suggestions for the alps in Nov.
 

Could anyone help me with ideas for the alps the first week in November....for a honeymoon couple who like to mountain bike, hike, or even just drive around . Is it too cold then ?...is it inbetween seasons?, ...would some hotels be closed.?....is it too early for skiing/ Thanks....This could be in Italy, France,Switzerland, Austria...they are flexible, but only have 10 days, including air time from the States. (My husband and I have been to the alps at that time, and found it interesting and quite chilly, some snow etc,,,but then we are retired and not as athletic as the couple in their 30's )Thanks

Mary - sure, it will be kind of cold here in Switzerland, perhaps rainy once in a while but if we're lucky we'll get one of those great patches of a long, sunny week. Plus, some infrastructure like lifts will very likely be closed until ski season begins in earnest in December. But, if you're honeymooning, and it's November, then pamper yourselves at the same time as staying at a place for active people where you may not need the services of lifts but can undertake activity right around your village or hotel. Below are my suggestions:<BR><BR>Hole up at the Hotel Waldhaus in Sils Maria, Switzerland. Why?<BR><BR>- This is the "Engadin" or eastern Alps region of Switzerland. It can be debated left and right, but it's probably in the most scenic area of the country. You will be surrounded by stunning Alpine vistas...<BR><BR>- Sils Maria is a quaint small village. You will not be far from lakes (Silvaplanasee for instance), mountain hikes (try the Fex Valley just behind the village or mountain-bike/hike in the main valley along the lakes); history (visit the Nietzsche house or any of many very old houses and churches around); or visit any of the other great villages in the area like Maloja, St. Moritz (this one's become more of city..), Pontresina, Samedan, etc...; and mountain passes, which include the Bernina, Julier, Albula among one or two others.<BR><BR>- The cuisine in this area is hearty yet very cultivated. The best of Switzerland. <BR><BR>- The Hotel Waldhaus (5-star) won't be "cheap", but it will be an EXPERIENCE, and that's what you want - it's a large manor house sitting on a small hill, with old wood style (not chalet, but of the area and the period), stunning interiors, wellness center, and rooms. Plus the hotel organizes lots of its own activities around the grounds and the area. <BR><BR>- Travel time to reach it: maybe 4-5 hrs. by car from Zurich. Or go by the dependable train-bus system.<BR><BR>Also - the eastern and southern part of Switzerland are the most likely to have good weather...<BR><BR>Alternatively, I'd recommend places in Switzerland like Wengen (car free, views of Eiger-Monch-Jungfrau); Saanenmoser (Hotel Hornberg, 4-star), Zermatt (Hotel Julen, 4-star and GREAT wellness center); or Chateau d'Oex (Hostellerie Bon Acceuil, 3-4 star, wonderful small, chalet feel). <BR><BR>Have fun planning. ABOVE ALL, choose 1 place and stay there and enjoy it. Not sense in traveling around with your heads cut off...<BR><BR>

No doubt, I second your suggestion of Hotel Waldhaus in Sils. Have been there ... outstanding, unique, but ...<BR><BR>it is closed from late Oct till mid Dec!<BR><BR>I recommend to go to Ticino, probably Locarno is your best choice.<BR><BR>Ingo

Argh! You're probably right, Ingo. Forgot about the late autumn hotel closures....<BR><BR>How about the area around Ascona (Switzerland) as well? And the Hotel Castello del Sole? Haven't been there personally, but have heard a lot about it. Anyone have a personal take...?

Sorry, Castello del Sole is also closed at this time. As I mentioned, Locarno would be your best choice IMO. It is lively, not only with tourists. Great Italian atmosphere. Try Hotel Belvedere www.belvedere-locarno.ch Rates are affordable in Nov.<BR><BR>Ingo