It is a question that has been raised time and time again: who owns Holiday Valley Ski Resort? The name might be familiar to you if you are a regular visitor to the Swiss Alps – it was the setting of the 1950s and 1960s film Heidi, which became an instant classic. The story of the little yellow-clad ski-in ski-out lodge-keeper who helps the poor and unruly local boys become better skiers is undoubtedly one of the most iconic films of all time.
At least since that time, the question of who owns the Swiss ski resort has been on many people’s lips. After all, the image of the Swiss Alps will be forever engraved on the brains of anyone who has seen the classic film. For decades, the image of an expensive ski holiday in Switzerland appeared to be the exclusive domain of the wealthy.
But the reality is somewhat different. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, it is now possible to replicate the luxurious feeling of a true Alpine holiday, even if you aren’t wealthy. It just takes a bit of imagination and a leap of faith.
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The History Of Holiday Valley
The history of Holiday Valley Ski Resort is deeply entwined with that of the Swiss Alps. After the Second World War, thousands of former military personnel returned to Switzerland and were faced with the daunting task of rebuilding their country. Many of them were determined not to let the opportunity pass them by and set about establishing a new life for themselves in the Swiss Alps – thus giving rise to the modern day ski resort of Holiday Valley.
Located in the canton of Valais in Switzerland, the resort was founded in 1948 and originally consisted of just seven trails and a hotel. But it wasn’t long before the local ski authorities saw the potential of the new venue and began expanding the ski network. In the 1950s and 1960s, Holiday Valley grew in reputation and became a favorite haunt of European royalty and film stars. In the 1970s, the mountain became a popular destination for newlyweds and has maintained that status ever since.
The glory days certainly aren’t over for the resort. In 2018 alone, Holiday Valley welcomed its 600,000th visitor – a milestone it had been waiting years to reach. The resort continues to grow in popularity each year and as a testament to that, the number of hotel rooms available there has more than doubled in size. It also runs an annual festival in the summer called ‘Summerfolk’ that features local musicians and artists performing in themed events throughout the season.
Modern-day Alpexels
But all good things must come to an end and it is safe to say that the glory days are now long gone. The wealthy destination holiday that was once the hallmark of the Swiss Alps is now a luxury item that the average person can only dream of. Thanks to modern-day travel agents, tour operators and hotels, it is now possible to seize the moment of nostalgia and visit Switzerland for a taste of the luxury lifestyle that was epitomized by the image of an exquisite Swiss ski holiday.
The 21st century has seen a significant shift in the travel industry and with it, changes in the way we perceive travel and luxury. Long gone are the days when expensive holiday destinations were the exclusive preserve of the wealthy. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, it is now possible to replicate the experience of a luxury destination without the need for vast wealth.
That is exactly what Alpexels offer with their luxury destination hotels and immersive travel experiences that put you in the heart of the action as soon as you step foot in the country – you are surrounded by pines and surrounded by awe-inspiring beauty. It is with this in mind that we can now embark on a journey to discover where exactly does Holiday Valley lie on the map and how do you get there? Let’s find out.
How To Reach Holiday Valley
The easiest way to reach Holiday Valley is by car. The resort is located just off the main Swiss road, the A4, which connects Geneva and the French Alps. From Geneva, it is a straight three-hour drive to the resort. The winding roads and stunning mountain scenery will keep you entertained on the entire journey.
If you are looking for a more adventurous approach, there is a train that stops in the nearby town of Visp. From there, it is a 30-minute bus ride to the resort. Or for the thrill-seeking among you, you can even hike the famous seven kilometers to the resort. All of these options are available at the Visp tourism office. Whether you arrive by train, car or on foot, there is a lot to discover in the area.
The Location
It is a well-known fact that the Swiss reside among the happiest and most content individuals in the world – and it is easy to see why. The country is filled with talented people who enjoy life in the company of nature, adventure and exhilaration. The beautiful area around the resort is absolutely breathtaking, as picturesque lake district, dotted with picturesque old wooden villages and backed by snow-covered Alps – it really is a scene that will stay with you forever.
Another beautiful place that you cannot miss is La Plaine d’Assise. Located a little over an hour away from the resort, this area is filled with cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses and craft beer – what’s not to like? A visit to this part of Switzerland is akin to falling into a fairytale, where beer flows freely and the locals are as kind as the mountains are majestic.
But arguably the most beautiful spot in all of Switzerland is the lake, also known as Lago di Vares. Lago di Vares is the largest lake in the country and it is located just a few kilometers away from the resort. Boasting some of the finest beaches in the whole of Switzerland, it is a glorious place to spend a day or two.
Another great spot is Thyon, the highest peak in the area. There are several hiking trails that you can follow, some of which are quite strenuous, giving you panoramic views of the lakes and the surrounding mountains. The peak is a popular destination for those who want to escape the crowds and really get away from it all. There are no shops or restaurants there, just you, the snow and the majestic Swiss Alps.
What To Do
Aside from the stunning scenery, there are lots of activities that you can get involved in. The Swiss Alps have some of the best restaurants in the world, serving local as well as international cuisine. There are plenty of options for those looking for a bite to eat and even more so nowadays, given the opportunity for chefs to evolve their menus in line with seasonal and local produce.
For those who want to stay active, there is a large amount of hiking that you can do. The Swiss tourist office publishes an annual list of hiking trails that you can follow, from easy strolls through the countryside to more taxing routes that will tax your thighs and test your mental fortitude.
If you want to soak up some of that precious alpine sunshine, there are lots of welcoming wellness spas that you can visit. The finest hotels in the country offer a padel tennis experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged. If that isn’t your style, you can also take a dip in the jacuzzi or soak in a hot tub – both offer wonderful relaxation benefits.
Who Will Benefit From This Article?
This article is for those who want to travel back in time to experience the extravagant lifestyle of the Swiss Alps in style. It will tell you where you can go, what you can do and more importantly, who will benefit from this article.
The information contained within it will help you to plan the perfect itinerary for your trip to Switzerland – what activities will you do, which spots will you see and more importantly, which part of the country will you stay in?
Alpexels offer an unparalleled experience, where you can literally feel the culture shock as soon as you step off the tourist coach. The grand tours that you take there will give you a glimpse into the lifestyle of the very wealthy and famous. It is also the perfect place for photographers, with its iconic location and stunning environs. But the most important thing is that you will feel right at home. It really does live up to its name – Alpexels is a place that you feel as though you have always dreamed of being.