What is Leysin like?
 

Hello everyone,
Last year my husband and I went to Muerren and LOVED it! We want to go back, but it was on a timeshare and there's no rooms free this year. We've been offered a week in Leysin at the Castel Club.
I've been trying to find out information on the town and the hotel, but not finding too much.
Can anyone tell me what Leysin is like and if they've stayed at the Castel Club?
Many thanks!
K. Martin

Hi kmartin,

I spent a few hours in Leysin a few years ago -- unfortunately, I lost all the film from that trip, so I can't point you to any photos.

My impression was that Leysin was a scattering of chalet-style buildings acrss the mountains. I didn't see any real cluster of buildings that you could call a town or a village. There are spectacular views, though! I just did a photo search at www.webshots.com and found this (community.webshots.com/photo/301263917/301263917oPdpaF) along with about 1,000 other photos. They may help you see what the area is like.

Also know that Leysin is the home of a HUGE English-language school; the school pretty much dominates the town as it takes up about a dozen buildings, with dorms and classrooms, and administration, etc. Students are teens.

Hope this helps.

s

That helps loads. Thanks S.
We have the chance to go the week of January 7th. Do you know, is the English school open all year round?

Hi kmartin,

Here's a link to the school's schedule:
www.las.ch/schedule.htm

The schedule says the student return on 7 & 8 January, and classes begin on 9 January. I wouldn't think it would be quiet!

But the school's site has some nice photos. It's at www.las.ch (Leysin American School).

s

We spent a night in Leysin in the summer in the mid-90s. It is about three miles up the mountains above Montreaux with no guardrails on the road and local drivers who don't like to be behind newbies.

We stayed in the Holiday Inn, and I was awakened about 4:00 a.m. by the church bells chiming the time. There was a cool breeze blowing, a full moon shining into the room through the open French doors to the balcony, and snow capped mountains in the background, and it was one of those travel moments we all long for. I got up and went outside, wanting to wake everyone up and say, "Come and share this with me." Common sense prevailed, however, since I didn't really think it was a good hour to get people up! It is one of the times that come to mind, though, when someone me asks why I love travel so.