Probably, one of the first associations that come to mind when you hear the word Switzerland is mountain skiing. The country is known as almost the main trendsetter in this sport, as well as the birthplace of numerous world and European champions. Due to their excellent slopes, the highest service and technical equipment, Swiss resorts claim the title of reference. At the same time, rest here cannot boast of anything but cheapness, but you should not expect anything else from Switzerland. However, every winter season, a huge number of tourists from different countries flock to places like Zermatt and Davos, who want to experience the best European slopes, and then skip a glass of mulled wine in cozy local cafes.
Several million tourists come every year to enjoy the unique nature of the mountainous country. Switzerland has 140 ski resorts, a third of which are among the best resorts in the world. Among them, the most famous are Grindenwald, Verbier, Villar, Champery, Davos, Saas Fe, Crans Montana, St. Moritz, Zermatt. Their distinctive feature is a high level of service and comfortable conditions, as Swiss hotels are considered the best in the world.
Ski resorts in Switzerland are equipped with a large number of lifts, have a modern design and a large capacity, which allows you to avoid queues even on the busiest dates of the season. Most of the ski resorts in Switzerland are located at a considerable height, which allows you to provide excellent conditions for skiing. Ski tours to Switzerland run from November to April, and in some areas, such as Zermatt and Saas-Fee, even in the summer. Training services and ski equipment rental are provided at each resort.
The excellent quality of everything made in Switzerland makes it a shopper’s paradise. Most shops and shopping centers speak English.
Resorts
Flimc, Laax, Falera) (Flims, Laax, Falera)
Andermatt
The Swiss resort of Andermatt, located in the canton of Uri (Central Switzerland), is considered one of the exclusive resorts of the world scale, where you should go on a trip. The development of the highest class infrastructure, beautiful mountain landscapes, a good location – this is what attracts tourists to Andermatt!
The maximum height reaches 2,965 m. The Andermatt resort, comfortably located near the St. Gothard pass, is becoming more and more popular among freeriders and advanced skiers. For beginners, training in a ski school is offered. More details
Arosa (Arosa)
The Arosa ski resort is so beautiful and cozy that it will not leave you indifferent. Of all the resorts, this is the quietest and family-friendly. Far from stresses and megacities, it will help you to truly relax and enjoy real living nature. Fresh air, amazing terrain, living nature, snow-white mountains, crystal clear lakes, and forested slopes are what you need for a wonderful vacation. More details
Veysonnaz
The ski resort of Veysonne is a small, quiet mountain village located in the heart of the canton of Valais, with a beautiful view of the Rhône valley and the Alps, and only 13 km from Sion. A large selection of difficult routes, inexpensive housing, good infrastructure – this is what a real tourist needs. This small village is a warm and friendly place where people can have a good and peaceful time. One of the true treasures of the region is undoubtedly its location. More details
Verbier
The Verbier ski resort is located in the “Four Valleys” area, and ranks fourth according to the international classification among the largest ski “stadiums” in the world, combining the Verbier, Nenda , Chumaz and Veysonne tracks . The dominant peak of this picturesque region is the Montfort glacier (3330m). The highlight of the high-altitude winter resort of Verbier is its unique virgin fields, as well as the luxurious track that goes into the Le Chablis valley, the length of which is 15 km, and the height difference is 2530 m. All the resort’s tracks are extremely diverse, amazing for the beauty of the mountain landscape and easily accessible. More details
Villars
The Villar ski resort is located on a spacious and sheltered mountain area – on a balcony with a wonderful view of the Welsh and even Savoy Alps. The advantage of the winter resort of Villar is that skiers can not be limited to prepared tracks, but move to neighboring regions, and the skiing area extends from 1,250 m to 2,971 m.
Ski tours in Villar are attractive to tourists even in summer. From Villar, it is easy to reach Le Diablere, another ski resort known for its glacier that does not melt and is suitable for skiing until mid-summer. More details
Grindelwald (Grindelwald)
The Grindelwald ski resort is one of the most famous ski resorts in Switzerland, it is located in the shadow of three magnificent peaks: Jungfrau (4158 m above sea level), Minh (4099 m) and Eiger (3970 m). The district includes three towns – Grindelwald, Murren and Wengen. The largest and most famous among them is Grindelwald. Nature seems to have specially created a huge reserve of unforgettable landscapes that arise in a harmonious combination of steep rocky walls, neat small plateaus and gentle slopes. More details
Gstaad
The Gstaad ski resort is one of the most prestigious and respectable resorts in Switzerland. It is appreciated by the wealthy European public, bohemians and aristocracy for its traditions, service technologies, as well as for excellent conditions for recreation, picturesque mountains, the architecture of ancient chalets, an exquisite atmosphere, the purity of nature, and silence.
