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specially presented by skiswitzerland.com for quick download and
printing. Grachen...The family resort high in the Swiss Alps In past editions of Euro Ski we have sung the praises of Grachen as a very good family resort. We still do. However we hasten to add that Grachen is not just a family and kids playground, but a decent stop for good skiers too. There are a small number of challenging runs, which, when combined with the beauty and tranquility the place has to offer, it is a good all around ski resort too. Your family and less talented
friends will enjoy the place also. At 1600m, the village stands a good
chance of attracting a decent snowfall, and, when this occurs, the
opportunities for off piste skiing as well as ski touring are good.
Check with the ski school for details. Grachen
is a relative new comer to Euro Ski readers. But by all reports, those
of you who tried it were delighted with both the skiing and the
magnificent Alpine panorama that goes with it. If your schedule didn't
let you go last year, and, if this year's plans have not yet been made,
then here is some info that may help you make your decision. Grachen,
village altitude 1,600m, is on the back side of the Matterhorn, but that
famous rock is not visible from the village, What will unfold before you
however is one of the most smashing views in the snow, and what you will
have chosen for a ski holiday is one of the nicest Alpine villages we
know. The
skiing goes from 1,600m to 2,900m, all of it easily accessible from two
points on either side of the compact village. Two gondolas will whisk
skiers to the ski start points. The one running from near the sports
center to the Seetalhorn will open up the greater percentage of the
skiing in the shortest amount of time, and, as well, will give the
experienced skier the easiest access to the most challenging skiing. Run
number 22 from the Gabelhorn is the most difficult, with a positively
"hairy" off piste possibility from the Riedberg to Bied. Looking
at this on the lift map, it should be recommended only to the very, very
good or the very,
very nutty skier. Less experienced skiers should have a field day
on the ski selection offered by the gondola at the other side of town.
Here, a sea of blue runs invites inexperienced skiers to enjoy the
pleasant skiing and the spectacular view. Forty km of skiable piste, and
some sixteen km of cross-country trails make up the ski possibilities in
Grachen. At
this writing a six-day
lift pass costs SF 142 for
adults and a very good children’s’
discount. Grachen has lots of possibilities for good night life,
good dining out, a great sport centre, skating and curling plus a
Swiss ski school, cross-country
school and a skiing school for
kids. Visp is the turn off point to get to Grachen. Follow the
signs for Saas Fee and Zermatt;
leave the crowds at St.Niklaus;
and head north to Grachen.
Zurich and Geneva are convenient international
airports. |
