A few years back (2008), I took a 1- hour lesson on how to snowboard in Pennsylvania. I was SOLD after that course. Went on Craigslist to purchase snowboard equipment and a ski lift package to Mountain Creek (New Jersey). My snowboard moves were so Amazingly Wicked (on a 100 ft bunny slope), I thought I was ready for the big leagues. For my Christmas holiday 2009, MLK weekedn 2010 & New Years 2010, I had the chance to show those Swiss Alps my skillz or so I thought. In reality, those beginner trails in Switzerland's snow parks are NOT truly beginner slopes. I’m definitely not a good snowboarder but I don’t remembering the mountains in NJ/PA hitting back as hard as the Alps. There hasn’t been a snowboard excursion, which I didn’t end up with huge bruises all over my body. At one point, I recollected being laid out on the snow (yeah, I fell hard & couldn't get up for a while) as little kids whizzed by me. At this moment, I had an epiphany. Skiing/ Snowboarding are activities as natural as walking for the Swiss. I don’t doubt once a child can crawl, that baby starts learning how to ski. So, of course these trails are labeled easy but, the scale of measurement NJ and Switzerland uses, ENTIRELY different, ha-ha. Aside from all the bruises and total body soreness 3-days afterward, standing out on top of Jungfrau (Interlaken) or taking the lift up in Lax-Film affords some of the most breath taking views of pristine, untouched winter beauty. 
I have not traveled must through Switzerland, but know when I'll found a good place, Interlaken. Balmer's Hostel is a great location to the mountains and night life (Metro club). Since I have visited during holiday times x-mas and New Year's, there are additional festival activities. During x-mas, there was a nice holiday dinner available and naturally, a party followed at Balmer's. On New Year's the town of Interlaken has an outdoor festival of performances and traditional food vendors...mmmm Glühwein. Naturally there were fireworks and a great party ay Balmer's. This hostel also has an assortment of extreme activities ie paragliding, sky diving, white water rafting, etc. Some of the worth seeing sights in town is the castle ruins, the Lake Thun & Lake Brienz and the quaint surrounding towns of traditional wooden homes. The water is DELICIOUS. I highly recommend you eat the snow on top. Word of warning however, eating out in Switzerland is very expensive.
After a long day of boarding and a cup of Glühwein, a good night of dancing follows. I love Switzerland! Without a doubt, I’ll be back doing cartwheels down the mountain just for the opportunity to take in the wonders of the world while recovering from my falls.