This is not a popular resort, rather a place of luxurious relaxation for the chosen ones. Gstaad is a famous vacation spot for film stars, the world’s biggest businessmen and politicians. The possibilities of this resort are so great that skiers often put their skis aside and resort to other entertainment. More details
Davos
Davos ski resort is a Swiss resort town, a member of the world-famous “The Best of the Alps” resort group. It is located in the east of Switzerland at an altitude of 1,560 meters above sea level. The population of Davos, which is called the highest mountain city in Europe, is about 12,000 people. The winter resort of Davos is a very harmonious unity of the city, the countryside and nature, so its popularity as a beautiful resort since the 18th century is no accident.
It has always attracted and continues to attract vacationers with the beauty of its landscapes and clean alpine air, which is very useful in the treatment and prevention of diseases of the lungs and upper respiratory tract. More details
Engelberg
Engelberg (from German – “mountain of angels”) is considered one of the oldest ski resorts in the country, located in the central part of Switzerland, 35 km from Lucerne and 90 km from Zurich. The resort will not leave indifferent snowboarders, beginners, or experienced skiers. This town, located not far from Zurich, is an ideal place for winter sports.
The longest lift in the resort takes tourists to a height of 3,333 m. The highest point in Central Switzerland, Mount Titlis, is a favorite place for excursions. The rotating cabin of the “Rotair” lift allows you to get unforgettable impressions of the surrounding nature. More details
Samnaun (Samnaun)
The Swiss ski resort of Zamnaun is a place where three countries meet: Switzerland, Austria and Italy. This ski area for hikers and mountain bikers, located in the southern canton of Graubünden, includes the Swiss Samnaun itself and the Austrian Ischgl . All year round, connoisseurs of shopping can appreciate the benefits of the only Swiss duty-free resort.
In addition to shopping, the town of Zamnaun and the surrounding area offer untouched nature and an arena for winter sports. This is the secret of the attractiveness of this small ski resort! More details
Saas Fee (Saas Fee)
The Zas-Fe ski resort is located among the highest alpine peaks – thirteen mountain giants, more than 4000 m high, that surround a picturesque valley and hide it in the depths, like a pearl in a shell. That is why Zas-Fe is figuratively called the “Pearl of the Alps” and is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Since the winter resort of Zasfe is located on the same parallel as the palm trees of Ascona, the climate here is quite mild, with abundant sunshine and clear weather. And moderate winter temperatures and the presence of a glacier make it possible to organize ski tours in Saas-Fee all year round. More details
Klosters
The Kloster ski resort is a sports, tourist, and magical place located at an altitude of 1,200 m above sea level in the heart of the canton of Graubünden, in the midst of a romantic mountain landscape. This place enchants its visitors with an exquisite atmosphere. Klosters winter resort is a quiet resort for relaxation, with unique nature, enormous opportunities for sports, for a pleasant carefree rest.
There is a very large area for downhill skiing. The season here starts from the end of November and lasts until the middle of April. More details
Crans-Montana
The Crans-Montana ski resort is a famous resort in French-speaking Switzerland, which enjoys worldwide fame as a mountain-climate year-round resort, thanks to its dry, healthy climate, clean mountain air and sunny weather. The high-altitude winter resort of Crans-Montana is located at 1,500 meters above sea level.
Once it was two small alpine villages, and now it is known to everyone as a venue for large international congresses and prestigious sports competitions. More details
Leukerbad
Leukerbad is a famous alpine balneo-climatic resort located in the south-west of Switzerland. This ski resort is the largest thalassotherapy center in Europe. Beautiful landscapes and picturesque terrain attract tourists here. In addition to skiing, Leukerbad is known for its healing thermal springs. The season lasts from the beginning of December to the end of April.
This resort is recommended for families with children, skiers, and those who want to relax in the thermal springs and get healthy. More details
Lenk-im-Simmental (Lenk-Simmental)
Lenk-im-Simmental (or Lenk) is a Swiss resort located in the southwest of the country, at an altitude of 1068 meters, 150 km from Geneva. Together with the Adelboden resort, they form a common skiing area. Lenk Resort is one of the resorts awarded the “Families Welcome” quality mark, which offers a wide selection of different programs, activities and entertainment for families with children. Lenk combines skiing, snowboarding, and wellness. It is tourism in Lenka that is associated with its sulfur springs, which are useful for those who suffer from skin diseases, joint pains, as well as respiratory diseases.
