THE RIDING EXPERIENCE

Each day we will experience skiing different zones that surround the Swiss and Italian borders. The group will explore some of the surrounding backcountry options and lift-accessed areas like the Stockhorn. Over the course of the week you will have the opportunity to ski the historic valleys of this region, ski into Italy through various routes, explore the surrounding backcountry terrain and if conditions permit, we can add in an optional day on the heli with Air Zermatt to get close to the glaciers. Throughout the week the group will be skiing the Zermatt ski area, Cervinia Italy, the surrounding backcountry zones and the endless skiing possibilities around this skiing mecca. Each ski area we visit provides a wide range of trails and off-piste options. Your trip is prepared by our team of local professional guides with generations of knowledge to show you the best the area has to offer. Over the week ski two countries and local hidden gems. Our guides will search out the best snow conditions for the day with many hidden gems and 3 main areas to access with heights ranging from 10,000′ to 12,500′. 

THE CULINARY EXPERIENCE

A true Switzerland culinary experience. Enjoy continental breakfast buffets with local cheeses, bread, pastries, fruit and more. Each day we will enjoy lunch at Swiss mountain huts, small villages and of course some pizza in Italy. Lunch on the mountain is followed by an afternoon skiing some of the best terrain in the Swiss Alps. At the end of the day let us show you the beautiful town of Zermatt and enjoy the lively après scene. There will be a group, Welcome Dinner, to kick off the week and a Farewell Dinner on the last day to celebrate. Each day offers you the choice of many great on-mountain and village restaurants. Be sure to make time for an evening stroll through Zermatt’s old town area or check out the Alpine Museum to learn the history of the Matterhorn.

THE LODGING EXPERIENCE

Zermatt Hotel Butterfly
The Hotel Butterfly is a 3 star superior hotel in Zermatt is just a few steps from the train station and the vibrant center with all the bars and restaurants. The hotel is ideal for modern globetrotters and active snow sports enthusiasts. You will feel comfortable and at home in the cozy rooms designed as a personal oasis to relax. The Butterfly invites all guests to daily breakfasts and the famous Tea Time; which offers a choice of cake and sweets and a big choice of tea and coffee specialities. The hotel features a full restaurant, ski room with heated boot dryers and complimentary wireless internet. Experience some of the best accommodations with our exclusive Swiss hotel partners. Our hotel is in the heart of the historic town of Zermatt. This will be your home for the next week to explore this truly amazing area. 

SAMPLE ITINERARY

ARRIVAL DAY

Fly into Zurich International Airport (ZRH) – You should arrive the day prior to the trip start date and spend one night in Zurich.
Arriving the day before the trip allows room for any flight or luggage delays as well as gives you time to relax and adjust to the local time before the trip starts.

DAY 1 – WELCOME TO SWITZERLAND! TRANSFER DAY

Le Grand Adventure Tours welcomes you to Switzerland! All guests will rendezvous at Zurich International Airport and meet the LGA Team by 1pm. From here we will transfer you through beautiful Switzerland and up to the car free Zermatt. Inspiring views along the way of the Swiss Alps and other ski resorts await you. Once in the valley, your first glimpses of the Glaciers and the Matterhorn will have you anxiously waiting to ski the next day. Our hotel overlooks the historic town of Zermatt and the world famous Matterhorn mountain. We will have a group meeting around 6pm at the hotel to meet the whole group and talk about the trip and plan for the week. The guides will review the current snow conditions at the spots we will be skiing as well as any weather during the trip. The team will help guests get the gear dialed in for everyone so we are ready to go for the week. The evening offers your first chance to explore the town, dine or relax at the hotel with new friends. Steep yourself in Swiss culture and immerse into European life.

If rentals are needed, we can arrange snow equipment for the week through our partnership with Scott Sports. We will have a selection of powder skis with touring bindings to choose from. There will also be the brand new Scott E-1 Patrol Backpack and avalanche kits available for rent for guests during the trips. Both items can be rented for the duration of your trip to save you time and money. If you wish to rent ski/snowboard equipment please let us know so that we can coordinate your rental.

