If you can do it on the snow or ice, you can do it in Davos, particularly skiing of course, from beginners to advanced, with some notorious off-piste adventures thrown in. Davos is also one of Europe's most popular snowboarding venues. There are several funparks for boarders, particularly at Jakobshorn. Tobogganing, sledding, sleigh rides and skating events on the largest open-air ice rink in Europe are also popular holiday pastimes. Some worthwhile excursions are a trip through the high Alps to the famous spa of Scoul, or visit St Moritz (90 minutes away). Snowmobiling, snow-shoeing, ice-climbing, hang-gliding and paragliding are on offer, as are numerous indoor sports like tennis, golf and squash, and there is an indoor pool.

The three official languages are Swiss German, French and Italian. A few people speak Romansch, but this is confined to the southeastern corner of the country. Most people know at least three languages, including English.

The official currency is the Swiss franc (CHF) divided into 100 rappen (German) or centimes (French). Although not part of the EU many prices are nonetheless indicated in Euros and some merchants may accept Euros. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted and ATMs are widespread; many are equipped with the Cirrus or Maestro system. Banks offer the best exchange rates for travellers cheques and foreign currency, but it is also possible to exchange money at major hotels, main train stations and airports. Banks are open Monday to Friday.

The slopes in Davos are better suited to beginners and intermediates. Advances skiers looking for some excitement on the slopes should best head elsewhere.

Most visitors on a Davos holiday turn in fairly early to ensure an early morning on the ski slopes, but those who want to burn the midnight oil won't be disappointed. There are close on 20 discos and nightclubs in the area offering live entertainment and dancing, and a casino in the Hotel Europa, but the focus of the bright lights is on the Davos Platz. The all-night Express Bar heats up after 3am and closes at 7am. There are also several late-night pubs and bars, some with pool tables. Young snowboarders tend to congregate at the bars at the foot of Jakobshorn.

There are scores of restaurants in the greater Davos/Klosters area offering a vast selection to suit every taste and pocket. When it comes to haute cuisine the best are located in the major hotels, but for cosy après ski evenings use the funiculars and cableways and head for a mountain restaurant to sample homegrown local delights. Around the Davos Platz there is an international selection including Italian, American, Mexican, Indian, Chinese and Thai at reasonable prices. Of course the Swiss are best known for the fondue, which is on offer everywhere but particularly recommended at the Bistro Gentiana. The more upmarket restaurants require advance booking, and many Davos establishments close their kitchens early, around 10pm.

Being a 'mega-resort' in comparison to the usual village-centred ski destinations in the Alps, a Davos holiday also offers mega shopping opportunities, with more than 100 shops, art galleries and boutiques ready and waiting to swipe eager visitors' credit cards in exchange for a plethora of goods, from tinkling cow bells to designer label clothing. It takes hours to explore all the shops clustered mainly along the two main streets around the Davos Platz.

Local time in Switzerland is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between March and October).