Alps
The Alps are a stunning mountain range and the highest in Europe, stretching for 1200km across eight alpine countries. The Alps are divided into the Western Alps and the Eastern Alps, split following the river Rhine. They border the countries of Austria, Germany, Italy, France and Switzerland. Other than its stunning landscape and crystal clear lakes, the Alps are known for various sporting activities. The daredevil in you can enjoy the thrill of skiing down some of the steepest slopes, paragliding over snowy peaks or taking in the truly breathtaking scenery while on some of the most expensive and stunning railways in the world. Relax at some of the most luxurious ski resorts and indulge in the native food. The alps is an ever changing experience no matter how many times you go back.
Tipping.
Restaurants and bars- Tipping is not needed or expected but you can tip a small amount of very good service.
Taxi- You can round up your fare to the nearest Euro.
Hotels- Housekeeping , Bellboys and Doormen can be tipped 1 Euro for the number of days you stay at the hotel.
Lingo in The Alps.
Wherever your travels take you at the Alps the languages change too. Depending in which country you are the language will change accordingly. Knowing French, German and Italian are going to very helpful although English is also pretty well known. However where are a few phrases that could be useful in whatever region you are going to be in.
General Italian Lingo
At a Restaurant
At a Bar
On the Slopes
Buongiorno = ‘Good morning’ or ‘Good afternoon’
Per favore / Grazie = Please / Thank you
Che cosa mi consiglia? = What can you recommend?
Possiamo avere un assaggio da dividere = can we just have a taste to share
Il conto per favore = Can I have the bill please?
Cosa vuoi bere? = What would you like to drink?
Una birra media = a large beer (half litre)
Sono un principiante / una principiante = I am a beginner (male/female)
Mi scusi, sto ancora imparando = Sorry, I’m still learning
Mi sono perso = I am lost
General French Lingo
At a Restaurant
On the Slopes
Hello = Bonjour
Please = S'il vous plaît
Do you speak English? = Parlez-vous Anglais?
Thank you= Merci
One large beer please = Une grande bière s'il vous plaît
Can we see the menu please? = Pouvons-nous voir le menu s’il vous plaît?
Where is the Hotel/Chalet…? = Où est l’Hotel…? Où est Chalet…?Alambre
Where is the ski school? = Où est l’école de ski?
Where is the nearest ski lift? = Où eat la remontée mécanique la plus proche?
I’m lost! = Je suis perdu!
General German Lingo
At a Restaurant
On the Slopes
Guten tag = Good day
Danke = thank you
Auf wiedersehen = goodbye
znuni (ts-new-nee): = morning snack
Gömer es z vieri go nä (gum-mer ehs tsa-fi-ree go neigh) = get coffee with something sweet at 4pm
Grossmutter (gross-moo-ter): burnt cheese as a delicacy
Entschuldigung, ich lerne noch = Sorry I'm learning
Ich bin ein Zwischen = I am an intermediate
Ich habe meinen Skipass verloren= lost my lift pass
Transport from International Airports to the Alps
The Alps can be reached from different countries so the most common way of getting to your Hotel or Ski resort is by getting to the closest airport and using a vehicle, train or bus up to the mountains.
Closest Airports.
The closest airport to the French Alps is from Geneva. Form here on you can take a vehicle which can be rented or sent from your Resort.
Munich Airport is the closest if you are heading to the German Alps.
Malpensa Airport, Linate Airport and Airport Orio Al Serio (Bergamo) are all located in Milan which is the closest city to the Alps.
Zurich Airport is the closest Airport to the Alps in Switzerland.
Hiring vehicles.
Once you have reached any of the mentioned Airports there are plenty of transport options to the Alps. You can hire or rent a vehicle from the Airport itself that you can drive or have someone take you up to the mountains.
By Train.
The best thing about Europe is just how well connected and organised transport systems are. Regardless of where you are within Europe or the UK you can still hop on a train to the Alps. The journey maybe long with a few stops and train switches but is completely doable. You are also able to see some of the best and most scenic train routes in the world.
Best time to travel.
June until October, when the weather is mild, it doesn't rain much, and nature is flourishing everywhere you go
