Where to Get Your Thrills in Switzerland

More so than most places, Switzerland offers serious skiers the chance to fly down unblemished mountainsides—especially in Mürren. The town is blessed with powder-packed bowls that maintain fresh snow for days after a big fall, drawing backcountry fanatics from all over the world. Take the cable car up the Schilthorn to find various opportunities for challenging off-piste skiing. Just to be sure to bring a guide along.

Just as Rome has the Colosseum and Paris the Eiffel Tower, so Switzerland has the Matterhorn. Located above Zermatt, this 48,195-foot wonder attracts hordes of visitors, eager to see the morning sunlight beam off its four faces, ski its neighboring mountains, or even attempt to climb the beast itself. The Matterhorn, however, is not for the faint-hearted and has claimed the lives of more than 500 people since it was first scaled in 1865—an average of 12 per year. It’s also been replicated at Disneyland in California as a rollercoaster.

Switzerland’s mountains are the cornerstone of its beauty, and a great way to take in scenery is by train. The GoldenPass panoramic line allows passengers to gaze through its huge glass windows at the sprawling Alps. The route heads through Montreux, Zweisimmen, Interlaken, and Lucerne, and early reservations can be made for VIP seats alongside the driver. Farther up in the Alps is situated one of the highest train lines in the country. The Bernina Express tour spirals its way through the mountains, nose-dives through tunnels, and shoots along bridges, passing glaciers and quaint villages with the highlight being a UNESCO World Heritage site between Thusis and Tirano.

For a different view of Saas-Fee, tackle the ropes course in the town’s Adventure Forest. Four courses increase in their degree of difficulty with obstacles ranging from monkey bars to tight rope walks. The last two sections are a true test of balance and agility. Try to keep calm and enjoy the spectacular views of the distant mountains as you walk across wobbly planks and swinging ropes high up in the trees. The course ends with a ride down the longest zip lines in Europe that cross over the gaping Fee Gorge. Hold on tight and try not to scream too loudly.

A plethora of twisting, fast and furious slides makes Aquaparc in Le Bouveret, Valais, an ideal water fun-day for families. Three themed areas, including Jungle Land with exotic plants and a squirting boat, ignite children’s excitement, while adults can drift along the outdoor lazy river or head to the wellness baths or whirlpools. The seven slides, some requiring inflatable rings, can get busy so head there early to guarantee as many adrenaline-rides as you can handle. Don’t miss the bridge to the beach where sun-baked locals enjoy games of soccer, volleyball and pedal boat rides on Lake Geneva. Aquaparc is open all year round and costs 32CHF (32 dollars).

In a country full of swanky resort towns, St. Moritz takes the crown with its wide array of five-star hotels, designer stores, and award-winning restaurants. The town is also home to such exciting activities as skijoring and ice cricket, which help to keep all the celebrity visitors entertained.