Trip Overview
FAQs about this trip
Home

Ski under the Matterhorn: A winter vacation with a small gay group

Skiing in the Swiss Alps: Frequently-Asked Questions about Sound of Snowflakes

Over a mile above the alpine town of Zermatt rises Switzerland's most famous peak: The Matterhorn. Join us for a week of skiing in this alpine paradise. We’ll be blessed with some of the world’s most majestic mountain scenery, the fast and efficient trams and ski-lifts you’d expect from the Swiss, spectacular trails for skiers of all levels, and the comforts of Zermatt right at the bottom of the lifts, and a small, lively, and friendly group.

This FAQ page is intended to accompany other pages about this trip and about our company (see links at left). Some of the answers below may include links to other other sites; please use the BACK key of your browser to return to this page.

Contents:

• Where is Zermatt? How do I get there?
  
• Should I get a Swiss rail pass?
  
• This is called a 7-day trip. Exactly what does that mean?
  
• I'm traveling alone. Will everyone else be in couples?
  
• Can I talk with someone who's previously traveled with you?
  
• What language do they speak in this part of Switzerland?
  
• What is Zermatt's ski season?
  
• Is Zermatt suitable for beginning skiers?
  
• Is off-piste skiing permitted here?
  
• How will it be for snowboarders?
  

Where is Zermatt? How do I get there?
Zermatt is a small mountain town in the Swiss Alps, tucked under the Matterhorn just a few kilometers from the Italian border. It is reached by a spectacular 1-hour ride on cog railway from the towns of Brig and Visp valley below.

If you’re flying to Switzerland, Geneva is the closest major city to Zermatt. Milan, Italy is equally close, but is convenient only if you're flying into the Linate airport, which offers fairly easy access to the city and train station; Milan's Malpensa is much further out. Zurich and Basel are only slightly farther, and Swiss rail transportation is excellent, so you can pick an entry point based on what city you’d like to visit, or where you get the best fares.

Some people fly into Paris, Munich, or another cities they’ve always wanted to see. You’ll need to change trains in Brig or Visp, at the bottom of the valley and about an hour from Zermatt, no matter where you come from.

Should I get a Swiss rail pass?
Swiss transportation is among the world’s best -- but not the simplest. The simple Eurail pass of a generation ago has given way to dozens of pass types. Some cover one country; some several. Some cover travel on a certain number of days, i.e., any 5 days in a 30-day period. It's particularly complicated in Switzerland, which has many privately-owned rail lines. Some give a discount for some passes; some do not, and it's virtually impossible to get accurate information about what's covered, until you're actually there.

If you are not doing additional travel within Switzerland, we recommend the Swiss Card (not to be confused with the Swiss Pass), which will (as of this writing -- subject, but not likely, to change), get you from your entry point (the Swiss border, or any airport in Switzerland) to most destinations (including Zermatt and Grindelwald), and back; it also gives you a 50% discount on additional travel (including some of the lifts and railroads from Zermatt.) You can find out more about various passes from RailEurope. But please remember: We never promised that this was simple.

This is called a 7-day trip. Exactly what does that mean?
Our trip officially begins at 6:00 p.m., with a reception and orientation, followed by dinner. We officially end after breakfast on the last day, although you can leave as early as you like. Or stay around all day, for sightseeing with your new friends.

Our "7-day" trip thus consists of 6 full days and two partial days. Some companies promote a trip of this length as being 8 days since it includes pieces of 8 different days. We feel it's more accurate to refer to this as 7 days.

I'm traveling alone. Will everyone else be in couples?
Most of our trips draw more single travelers than couples. When couples do join us, it's usually because they're looking forward to interacting with a gay group; if they wanted a holiday by themselves, they wouldn't have signed up to travel with us. Furthermore, the activities included with our trips serve as natural ice-breakers. Within a day, you'll be traveling with friends.

You don't need to pay the single supplement if you're traveling alone. We'll be happy to match you with a roommate. Pay the single supplement only if you want a bedroom to yourself.

Can I talk with someone who's previously traveled with you?
We encourage you to do so.

Our website includes a full page of comments from past travelers. Most of them have volunteered to talk about their experiences with future potential travelers. Please call for the names and phone numbers of references in your area.

What language do they speak in this part of Switzerland?
Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansch. The prevalent language in this region is Swiss German, a distinct German dialect. If you know German, they’ll understand you, but you may have some trouble understanding them. Fortunately, from a very young age Swiss children learn many languages. Not everyone speaks English, but enough speak some English that you should be able to get by.

What is Zermatt's ski season?
Zermatt has the longest winter season in the Alps. All three of its ski areas open late November, and remain open into May. And then, up in the glacier areas, there's summer skiing in July and August!

Is Zermatt suitable for beginning skiers?
If this is your first time on skis, you can take lessons and have an enjoyable week on the easiest slopes. However, you will not be able to ski between the different areas, and that's part of the fun and excitement here. If you're a complete beginner, we encourage you to get in a couple days of lessons closer to home, before traveling this distance for a ski vacation.

But a less experienced skier who is comfortable on the easiest (green) trails at home, and who occasionally ventures into intermediate territory, can have a great time here.

Is off-piste skiing permitted here?
As in much of Europe, you're allowed to go off the designated trails, into the back-country. Doing so can get you into large, often untouched slopes. It can also get you into trouble! We recommend hiring a local guide if you plan to go off-piste. For stronger intermediate and expert skiers, it opens a whole new world.

How will it be for snowboarders?
Awesome! In addition to the extensive open terrain, Zermatt offers two snowboard parks and two man-made half pipes: one at Blauherd, the other between Trockener Steg and Furgg.

Trip calendar   |   HOME   |   Reserve a trip

Copyright © 1999-2002 by Alyson Adventures, Inc.