Helvetic Alps

</div>The Helvetic Alps are a long chain of mountains located in Europe along the eastern borders of the Helvetic Confederation and Christianan between those nations and the nations of Adelyne, Gunnlandia, and Wazistan. The highest peaks of the mountains extend into the 19,000 foot (5800 m) range. As such, many of the tops of the mountains have snow year-round. This provides great powder for snowboarders and skiers who frequent the range.

Greenbriar Mountain

Greenbriar Mountain is the tallest peak in the Helvetic Alps, reaching a height of 19,232 feet (5862 meters). It is located in the Helvetic Confederation, east of the city of Geneva. Two ski resorts are situated on the mountain at the 11,500 foot level. Few have ever dared to ski higher elevations on this mountain because of its many steep drops and disposition to avalanches. The image of Greenbriar Mountain provides the backdrop to the Helvetic license plate.

Lake Geneve

</div>Lake Geneve is located within the city of Geneva. It is a natural lake formed from the melting snows of surrounding mountains. It is one of the highest alpine lakes in Europe. The lake, at an altitutde of 6,252 feet (1906 meters), provides year-round enjoyment to tourists, reaching temperatures of 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius) in the summer and yet still getting exceptional snow in the winter. The lake has a famously intense emerald-blue color to it, caused by the reflection of the clear, blue sky in the lake. Under less-than-favorable weather conditions, the lake has appeared other shades, including green and even black.

Much of the lakeshore is protected park land, which prevents overdevelopment along the lake. There are also several other parks in the surrounding areas where tourists can camp, hike, cross-country ski, and fish. For those less inclined towards outdoor activities, the town of South Shore, obviously enough located on the southern shore of the lake, is a relatively developed community with hotel-casinos and world-class shopping.

Big Bear Mountain

</div>Big Bear Mountain is the highest point in Christianan, reaching an altitude of 18,789 feet (5727 meters). It is reknown for its excellent powder for snowboarding and skiing. The peak is often snow-capped year-round, allowing the only ski resort on the mountain to operate all twelve months. The entire mountain is a national park, preserving the natural beauty of the area. During the summer, hikers and campers populate the slopes. At the base of the mountain is Big Bear Village, which offers the best access for anyone looking to get on the mountain. During the second week in July, the road leading up the mountain from the village becomes the track for the National Street Luge Championships. A national record of 21 feet of snow fell on Big Bear Mountain over 24 hours on December 27, 1987. In the spring, water from snow melt produces several spectacular waterfalls around the mountain, water that provides the valleys below with drinking water.

Big Bear Valley

</div>Big Bear Valley lies directly adjacent to Big Bear Mountain and dips to an altitude of -2 feet (-0.6 meters), making it the lowest point in Christianan and the Helvetic Alps. Through the center of the valley flows Furnace Creek, which slowly carved out the valley over millions of years. Because of its location on the eastern side of Big Bear Mountain, Big Bear Valley receives the least amount of rainfall per year in the whole nation. The highest recorded nation in Christianan was recorded in Big Bear Valley: 127 degrees Fahrenheit. The valley is part of the same national park that encompasses the adjoining mountain. The only human settlement in the valley is a casino-resort which doubles as the park's lodge and rangers' base.