Hi there travellers, we are planning a family (15) christmas ski holiday in switzerland. no date has been set yet but we are hoping to stay and ski in Grindelwald the week of christmas and then sightsee before and after that week. Can anyone offer advice on excellent well priced accom in Grindelwald to suit 3 families with 9 kids between us! Also, any local day trip advice would be appreciated. I would especially like to hear about the local Christmas markets and the general xmas atmosphere/vibe. Thanks in Advance. The Travellinsparkies
Posted by
Athol, Ma., USA
10 posts
I've made five trips to Suisse. Check out www.my switzerland.ch and www.swissinfo.ch and you will find sites for accomodations. Hostels there are not such a bad place for families and most are very nice. Wengen is one of my favorite places..on the other side of the mt. from Grindelwald. At my age I do not ski anymore, but I hope you have fun. gna
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17253 posts
If you wish to stay in Grindelwald, Hotel Residence is a moderately-priced hotel with 1- and 2-bedroom suites that might work for your group. Check reviews on Tripadvisor. We stayed in the 2-bedroom apartment a few summers ago--it was plain but very nice. One bedroom had a double bed and the other one had 3 single beds. The living/dining/kitchen area was huge. They may only have the one large apartment, but the 2 other families could take the smaller one-bdr apartments, which have 2 pull-down beds in the living room. Then add a "Zusatzbett" (extra bed) for the third child.
http://www.residence-grindelwald.ch/
Be advised that skiable snow at Christmastime is not reliable in Switzerland---some years they have enough, and some years they do not.
Posted by
Zurich, Switzerland
61 posts
I agree with the above statement. The snow can be iffy. This year there was snow in December and the resorts opened early, but usually they open in January. Here is a link for snow reports:
http://snow.myswitzerland.com/snow_reports/
Here is a link for the Lucern and Zurich Christmas markets. I have also heard that there are some nice markets in Geneva and the surrounding areas.
http://www.christkindlimarkt.ch/
Rick also has a great Christmas in Switzerland show if you are able to watch it. I have also seen one by Rudy Maxa. Here is a link to the summary:
http://www.smarttravels.tv/SmartTravels/europe/tips%20&%20links/Christmas_in_Switzerland.htm
You have a good time. Be sure to eat some Fondue and drink Gluh Wien.
Posted by
OP
brisbane, queensland, australia
2 posts
Hi Amy Lola and Geraldine, thanks for all your tips, websites and advice. I will spend a day or two sifting through it all and hopefully I will come back with more questions for you all! Thanks again.
Rhondda