The weather was actually decent this afternoon, fairly clear sky and nice snow. The morning was a bit miserable with the foggy condition, but thankfully the sun decided to come out around 11 or so... glad that we went skiing waiting for next wknd now

Hello. I am new to Basel. My children and I will ski over Christmas in Grindelwald. But on Christmas day itself, we're going to look for a specific day trip. My daughter and son want to ski on christmas day. we'll wake up in basel and then return to basel in the evening.
So, my question is, where should we go. Engleberg? we're going to Grindelwald on DEc 28th.

Any suggestions anyone?

Simon

Hello. I am also from Basel. I would like to try snowshoe hiking or cross country skiing this Sunday. We are looking for a place where we can reach by train. Could you give me any advice? Many thanks!

Something just came across my mind today... do you generally tip your ski instructor in Switzerland or anywhere else in Europe for group lessons or private lessons?

In the states, especially at the big resorts out west, it's pretty normal and often expected to tip the instructor for private lessons, and sometimes even groups as well. But since tipping is so common in the states for just about everything, I am not sure what's the standards here in Switzerland and what's expected from the instructors. Anyone?

It's hard to decide. I mean, you certainly don't tip your piano teacher or your tennis coach, but I can also see why you would tip a ski instructor instead...

Not sure what the norm is but we have given 5 CHF a day or 20 CHF a week to our kid's instructors. They seem surprised and thankful but not sure if they are surprised that we are being such tightwads or if they actually appreciate it.

Maybe I am just a stingy Aussie - but tipping a ski instructor has never even occurred to me. I am glad you asked the question, maybe I should be!

I was a ski instructor in my younger days back in Canada. I used to get a little something (CD, $10) at the end of a year of group lessons, but never got a tip for 1 off private/group lessons.

What's the difference between a ski instructor and a tennis coach or piano player? They're all pretty well paid I guess, especially in Switzerland.

Someone may disagree but Switzerland does not have a big culture of tipping, only perhaps rounding up the price of a meal to the nearest 5 or 10 CHFs (unless you're had truly wonderful service above the norm).

You will never be given a funny look by someone in Switzerland* for not tipping since a law was passed a few decades ago to include service charges in your bill (for restaurants).

When it comes to ski instructors, it's a relatively cool, desirable, glamorous job so I don't think it requires a tip. Maybe in Eastern Europe and North America but not here.

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g188045-s606/Switzerland:Tipping.And.Etiquette.html
http://switzerland.isyours.com/e/swi...e/tipping.html
http://europeforvisitors.com/switzau...es/tipping.htm

*apart from one German waitress in Terrasse bar in Zurich who always asks in an probing way if her service for bringing you a drink was good.

Stuck in the office unfortunately. Heading to Andermatt tomorrow on the 7:31....looks like it may be a little cold!

Hoch ybrig was pretty nippy, and the viz' wasn't great, but it was quiet and enjoyable none the less.

Undecided where I'm going tomorrow, so it will be a nice surprise when Eire tells me

Let me know if you want a third, I'm solo so far for 2moro

Going to try and take some skiing lessons on monday tuesday and wednesday, does anybody now if hochybrig is a good place to learn, and does anyone fancy joining me, i'll be driving up there from zug
Hackster

If you have never skied before then I would call these guys to see if they speak English and ask for a lesson at Arvenbuehl. Once you have had a day or two there then think about getting a lesson somewhere like Hoch-ybrig.

I would go Flumserberg over Hoch-Ybrig for a beginer as I think the facilities are better, and avoiding the weekends gets you all the best bits without the crowds.

That's a good shout Eire, not as busy as 'the big' resorts (or expensive), it's also relaxed, nice and open. If your driving, allow an hour 15 from Zug and make sure you take chains as getting to Amden was the only time they were needed last season. I don't know about Arvenbuehl for kit rental, but know you can get it in Amden as you drive through. Sattel might be another smaller resort to try as that's closer to Zug than the others http://www.sattel-hochstuckli.ch/sit...anchor=1010000

Whose out where tomorrow, and maybe using these http://http://www.aldi-suisse.ch/ch/...e_DEU_HTML.htm and have any thoughts on them?

Hi everybody,

I'd like to know some opinions about Lenzerheide. I'm planning to go over there during Christmas but I'm on time to change my plans if it is not good! Thanks

skied today in davos in -22 and strong winds..my toes were paining but the snow was powder perfect and Parsenn is great..strongly recommended..

We went to Arosa today. Most of time conditions were good till afternoon, then we were caught in mist over the mountains. Quite frosty weather with minus temp but hey it's part of fun.

Lenzerheide is great. One of my favourite places to ski or snowboard.

Today was absolutely Artic everywhere I think. One of my coldest days in the mountains in a very long time.

I was up in Andermatt today. Did not even notice the cold; not sure if it was the glow from my first day in the alps or hardening from my winters in Canada.

Visibility was not too good but the best skiing was in the Gemsstock; it seemed a lot less windy then in Oberalp.

Stuck on piste the first day, but will be certainly heading back for some off-piste once I get some avalance training (and a big dump of snow )

Did you go to Sedrun? There was no wind over there and the visibility was mediocre. But it was still f*@king freezing.