While Swiss skiing expenses exceed those of neighboring French, Austrian and Italian skiing territories the country provides numerous advantages to offset this cost factor. Switzerland delivers exceptional efficiency in everything along with abundant snowy peaks exceeding 4,000 meters which create plentiful high altitude skiing possibilities and it also holds a long tradition in winter sports. Several Swiss ski resorts will welcome FIS World Cup events which begin at Zermatt during early November so now is the best time to visit their snow-covered trails.
We present a detailed analysis of the finest ski destinations in Switzerland for all travelers who wish to explore Swiss slopes this winter season including novice visitors and repeat Verbier and Zermatt ski resort enthusiasts.
1. Aletsch Arena
A utopian visionary from the 1950s would recognize Aletsch Arena as his vision of the future world. The brutalist concrete structure supports massive cable car operations that cross above the extensive carpark building. Stepping off the upper cable car becomes an entrance to a whole new environment which stands 1000 vertical meters above. The skiers replace roads with snow-covered pistes and opt for snowmobiles instead of cars while they leisurely ski down the residential zones against the flow of pedestrians.
Aletsch Arena ski area consists of three independent villages that provide separate cable car services to reach the valley base. Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescher. You can find the best ski-in/ski-out lodging throughout the entire Earth at these three connected towns where old Swiss chalets mix with modern hotel buildings.
Intermediates and families will enjoy the wide blue and red pistes that link the villages resulting in this ideal family destination. All ski slopes at the Aletsch Arena maintain gentle gradients because the resort’s orientation receives abundant sunlight throughout the day. The extensive elevation above 2,000 meters at Aletsch produces excellent snow retention which supports its otherwise fragile weather conditions during peak season. A sophisticated artificial snow system maintains snow coverage over the parts where the system fails.
The two main attractive features of Aletsch resort reflect its accessibility together with its geographical advantages. Stunning views of the Matterhorn peak along with its surrounding peaks extend across one side of the site. The mountains of the Aletsch Glacier stand as the largest glacier within Europe.
2.Andermatt
Located near Zurich with secure snow coverage Andermatt grew better through its £1.4 billion development program which mainly focused on expanding and upgrading slopes. The enhancements in Andermatt now provide access to both newbie-friendly ski resorts of Sedrun and Disentis while offering expanded terrain opportunities within Andermatt itself with its 180 kilometers of skiable pistes at elevations reaching up to 3,000 meters.
The ski zone features two sections namely Gemsstock catering to advanced skiers through its north-facing runs with excellent snow conditions and Nätschen serving novice skiers with Europe’s premier beginner terrain.
Investing most of your vacation time at Nätschen requires you to book accommodation at the five-star Chedi Andermatt. The nine restaurants and après ski bars at the hotel include a stand-out Japanese establishment where guests can savor their Asian meal while enjoying vista views of mountain peaks extending to the Oberalp pass and Ursern Valley.
3. Crans-Montana
Ski downhill and board on the 140 kilometre track network spread across 1,500 – 3,000 meters in elevation that suits all skill levels at Crans-Montana. Skiers and snowboarders at an intermediate level up should find Crans-Montana ideal since the resort contains a FIS Ski World Cup downhill course in addition to optimal ski touring terrain.
The resort added 15 exclusive touring trails in 2018 along with a £4 rescue coverage pass that tourists need only to use the trails (unlikely they will need it). Alaïa Chalet became part of the resort offerings when it opened its doors in 2018. The large sports facility inside and outside its premises offers instruction in parkour together with skateboard lessons.
With three to five-star hotels composing most of the accommodation options Crans-Montana boasts 90 restaurants serving various cuisines including Thai and Argentinian and Italian that include two Michelin-star dining options.
The American company Vail Resorts purchased controlling ownership of Crans Montana during the year 2023. The new investor has dedicated funding for expanding infrastructure together with improving guest services and enhancing food and drink offerings. The company made a promise to maintain the essence of the resort which defines its uniqueness. Everyone should keep their fingers crossed because the situation looks favorable for both parties involved.
