.3 million and grows less than one percent a year in size. Religiously, Swiss categorize themselves as Roman Catholic 42 percent, Protestant 33 percent, Muslim 4.3 percent, others 5.4 percent and no religion 11percent. The literacy rate is claimed to be 100 percent and the average life expectancy is 76.5 years for men and 82.5 for women.
Switzerland’s policy of neutrality has served it will through two world wars. Much of the country has escaped the damage inflicted on its neighbors. With soaring peaks and beautiful cities, it is a traveler’s delight. Now that you know something about it, give it a visit.
Word Count:
469
Summary:
The official name of Switzerland is the Swiss Confederation. If you are considering visiting Switzerland, you should know something about the country.
Keywords:
switzerland, europe, swiss, neutrality, roman catholic church, zurich, basel, geneva, celts,
Article Body:
The official name of Switzerland is the Swiss Confederation. If you are considering visiting Switzerland, you should know something about the country.
An Overview of Switzerland for Travelers
Switzerland is uniquely positioned in Europe because it sits on the crossroads of many routes. Although not as important in modern times, the geographic position explains the odd situation where the official languages of the country are German, Italian and Romansch. French is widely spoken in the west and English is prevalent throughout the country. There is no language unique to Switzerland…Switzerish perhaps.
Switzerland is a very modern country rating at or near the top of all living standards in the world. Literacy rates are near 100 percent, 25 percent of adults hold diplomas from higher education and religious freedom is guaranteed. Switzerland has one of the highest usage rates of computers and the Internet, not to mention a high per capita income level. Health care services are outstanding and nearly all Swiss are insured.
Historically, Switzerland was first inhabited by Helvetic Celts. It eventually came under the rule of the Roman Empire. During this period, it flourished as cities such as Geneva, Basel and Zurich served as major commerce centers in the Roman Empire.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Switzerland was invaded and ruled by various groups. It later passed into control of the popes of the Roman Catholic Church. Eventually, the three dominant families in Switzerland agreed to a joint rule pact in which they pledged joint defense, peace and autonomous rule. They signed the agreement on August 1, 1291, a day now considered Nations Day in Switzerland. Following this period, Switzerland pursued land capture through military ventures, defeating the Habsburgs on three separate occasions. They were subsequently defeated by the French and Venetians and renounced expansionist policies, the foundation of Swiss Neutrality.
After a brief civil war between Protestants and liberals, Switzerland settled into the country it is today in 1848. Free of Catholic rule, the country passed a constitution establishing strong civil liberties. Unlike most countries, the Swiss federal government is very weak. The states, known as cantons, have significant autonomy and the effective law makers in the country.
The citizens of Switzerland go by the name “Swiss.” The population totals about 7.3 million and grows less than one percent a year in size. Religiously, Swiss categorize themselves as Roman Catholic 42 percent, Protestant 33 percent, Muslim 4.3 percent, others 5.4 percent and no religion 11percent. The literacy rate is claimed to be 100 percent and the average life expectancy is 76.5 years for men and 82.5 for women.
Switzerland’s policy of neutrality has served it will through two world wars. Much of the country has escaped the damage inflicted on its neighbors. With soaring peaks and beautiful cities, it is a traveler’s delight. Now that you know something about it, give it a visit.
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