DAY 2 – 7

Once in the car-free town of Zermatt, we are at the base of the ski area and one of the most picturesque valleys in the Alps. Each day we will experience skiing different zones that surround the Swiss and Italian border. The group will explore some of the surrounding backcountry options and lift-accessed areas like the Stockhorn. Situated near the famous peaks of the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa arena, Zermatt is one of the oldest ski resorts in Switzerland. Over the course of the week you will have the opportunity to ski the historic valleys of this region, ski into Italy through various routes, explore the surrounding backcountry terrain and if conditions permit, we can add in an optional day on the heli with Air Zermatt to get close to the glaciers.

Every day the group will enjoy healthy local Swiss Breakfasts at the hotel with daily departures to ski between 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM. Over the course of 6 days, our local LGA guides will take you deep into the heart of the Alps and across multiple valleys. On the first day, the group will acclimate to the surroundings and terrain with runs on the Rothorn, Stockhorn and surrounding piste areas. One run in Zermatt is 16 miles long if you have the legs for it! Early runs are used to assess skiing ability and go over key fundamentals for safe and effective travel in the high mountains as well as making sure everyone’s gear is ready for the week. Our guides will prepare everyone to be confident and comfortable with the week’s upcoming locations. Daily ski destinations are decided upon with consideration to safety, weather, and snow conditions. Once everyone is up to speed it will be time to start exploring the region. Throughout the week the group will be skiing the Zermatt ski area, Cervinia Italy, the surrounding backcountry zones and the endless skiing possibilities around this skiing mecca. Each ski area we visit provides a wide range of trails and off-piste options.

Enjoy a train from Zermatt along the Swiss mountainside to the top of the Gornergrat at just over 10,000 feet with incredible views of the Monte Rosa area. The tram to the Top of the Klein Matterhorn is not only an engineering marvel but provides access to Italy. The journey climbs to 12,700 feet with some of the most magnificent views of the Alps. The highest mountain lift in Europe!

Each day we will enjoy lunch at Swiss mountain huts, small villages and of course some pizza in Italy. Lunch on the mountain is followed by an afternoon skiing some of the best terrain in the Swiss Alps. Experience non-stop skiing and riding through untracked powder with views of the Matterhorn. At the end of the day let us show you the beautiful town of Zermatt and enjoy the lively après scene. If conditions permit we will try one of the local favorite winter sports-sledding (tobogganing.) After a long day skiing and exploring everyone has access to the saunas at the hotel to conclude your day. Relax in one of the most picturesque villages in the world.

There will be a group, Welcome Dinner, to kick off the week and a Farewell Dinner on the last day to celebrate. Each day offers you the choice of many great on-mountain and village restaurants. Be sure to make time for an evening stroll through Zermatt’s old town area or check out the Alpine Museum to learn the history of the Matterhorn. Relax at the Hotel situated in the center of town overlooking the river and stunning views of the Alps. The hotel has some of the best views in town of the Matterhorn! The hotel features a full restaurant and bar, ski room with heated boot dryers and complimentary wireless internet. It also has a ski shop, restaurant and lounge area for all guests making this a great place to spend a week skiing Zermatt.

DAY 8 – DEPARTURE DAY

Gu4sts will be departing ZERMATT around 9am after a great 6 days of great skiing! Join us for breakfast, say our goodbyes and enjoy a ride back through the Swiss countryside to Zurich International Airport (ZRH) where you can catch a flight home or enjoy a night in this beautiful city exploring the rich history of this area. We recommend selecting a departure after 2pm from Zurich International Airport. If you would like to spend another night in Zurich, please contact us and we can help you make arrangements.

NOTE: This itinerary is an example. The tour may be altered to adjust for weather and conditions. Our guides will plan the tour around the conditions to make sure you have the best trip possible.