4. Grimentz
The ski resort Grimentz maintains a low profile because it exists between the well-known mountain areas of the 4 Valleys and Verbier region and Zermatt.
The demographic of Grimentz guests primarily consists of two distinct groups which find its terrain preferences ideal. These are first parents who want safety for their children amid low crowds then skiers who want to avoid crowded areas.
The ski area demonstrates pleasant snowsure slopes which contain blue and red and green terrain features as well as elevations that stay above 2,000m. The resort encompasses 115km of ski paths that will keep all intermediates busy through a complete skiing week.
The expert off-piste opportunities at this location stand out greatly. North-facing mountain slopes at Engelberg-Titlis retain snow very well thanks to their shaded orientation as experts discover many intense slopes for lengthy vertical drops. In terms of prices the village offers affordable rates with moderate lift pass expenses that match Swiss price standards.
5. Grindelwald
This is a resort with everything: access to the grand Jungfrau region, with its vast lift network allowing you to tackle the FIS-certified Lauberhorn slopes and still home in time for tea; a sense of pretty, old-fashioned resort centre with some of the best of regional cafes and shops, and sizeable proximity to Zurich, Geneva and Basel airports.
The 160 kilometres of pistes reach a height of 2,971m, and there are 80 kilometres of beautifully maintained winter walking trails as well. The best bit? In total, you will be able to toboggan down 60 kilometres of trails, our favourite being the 15-kilometre run (Europe’s longest) that cuts down the steep side of Bernese Alps’ Faulhorn mountain.
There is rather an intimidating Eiger looming over this attractive ski resort – but don’t let that put you off – the terrain is fantastically varied, provided most of the trails are blue and red. Watch out for chamois running across the wildlife reserves (beyond the ski terrain) scattered about the ski area. For the finest views or commanding peaks, ascend the Eiger Express, which started to service in the end of 2020. The 26-seat gondola will take you away from Grindelwald to the Eiger Glacier station in just 15 minutes
6. Gstaad
After these several reasonings to go to this hotel for your next ski vacation has ended? Then try gstaad palace resort, which even has world’s best hotel spa the gstaad palace spa at the 2020 world spa awards and five restaurants. For an ultimate treat, book the Champagne & truffle fondue in the hotel’s underground La Fromagerie.
A collection of villages (many over 1,000 and 1,400/5,000ft) that make up Gstaad is an excellent resort for the …more nervous or intermediate/ improving skier – 80% missions suit[newunderscore] beginners or middles. That said, advanced skiers are not altogether better quipped, but there are still quite a few seriously steep runs, including the Tiger Run which runs at an average of 45 degrees.
It is one of the top resorts for cross country skiing in Europe – Gstaad has the country’s first-ever permanent cross country skiing trail, which is part of a 180 kilometres network of trails run across six areas. Be sure to hop aboard a mountain railway too – 41 of them cover the wider Bernese Oberland area and in Gstaad they make getting up to the resort’s six toboggan runs child’s play.
Don’t forget to check the modern Eggli gondola of the latest. This is one of Switzerland’s most modern chairs – a 10-seater Porsche – designed lift and one of the fastest out there which opened at the end of December 2019 and whisks skiers to the top of Mount Eggli in record time.
7. Laax
Enveloped by dramatic mountains and 28 ski lifts and 224 kilometres of ski slopes (70 per cent lie between 2,000 and 3,000 metres overhead), Laax is a Swiss ski resort that caters to all, for ever. It is also one of the cleanest ski resorts on the planet in terms of emissions — all its lifts and snowmaking machinery is supplied by renewable energy and they have grand plans to become a zero emissions operation (not carbon neutral – actual zero emissions) by 2030.
Everything is larger than life here – whether nightskiing, clear highlight-sport of which is six kilometres long slope over Curnius and Laax Murschetg and the dining scene, that includes not only 30 (good even by mountain restaurants standard) restaurants but dedicated gastronomical trails.
