{"id":11980,"date":"2018-03-23T09:00:04","date_gmt":"2018-03-23T08:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=11980"},"modified":"2019-04-11T13:05:55","modified_gmt":"2019-04-11T12:05:55","slug":"alps-vs-rockies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/alps-vs-rockies\/","title":{"rendered":"The Alps Vs The Rockies: Where Will You Explore?"},"content":{"rendered":"

It may seem like an impossible choice to make when planning your next tour to either the majestic Alps of Europe or the wild Rockies of the Great White North<\/a>, but narrowing down where to go next doesn\u2019t have to be difficult.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Travel to: <\/em>Canadian Rockies <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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While both are mesmerizing locations boasting numerous outdoor activities, breathtaking nature and fantastic accommodations, let\u2019s do a little comparison, shall we?<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nAlps<\/b><\/td>\nRockies<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Countries<\/b><\/td>\nFrance, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, Slovenia<\/span><\/td>\nCanada, US<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Destination for Families<\/strong><\/td>\nKitzb\u00fchel<\/td>\nJasper<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Budget Destination<\/b><\/td>\nLivigno<\/td>\nGrand Targhee<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Solo Travelers Destination<\/b><\/td>\nMeribel<\/span><\/td>\nJasper National Park<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The Alps<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Alps attract visitors from all over the globe. This extensive mountain range system covers a large portion of Europe and spans almost 1,200 kilometres across France<\/a>, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia. Known for their lush green meadows, picturesque villages, ski resorts and chalets, this is where winter tourism was born. <\/span><\/p>\n

What to expect in the Alps<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Home to the Matterhorn, Mt. Blanc and other famous natural landmarks, it\u2019s ideal for the traveller who loves the outdoors and a little leisure time too. It\u2019s also worth noting that skiing isn\u2019t just a sport here \u2013 it\u2019s an intrinsic part of the culture and way of life in the Alps. <\/span><\/p>\n

Only here can you can expect a well-rounded Alpine experience with a gorgeous view to match. If you\u2019ve never been, don\u2019t expect too many people to be wearing a lederhosen. Tradition may be an important part of life here, but so is a passion for the sport, high-end hospitality and, of course, the apr\u00e8s ski. Don\u2019t worry though. There will be some lederhosen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The
France<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I remember when I was a kid, I look at snow globes displayed on stores during the holidays and dreamt of seeing the Swiss Alps one day. Indeed, dreams do come true! At 10,000 feet, Mt. Titlis in Engelberg is Switzerland\u2019s loftiest peak and a snow paradise that is visually stunning. At the top of Mt. Titlis is where I got to witness a dreamlike high panoramic view of the alps where I felt like I was on top of the world!<\/p>\n

Think you have a head for heights? 3,000 meters above sea-level and 150 heart-pounding steps awaits you on the Titlis Cliff Walk, the spectacular steel cable suspension bridge high up on the summit with a breathtaking view of the alps. I recommend anyone who wishes to see the Swiss Alps to try this. It was nerve-wracking yet fun experience crossing Europe\u2019s highest suspension bridge! – Kev, The Awesome Kev<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

From point A to peak B: How to travel through the Alps <\/strong><\/h3>\n
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  1. Plane:\u00a0<\/strong>The adventure begins as soon as you hop off your plane. While the main hub is Zurich for flights, other regions include Geneva and Basel \u2013 and once you\u2019ve safely landed, you can either take public transportation or rent a car.<\/li>\n
  2. Train & trams:\u00a0<\/strong>Known for making watches, you can bet Swiss trains and buses run on time and get you almost anywhere affordable. Public transportation is luxurious and offers you a quiet voyage through stretches of the highest, most legendary region of Europe. Crack open a good book, enjoy a gourmet meal on board or take in the breathtaking view as it whizzes by.<\/li>\n
  3. Car:\u00a0<\/strong>Another option is to rent a vehicle. Cars are a bit pricier, but you have the freedom to take the road you planned and go at your own pace. Renting is also good if you imagine any spontaneous sing-a-longs happening or want to stop at a few villages on the way. Most chalets and lodges have complimentary parking for guests for no additional charge.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Where to find the best experiences in The Alps<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The Alps have been a pitched as a family destination for some time as generation after generation return to the region \u2013 but where do you start? Whilst The Alps are famous for their ski and snowboarding hills, hitting the slopes isn\u2019t the only activity you can enjoy out here. Those who don\u2019t want to slalom can go climbing, snowshoeing, or unwind with a trip to the spa. In the warmer months, hiking, cycling and learning about local heritage are on everyone\u2019s to-do list.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"The
    Germany<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    I never cease to be amazed by the incredible natural beauty of Swiss landscapes. What I enjoy most is hiking in the summer and snow-shoeing in the winter in the shadow of the most iconic Alpine peaks, such as the Matterhorn and the Eiger. I\u2019d really recommend that first-time visitors give themselves plenty of time to discover the area so that they can truly enjoy the breathtaking panoramas and the snow-capped mountains. Nothing beats spending time in nature, just always make sure you have the right equipment as the weather can change quickly in the Alps. – Catherine, Swiss Bliss<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Switzerland<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The Aletsch Arena<\/a> is a perfect choice if you\u2019re travelling with the kids. Comprised of three ski villages (Riederalp, Battmeralp and Fiescheralp) interconnected by ski lifts and trails so you can be close to everything from restaurants to slopes. Your little ones can compete in the village kids races, join ski school, go sledding or you can all hop on the tram to visit Aletsch Glacier.<\/span><\/p>\n

