1. Chemicals (30%)
2. Machinery, electronics (29%)
3. High precision instruments, watches, jewelry (15%)
4. Metals (8%)
5. Agricultural and forestry products (4%)
6. Textiles, clothing, shoes (3%)
7. Vehicles (3%)

Listed below is a breakdown of Switzerlands top 10 resorts and places to ski. These 10 locations not only represent Switzerland’s best, but are also some of the most sought after locations in the world!

10. Arosa – Located in the Eastern section of Switzerland, Arosa is a summer and winter resort. Full of tradition and history, Arosa creates an experience that cannot be fully digested without an extend stay. So how are the slopes? Arosa has over 50 miles of pristine terrain for you to fully immerse in. The air is especially pure and the slope drop offs will challenge even the most experienced skiers. Nature lovers will also enjoy the relative isolation of Arosa as compared to some of the other resorts on this list

9. Gstaad/Saanenland- Looking for a ski resort where you can gain some experience without be subjected to extremely difficult courses? If so, then Gstadd might be the place for you. Their courses attract mostly beginners and intermediate skiers because the slopes aren’t as insane as some of the other locations in Switzerland.The only drawback for me is Gstaad is a bit on the pricey side. Swank hotels, trendy shops, and upscale restaurants are a common sight throughout. However, if money is not an obstacle, you will be pleased to know that the Gstadd/Saanenland area is one of the largest ski resorts in the Alps.

8. Murren – Murren is truly a picturesque sight to see. Located on a high cliff in Lauterbrunnen Valley over 5,400 ft. in the air, this mountain village can only be reached by cable car. With some of the best hiking and sledding trails in all of Switzerland, you will not have a problem finding things to do when the snow isn’t at it’s best (Summer Months). However, during peak snow season you will find that Murren offers some of the best snow and slopes around, attracting more advanced skiers.

7. Davos/Klosters – Davos is located in East Switzerland on the Landwasser River. The popularity of Davos has tailed off a bit from its heyday and the village is a bit rundown. Klosters offers a better alternative and brings in many skiers from The Netherlands and UK. This region offers ample slopes for the less experienced skier. There are many things to do, incudling superb hiking trails and mesmerizing restaurants located high in the sky.

6. Laax/Films/Falera – This area offers a wide range of summer sports. Skiing and snowboarding competitions are held through the winter months. Combinded, the Laax/Films/Falera area occupies over 130 sq. miles of prime skiing opportunities. The Vorab Glacier and Crap Sogn Gion attract much of the cross country skiing crowd while Foppa and Nagens represent an awesome downhill alternative for beginner and intermediate skiers. The lodging accommodations are reasonable and isn’t as pretentious as say Gstaad. If crowds aren’t your thing be sure to book your trip during the weekdays, the locals take advantage of the prime snow conditions during the weekends.

5. Saas-Fee – Saas-Fee is located in southwest Switzerland, next to Zermatt, and is home to the highest mountain in all of Switzerland, The Dom. What attracts many visitors to Saas-Fee is the amount of glacial activity. Glaciers of the Dom and the Allalinhorn allow for year-round sports activities, including summer skiing in some locations. With a wide range of blue rating slopes, Saas-Fee brings in much of the intermediate and advanced enthusiast. Don’t be intimidated,however. There are also many slopes and schools of training for beginners.

4. GrindelwaldNext on my list is Grindelwald, which lies in the valley of Bernese Oberland, located very close to the middle of Swizterland. With over 120 miles of prime ski slopes, Grindelwald skiers have many different areas to choose from, most choose the Kleine Scheidegg for a fine sking experience. What sets this location apart from the others are the slopes accesabile only by helicopter. Griendwald has some of the best helicopter skiing in the world! In addition, you will be amazed to find that Grindelwald is a hub for activity. If you ever get tired of the slopes, (highley unlikely) Grindelwald is filled with museums, top notch golf courses, and a wide array of other adventure sports.