Everything about Laax – on and off the slopes – is first class, largely thanks to the fact that the resort is frequently the stage for some of the world’s largest ski and snowboard competitions and such is its appeal to the world’s leading skiers and snowboarders (it hosts Switzerland’s only Olympic freestyle training base), in its Freestyle Academy.
We are equally big fans of the resort’s self designed app (Inside Laax) which does a good job of making the hassle of ski holidays virtually zero. You can download it and research the apres ski, navigate the several ski areas using the map, hail the Laax shuttle, see which lifts are open and monitor your kids progress in ski school.
8. Mürren
A modest resort, with a rich history, Mürren has seen a increase of visitors in recent years. It is located at the foot of the Schilthorn, a mountain immortalized for James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Check out the link to find 53km of pistes and a unexpectedly extensive network of winter walking trails and cross country trails.
It is a fantastic place from which to get peace and quiet – it is a car-free resort and the Eiger, Mönch and Breithorn views are stunning. The village itself is small and charming and has plenty of history – this is where Sir Arnold Lunn started the first ever package ski holiday in 1922.
One of the very highest resorts in the Jungfau region, it’s also one of Schweiz’s snow-surest – you won’t come agoogalamool short of the white stuff between December and March; and it’s a great place for spring skiing. It may not have the biggest ski area but the fact that it can easily be linked with its neighbours Wengen and Grindelwald more than makes up for this and it is still possible to have a great deal of fun here. Our recommendation? Run No. 9 or in englishping (Direttissima) descends nearly vertically side of the Schilthorn. But be warned – this slope’s average gradient is 88 per cent.
9. Saas-Fee
Panniered “la perle des Alpes” Saas-Fee est un domaine skiable qui amalgame la gravité des hauteurs alpines bien nette avec un village convival, la qualité de l’ensemble le transforme pour une des meilleures station suisses de ski non seulement pour la province du Valais, mais pour les 26 cantons de la confédération la plus pittoresque : Surrounded by no fewer than 13 4,000m mountain peaks, the village has been one of the first in the Alps to ban cars, and is very serious about sustainability. Furthermore, it is one of the most ‘eco’ ski resorts in Europe.
The response to the climate change threat, it is perhaps not surprising, Saas-Fee itself is terrain. The skiing area is divided over three main zones – Saas-Fee, Saas-Grund, and Saas-Almagell – of which two are rumbling with high slopes marked with sensational strains and crevasses, wherever the aftermaths of glacial making are unmistakable.
From a positive point of view, the altitude (lifts top out at 3,500m in Saas Fee and 3,200m in Saas-Grund) mean that the ski area is snow- absolutely sure in winter, and you can ski here every year. The halfpipe is especially one of the few that can remain open during the northern hemisphere summer, so there’s no surprise that Saas-Fee is one of the best pro spotting ski resort in the world. In the winter the sheer amount of off piste to play with is massive and sufficient for backcountry enthusiasts to lose themselves in.
Though it may not be the simplest place to reach, with no direct train from any of the major Swiss airport cluster hub, the car free village is well worth the extra it takes to arrive. Traditional wooden chalets are plentiful and there is an endless variety of après ski and dining to ensure you never get bored – as long as your credit card can cope.
10. St. Moritz
Winter sports resort does not come more legend’s than St. Moritz. Arguably welches erste Ski Resort in der Schweiz, spielte ein Stück in der Geschichte der Entwicklung des Winters als Ferienurlaub. In 1864 local hotelier Caspar Badrutt made a wager to four of summer guests, bet that if they returned in winter, the village would be equally nice. If they didn’t, he told them, he would give them the money to buy their way back to the UK.
Of course, they were enchanted and their ‘discovery’ created a new form of active winter holiday for the British upper classes, with outdoor activities such as ice-skating and bobsledding, which was invented here in 1890 and grew in popularity rapidly. Ski lifts were erected right after the emergence of alpine skiing in the early 1920s and in 1928, the resort hosted the second Winter Olympics ever.