    See tours to the Swiss Alps…<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

    France<\/strong><\/p>\n

    In Courchevel<\/a>,<\/span>\u00a0slopes are carefully groomed and the area is teeming with family chalets, fun zones and even features a panda bear art installation you can visit.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Austria<\/strong><\/p>\n

    In Kitzb\u00fchel, everyone can check out the Alpine Iglu Village<\/span>. Bound to keep the family entertained with unique ice sculptures, late-night torch walks and ski safaris that covers 100km in a day, they\u2019ll come back both thrilled and exhausted \u2013 and you may win something for Parent-of-the-Year.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Where to find the best experiences in the Alps\u00a0<\/strong>
    \n<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Whilst families are attracted to resorts and lodges, singles and backpackers flock to smaller towns and villages to party and keep it social.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    France<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Solo travellers can mingle and mountain bike through places like Serre Chevalier or Meribel known for its nightlife scene, this vacation is for those who love lazy lunches, huge outdoor bars and people that take their f\u00eates very seriously.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Switzerland<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Smack dab in the middle of the country, most travellers must pass through Interlaken. Besides frosty soir\u00e9es, this locale is ideal for the high-intensity adventurer. Dabble in extreme sports like skydiving, bungee jumping and river rafting by day and then apr\u00e8s ski after the apr\u00e8s ski. And then do one more.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The Swiss Alps are pure beauty. They give you a sense of well being, seeing them tower over the green pastures of the Swiss valleys. To see them in person, hike them, and feel them makes you realize how majestic nature is. You will gain a newfound respect of the mountains once you step foot in the Alps. We traveled through Switzerland in summer and a rare snow storm capped the Alps in glistening white, something the locals tell us only happens once every 10 years. As a family of 4, there are a number of kid friendly hiking trails that allow you to get up close & personal with the Alps. One of our favorite hikes as a family was train spotting on the Albula Pass in Park Ela. You can hike one way and take the UNESCO Heritage Swiss Train through some of the most scenic landscape in Switzerland back to the starting point of your hike.<\/p>\n

    If you\u2019re an outdoor enthusiasts, skip the cities and head straight to the Alps. There are so many villages and small towns to stay in, you will get a true feel for Swiss culture by staying in one of the many historic villages. We stayed in both the Central Alps & Eastern Alps during summer, which is a great time to visit, you\u2019ll get a reduced rate on lift tickets & accommodations. You can pick a hike, bike, thermal pool, or relax near a watering hole in summer. Switzerland has a fantastic tourist site that can assist you in planning your Swiss getaway. It\u2019s also worth it to visit the local tourism center once you arrive in Switzerland. It has great information about all of the local attractions. If you\u2019re a family considering Switzerland, it is one of the most kid friendly Countries in the World. There are numerous playgrounds in the Alps, kids under 6 are free on ski lifts and they get reduced prices on a number of attractions. – Gosia & Rick, TravelerStateofMind<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \"The
    France<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Where to find the best food experiences in the Alps <\/strong><\/h3>\n

    It\u2019s not all roast and r\u00f6sti (although that\u2019s pretty delicious). France also has a tremendous influence on mountain cuisine. Here are some eats that are on everyone\u2019s mind:<\/span><\/p>\n