Why Autumn and Winter Are the Perfect Seasons to Experience Switzerland
Autumn is my favourite season in Switzerland and it’s the answer to one of the most common questions we are asked at Swiss Tailor Made – “when is the best time to go?”
It’s a question which has many different answers of course and varies dramatically depending on who you ask. But as someone lucky enough to live high up in the Swiss Alps, autumn is always the answer. But why?
Firstly, it has everything that the summer has, with one exception – the crowds. Switzerland has so much to see and do but it can be busy during the high-season in summer and for those able to travel a bit later in the year, autumn is perfect. Until the end of October, nearly all the mountain railways and cableways are open, as are all the hotels. Lower demand also means that hotel rates are much lower than in high-season. In the eight years I’ve lived here, I can’t remember an autumn when the weather wasn’t pleasantly warm and settled. This also means that all the hiking trails are still open, even at the higher altitudes. Another thing we see in the autumn of course is the trees changing colour. This is spectacular, especially when combined with the clear air and golden light that autumn brings.
As well has having all that to offer, autumn also has another trick up its sleeve – winter. The atmosphere everywhere during autumn is one of excitement, brought on by the fact that everyone knows that the winter is coming and the ski season is just around the corner. The snow level starts to creep down, giving the already stunning scenery a boost, but once we arrive in November, everyone seems to start looking upwards as if making their own predictions on when the first of the heavy snowfalls will come. Down in the cities around this time, there is also an abundance of festivals which can be easily combined with a stay up in the mountains during this time. Autumn therefore really is the best time to visit.
Unless of course, you’re a skier. Once that first snow arrives and December begins, the excitement levels are off the scale. Not only do all the slopes open, the scenery is once again transformed. The atmosphere in the bars and restaurants starts to crackle, and mountain villages such as Wengen, where I live, are completely transformed. Whilst the nightlife in Swiss ski resorts may not be as lively as in some of our neighbouring countries, there is a certain relaxed refinement about it, which makes it unique. Also, knowing that there is a World Cup downhill and slalom ski race coming to town in a few weeks’ time (Lauberhorn World Cup, Wengen, takes place mid-January every year), everyone’s excitement levels go up another notch.
Having said all that, Switzerland also has plenty to offer in winter for the non-skier, especially those looking for a scenic railway holiday. Nearly all the scenic routes are open in the winter meaning that those who may have already enjoyed those jouneys during summer months can replicate there trips but enjoy a completely different landscape. One such example being the Luzern-Interlaken Panoramic Express, whose relatively short duration makes it easy to fit in to event the shortest winter break.
At Swiss Tailor Made, we have wide range of partners which are just as easy to fit into autumn and winter tours as they are in summer tours. Furthermore, our local expertise allows us to create the programs for you, and give your own guests something that little bit special, including stays during the Lauberhorn Races, which really are a must-see. For further information on how we can support you with the development of your low-season programs in Switzerland, please get in touch.