3. St. Moritz- Want to experience a resort full of rich history, world class lodging, and 300+ days of sunshine? If so, then St. Moritz is the place for you! Located in the far south east corner of Switzerland, St. Moritz is one of the most famous destinations in Switzerland. Beginners will enjoy the area of Corviglia where you will experience relatively easy slopes while advanced skiers will soak up the mind-numbing bliss of Pontresina. The view is said to be majestic. However, as with many of the other higher end resorts in Switzerland, be prepared to spend a bit of money!

2. Verbier – The runner up on my list of top places to ski in Switzerland is Verbier. As one of the more popular Swiss resorts in the Alps, the slopes can get a bit crowded during peak season. The slopes stay in pristine condition during the Spring months and make for a wonderful alternative to the sometimes overcrowded winter. The wide assortments of unique and challeneging courses suits both beginners and advanced skiers. Tortin has consistently been rated as a top draw for experts while the numerous ski training locations in Verbier create a fun atmosphere for the beginner. In addition, superb hotels, dining, sporting activities, and night life make Verbier one of the world’s top ski destinations and tourist attractions.

1. Zermatt – Heard of Zermatt? If you haven’t heard about Switzerland’s greatest ski resort, you have now! Skiing is a year round event in Zermatt. Enjoy the Sunegga and Gornergrat regions during the winter months and make your way over to the Theodul Glacier for a fine intermediate adventure during the warmer summer months. With great snow, a wide array of obstacles and challenges, and some of the cleanest,freshest air in the world, Zermatt caters to just about everyone. In addition to incredible skiing, Zermatt features some of the most beautiful, natural ice skating rinks and many other adventure sporting activities such as climbing and paragliding. The world famous Matterhorn draws locals and tourists alike to scale this magnificent mountain. Nature lovers will appreciate the car-free resort with unbelieveable natural hiking trails. To visit Zermatt is said to have a Zen-like feel and this is why Zermatt is my top place to ski in Switzerland!

Zurich is located in the north and is Switzerland’s largest city and a major transportation hub. Like most Swiss cities, Zurich visitors and residents alike enjoy a huge body of water, Lake Zurich, provides the opportunity for romantic walks, bike rides and cruises. A great way to see the town is on a riverboat which functions similar to a city bus.

Known as one of Europe’s most “fountainous” cities, Zurich is sprinkled with more than 1200 fountains, a stream of cafes and streets with a colorful ambiance. One of the city’s art treasures is a set of Chagall stained-glass windows depicting Bible scenes located in the Fraumunster Church in the center of Zurich.

There is no better way to enjoy a beautiful sunny afternoon than to stroll through Backer Park which is considered to be one of the most beautiful and lush in all of Zurich. Once you have had your fill of the outdoors, head to the very interesting Indianermuseum where you can trace the history of the Native American culture. For a different type of culture, go over to Langstrasse, Zurich’s red light district. As dusk falls, it is great to stop for a drink at Long Street Bar or get in a few laughs at Volkshaus Zurich comedy club.

An hour south of Zurich lays the beautiful city of Lucerne. A covered, medieval Chapel Bridge forms the centrepiece of the city’s townscape and is considered to be one of the oldest, covered wooden bridges in Europe. Approximately 100 colorful paintings, some replicas and some dating from the 17th century, hang under the bridge’s rafters, showing scenes from Lucerne’s history. Swans often cluster near the bridge and locals will tell you the swans arrived in the 17th century as a gift from Louis XIV in appreciation for the protection the Swiss Guards provided him.

Historic houses are decorated with frescoes which line the numerous picturesque town squares such as ‘Weinmarkt’ square.

Picasso fans will want to see Lucerne’s Rosengart Collection which showcases several dozen black-and-white candid photographs of the artist. Here you will see Picasso in the bathtub, getting a haircut, playing dress-up and horsing around with children.

Lucerne is a city of town squares and churches. The Jesuit church dating from the 17th century is regarded as Switzerland’s first sacral Baroque building and the twin towers of the Hofkirche form an integral part of the townscape. The figure of a dying lion which was chiselled from rock in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guards killed during an attack on the Tuileries in 1792, is one of the best-known monuments in Switzerland.

