Its high altitude, long-standing skiing tradition and natural alpine landscape make Adelboden one of the most popular ski resorts in the Swiss Alps.

After a four-day stay in the mountain village, which stands 1350m above sea level, I didn’t want to leave.

Adelboden is a family-friendly, refreshing holiday getaway.

From thundering waterfalls to peaceful mountain lakes, the natural world of the Swiss mountains is breathtaking.

Serving a piste network of more than 185km, the destination is a terrific winter arena for snow sport enthusiasts not to mention the range of sporting and cultural highlights held there throughout the year.

What struck me most about the destination was the array of activities on offer in and around this quaint village in both summer and winter.

Visitors can spend the colder months surrounded by powder snow enjoying the romance of winter in the Alps, while the summer provides the opportunity for long mountain walks along the region’s sunny plateaus and cycle rides.

With a 300km network of footpaths, 210km of marked mountain bike or cycle routes and 45km ‘Trottinett’ routes, Adelboden is a hub of activity.

It also offers a selection of cross country ski terrain.

Our visit involved an action-packed stay of skiing, sledging and snow-shoeing as well as stopping off at the numerous mountain guesthouses and alpine huts en-route. Adelboden is also a permanent feature on the FIS Ski World Cup calendar.

The giant slalom and the slalom on the Chuenisbärgli peak are classic alpine ski events, attracting over 20,000 spectators to the village every year. It is on the World Cup slalom that we watched a spectacular night laser show which involved demonstrations from expert skiers, instructors and youngsters.

A trip to the Fondue-Igloo is a must for all visitors – its endless rooms and passages are hypnotising and the cheese fondue must be among the best in the world.

In the sixteenth century, the inhabitants of the Engstligen valley, in which Adelboden is situated, were known as forest people as they lived off the land, rearing cattle and growing basic crops.

In 1872 a gentleman by the name of Pastor Rohr from Berne vacationed with Christian Hari at Schlegeli, becoming Adelboden’s first holiday guest.

The first international ski races were held in 1955. Following an afternoon of snowshoeing after arriving in Untermeyer dem Brig, we came across the Engstligen Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Switzerland. From one of the highest altitude spots in Switzerland flows the area’s very own Adelbodner mineral water.

Snowshoeing is one of the many traditions still cultivated in Adelboden.

Walking in deep snow in peaceful corners and walkways through the trees away from the crowds is a breathtaking experience and is suitable for every age group. Sledging on traditional wooden sledges proved to be great fun on Tschentenalp, which offers outstanding views of the entire valley.

A day spent with experienced ski instructor Robert Willen, who works as a mountain farmer in the summer, gave a real insight into Swiss Alp culture.

We skied from the highest points, past the neighbouring village of Lenk, and enjoyed hearing about his family who have lived in the mountains for generations.

He told me that tradition can be witnessed in the summer months when the cattle return to the mountains and about how a sunny mountain plateau is transformed into Europe’s highest 18-hole golf course.

A real highlight of the trip was the journey from Zurich to Adelboden.

We travelled the length of Switzerland by train and bus taking in the scenery, making the most of our Swiss transfer ticket.

Of 3,800 apartments, 50 per cent are second homes and a wide range of accommodation is on offer.

I stayed in the Hotel Viktoria Eden, which hosts 21 double rooms including three family rooms with bunk beds and is within walking distance of the cable car and bus station.

Its warm, cosy atmosphere provided an enjoyable stay at the heart of the village for reasonable prices.

The rest of our party stayed in deluxe, design hotel The Cambrian- on the other end of the price spectrum.

From high energy to extreme laziness, budget to extravagance and a jam-packed calendar in both summer and winter, Adelboden has it all.

Factfile

For more information on Switzerland visit MySwitzerland.com or call Switzerland Travel Centre on the International freephone 00800 100 200 30 or e-mail, for information info.uk@myswitzerland.com.

Swiss International Air Lines UK to Zurich: SWISS offers up to 19 daily flights from London Heathrow, London City, Birmingham and Manchester to Zurich.

Fares start from £129* return. For reservations call 0845 601 0956 or visit swiss.com.

  • The Swiss Travel System provides a dedicated range of travel passes and tickets exclusively for visitors from abroad. The Swiss Transfer Ticket covers a round-trip between the airport/Swiss border and your destination.

Prices are £92 in second class and £149 in first class. For the ultimate Swiss rail specialist call Switzerland Travel Centre on 00800 100 200 30 or visit swisstravelsystem.co.uk.