The ultimate guide to Switzerland’s ski resorts

The ultimate guide to Switzerland’s ski resorts

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the best ski areas in Switzerland! Nestled in the heart of the Alps, Switzerland is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, offering some of the most iconic and picturesque ski resorts in the world. From the majestic peaks of Zermatt to the charming villages of Davos and St. Moritz, Switzerland boasts a diverse range of ski areas that cater to skiers and snowboarders of all levels.In this guide, we'll take you on a virtual tour of Switzerland's top ski destinations, highlighting the unique features and attractions of each resort. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping runs, family-friendly slopes, or breathtaking alpine scenery, you'll find it all in Switzerland.So grab your skis or snowboard, and join us as we explore the best ski areas that Switzerland has to offer. Get ready for an exhilarating journey through snow-capped mountains, pristine slopes, and unforgettable winter adventures!

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Popular ski resorts in Switzerland

Popular ski resorts in Switzerland

With Switzerland holidays there is a tremendous choice of ski resorts, each of which displays the unique charms of the country but offers something a little different from the other. St. Mortiz is the classic resort offering glamour and fabulous sport. Zermatt is also hugely popular, being the highest resort in the Alps where the shadow of the Matterhorn overlooks some of the best trails in the world. Davis and Klosters offer plenty of variety and a choice between a traditional Alpine atmosphere or a buzzing party town. If you are looking for a pure Swiss village experience then Grindelwald has the looks to enchant anyone. Despite all this choice, we have selected three of our favourites to suit different needs.

For the lifestyle: St Moritz

It goes without saying that St Moritz is one of the most famous and highly regarded ski resorts in the world. This glamorous destination has been a regular haunt for the rich and famous for over a hundred years. From A-list film stars to royalty, anyone who is anyone has been photographed going down the slopes or sipping champagne here.

However, the decadence and exclusivity shows just one side of St Moritz, as it is also a fantastic place to ski. There are around 354km of pistes divided between four ski sectors, and lots of lifts to take you to the top. There is plenty for both beginners and experts alike, but it is worth noting that the huge range of long, gradual slopes are perfect for intermediate skiers.

St Moritz is also the home of some historic winter sports landmarks. The St Moritz-Celerina Olympic Bobrun is the world’s only natural ice-track and the oldest bob run in history. Only for the brave, thrill seekers get to ride between the pilot and brakeman, reaching speeds of up to 135 km/h. The track is open for guest trips* from late December to early March.

*Noting there is a minimum age restriction of 16 years

For the beginner: Saas-Fee

With an emphasis usually on black slopes and off-piste, finding Switzerland ski domains that cater towards beginners can be easier said than done. But with 37km of beginner trails, practice slopes and numerous ski-schools, it is hard to find a better place for a ski novice than Saas-Fee.

Located near the Italian border, the village sits at 1,800m above sea level and is known as the ‘Pearl of The Alps’. This should give an indication to how beautiful the surroundings are here. The traffic-free village features a number of unique experiences, from the Ice Pavillion - a huge grotto full of ice sculptures located in the heart of a glacier - to a spinning restaurant that sits at 3,500 metres above sea level, making it the world’s highest revolving eaterie.

As well as ideal facilities for first-timers, Saas-Fee also offers perfect opportunities to build on what you have learned, with 96km of intermediate slopes. Even the slopes marked red would be considered blue at more intense resorts.

For the family: Villars

With the combination of extensive, long slopes and a great choice of ski schools and nursery slopes, there’s something for everyone at Villars. The resort sits at 1300m, on a south-facing terrace above the Rhone Valley. It links with a number of great skiing areas, including Glacier 3000, which is located at the highest point of the Vaudois Alps and open all year round. It can be a slightly difficult trek to get there from Villars, but the breathtaking views and perfect snow make it worth it.

Villars especially excels when it comes to off-slope activities. There are toboggan runs, sledging and seven different trails to go snowshoe hiking, 3km of which are suitable for prams. The mountain railway is also a great way to take in the beautiful scenery. It’s also just a short car journey from Geneva airport, putting the number of “Are we there yet?” comments to a minimum.

For the ski enthusiast: Verbier

If you’re looking to push your skiing abilities, Verbier is the perfect place. The Swiss resort is one part of the 4 Valleys ski area, which includes Val de Bagnas, Nendaz, Veysonnaz and La Tzoumaz. Out of all of these areas, Verbier is the biggest and most famous, and for good reason – the slopes here are known as some of the best in the world.

With 400km of runs and 80 ski-lifts, Verbier is a playground for skiiers of all abilities. However, this is a park that really caters to the more experienced skier, with 40% of the terrain being classed as advanced. Some of the most well-known runs are Gentianes and Tortin, both of which offer a terrifying steep descent which is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Mont Fort is also a huge part of visiting Verbier. Sitting at 3,330m, it’s the highest point of the ski area and is reached by cable car only. When you’re up there, you get unparalleled views of the area, including the Matterhorn, and when you’re ready to make your way down, the possibilities are endless. For thrill-seekers, it’s off-piste heaven.

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Discover Club Med

Club Med's resort in Switzerland

Experience an adventure in the heart of the Swiss Alps with Club Med St. Moritz . Nestled in one of the world's most prestigious ski destinations, our resort offers an unparalleled ski holiday experience for guests of all ages. At Club Med St. Moritz, you'll discover the perfect blend of Swiss hospitality and premium amenities. Our spacious and elegantly appointed accommodations provide the perfect retreat after a day on the slopes, while our gourmet restaurants offer an array of delectable culinary delights to tantalise your taste buds. But it's not just about skiing at Club Med St. Moritz. Our resort boasts a wide range of activities and amenities to keep you entertained both on and off the slopes. From relaxing spa treatments to exhilarating snow sports, there's something for everyone to enjoy.