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Switzerland Tour - FAQ
Note: We will send you detailed information about the tour in a
Pre-Departure Packet once you register.
What is the weather going to be like?
In Geneva (the closest city for which we have data) the average high temperature is 77 degrees
Fahrenheit in July and August. The average low temperature is 56. The Valais Valley where we skate
is the driest part of Switzerland. Generally, it is perfect skating temperature during the day and
not too cold at night. However, because we spend time in the higher-altitude towns of Bettmeralp
and Gstaad, we suggest you bring a warm jacket for the evenings.
Which time of the year is best to go there?
In late June (the first tour) you will still see snow on the nearby peaks, which makes the
passing scenery incredible. This is also before the main tourist season, although in out-of-the-way
Valais that isn't too important. During August the temperatures will be warm and the fields will be
beginning to ripen.
What is the best way to get to the tour and where do we meet?
The gateway cities are Zurich and Geneva and you can easily take a train from either city
(actually directly from the airports) to the start of the tour. We meet on the first day in the
town of Brig. When you register for the tour, we will provide you with the name of a hotel in Brig
if you would like to stay the night before the tour starts. It is also possible to fly to and from
Milan in Italy, although train connections are less reliable.
What should I do if I want to extend my vacation in the area?
Both Geneva and Zurich are big and can be interesting if you want to visit museums. However,
we prefer other parts of Switzerland and suggest you head to the mountains. Our starting point in
Brig is very near the famous resort Zermatt at the base of the Matterhorn. Another option is to
visit the town of Interlaken which is in the Bernese Oberland and at the base of two beautiful
alpine valleys. Finally, not far from Geneva is the French resort town of Chamonix at the base of
Mount Blanc, highest peak in continental Europe.
What ability level do I really need to be for this tour?
This tour is rated for
Advanced Beginners
and up. The skating is on paved trails and low-traffic rural roads. Honestly, the skating is
amazingly flat because we are in a glacially-carved valley. There are some hills (usually leading
up to small towns) but these are rarely very large. For the August Multisport Tour, no experience
is required. Our mountain biking is on a slightly-downhill gravel road, we give you multiple
options for the hiking days, and the river rafting is an exciting time for all - even those who
have never been in a raft!
For what type of people would you recommend this tour?
The Switzerland tour is an outstanding tour for someone who wants culture and variety in a
skate tour. In addition to the skating, we spend a day hiking in the Alps and have time to visit
local castles, test the wine, and tour the small towns. The August Multisport Tour is perfect for
someone who wants to extend the variety of activities even more. Switzerland is famous for its
scenery and culture and is a very easy country to travel in if you have never been to Europe.
Almost everyone speaks English but you will also be able to practice your German, French, or
Italian.
Where can I find more information about the area?
See our
hotlinks
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