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Switzerland is considered a top place for skiing in Europe. It is home to some of the most luxurious resorts and best ski slopes.
Switzerland is a place frequented by royals, sports legends, and celebrities. But don't be intimidated, the best ski resorts in Switzerland have something for everyone. Here you will find the most epic skiing, snowboarding and most of them are family and beginner-friendly so don't be shy about being a little clumsy on the slopes. We all had to start somewhere, and Switzerland is as good a place as any.
The Best Ski Resorts in Switzerland
There are 322km of slopes in total. There are 75km of easy slopes, 220km of intermediate slopes and 27km of difficult slopes. Here you will find 54 ski lifts and it is a popular spot for heli-skiing.
Skiing at Zermatt
Zermatt is the highest winter sports area in the Alps at a height of between 2500 to 3900 meters. The highest vertical drop is 2133 meters. Zermatt recently upgraded and opened the 3S cableway, a Matterhorn glacier ride that can take up to 2000 skiers an hour. Zermatt also has a great app that skiers can use to get GPS coordinates to help navigate the slopes, the best times to ski, routes, skiing styles, and weather conditions. It also lets you know if there are any safety concerns that you would have to be aware of before skiing. I particularly love this, especially since it is just so much easier than searching online!
With the background of the famous Matterhorn, Zermatt is a beautiful place to go skiing in Switzerland. One of the most tried slopes can be found on the Theodul Pass which borders Italy and at a point, it becomes the cross border. You wouldn't get that experience anywhere else in the world. Besides epic skiing, you can also Tobboganing in a Snooc, a snowpark and a new addition which is the Stoked Kids Club which is opening in 2020 at Schweigmatten. Skiing, like any sport, can make you ravenous. If you like good food and vibey eateries then you're in luck, Zermatt has some of the best. Keep in mind that although Zermatt offers great skiing, it is one of the more expensive ski resorts in Switzerland.
How Much Can I Expect to Pay for a Day Pass at Zermatt?
There are a few options available for skiers in Zermatt. An international pass for Zermatt-Cerminia starts at around $95.00 for a 1-day pass. You can also buy passes for just Zermatt which starts at around $83.00. If you decide on buying a Flexi ski pass, you will be able to choose any days within a year to ski. The international Flexi ski pass starts at around $158.00 for 2-4 days. A Zermatt Flexi pass will cost around $140.00 from 2-4 days. Kids under the age of 8 skis for free and additional discounts apply. You can view the full pricing structure here.
Where to Stay near Zermatt Ski Resort
Top Pick: Hotel Walliserhof Zermatt 1896There are 188km of slopes in total. There are 88km of easy slopes, 81km of intermediate slopes and 19km of difficult slopes. Here you will find 28 ski lifts. It is perfect for beginners.
Skiing at Laax
Laax offers a height of between 1000 and 3020-meter heights with a vertical drop of 1920m. You will have a total of 10 courses to choose from, with the most popular being at La Siala Mountain. This is a top pick as it is not as expensive as some other resorts and you will almost always find snow here. You can also ski on the local glaciers such as Vorab as well as some great sharp slopes if you are looking for a challenge.
You can choose between Laax, Films, and Falera, which are all connected and offer a different experience to visitors. Laax is a more exciting and busier town to stay in, whereas Falera is a more tranquil town and is car-free. This is the place to be if you're looking for a younger crowd and great nightlife. Laax is also one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland if you're looking for an epic freestyle facility. At the freestyle academy, you will find everything from skate bowls, ramps, jumps, trampolines and foam pits. This is one of the most fun places to be in Switzerland as it has everything an adrenaline junky needs, plus more.
How Much Can I Expect to Pay for a Day Pass at Laax?
There are several passes that you can purchase for skiing in Laax Switzerland. A ticket where you will be able to select your days freely will cost you approximately $74.00 from half a day. For a ticket that will give you access on consecutive days, you can expect to pay around $414.00 for 6 days. Other tickets that can be purchased for Sledging and winter hiking with prices starting from $31.00 and $7.00 respectively. Laax also offers skiing tickets for beginners at a cheaper price as well as night skiing tickets. A ticket for the snowpark starts at around $64.00. You can find out more about ticket prices here.