Tradition and modern life stand side-by-side with ease in Lucerne, as the town has also earned a reputation for itself with innovative design. The futuristic Culture and Convention Centre, the KKL, designed by leading French architect Jean Nouvel, is one of the architectural highlights of the town. The Center is also a landmark of Lucerne and a venue for a wide variety of cultural events throughout the year.

Lucerne is the ideal starting point for many excursions to the highlights of central Switzerland. A trip up one of Lucerne’s regional mountains, the Pilatus or the Rigi – the queen of mountains – is a must. But excursions up onto the Stanserhorn, or a steamship cruise on Lake Lucerne with its many bends and arms are worthy experiences.

The Wilhelm Tell Express originates in Lucerne and ferries its passengers to the foot of the Gotthard pass via Lake Lucerne and then continues by rail into Ticino, south of the Alpine ridge. The “cherry road” leads from Lucerne through the landscape of cheery trees.

Lausanne is perched elegantly above Lake Geneva and has been home to the International Olympic Committee since 1915. The museum here displays a colorful history of the games complete with a century of ceremonial torches and medals. The evolution of sports equipment is evident here containing Carl Lewis’ track shoes and Sonia Henie’s ice skates.

Lausanne’s city centre spans several hilltops, linked by bridges spanning deep, river less gorges. Place St. Francois dominates the hilltop district known as the Bourg, formerly the wealthiest part of the city and still known for its upscale markets and boutiques. To the north the hill of The Old Town, crowned by the Cathedral, dominates the city. Expansion during the nineteenth century broadened the city scope to the east and west. The pedestrian walking zone lies north of the train station and provides great entertainment for shoppers and locals alike.

The waterfront area is the happy domain of commoners, office workers and roller skaters. The locals nicknamed their town the San Francisco of Switzerland for all its hills as it seems to be a trek each direction.

If you are a shopper, items to purchase in Switzerland may include pottery, watches, crystal, embroidered items, wood carvings, clocks (including cuckoos), Swiss army knives, liquors (Williamine, the best thing that can be done with a pear), lace, textiles, folklore souvenirs (such as music boxes), cowbells, cheese, antiques, stainless-steel cutlery, ski equipment and clothing, leather goods, shoes and of course chocolates!

Whether you enjoy displays of modern art or wish to explore Old World charm, the cities of Switzerland seem to have it all. While most people come to enjoy, explore and ski the alpine peaks, there is more to this country to be found in its glorious urban areas.

A few firms have already settled here, such as the Chinese Alibaba (media) headquartered in the city of Geneva. Others are the South Korean Songwon International (chemistry) in Frauenfeld and the Indian Arexera Information Technology in Schaffhausen.

To most entrepreneurs, Switzerland seems like an attractive location to do business through an offshore incorporation. That is why more than 180 international firms mostly from the U.S. and Europe like Kraft Foods, Cisco Systems, Nissan, Yahoo, Cadbury or Google moved their operations to the Lake Geneva region during the last decade.

Switzerland Gains Draw as Tax Haven

Several large U.S. companies are reincorporating from Bermuda to Switzerland. This helps them avoid expected legislation aimed at corporations located in tax heavens.

Just recently, oil-industry firms Weatherford International Ltd., Forster Wheeler Ltd. and Houston’s Noble Corp. as well as also conglomerate Tyco International Ltd. announced their moves. A similar move plans Transocean Inc., a big offshore driller after receiving shareholder approval. Early this year (2008), the board of Bermuda-based insurer ACE Ltd. approved a “redomestication” from the Cayman Islands to Zurich.

Chiefly, the moves are designed to preserve tax benefits the companies enjoyed while being domiciled in countries like the Cayman Islands and Bermuda or even in the US state Delaware with favourable tax rules.

However, those companies discovered that Switzerland is a better place for tax protection than in these countries. Tax authorities have threatened to close tax loopholes that allow U.S. companies to benefit from incorporating in offshore tax havens while operating from the U.S. Even if the laws should change, Switzerland’s tax treaties with the U.S. would still protect companies. For this reason, offshore incorporation in Switzerland will ensure the same tax advantages.

