Switzerland is a huge destination for tourists, and with good reason. The natural beauty of this small, Alp-filled country is hard to beat. In the winter, Switzerland becomes one of the world’s premiere ski destinations, while in the summer, the mountains fill up with hikers and the lakes with bathers.

In the seasons in between, however, a lot of Switzerland’s tourist areas all but close down. The gondolas and chair lifts which transport skiers and hikers are closed for repair, or just because of lack of demand. Many hotels and restaurants close as their owners head out for their own vacations. And the bustling party scenes in popular resorts such as Zermatt and Interlaken all but dry up.

Despite these obstacles, spring and fall can be fabulous times for a getaway in the Swiss Alps, as long as you do a little advanced planning. I think these times are even better than summer for hiking, since the sun isn’t quite as oppressive.

Although you may have to search a little harder to find a hotel or apartment that’s available, it’s possible to score some great off-season discounts at the places that do remain open during these times. Be sure to ask about the specific amenities that will be available during your stay – during the off-season, breakfast may not be served and the hot tub might be out of commission, for example.

We found a great deal on an apartment in Zermatt last spring, with sweeping views of the town and the Matterhorn, via Zermatt’s website. Although a couple of lifts were down for repairs, we still managed to get in plenty of panoramic hikes, and in the evening we were well entertained. Many other Swiss mountain destinations have similar websites to Zermatt’s, and I’ve found them to be great resources for planning mountain getaways. Now, where to go this weekend?