Virtually every sport is available in Geneva, whether indoors or outdoors, in town or in the countryside, in or on the water, in the snow or in the air. The lake is ideal for sailing, rowing, water-skiing and, of course, swimming, which is a "pure" pleasure, literally speaking. Neither efforts nor expenses are spared by the authorities to keep the city’s waters pollution-free. The Rhône and Arve rivers which flow through Geneva offer additional pleasures such as canoeing and rafting. Enchanting streams and brooks in the vicinity invite the fisherman. Horseback-riding is a popular sport in the surrounding countryside ; the vinyards and Jura hills are ideal for hiking and biking ; mountain climbers find their happiness in the nearby Alpine mountains. Tennis facilities are available in town as well as in the surrounding areas and, last but not least, the Geneva region offers one of Europe’s most beautiful golfing sites. Many splendid golf courses within a well-preserved natural environment await players of all levels. Winter sports enthusiasts should note that Geneva is situated near the best skiing areas of the Alps. In 1 or 2 hours, famous Swiss mountain resorts like Gstaad, Crans-Montana, Zermatt, the village of the Matterhorn, or the French towns of Chamonix and Val d’Isère can easily be reached via road or rail.