Where to Stay near Laax Ski Resort
Top Pick: Riders HotelIf you are looking for a vibey place to stay then the Riders Hotel is perfect for you. The hotel offers live concerts, sports, yoga, and art exhibitions and is perfectly located close to the cable car station in Laax.
CHECK AVAILABILITY Top Pick: Hotel LaaxerhofEnjoy a more traditional Alpine hotel in the area of Laaz-Murschetg, close to the cable cars. The Hotel Laaxerhof offers beautiful wooden furnishing in their rooms as well as an indoor pool, sauna and hot tub for your relaxation needs.
CHECK AVAILABILITY Related Reading: Engadin Mountains: Why You Need To Explore From St. MoritzThere are 155km of slopes in total. There are 42km of easy slopes, 79km of intermediate slopes and 34km of difficult slopes. Here you will find 24 ski lifts. This is one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland because of its diverse slopes, but it is also one of the most expensive.
Skiing in St. Moritz
St. Moritz offers an altitude of between 1302 meters and 3022 meters. It is one of the oldest and most famous ski resorts in Switzerland and offers well-maintained slopes that make skiing here an absolute pleasure. St. Moritz hosted the Winter Olympics twice in 1928 and 1948 and has one of the best ski jumps in Europe. You can enjoy some of the best intermediate slopes in Switzerland with the beautiful Engadin Mountains as a backdrop. With everything that it has to offer it is no wonder that it is the ski playground of the rich and famous. You may even meet a celebrity or two on the slopes. Need I say more! Besides the great skiing opportunities, you can also enjoy the ice skating rinks, bobsledding, kite skiing, Nordic skiing, and tobogganing during your stay.
Take a ride in the Corviglia Funicular that will take you to a height of 2486 meters where you will find prime ski slopes. The Corviglia snowpark offers some great fun with 30 different obstacles that will leave even the biggest adrenaline junkies breathless. Just 25 minutes away you will find Corvatsch which offers great nightlife, restaurants and night skiing. Here you will find the longest floodlit ski slope in Switzerland and you will be guaranteed an experience you won't forget.
What makes St. Moritz one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland is the abundance of shops, restaurants, and bars that can be found here. You won't find yourself without something to do. Choose between St. Moritz Dorf, St. Moritz Bad and Muottas Muragl for accommodation. Keep in mind that all slopes can only be accessed via bus and train which can be a slight inconvenience compared to other ski resorts.
How Much Can I Expect to Pay for a Day Pass at St. Moritz?
The winter season starts in October and continues to April. Prices vary according to month as well as days and what areas you would like to access. Prices can start as low as around $46.00 for a day pass to the Engadin/St. Moritz area. Usually busier months such as December (between Christmas and new year) and January will see a considerable increase in prices. For a 6 day pass to all ski areas can start at around $248.00 in quieter months. Discounts are available for children, youths under 17 and families.
Where to stay near St. Moritz Ski Resort
Top Pick: Hotel Reine Victoria by Laudinella
In true St. Moritz fashion, the Hotel Reine Victoria by Laudinella offers style and luxury with a touch of elegance. You can expect spacious rooms that are comfortable and cater to your every need. Make a stop at the theatre and bridge room to take in the historical ambiance.
CHECK AVAILABILITYTop Pick: Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski
With its beautiful interior and exterior and it's close vicinity to the best skiing in St. Moritz, the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski is one of my favourite hotels and the best one of the best I have ever stayed it. The hotel oozes class and elegance and provides guests with every comfort from an amazing breakfast to the most sensuous spa treatments.
CHECK AVAILABILITY Related Reading: 15 Most Romantic Hotels in Europe4. Grindelwald/Wengen
There are 102km of slopes in total. There are 33km of easy slopes, 56km of intermediate slopes and 13km of difficult slopes. Here you will find 23 ski lifts.
