Ski free in Swiss Alps

Hopes are that downhill is for skiers and not the tourism economy Schweiz Tourismus

As part of its new winter campaign, Switzerland Tourism is offering free ski passes to holidaymakers booking hotels on line.

Top spots like Arosa, Saas Fee and Crans-Montana are among the 14 winter resorts participating in the special offer.

Switzerland Tourism, the country’s main tourism marketing body, is putting the accent on “ski free” as part of its newly launched high-profile winter campaign.

The campaign, “Switzerland’s True Wealth”, presents Switzerland as a veritable winter wonderland. It is mainly targeted at markets in neighbouring countries, in an attempt to compensate for the expected drop in travellers from overseas, particularly Americans and Japanese.

Few strings

There are few strings attached to the “ski free” offer. At least three nights at a participating hotel have to be booked through Switzerland Tourism’s website, myswitzerland.com, and the deal is valid immediately to December 22, and for most weeks in January, March and April.

Guests are handed their free ski passes at check-in at their hotel, which is valid for either three or six days, depending on the length of the hotel booking.

In some resorts, the deal also entitles the pass holder to free access to public transport and discounts at ski rental shops.

swissinfo