Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

Capital City: Bern
Closest Airport: Bern
Population: 958,897
Resort Area: Interlaken - Kleine Scheidegg - Schilthorn - Lauberhorn - Mannlichen - Simmental - Saanenland - Frutigland - Gstaad
Snow Season: Mid-December - end March
Main Language: French, German, Romansch
Currency: Swiss Franc

Sitting pretty much smack bang in the middle of Switzerland are the Bernese Alps, home to some rather impressive lumps of rock including the Jungfrau and Eiger, famous for being more than a little tricky to climb.

Though Bern's the capital of the region, it's Interlaken that holds the key to the high-altitude fun round here, whether it's winter or summer. The nearby resort of Grindelwald is probably the most established skiing destination in this neck of the woods, but there are plenty of alternatives, from the gentle beginner-friendly ski fields of Simmental and Frutigland to the downhill thrillers at Schilthorn, Mannlichen and Lauberhorn.