RESORT
REPORTS
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WENGEN
Where is it?
Central Switzerland. Easily accessed (3-4 hours) from Geneva,
Zurich or Basel airports. Sits on a sunny plateau, at 1300m
beneath the dramatic Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch mountains.
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The skiing
Cable car or railway takes you up to the main ski area at Mannlichen/Kleine
Scheidegg (2000/2300m). Ski-pass can include neighbouring resorts of
Grindelwald and Murren, making a total of 18 black, 35 red and 22
blue runs. The runs tend to be longer than in French resorts.
Ideally suited to intermediates/ early advanced. It's rare to queue.
Those with rubber legs hire guides and head for the excellent
off-piste skiing. Careering along 'White Hare' under the north face
of the Eiger is one to remember. Belting off the top of the
Schilthorn (aka James Bond) should wake up the most sluggish skier.
Apres Ski and
non-combatants
Quiet, though in high season those with any energy left, head for the
discos in Tiffany's or Chilli's. Tobogganing is a big sport here and
there are plenty of designated runs. English cinema, curling,
ice-climbing. If scenery is your thing, there is great winter-walking.
Accommodation
Wengen doesn't do chalet parties. Everyone stays in hotels or
self-catering apartments. Try the Sunstar for amenities, the Regina
for old glory, or the Alpenrose for cosy gemütlich.
The Resort
Very civilised, some say too civilised. Pretty with lots of watering
holes up in the mountains. Those sporting Peter Wingard moustaches
will not feel out of place among the mountain men. Lots of tree-line
skiing.
Who it won't
suit
Impatient types - the cog railway links can be slow and it takes time
to get over to Murren or Grindelwald at peak times. The lads looking
for a wild time (World Heritage Sites are not known for heroic
drinking behaviour)
Who it will suit
Romantics - the panorama is truly stunning. Young families will find
plenty of English-speaking instructors and the local, very British,
Downhill Only Club runs a fast and furious young teenagers' section.
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