January 5, 2012 Lausanne, Switzerland

While many U.S ski resorts struggle with an unusually dry and warm winter, the Lake Geneva Region of Switzerland is covered in a deep blanket of fresh snow – with more on the way. The ski season has just begun, but Lake Geneva Region resorts are reporting impressive snowfall totals. The resort at Les Diablerets has already received eight feet of snow to date, while Leysin has six feet, Villars-Gryon has more than five feet and Chateaux d’Oex has nearly four feet of snow. The good news is that the forecast is calling for even more snow in the Lake Geneva Region in the next few days.

The Lake Geneva Region, also known as the Canton of Vaud, lies in Southwestern Switzerland, along the northern shore of Lac Leman, a.k.a. Lake Geneva. For skiers visiting the region, the proximity of culturally rich cities along the lake, such as Lausanne, Montreux and Vevey — with their museums, restaurants and shops — make it unlike any other ski area in the world.

Ski vacations in the Lake Geneva Region have long been a terrific value, and even more so with cost of U.S. ski passes now topping $100 a day at major US resorts. The  Free for Kids offer gives children age 9 and under a complimentary ski pass and free accommodations in their parents’ room. The offer is good for 37 properties in Château-d’Oex, Rougemont, Leysin-Les Mosses, Les Diablerets and Villars-Gryon.

You don’t need to be a hero to ski the pistes of the Lake Geneva Region: the mountains in this region are technically the Pre-Alps, the slopes that lead up to the higher Alps with runs that are kinder and gentler and ideal for families. Cross-country fans can take advantage of the Jura area, which offers some of the most extensive cross country skiing in all of Europe. There’s the 93 mile long Alpine Circuit and the 275 mile Jurassic area, ideal for both classic and skate skiing. For those who are new to the sport, the First Time Offer is for a free one day rental of either cross country skis or snowshoes while staying in a participating area hotel.

With stunning mountain views across Lake Geneva, cozy chalets serving authentic cheese fondue, and fast scenic rail connections from Geneva Cointrin Airport to the mountain villages in less than two hours, the Lake Geneva Region offers the ultimate Swiss ski vacation. Thanks to more than 500 miles of marked ski runs, the resorts of the Lake Geneva Region can offer slopes for skiers and boarders of all abilities.

For more news and information, visit www.lake-geneva-region.ch and follow on Twitter @regionduleman