Gstaad, Switzerland, Ireland and London

Join Alpine Adventures for wonderful European skiing as we travel to Gstaad, Switzerland. A popular mountain destination for decades, Gstaad offers visitors a peaceful, rustic alpine village while being at the epicenter of the "Gstaad Super Ski Region," a conveniently laid-out interconnected resort system, comprised of six areas, accessing over 130 miles of slopes and trails.

While the Alps provide some of the best skiing in the world, Gstaad stands out for intermediate to advanced skiers wanting a resort where the majority of the runs are fun, long red and blue groomers. This is an especially fine resort for the person new to skiing the Alps. It lets you explore and enjoy all the scenic beauty of the "big tall pointy mountains" so typical of the Alps, while actually skiing on beautifully groomed runs that travel through those same "big tall pointy mountains."

There is a large selection of exclusive boutiques and pastry shops making afternoon shopping a delight. The region offers miles of cross-country skiing trails, ski touring and heli-skiing. In addition, you'll find outdoor curling and ice-skating, three miles of sledding trails, swimming pools, indoor tennis courts and much more. The nightlife will suit every taste, from hot discos to piano bars and nightclubs. If you prefer to explore historical sites, try Chateau d'Oex, a beautiful village of Swiss and French influence, only half an hour away by train.

Optional: Ireland and London

After a week of sensational skiing, you can head home to tell stories of your fantastic adventure, or continue the fun with our optional post-trip to Ireland and London. The Republic of Ireland is a small but feisty country. It is almost magical in its beauty, boasting vibrantly green landscapes, rugged mountains, striking rock formations and a dramatic coastline. The country's staggeringly rich heritage is founded in thousands of years of history, legend and folklore. Neolithic monuments, crumbling ruins and ancient castles are found in abundance across the land. Its people are among the most welcoming you are likely to find anywhere in the world, a friendliness enhanced by a lively culture of traditional Irish music and dance accompanied by a drink or two.