It's terrifying to think about the colossal forces that shaped these endless mountain peaks! About 35 million years ago, the tectonic plates of Africa and Eurasia collided, creating a mountain range that stretches for a thousand kilometers. The Alps, with the highest peak Mont Blanc at 4,810 meters, occupy more than a tenth of Europe's land area and are a favorite destination for many Europeans and non-Europeans. They extend across many Central European countries such as Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Germany, France and Austria.
For centuries, the economy of the Alps was based mainly on timber, agriculture and livestock farming (which continue to this day). However, tourism has now become the number one economic activity. The origin of the term “Alps” probably comes from a pre-Indo-European word meaning “hill”. In modern languages, however, the term “Alps” refers to the pastures below the glaciers.
So, these are the mountains you should visit at least once in your life, even if you don't ski! It's no coincidence that over 120 million people visit the Alps every year throughout the year. Zermatt, Chamonix, Courcevel, St. Moritz, Davos, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Kitzbühel, St. Anton, Lech, Grindelwald, Megeve, Laax are some of the most famous ski resorts that attract the interest of skiers and non-skiers.
Having traveled for many years to various regions of the Alps, we give you below 14 reasons why you should include such a trip in your plans!
Skiing
There's not much to say here... If you're a fan of the sport, the feeling of skiing in the Alpine ski resorts is a unique experience! Modern and numerous lifts, long downhill runs, endless slopes with gradients for all levels, incredible off-piste terrain, are just some of the reasons why a skier makes the Alps their first priority for their winter vacation.
The landscapes
With around 540 peaks exceeding 3000 meters, lakes, glaciers and deep gorges, the Alps are home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world! If you combine this with the beautiful villages that spread out at the foot of the mountains, the landscape, whether under a white veil in winter or lush green the rest of the time, captivates anyone.
The special culture
Wherever you travel in the Alps, you will encounter something new, since each region has different customs and traditions. Everywhere you will hear stories about fairies, elves and scary creatures of mythology. Elsewhere they will tell you about St. Bernard dogs (Switzerland) and the rescues of mountaineers and elsewhere about the hardy cows with different kinds of bells (Switzerland – Austria). Elsewhere you will hear Yodel songs and lederhosen clothing with short shorts (Tyrol – Bavaria).
The chalets
We don't just mean those wooden houses, new or renovated, that you will find in the various settlements. But also those that are scattered on the mountain tops ready to welcome you whether you are skiing or hiking. They are picturesque, tasteful and you will always find something nice there to try!
The settlements
The Alps are full of small charming villages, where everyone can feel completely connected to nature and relax breathing the fresh mountain air. Our favorite destination is undoubtedly Zermatt in Switzerland, which we had previously told you about in an article that you can read here. Όμως και οι πόλεις κοντά στις Άλπεις έχουν και εκείνες μια ιδιαίτερη ομορφιά. Το Ίνσμπρουκ και το Σάλτσμπουργκ για το οποίο σου γράψαμε recently, can be your base for daily excursions to the mountains if you desire a more urban atmosphere.
The food
And what not to try! Melted cheese fondue in France and Switzerland, goulash soup in Austria and Germany, raclette cheese, Bratwurst and Currywurst sausages, Käsespätzle (macaroni with melted cheese), Rhine wines, apple strudel (Apfelstrudel), Kaiserschmarrn and much more offer intoxicating taste pleasures for the palate!
The glaciers
They are formed in the highest and coldest parts of the planet, where more snow falls than melts during the year. In the Alps you can ski on a glacier or in some places you can even go inside one!
The highest lift of the world
You don't have to ski or hike. You can just hop on the gondola and reach the top! Two of the highest lifts in the world are located in the Alps and you'll find them at Zermatt (Klein Matterhorn – 3,899m) and at Chamonix (Aiguille du Midi- 3842m). The altitude will be difficult for you in the first few minutes, but then you will get used to it.
Train routes
The views offered by train journeys in the Alps are breathtaking, especially when enjoyed with a hot cup of chocolate. The most famous (and most beautiful) is the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz, two of the best resorts in Switzerland, in our opinion.
Flight over the Alps
If you want to see these beautiful mountains from above, there is the possibility of taking a helicopter or plane flight that will be unforgettable!
The activities
The list is endless here! Skating, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, paragliding, climbing, mountain biking, zip-wire, trekking, activities for young children, etc.
The spas
Whether it's natural hot springs or luxury hotel spas, you're sure to be rejuvenated and feel the ultimate relaxation and well-being. All of this combined with the alpine landscape creates unprecedented feelings of euphoria!
The Ice Igloos
You will find them scattered among the ski slopes and snowy villages. In some of them you can even sleep or just have a drink! The feeling you will get inside them is, if nothing else... eerie!
Το afters skiing
When the skiing is over, the fun begins! Bars, restaurants, concerts, happenings and shows keep the interest of skiers and non-skiers undiminished. Often, ski resorts invite celebrities DJs or singers for the enjoyment of visitors.
Closing
Undoubtedly, a trip to the Alps is not something simple as it is an area that extends for hundreds of kilometers, with many ski resorts and countless settlements. Nor is it an “economical” trip. However, it is a trip of a lifetime! The high level of service quality (value for money), the landscapes, the activities, the culture and everything you will see and experience there are incomparable to anything else.
Check out the video we created on our recent trip to the Alps here!
