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Introduction:
The Alps span some 200 kilometres (125 miles), at an average altitude of 1700 m (5576 ft), and cover nearly two thirds of Switzerland's total surface area. The snow line begins at 2,500-2,800 meters (8,200-9186 feet). There are 48 mountains which are 4,000 meters (13,120 feet) or higher and about 1,800 glaciers.
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Getting there:
The Alps provide recreation and relaxation for the urban population. Mountain railways have been constructed, as well as sports centres, hotels and vacation homes.
60% of tourism is concentrated in the Alps and their foothills. This provides employment in the mountain regions, but also causes ecological problems. 75 percent of tourists arrive by private car.
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Despite the fact that Switzerland covers only 14% of the Alps total area, 48 of 82 Alpine four-thousanders are located in the Swiss Alps and the remaining few are within 20 km of the country's border. The glaciers of the Swiss Alps cover approx. 3% of the Swiss territory, representing 44% of the total glaciated area in the Alps. The culminating point of this world of lakes and glaciers is the Monte Rosa in the Valais with an altitude of 4,634 m (15,202 ft) at the Dufour Peak.
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