And even today, you can improve your health in Lenka hotels. You will be offered swimming in sulfur pools and a whole range of procedures. More details
Murren (Murren)
The Murren ski resort is one of the oldest resorts in Switzerland, one of the leading resorts in the Jungfrau region, which is located in the southern part of central Switzerland. In 1931, the first Alpine Skiing World Championship was held here, so the resort has a rich sports history. The season here lasts from the end of November to the end of April.
Murren is a wonderful ski resort that will surprise visitors with its picturesque landscapes, a huge amount of entertainment, a large selection of hotels of different levels. The resort is completely safe, as vehicular traffic is prohibited here. More details
Nendaz (Nendaz)
Nenda is one of the most beautiful resorts, located in the very center of the “4 Valleys”, which connects the Verbier , Nenda, Tsumaz, Vaison routes . The resort is located at an altitude of 1400-3300 meters, on Mont Fort, located in the central part of the canton of Valais, in Switzerland. In total, there are 92 different modern lifts that will quickly bring you to the height you need, and tracks with a length of 412 km.
Despite such a large area, tourists can use a single ski pass to ride all the tracks. Some tracks are of increased difficulty and require good preparation, and some are made specifically for amateur beginners. Most of the tracks are located at an altitude of 1,700 m. Those who do not know how to skate can attend special courses where you will be taught special techniques. The season here starts in December and lasts until April. More details
St. Moritz (St. Moritz)
The ski resort of St. Moritz is located on the southern slope of the Swiss Alps, not far from Italy at an altitude of about 1,850 meters above sea level. This city has a population of only 6,000 people. The natural conditions and comfort of the alpine winter resort of St. Moritz are unique. Steady weather, air that intoxicates like dry champagne, and at the same time 45 hotels and cozy cottages for every taste, most of which have a category of 4-5 *.
This incredible combination made St. Moritz a vacation spot for the rich and famous. It is annually visited by representatives of high society from all over the world, recognizing it as one of the most beautiful skiing areas in the world. No wonder St. Moritz is part of the prestigious ski organization “The Best of the Alps”. More details
Scuol (Scuol)
This Swiss ski resort is known mainly among the Swiss themselves, since the vast majority (about 80%) of skiers are them. The Skuol resort is located at an altitude of 1,250 meters, in the Engadin-Skuol-Samnaun ski area, near a national park with wonderful alpine fauna and flora. Here you can find something to do both in winter and in summer.
In addition to the fact that Skuol is a ski resort, it is also a balneological resort, which is a unique place where you can bathe in thermal springs and drink healing water! The mineral water of the resort is saturated with Glauber salts and is suitable for the treatment of diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver and gall bladder. In addition, medicinal water is used for the treatment of the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, urinary and nervous systems. More details
Flimc, Laax, Falera (Flims, Laax, Falera)
Flims is located in the southeast of the Swiss Alps. Flims, Laax and Falera have a common skiing area and together they form the “Alpine Arena”. Flims is one of the most popular ski resorts in Switzerland and is a great place for family vacations. The ski season starts in December and lasts until the beginning of April. Not only young people, but also children and people of the older generation can have a great rest here.
Many people come here during the Christmas holidays. Flims will delight visitors not only with its activities and affordable prices, but also with its colorful landscapes. This resort has an unusual warm atmosphere. More details
Zermatt
The Zermatt ski resort is extremely popular due to its location (at an altitude of 1,620 m, in the heart of the Alpine mountain system), the longest ski runs, comfortable lifts and large differences in altitude (1,620 – 3,820 m). One of the indisputable advantages of the winter resort of Zermatt is the fact that it welcomes skiers all year round.
Since the resort has a meridian location, it is protected from the penetration of winds, the snow cover is guaranteed and lasts for a long time. A skiing holiday in Zermatt is a holiday in a “world without cars”, since in order to preserve the cleanliness of the environment, the city is car-free, and the only transport is electric cars, as well as horse-drawn sleighs (in winter) and carriages (in summer). The absence of road transport gives Zermatt an even more privileged status. All these factors allow the resort to enter the world-famous organization “The Best of the Alps”. More details
Champery (Champery)
Champery ski resort is a typical alpine village and ski resort located in the south-west of Switzerland, almost on the border with France, at the foot of Dent du Midi (3257m). The winter resort of Champery is part of one of the largest international skiing areas “Port du Soleil”, which unites 12 resorts (Swiss and French), 650 km of tracks and 209 lifts.
