Davos

The largest ski resort in Switzerland and the highest city in Europe, Davos is dwarfed by mountains on both sides of the valley (Davos means “behind” or “beyond” in the Romansh language). Five separate ski areas have been developed, any one of which would be considered big by American standards. The new Parsenn cograil bahn, right out of Davos Dorf, has increased speed and capacity to give access to the largest ski domain in the region. In addition, this multifaceted winter sports complex offers miles of cross-country trails, tobogganing, sleigh rides and skating on Europe's largest outdoor rink.

Claim to fame: The town was founded in 1860 by Dr. Spengler, a German physician who recognized the benefits of the dry, healthy climate in treating tuberculosis, a scourge of the times. Huge balconies seen on older houses were for patients to lie out in the sunshine.