DETAILS

BOOKING YOUR TRAVEL

PLEASE RESERVE YOUR TOUR WITH LGA & GET TRIP CONFIRMATION BEFORE BOOKING FLIGHTS.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DETAILS

You should arrive the day prior to the trip start date and spend one night in Zurich. Arrive to Zurich International Airport (ZRH). If you’re able to find a flight that lands the day of the Tour Start Date and will be able to meet by our 1pm pick-up time, that works as well. Flight time from the West Coast of the United States to Switzerland is approximately 12 hours and 8 from the East Coast depending on if you book a direct flight or a flight with stops.

Departure is around 9am to Zurich International Airport (ZRH)
Please do not schedule your departing flight before 2pm. On the final day of the tour, we will transport you back to the airport where you can catch a flight home or enjoy a night in the next city. If your departure flight differs from this, we would be happy to advise you with transfer and/or hotel options if needed. We can offer advice and suggestions if you need any assistance. Please give us a call or send us an email for more information.

HOTELS BEFORE & AFTER YOUR TRIP

Arriving the day before the trip allows room for any flight or luggage delays as well as gives you time to relax and adjust to the local time before the trip starts. You will need to reserve a night at a nearby airport hotel, we have provided our favorite options for you to select from:

• Holiday Inn Express Zurich Airport
• Jet Hotel Zurich Airport
• Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport
• Ibis Zurich Messe Airport

GEAR

RECOMMENDATIONS

We suggest you bring your own ski and backcountry gear if you have it. A ski with roughly a 100mm to 110mm is the best option. If you want to bring a wider pair of skis please feel free or we can rent these if needed. We highly recommend bringing or renting a touring set up as this will allow the group to really ski a wide variety of areas. (not mandatory)  Having this as a daily set up allows us to find the best snow on the resort, quick laps in the sidecountry or going a little deeper into the backcountry. There are also options for ski touring days if the groups wants. If you have a new pair of touring bindings (Dynafit, Plum, Marker, Salomon, etc) and are comfortable skiing a wide variety of terrain on them, please feel free to bring them. Always bring extra layers, good gloves, 2 goggles if you have them or extra lenses, winter clothes for after skiing and a down jacket. We will be in the mountains so bring clothes that will keep you warm in a wide variety of conditions.

SCOTT SPORTS DEMO SKIS

Through our partnership with Scott Sports we will have a selection of Scott Scrapper powder skis with Marker alpine touring bindings with skins to choose from. Skis can be rented for the duration of your trip to save you time and money.

BACKCOUNTRY SAFETY GEAR

Avalanche safety gear is required on all of our tours. If you have your own equipment please bring it. We have Scott E-1 Patrol Backpacks including a beacon, shovel and probe available to rent for the duration of your trip.

ALL ABOUT SWITZERLAND

WEATHER & MOUNTAINS

For the most accurate weather please check the Zermatt Weather Online a few days before your trip. We will guarantee you get the most out of your ski holiday as we have a wide range of activities that we can add to the trip in case there are down days due to snow storms or weather.

CURRENCY

Credit cards are widely accepted, but Amex is not always accepted. Better stick with Visa. You will need some cash – but just for casual expenses. Most things can be paid for by credit card. The currency is CHF/Swiss Franc. EUR is not the currency of Switzerland (even if it is sometimes accepted by some merchants at a bad exchange rate). It never makes sense to carry too much cash on you – anywhere. Withdrawing cash from your checking account using your US cash/debit card is usually much cheaper than converting dollar bills at an exchange desk and you will get the BEST Exchange rate. Many credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee around 3-5%. This may be the time to get yourself a fun new rewards travel credit card that comes with “No Foreign Transaction Fees.” With its plethora of international banks, the country is a center for global wealth. This means prices are high, but people are paid quite well. Supermarket sell pre-made meals for between 5-9 CHF. Bars and cafés are the cheapest food option, cost about 9-15 CHF for a lunch special. Restaurants with table service are around 20 CHF for lunch and 40 CHF for dinner (starter, main, and drink) to start. You’ll typically find pizzas for around 20 CHF in a restaurant. If you’re dining out (but still trying to stick to a budget), you’ll spend an average of 25-45 CHF a day on food.