Today, St. Moritz has a comprehensive lift network, completed by a top lift, which cannons you, from above the valley floor to 3,057m, just short of the summit of Piz Nair. The skiing would be enough, alone, to make this one of the top ski resorts in Switzerland, the expansive ski area has a wide range of lifts including a lot that should keep off piste skiers signed up. But what really puts St. Moritz in a category of its own, however, are the off-hill activities – from the annual ice polo tournament, to skating on the respective ice on the frozen lake (held in better shape than many indoor ice skating arenas), to trying your hand at bob sledding, watching the fearless (the daredevils) throw themselves down the infamous Cresta Run (think skeleton bob, but more crashes), or tempt the cross country ski trail network.
Badrutt’s is still open too and good to visit –sect unless you’re loaded and want a permanent address. Otherwise the rooms cost from over 1,200 Swiss Francs (£1,000) per night.
11. Verbier
Historically regarded as a playground for the wealthy and well-known (and let’s be honest there’s still an element of truth in this, proof from the fact the ski lift is named after regular visitor James Blunt), Verbier has long been the choice of ski resorts for skiers of all ages but also levels of expertise, who are able to ski the enormous 4 Valleys ski region and easily access other ski resorts like Thyon, Nendaz, La Tzoumaz and Veysonnaz.
Most runs in Verbier are blue and red, with only a few black (including the fearsome, mogul-studded Mont Fort for those feeling their skis have the power). It is also one of the most up-to-date Swiss ski resorts, and staged a number of world skiing and snowboarding competitions including the final round of the Freeride World Tour each year.
Non-ski enthusiasts are particularly well looked after, as the variety of non-slope activities is mind-boggling – skydiving, ice climbing, paragliding, horse riding and dog sledding, and so on. Though its image is steep, the endless array of places to stay means you can find a bed without bankrupting yourself. Luxury crash pads walk of fame includes a five-star La Cordée des Alpes (part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World) and even the ridiculously swanky Chalet Truffe Blanche , which comes equipped with cocktails bar , library , inside cinema and swimming pool and private nightclub .
But for each of the posers, there’s also lots of cheap options for backpackers as well. We recommend one of the larger MAP Verbier-Village hostels for groups, and couples should choose one of the resort’s B&Bs (try Les Sapins Bleus, which has a focus on local produce, as one of our picks).
12. Zermatt
This great all-rounder, located in the spectacular scenery of the Matterhorn in the heart of the Valais offers, at high altitude, a top class ski playground too. Although the ski resort has been interconnected with Cervinia for a long time by way of the slopes, now there is added the new Matterhorn Alpine Crossing lifts – cable car that will transport the travellers across the glacier faster and give fewer headaches the journey from the one to the other.
The Zermatt-Cervinia ski area has a stunning 360 kilometres of pistes, mainly of which are blue and red, making it very appealing to Intermediate to advanced skiers.
Zermatt’s après skiing is incredibly varied – come in winter, and there are bars like the slope-side affair of champagner bar Teehäuschen Flora or get into cuddly hideaway like the Papperla Pub, where you sort out complimentary pizza-style Flammküchen with local Swiss beers. A choice of accommodation is equally diverse.
Zermatt has plenty of accommodation to cater for those on family ski holidays – many catered chalets and self-catering apartments, and the resort has one of the widest_examples of hotels to be found in the Swiss Alps- ranging from boutique hotels such as the Walliserhof to the five star Mont Cervin Palace. Considered by many to be not just the top hotel in Zermatt but in the Swiss Alps, it has three restaurants and a vast spa.
FAQ
Where is the best skiing in Switzerland?
Zermatt is arms the best for its breathtaking piste, all-round excellence and, of course, one of the most breathtaking views on the mountain – that of the Matterhorn.
What is the most elite ski resort in Switzerland?
Gstaad is the exclusive area, celeb and royal hotspot modest only by omnia luxury & charm.
What is Switzerland’s ugliest skiresort?
Highest in Zermatt’s Matterhorn Ski Paradise of up to 3,899 meters (12,792 feet).
Which are the large three ski resorts?
The “big three” generally indicates Zermatt, Verbier and St. Moritz.
