Davos: with WEF away, a chance to play

There's more to Davos than just skiing. swiss-image.ch/Davos Tourismus

As the World Economic Forum abandons Davos for New York as the choice for its 2002 meeting, visitors to the alpine resort will find plenty of hotel rooms and bistro tables.

For the first time in the WEF’s history, Davos will not welcome the annual gathering of the world’s business and political elite. The decision to move this year’s meeting was based on security concerns, and a show of solidarity with New York following the September 11 terrorist attacks.

At 1,560 metres, the resort is reporting good snow conditions. There are more than 300 kilometres of slopes for ski or snowboard enthusiasts to explore.

And there are nearly 200 kilometres of cross country and prepared hiking trails, as well as a Snowpark.

All skied out? Check out the cultural scene, which highlights the work of the Swiss painter, Alois Carigiet. The Galerie Eule-Art is celebrating his 100th anniversary with an exhibition of some 150 works by the Hans Christian Andersen Award winner.

Davos is also home to the famous Kirchner Museum which houses the world’s largest collection of works by the German expressionist painter, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner.

There is a spicy mix of jazz, classical and chamber music. To hear familiar tunes from musicals, films and cabaret, for instance, head to the “Davos Melody Dream” on February 1.

Davos cafés offer après ski diversions, as do the four discos and Casino, which is equipped with slot machines.

A tip: Davos is divided into two sections: Davos Dorf and Davos Platz. The former is smaller and less busy, so for some night action, head for the Platz.

Visitors can move freely between the two halves, and in and out of the resort. Last year, critics slammed WEF organisers and Swiss authorities for turning Davos into a “fortress.”

With WEF organisers promising to return the WEF to its traditional home next year, the security gates may again snap into place.

by Samantha Tonkin