LANGUAGE
The four national languages of Switzerland are German, French, Italian and Romansh. In the Davos & St. Moritz area they speak German or a Swiss-German dialect. You will find English is widely spoken all over Switzerland. It is still great to learn a few of the day to day vocabulary to be polite.

SAFETY
Switzerland is very safe. Always take regular precautions whenever abroad to save yourself from any potential headaches that could interfere with your travels

FAQ

Check out our General FAQs section. Here you will find answers to your general questions.

DO I NEED TRIP INSURANCE?

Trip Insurance is Not Included – We require trip insurance for all trips abroad. Protecting your trip & safety is our priority. We recommend World Nomads as they are the ultimate in travel protection and global emergencies and evacuations. They provide rescue and coverage designed for ski trips where other travel insurance options may not cover or rescue with skiing involved. This policy will cover you in case of any medical and personal accidents that could occur prior to or during your trip. This will also cover you if you have to cancel your trip for any reason or if your baggage gets delayed or lost.

DO I NEED TO TIP OUR GUIDES?

Gratuities for your guides are not included in your trip price. We recommend tipping 7-10% of your trip price for the guide team. US Currency is preferred, however, local currency is also greatly appreciated. Unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide tips amongst themselves. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on the overall trip experience provided by our team.

WHAT IS THE BOOKING PROCESS?

Contact LGA Tours via our website or telephone and an LGA representative will be in touch with you. After we confirm availability and confirm trip details, you will be provided a booking link to reserve your trip. Once you book the trip, a guest confirmation letter is immediately sent out. In the confirmation letter you will find a link to complete your guest profile form online as well as a link to your liability release that you will need to complete. If you make a reservation more than 90 days prior to the trip, a deposit is due at the time of booking. If you reserve your trip less than 90 days prior to the departure, the full balance is due at the time of booking. One week prior to the trip start, you’ll receive an email containing your trip start meeting location reminder and any last-minute information that you’ll need to know before you go.

CAN I RESERVE MY TRIP WITH A DEPOSIT?

Yes, you can reserve your trip with a Deposit for all Multi-Day Tours lasting 24 hours or longer. If you seek to reserve a spot on a Tour more than 90 days prior to the Date of Departure, the deposit amount is $1000. For Private Group Tours the Deposit amount is fifty percent (50%) of the Tour Price. Within 89 days or less prior to the date of departure, the full amount is due at time of booking.

WHEN IS THE FINAL PAYMENT FOR THIS TOUR DUE?

Final payment is due no later than 90 days prior to departure, or 7 days from booking confirmation if booking is within 90 days.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY?

Le Grand Adventure Tours cannot be held responsible for snow and/or weather conditions. Trips cannot be canceled or amended on the basis of snow and weather conditions. No refunds, reimbursements or discounts will be granted if, for any reason, client misses the tour, fails to join the tour, leaves the tour, is dismissed from the tour, or cannot fully participate in the tour. Any refunds will be at the discretion of Le Grand Adventure Tours if you are involuntarily forced to leave a tour for any reason. Travel Insurance is required on our trips to avoid the financial risks related to cancellations, involuntary early departures, medical reasons or any other travel related problems. 

WHAT IS THE GROUP SIZE?

We like to guide small group tours to ensure you have a great experience. Groups are typically between four to eight people. Private groups range anywhere from 6-16 people.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?

Ski/Snowboard Gear:
Skis/Snowboard, boots, poles
Goggles
Helmet

Misc/Recommended:
Backpack
Avalanche Transceiver
Shovel/Probe
Touring Gear and Skins
Packable Puff
(We can assist with some gear, please feel free to contact us)

Après Clothing:
You will be in the mountains for a week so please bring warm clothing for when you’re not on the slopes.

Travel Requirements:
Current Passport
Credit card, cash and/or traveler’s checks
ID or driver’s license
Medical insurance cards
Prescriptions or other medications
Important phone numbers
Proof of Travelers Insurance