I can’t offer a wealth of info on Switzerland, but here are a few observations from the not-too-distant Bavarian Alps and Tirol:
The conditions are terrible early in the season. For the past few years there has been almost no snow until late January. Last winter was particularly bad, resorts across Europe were dealing with low snow. When there is snow, the grooming is exceptional.
The best resorts are often the smaller, less popular ones. The big, destination resorts get clogged up quickly with vacationers, especially during public holidays. You’ll quickly find an out of the way, hidden gem.
Costs are significantly lower than in Canada. Lift tickets generally run about 40 euros per day, with season passes ranging from 350-600 euros. (The 600 euro option gives you access to numerous resorts on both sides of the German/Austrian border - great value!) That being said, everything in Switzerland its expensive, so I would expect the costs to be higher there.
All of the mountains, including the tiniest holes-in-the-wall, have new lifts. It’s like they get a deal from the manufacturers to show off the most cutting edge lift technology.
Most places issue you an RFID card, and use automated turnstiles at each lift. There’s no attendant to scan tickets / passes or attempt to keep order. If it’s busy, much pushing, shoving, and line-cutting happens.
The clientele seems less hardcore; a coffee break precedes a relaxed lunch, followed by at least one more coffee / beer / schnapps break in the afternoon. If you time it right, you can have entire runs to yourself!
Transportation is a breeze, and the trains have racks for skis and snowboards (bikes in the summer). Taking the bus with a full compliment of gear is perfectly acceptable.
It’s still very skiing oriented. However, the availability of HB gear is much better!