Skiing in Grindelwald/Wengen
Skiing in this part of Switzerland will see you reaching an altitude of around 1376 meters. Located in the Jungfrau area visitors have a choice in skiing areas between Wengen, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wilderswil, and Interlaken. Each of these beautiful towns has something different to offer but the most popular would be Grindelwald and Wengen which also share a ski area. With the Eiger Mountain looming above, Grindelwald is probably one of the prettiest towns in Switzerland, which makes it popular for skiing in Switzerland. It is a relatively flatter area so not great for snowboarders. Wengen is a more practical town but offers a car-free environment (besides taxis) as well as a great children's area which makes this a great stop for families.
Here you can also enjoy some great toboggan runs and the Jungfrau regions lift also covers the nearby ski area of Mürren which is also well known for its ski slopes. Here you will love the train connections up the mountains which afford some of the most amazing views in Switzerland. This is one of the reasons why I especially love this region. The one downside about this ski resort is that you will sometimes find the connections between runs complicated.
How Much Can I Expect to Pay for a Day Pass at Grindelwald/Wengen?
The best option here would be to purchase a Jungfrau pass which will give you access to all the slopes in the area. Passes will vary in price depending on the time of year as well as the day, especially since weekends are usually busier. You can expect to pay approximately $77.00 for a pass. You can take advantage of free children passes on a Saturday for kids between the ages of 6 and 15 when an adult purchases a full or half-day ticket. If you can try booking your tickets a month in advance as you may qualify for an early bird discount.
Where to Stay near Grindeld/Wengen Ski Resorts
Top Pick: Eiger Selfness Hotel**** - Zeit für michThe name says it all. The Eiger Selfness Hotel is located in Grindelwald and aims to do one thing - give its guests a relaxing stay that allows them to achieve wellness. It has a great location, perfect for a ski holiday and offers beautiful views. Guests can make use of the unique private spa facilities which include a mountain herb bath in a twin bathtub.
CHECK AVAILABILITY Top Pick: Beausite Park HotelLocated in Wengen the Beausite Park Hotel is the perfect family hotel. The hotel offers you free entry to the nearby sports center where you can enjoy ice skating. There is also a wonderful spa area as well as a supervised fitness center where you can take some time off for yourself.
CHECK AVAILABILITY Related Reading: Muottas Muragl: Some of the Most Beautiful Day Hikes in Europe5. Arosa-Lenzerheide
There are 225km of slopes in total. There are 110km of easy slopes, 87km of intermediate slopes and 28km of difficult slopes. Here you will find 43 ski lifts.
Skiing in Arosa-Lenzerheide
You can expect heights between 1229 and 2865 meters here. Arosa and Lenzerheide were once stand-alone ski resorts but now they are linked to each other as well as other areas via cable-car. Both resorts are well-known for their half pipes. Arosa is a better option for beginners as the slopes are gentler and well-groomed. If your looking for a steeper more challenging ski run then head over to Lenzerheide. Besides the amazing skiing at this great ski resort in Switzerland, you will also one of the best views and great mountain dining.
If you are traveling with kids then this is the best family-friendly ski resort in Switzerland. There are a total of 5 kids areas between the resorts which offer great activities and will keep them busy for days. Arosa-Lenzerheide is reached with a scenic train that for me is a great highlight of a stay here. It is also considered one of the best resorts for beginners and intermediaries and perfect for getting your ski legs wet if your looking for practice.
How Much Can I Expect to Pay for a Day Pass at Arosa-Lenzerheide?
Arosa-Lenzerheide is one of the more expensive ski resorts. A day pass can set you back approximately $84.00 and a 6 day could cost you anything from around $389.00. Separate tickets are sold for beginners and snowpark users which start at around $45.00 for a day and $207.00 for 6 days.
Where to Stay Near Arosa-Lenzerheide
Top Pick: Waldhotel Arosa
This spectacular property offers spa and wellness areas that are well equipped and include an indoor pool, 7 saunas, and a gym. The Waldhotel Arosa is perfectly located and offers luxurious and spacious rooms, perfect to relax in after a long day on the slopes. The hotel also offers an exclusive kids club during winter where kids can partake in an array of supervised activities.
CHECK AVAILABILITYTop Pick: Valbella Resort
Located in the quieter Lenzerheide, the Valbella Resort offers spacious rooms and a cozy sun terrace with wonderful mountain views. At the Resort, you can choose to pamper yourself in the wellness area. There are also 2 kindergartens to choose from as well as a sports equipment store onsite.
