This is last minute I know, but...
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At the end of next month (Feb) I am taking my famiy to Switzerland for four days. We are coming from Italy via train and leaving from Zurich via plane.
Except for the last night which I have booked in Zurich we are completely open to suggestions on what to do and where to go.
We want to take the Berrnina Express and none of us are serious skiers.
Need help ASAP!

Only four days? Exhausting! Need to break this down. What are you into? How old are your kids? What do they like?

For example,do they like classical music - there is a beautiful little ski village called Gstaad which is having a concert. There will be a big carnival with concerts in Lucerne starting February 23. See myswitzerland.com (the events section) for ideas. You might want to get a Swiss transportation pass from RailEurope.com to get the most bang for your buck during those days. Back to my original post. Many things I could recommend (like cruising on lakes) only are available during warm weather so you need to determine what you like most to do during winter.

We were in St. Moritz for four days last week. On the way there from Zurich ( unbelievably beautiful train ride!) we stopped at a town called Preda-Bergun ( spelling?) that is home to one of Europe's longest sled trail runs.( I was told that it's about six miles long!) I noted it because all of these kids got off at that stop with sleds in tow. Anyway, it seemed like a really fun thing to do, and maybe your kids would enjoy visiting there.

Like you, we are non-skiers, but we found plenty to keep us occupied in St. Moritz. There was sleigh-riding across a frozen lake, as well as cross-country skiing directly in back of the hotel, and ice-skating on a beautiful rink near the oldest hotel in town.

Of course there's also Hanselman's for amazing hot chocolate, where you sit at a picture window framed by the Alps, and Casa Chanterella, a fondue restaurant that can either be reached by cable car or a 30 minute sleigh ride.

Anyway, we had a great time. By the way, friends of ours insist that St. Mortiz doesn't have to be insanely expensive. We were there on business, but apparently there are some hotels that are moderately priced.

Good luck!

Thank you for your reply.
The kids are ages 8,12,15 years. They have only seen snow once. Although they may want to try skiing, sledding is more realistic.
We are more of an "artsy" family than a "sporty" family. Any type of music is well received.
Lucerne seems like a wise choice for a home base. Do you agree?
Any recommendations on where to stay? My husband and I would appreciate five star, but it is wasted on my children.
Thank you, Thank you.

With only four days, I really think Weadles had the right idea for you. Your kids have only seen snow once? Lucerne might have snow or it might not. I don't think it has any right now (unless it snowed last night).

Staying in Pontresina or St. Moritz would let you experience the area first hand and not just see it quickly by train.

- do a train trips to Guarda or Poschavio for a day trip
- go to Scuol and relax in the spa
- see the museums
- take cross country skiing lessons for an hour.
- take skiing lessons for half a day.
- sledding at night

Drawback?
1. Bad weather risk
2. Bring ski clothes (takes more luggage)

Skip Lucerne and do Switzerland at its best!

You're very welcome. I have not yet been to Lucerne, but I have read a lot about it and heard many people say they loved it. Most tours to Switzerland base themselves there. From what you say of your family's characteristics, it does sound like a good bet for you. Of course, if there is no snow in Lucerne proper, the mountains, other villages are right across the lake. I suggest going to various travel review websites for hotel ideas and reviews, i.e., right here at Fodors, TripAdvisor.com, and Expedia.

Check out Schuler's new thread today: Feb/March Event Calendar in Switzerland

Thank you all.
We have decided to explore the St. Moritz/ Pontresina region of Switzerland. It seems a logical choice with plenty of winter activities sure to keep my brood occupied.
I am now in the process of booking rooms in what is peak season. If anyone has lodging reccommendations please pass them along.

Hi kidsintoe,

I think you've made a great decision -- though I do love Luzern, I think the Engadin will give you MORE scenery & neat winter activities.

Just to give you some ideas of what the area offers, here's a link to Ingo's Oct 05 Trip Report (with photos):

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/229817/index.html

Usually the walking trails are kept free of snow, so you'll be able to do most of his actiities.

As for hotels, do you have a price preference? I would suggest you start here (do a text search for "Pontresina hotels," etc) and at www.tripadvisor.com. Alternately, you can try booking online by availability at www.engadin.ch (I just did a quick online request for 22 Feb for 6 nights and came up with a bunch of hotels, from 2-star to 5-star in all towns like Pontresina, Zuoz, St. Moritz, Silvaplana . . . You should have no problem).

Good luck!

s

As for Swiss Pass mentioned above - though you can buy them in Switzerland they currently cost significantly more there so contact RailEurope if you think you need a pass. To talk to someone who's a Swiss rail expert and will give you an objective look at whether you need a pass or not (if you're going zuirch-Bernina and back you probably do) call BETS (800-441-2387; www.budgeteuropetravel.com), a RailEurope agent who i've bought passes from for years and highly recommend for their expertise. they also don't charge some of RailEurope's handling fees. You may consider a consecutive day pass which would be good on trains, including Bernina Express, buses and trams in cities, many boats and postal buses.

kidsintoe,

What is your hotel budget?