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Getting Ready to TravelHere are a few things to consider before travelling to Switzerland on your skiing holiday. Although the Valais region is famous for having the most recorded sunshine in Switzerland, it is still an European winter. The average winter temperature for the Valais region is 0° Celsius. Add the altitude that you will be spending most of your time at, and it drops to -5°C. Most likely, for 90% of the days on your Swiss Trip, it will be perfectly blue sky. Valais is generally only under cloud when it snows, and it does not tend to hang around. However, even though the sky is blue, the air temperature is still cold. You will find that Crans-Montana will generally range anywhere from +9°C to -15°C. Skiing around the valley you could experience temperatures in the range of +9°C at lower altitudes on irregularly warm days, to -30°C on a glacier at 3500 metres and above. If you are coming from a warmer climate it generally takes 3 to 4 days for your body to acclimatise. Please read the What to Take section (below) for information about the type of gear to take to deal with these temperatures. Swiss Trip has plenty of experience in the art of living in the cold. The layer system is the best way to deal with the different temperatures while being engaged in sport at different altitudes. Swiss Trip recommends the following basic configuration:
For getting around the village and the valley, you'll be fine in a pair of thermals and your regular clothes. When outside you can just put on your ski jacket or some other warm coat. If you have forgotten anything or there is anything you need during your ski holiday, there is a great range of gear available in Crans-Montana and through out the valley. If you've booked a Lifestyle Option chances are that your Swiss Trip guide will stop at some great places to shop for this type of activity. Crans-Montana has a large variety of restaurants and small bars so you'll never be stuck for a place to eat. For those who are staying in hotel accommodation booked by Swiss Trip - the restaurants in these hotels are great. For those staying in apartment accommodation booked through Swiss Trip, you'll have all modern cooking facilities. Montana has two small supermarkets which are likely to have most things you'll need. For anything else, including a great range of local produce, there is a large supermarket directly down the hill in the town of Sierre - use the valley access that comes with your Swiss Trip package to get there. In addition to this, the Swiss Trip Personnel are always happy to suggest some of their favourite restaurants should you require a recommendation. The Swiss Alps offer challenges for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, generally at altitudes above 2000 metres. A reasonable level of fitness will ensure your body adapts to the climate faster and can handle the activities you may choose to undertake. To make your trip as enjoyable as possible, Swiss Trip recommends that you undertake at least a light physical exercise routine leading up to your travel date. Although Switzerland is in Europe and an honouree member of the EU, they do not use the Euro (€). Instead they have retained their own currency, the Swiss Franc (CHF). Before travelling, please check the latest exchange rates for the Swiss Franc at your local bank or in the newspaper. You may wish to take some of your money in traveller's cheques of a major brand in a major currency ($US, GBP and EURO $ are all fine). Traveller's cheques are changeable at a slightly higher rate than cash and have security advantages. There is a minimal fee payable for the exchange service. The most convenient and cheapest way to change and access your money is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM). Usually you will be able to draw money from your home account or from a credit card (debit card) at a superior exchange rate. Most ATMs will also give you a cash advance on your credit card, but be aware that there will generally be a significant fee imposed by the bank for these types of transactions. Needless to say, all the mountains in the Alps are 'big mountains' at high altitude with almost endless terrain that will challenge every level of skiing/snowboarding ability. The best way to make you skiing holiday as safe as possible is to:
As part of our safety policy Swiss Trip provides each traveller with a list of local emergency numbers including the number for the Swiss Trip office located in Crans-Montana. This ensures that you are prepared if something goes wrong or need to contact us for information about the area. |
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Thermal underwear - the best we have found are made by a New Zealand company called Ice Breaker (Note: we have no affiliation with the company, we just like the product!). The best ones for these temperatures are the Bodyfit 260 range. 
Some kind of breathable long-sleeve top - commonly called a 'mid layer' in outdoor adventure shops.
Some kind of wind stopper jacket (Note: it is best not to skimp on your jacket as cheap ones are not likely to provide the quality of material or warmth you will need). 
Commonly called the 'shell layer' - generally a ski jacket and pants.