This gigantic ski paradise that connects two countries is truly unique! A huge variety of slopes, all kinds of tracks of any difficulty, ideal heights, excellent condition of the snow cover – Port du Soleil resorts are perfect for all categories of skiers and for family vacations. More details
Accommodation options at the best ski resorts in Switzerland
This is, of course, far from a complete list of the best Swiss ski resorts, where the most demanding travelers can go, regardless of the level of sports training.
Excellent ski resort conditions are also offered in Andermatt, Verbier, Gstaad, Saas-Fee, Zermatt, each resort is individual, and each one offers accommodation for every taste and budget. These are ultra-luxury hotels, such as: The Chedi Andermatt, Tschuggen Grand Hotel Arosa, W Verbier, Gstaad Palace; a whole galaxy of luxury hotels in St. Moritz: Badrutt’s Palace, Carlton, Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains, Kulm Hotel, Suvretta House and Zermatt: Alex, Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, Mont Cervin Palace, Riffelalp Resort, luxury chalets with full service, butlers, chefs, by personal drivers and concierges – for the most demanding customers, 3 and 4 * hotels and private apartments in the budget segment.
Ski resorts in Switzerland for recreation with children
Switzerland is considered not only one of the most expensive countries in Europe, but also very prestigious. In reality, a trip to local ski resorts will not cost much more than in neighboring France or Austria. Local ski passes are not much different in price from similar ski areas in other alpine countries. If you are not ready to spend extra money, we advise you to stay in a hotel with half board – dinner in a restaurant or cafe is really much more expensive than in neighboring countries. However, lunch in a mountain restaurant or grocery shopping in a supermarket will cost about the same money.
Renting apartments will be a little more expensive than in France, but there are quite budget options. A great advantage of Switzerland is the transport accessibility of the resorts. The local travel system — Swiss Transport System — connects all, even the smallest, villages of the country. You can get to any point by train or bus in no more than 3-3.5 hours, while the interval in movement does not exceed half an hour. Taking into account the fact that train delays and traffic jams are a rare exception here, you are guaranteed to reach your hotel on time.
For those carrying a large amount of luggage and equipment, a paid service is provided – luggage delivery from the airport to the train or bus station at your resort. Convenient and not very expensive!
Switzerland is famous for its resorts for those who ski, there are high mountains and long tracks. But there are also resorts that are perfect for family vacations. In our review, the three most interesting options for children and their parents.
Villars (Villars-sur-Ollon)
The resort has officially received the status of family friendly. It is perfect for those who skate and for those who do not plan to get on skis or a board.
The ski area is called Le Diableret and includes the Gletcher 3000 glacier. There are 77 lifts and a total of 225 km of trails. Skiing is mostly simple, “family”. On the glacier, there are several very gentle tracks at an altitude of 3,000 meters for beginners and a couple of excellent red and black descents into the valley, which deserve the attention of experienced skiers. Three snow parks, a “snowy” kindergarten, tracks for cross-country skiing, sledding, an indoor skating rink and various kinds of entertainment, such as downhill skiing in the moonlight.
Scheme of the Villar resort
The resort has several ski schools, including one of the largest in the Alps. Instructors for both children and beginners, as well as world-renowned extra-class masters work here. In the very center of the resort is the “Palace” kindergarten, with three lifts and educational tracks. Here you can leave babies from three months old under supervision. In addition to classes with children, “Snowly” has a kindergarten for babies. Park “Aventura” conducts children’s walks in the forest.
The sports center has an indoor skating rink, a swimming pool, a complex of baths and saunas, and there is an aqua park half an hour’s drive from Villar.
A popular pastime is descending the night track after a nice dinner at the restaurant at the top, with torches, lanterns or under the light of the full moon. Exciting adventure! And in the neighboring village of Le Diableret there is a night descent on sleds.
It is impossible not to say about the beauty of local landscapes and the sunny exposure of the resort. Unfortunately, beauty requires sacrifices — the sunny slopes quickly turn sour at the end of the season.
For families with small children, there is a rental of strollers and other necessary and useful things, such as high chairs and bathtubs.
There are not many hotels in the resort, but there is a large selection of apartments. For wealthy families, the Royal 5* hotel is an excellent option. After working for more than 50 years, Club Med closed last season, but the “Grand Hotel”, in which it was located, continues to offer extended packages for families with children.
Swiss Ski School, Villar
You can get there by train, the journey from Geneva airport will take only two and a half hours. By car is even faster – about one and a half hours. You can go down to the valley by bus or train in just half an hour, within an hour you can reach Montreux or Lausanne. Here you will find a lot of interesting things – museums, shops, the famous casino and Shilion Castle, and much more. Nearby in the valley is the Lavi-les-Bains thermal complex.