For years, the French part of Switzerland has lagged behind its Swiss-German rivals as a location for commerce. The city of Basel with its pharmaceutical, chemical and biotech industries flourished for years. Zurich’s financial services sector also grew very rapidly while the French speaking part of our country drew up the rear, bothered with above average unemployment and a lack of dynamic businesses.

Switzerland has become the logical choice for a company looking for their European operations and headquarters to this region. Regional company seats mean high-qualified jobs for people with a good education and appropriate salaries and a knowledge transfer.

According to a study in 2006, international companies already operating from Switzerland would again settle here. The companies from India, China, Taiwan and South Korea are going global right now. It has to do that the champions from Asia grow stronger into the world economy.

Nevertheless, they keep coming, not just from Asia but also from all over the world. The town of Rolle for instance has already made room for U.S. agriculture giant ADM (Archer Daniels Midlands) this year. So also to the Japanese luxury car brand Infiniti (Nissan International SA), which has set up its European operations to this town.

Nearby, the town of Nyon is the second most dynamic area in Switzerland for new offshore incorporation start-ups. It is currently registering an annual increase of seven per cent. Morges, another town close by registers similar increases. The addition of companies moving into the Geneva-Montreux region was very noticeable in recent years.

The Lake Geneva region – the perfect location for an offshore incorporation

Experts cite a combination of factors. The region offers quality of life to expat workers who are used to the daily grind of commuting in big European or U.S. urban areas.

Than, there is the availability of highly qualified staff, both in numbers and in proximity to the company’s location. This is rather difficult to find in other European countries. Additionally comes that Switzerland has a high educational standard and many employees are bi- if not tri-lingual.

For this reason, the region is proving particularly attractive to companies in the service industries. It will also move U.S. companies closer to a faster-growing customer base in East Europe and Asia, where more than half of their revenues may come from today.

Combine that with a very attractive taxation level and the availability of international schools for the children of managers…

… and the result is an overall offering that makes areas like this appear very attractive in international terms. For many, it is reason enough to move their European headquarters to Switzerland to form an offshore incorporation.

Switzerland is a landlocked country in central Europe. It is bordered by France, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Italy. It is Europe’s most mountainous country with the Alps in the middle and south and the Jura in the north-west.
The climate varies greatly, depending on altitude and relief, but in general summers aremild and winters cold with heavy snowfall.
Manufacturing of specialised products is important. Other industries produce chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles and food products. Banking and tourism are important activities.
The population of about 7.000.000 live in an area of about 42.000 square kilometers. Languages spoken are German, French, Italian and Romansch.
The capital of Switzerland is Bern.

.Reference resource: Click Here.

Football fans heading to Austria and Switzerland to catch some of the action of the Euro 2008 Football Championships have been told that the latter is a place that is likely to appeal to sports enthusiasts by Sunday Homes, a company that specialises in the Swiss property market.

Laurence Cederwell, manager of the firm, said that “sports fans from both summer and winter sports will definitely feel at home there”.

He added that Switzerland offers sports fans the opportunity to take part in a number of different activities with the option of finding a place between a lake and a mountain to tackle watersports in the summer and skiing in the winter.

.Reference resource: Click Here.

On our self-guided tours, you pick the dates, destinations, class of hotel, and as many or as few details as you like. If you want more guidance, tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll set up a proposal for something we think you’ll like. It’s a great way to get out and see Switzerland on your own, but with the assurance of know that you have the trip you want without the hassles of setting it up.

.Reference resource: Click Here.

Finding a suitable home is a top priority –our Home Search Service can take the stress out of this by :
• Planning a home-finding schedule and organising appointments with real estate agents and landlords.
• Accompanying the international assignee on all viewing appointments.
• Evaluating the properties to identify the right neighbourhood and house (depending on family needs, access to city, distance to schools, etc.).
• Giving advice on market prices.
• Negotiating the sale or rental price and conditions on behalf of assignee and his company.
• Providing legal advice on sale or rental contracts (getting the right clauses in the right contract).
• Checking and translating the sale or rental contract.

.Reference resource: Click Here.