CHECK AVAILABILITY Related Reading: How to Find the Best Travel DealsThere are 150km of slopes in total. There are 37km of easy slopes, 90km of intermediate slopes and 20km of difficult slopes. Here you will find 23 ski lifts.
Skiing in Saas-Fee
At Saas-Fee, you can expect altitudes between 1800 and 3573 meters. It is one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland because it is dependable on snow. You won't really be disappointed here. Another great thing about Saas-Fee is that it is one of the cheaper ski resorts in Switzerland but still offers quality ski runs. It is located close to the Glaciers of Dom and Allalinhorn in the Valais region.
You can enjoy the car-free village and the highest revolving restaurant in the world in your downtime. Saas-Fee is especially great if you love long ski runs that run right from the top and all the way down without losing momentum. It is also one of those areas that are great for snowboarding all year round as the glaciers afford amazing opportunities for jumps. If your a snow junky and love the adventure then be sure to check out the great summer half-pipe.
This ski resort is home to some of the highest ski runs in Switzerland. On the downside, if you're looking for a wider range of black runs you won't find much of a variety here as this is one of the smaller resorts in Switzerland.
How Much Can I Expect to Pay for a Day Pass at Saas-Fee?
You can expect to pay around $77.00 per adult for a day pass and around $68.00 for a half-day pass.
Where to Stay Near Saas-Fee Ski Resort
Top Pick: The Dom Hotel - The Dom Collection
This wonderful 4-Star hotel is set just a few meters away from the ski lifts. The Dom Hotel is a rustic and homely hotel with a modern touch. Guests can enjoy panoramic views from the terrace as well as fully equipped rooms, some of which come with a Finnish sauna, hot tub or fireplace.
CHECK AVAILABILITYTop Pick: Hotel Allalin
Located just 200m from the Gondola Lift, Hotel Allalin is perfectly located for skiing. The hotel offers seasonal discounts on public transport to all guests. Guests can also enjoy the sauna and a heated ski storage facility next to the slopes.
7. Andermatt-Sedru
There are 70km of slopes in total. There are 18km of easy slopes, 40km of intermediate slopes and 12km of difficult slopes. Here you will find 13 ski lifts. It is currently being extended, so keep in mind that these distances are definitely going to change in the near future.
Skiing in Andermatt-Sedru
With altitudes between 1444 and 2600 meters this is not one of the highest ski resorts in Switzerland but by no means is it not one of the best. My advice is to go now as they have just finished major renovations that will make this ski resort one of the largest and best in central Switzerland. You should definitely look out for this one as many travel authorities are expecting this to be the next "it" place in Switzerland for the skiing. The resort connects Nätschen, Oberalp, and Sedrun currently but will connect new places with the new gondolas and chair lifts that are being added.
The Ski Arena Andermatt-Sedrun is one of the best and most modern of its kind in Switzerland and one of the reasons that you should visit. Andermatt-Sedru is known for its dependable snow cover as well as the Gemsstock which offers some great trail and off-piste ski terrain with its powder snow. There are also some great intermediate runs to be found here as well as the most gorgeous little ski village. The one downside right now is that there are limited options for dining at the moment. The area is also subject to storms and it is always good to check the weather as the resort can be shut down with short notice.
How Much Can I Expect to Pay for a Day Pass Andermatt-Sedru?
For a day pass your looking to spend approximately $36.00 for an adult. Season passes are also available, which are perfect if you are not far and they will cost you around $1030.00. A 6-day pass will cost around $295.00
Where to Stay Near Andermatt-Sedru
Top Pick: Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen, Andermatt
Located in Andermatt, the Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen is the perfect place to stay on your next ski holiday. The hotel offers a restaurant, private parking, ski storage, and an indoor pool and hammam. Guests also have access to the wellness center which includes a spa and sauna.
CHECK AVAILABILITYTop Pick: The Chedi Andermatt
This spectacular hotel offers over 200 fireplaces, indoor and outdoor pools, and a massive wellness and spa area. All rooms come fully equipped and offer a fireplace and an iPad for guests to use. The most unique service offers by The Chedi Andermatt is an exclusive ski and sports butler that can be arranged for guests.
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