Leukerbad
If you want not only to go for a ride, but also just to rest from the hustle and bustle and regain your strength, this is the place for you. It is not for nothing that the motto of the resort is: “Fill life with energy.” The resort is famous for some of the best thermal waters in Europe. Even the ancient Romans came here to heal battle wounds and improve their health, and this is despite the fact that the territory of modern Italy has many of its own thermal springs.
Scheme of the Leukerbad resort
The skiing area is just over 50 kilometers of tracks, mostly easy, although there are black sections and a freeride area. For lovers of long descents, there is a 9-kilometer track with a height difference of 1,200 meters. Very beautiful scenic routes for leisurely family skiing.
Here you can buy a ski pass, which includes a visit to the thermal springs.
The capacity of the resort is small, but neither on the tracks nor in the local thermal centers is there a crowd.
Leukerbad Therme is designed more for families with children, there is a special pool for the little ones and water slides. For a separate fee, you can visit the area of baths and saunas, there is a sports swimming pool.
Walliser Alpentherme is more suitable for spa lovers, there is an adult area with all kinds of baths, procedures and Ayurveda. There are Welsh and Roman “bathing villages” where non-skating lovers of water procedures can have a great time. There are thermal pools in some hotels.
Local restaurants and cafes have children’s corners for the little ones, where they can play without interfering with the adults’ leisurely dinner.
Children’s pool, Leukerbad Therme
The resort has a large selection of hotels and apartments. There is no loud nightlife here, and active young people will be bored. There is a separate lift to the cross-country skiing track, located at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level. There is also a panoramic platform with an incredible view and a transparent floor – an adventure for thrill-seekers. A chasm under your feet more than 300 meters deep!
Kita Thermi nursery school provides care for children from 3 months to 7 years. For those who are older, there are special children’s programs, playgrounds and the Sportarena children’s snow park for beginners and children. In the indoor sports complex there is hockey, curling, squash, tennis, ping pong, billiards, mini golf and much more.
And of course, sledding!
Scheme of the Sportarena children’s snow park
A unique adventure: on a special track, you can not only learn how a ratrak works, but ride on it and even try to prepare one of the tracks. After the introductory lesson, adults will be able to drive on the track independently as a driver, and children as passengers.
The resort is open all year round and has moderate prices, which is important.
Arosa / Lenzerheide
The resort of Arosa has always been considered a place for family vacations, and after the skiing area was combined with the neighboring Lenzerheide in 2013 and made up more than 220 kilometers of tracks, it became interesting for everyone – both beginners and professionals. It is convenient to get there from Zurich by train with one transfer, just 2.5 hours.
Scheme of the Aroz / Lenzerheidi region
The region has the recognized status of family – Family Destination. Families with children are recommended to stay in Arosa. There are even specially marked trails for family skiing.
The resort is very sunny, with beautiful views. Car traffic is prohibited there at night. Local cafes and restaurants must have a children’s menu at very modest, and not only by Swiss standards, prices.
Hotels in Arosa are primarily designed for vacations with children. Most of them have children’s clubs, where you can leave your child if he does not ride. The resort has a children’s club “Mickey Mouse”, a ski kindergarten for children from 4 years old, 6 children’s lifts, and an entertainment program “Lollipop”.
Family events such as a humor festival or the soccer world cup on the ice of a frozen lake are regularly held here. Even if you don’t ride, you won’t have to be bored!
In Aroz, you can get free lessons for children under 17 years old when staying in a hotel or apartment participating in the program. For the little ones, both resorts offer skating lessons in a playful form.
In Aroz there is Honigland – a children’s zone with a 45-meter escalator for babies, which beats the theme of bees, beehives and honeycombs. Here you will find Kinderland Maran.
Children’s skating area Honigland
Swiss Ski School instructors conduct classes with children from 4 years old
Kinderland Auarara and Heimberg playgrounds are located in Lenzerheide. Children’s lifts “Pinocchio” and “Magic Carpet” are adjacent to the adult lift Fadail, which is very convenient for families with children. The “Globes” playground is located in the Fastatsch district of Lenzerheide.
The Bear Cave indoor playground offers a lot of fun: slides, mazes, a “dry ball pool” for kids who don’t ski or in bad weather.
The resort has an outdoor and indoor skating rink, an indoor pool, tennis and squash for those who don’t plan to go skiing today. As “non-skiing” entertainment, there are also sledding and “snow bikes”, horse-drawn sleighs, hiking routes on specially laid and marked trails and wilderness in snowshoes.
Discover Switzerland for yourself through alpine skiing and involve the children. See you in the mountains.