Switzerland is a world-renown skiing destination, and it’s home to many fantastic skiing spots. The country itself isn’t huge, but the ski resorts dotting the Swiss Alps are legendary. If you get the chance to ski here, you won’t be disappointed.
I’m an avid skier who has been on the slopes for nearly my entire life. I’ve had the chance to ski at many different locations around the world and have done thorough research to know what the top Swiss skiing destinations are.
This post will highlight all of the best ski resorts in Switzerland. I’ll point out some key facts about each location and provide you with other helpful information that you can keep in mind when planning or dreaming up a trip here.
Let’s get things rolling.
Contents
1. St. Moritz
- Resort Website
- Opening Day: November 15 (Average)
- Closing Day: May 5 (Average)
- Best Known For: Birthplace of alpine skiing, amazing views, historic atmosphere
If you are a fan of winter sports of any kind, St. Moritz is where it all began. This area is basically the birthplace of alpine skiing, and it’s a worthy bucket-list destination for skiers based on that fact alone.
But there is much more than history here, and you’ll still find some of the best skiing in the world. The resort has a variety of different terrain that accommodates all levels of skiers, and you can challenge yourself or just sit back and enjoy the snow.
The snow is reliably good, and the chances of a powder day are excellent if you ski here during the height of winter. You can access the snow right from the towns nearby the mountain, and there are several different ski areas to take advantage of.
St. Moritz has everything you want or need for an epic ski trip. You can find plenty of lodging and dining options in the towns of Corviglia or Silvaplana. Equipment rentals and ski lessons are also easy to set up at any of the base areas.
This is one of the top skiing destinations in Switzerland, or anywhere in the world for that matter, and the historical reputation is well-worth exploring. Just know that you will pay top dollar for just about everything here, and it’s not a budget skiing location.
2. Grindelwald
- Resort Website
- Opening Day: December 1 (Average)
- Closing Day: April 10 (Average)
- Best Known For: Long runs, expansive terrain, picturesque villages
Grindelwald is another skiing mecca in Switzerland, and this region is an expansive skier’s playground that offers nearly endless trails. If you visit here, you will leave with many memories, and your legs will be tired as well.
There is a vast amount of skiable terrain at Grindlewald, and the longest runs will have you skiing for kilometers down excellent snow. The region is interconnected with other ski areas by train or cable car, making it a great place to explore.
The resort center has everything you need to make your ski trip as comfortable and fun as possible. There are inviting cafes with good food and other shops where you can stock up on ski gear or souvenirs.
You can find plenty of lodging and dining at Grindelwald, and there are a variety of cabins and mountain huts available for rent. If you want a very authentic skiing experience, I’d recommend staying at a hut where you’ll be guaranteed snow-filled memories.
This is an excellent destination for intermediate and advanced skiers, but there isn’t much beginner terrain. Be sure you have the skills to handle blue and red trails before planning your trip, or you’ll be in for a challenging surprise.
3. Zermatt
- Resort Website
- Opening Day: December 5 (Average)
- Closing Day: April 20 (Average)
- Best Known For: Home of the Matterhorn, long vertical drop, epic conditions
Even if you aren’t a skier, you have probably heard of the Matterhorn. This is an iconic peak that everyone pictures when they think of the Alps, and it’s located at Zermatt. This ski resort is a great spot for serious skiers who want to find the best conditions in Switzerland.
The resort boasts an impressive vertical drop of over 2,000 meters, allowing you to ski long and fast all winter long. You can take advantage of a variety of challenging terrain to push your skills or enjoy long cruises with the family.
Zermatt is pretty family-friendly, making it a popular destination for people from all over the world. There are comfortable amenities scattered across several different resort towns at the base of the mountains. It’s a fun and memorable experience if you ski here.
This is one of the only places in the world where you can ski in two countries on the same day – Switzerland and Italy. Just make sure you don’t get lost when exploring because the skiable terrain is massive.
4. Davos Klosters
- Resort Website
- Opening Day: November 19 (Average)
- Closing Day: April 20 (Average)
- Best Known For: Variety of terrain, high altitude skiing, off-piste opportunities
Davos Klosters is one of the largest skiing areas in all of Europe, and there are seemingly endless trails open to skiers of all kinds here. It’s a definite bucket-list stop for advanced skiers who want to push their ability levels and really see what they are made of.
You’ll find over 300 kilometers of ski runs here spread out over 788 skiable acres. And that just includes the lift accessible terrain – there are plenty of off-piste places to explore if you have the nerve and hopefully a guide.
On top of all the great skiing you can find at Davos Klosters, you’ll also be able to enjoy fantastic food and a lively atmosphere. There are 35 restaurants and 22 bars scattered across the mountains that cater to skiers.
If you do venture off-piste here, you’ll want to be well-prepared with safety gear and avalanche awareness. It’s not a good idea for beginners to go too far away from the comforts of the resort. And it’s not worth risking it if you don’t know what you are doing.
5. Gstaad
- Resort Website
- Opening Day: November 5 (Average)
- Closing Day: May 1 (Average)
- Best Known For: Upscale accommodations, good beginner terrain
If you are looking for a luxurious ski trip experience, look no further than Gstaad. This is one of Switzerland’s premier skiing destinations for anyone who wants to be comfortable and even pampered when they get off the slopes.
The resort is home to the Gstaad Palace, which is consistently ranked one of the best spas and hotels in the world. Even if you aren’t a skier, this place is worth checking out based on how unique and luxurious the site is.
Skiers will love hitting the snow during the winter, and there is plenty of room to get on the slopes and have a lot of fun. The mountain is excellent for beginner and intermediate skiers, with a lot of groomed terrain that isn’t too extreme.
This is also an excellent place to go nordic skiing, and Gstaad offers an extensive trail network for cross-country skiing. It’s a great way to explore the mountain if you don’t want to put on alpine gear.
As you can imagine, all of this luxury comes with a hefty price tag. Gstaad is out of the budget range for the average skier but worth saving up for if you want a memorable experience.
6. Verbier
- Resort Website
- Opening Day: November 15 (Average)
- Closing Day: April 10 (Average)
- Best Known For: Off-piste skiing, steeps, professional ski competitions
Expert skiers come from all over the world to ski at Verbier. This is one of Switzerland’s premier off-piste skiing locations, and it has some of the most challenging terrains you’ll find anywhere in the world.
There are many backcountry skiing opportunities here, and if you like to venture outside of the resort boundaries, you will love the experience. Even if you want to stay inbounds, you’ll have access to some very long runs that will leave you gasping for air.
You can find almost 100 marked ski runs scattered across four different ski areas at Verbier. And you can access all of these with the same ski pass, so there is plenty of terrains to explore during your trip.
This isn’t a good place for beginners, so make sure you understand what you are getting into before booking a Verbier trip. Lodging and dining can also be very expensive, and you’ll want to save up some money to make it worthwhile.
7. Crans-Montana
- Resort Website
- Opening Day: December 15 (Average)
- Closing Day: April 15 (Average)
- Best Known For: Ski touring, World Cup downhill course, largest terrain park in Switzerland
Crans-Montana is another one of the top skiing destinations in Switzerland. This location has a little bit of everything and is a good option for skiers of all ability levels and styles. It’s also home to a vast ski touring system, which offers a fantastic way to explore the backcountry.
Ski racers will love the World Cup downhill course here, and you can either watch a competition if one is going on or try the course yourself if it is open to the public. Either way, you’ll be in for some fast and fun skiing.
Crans-Montana also has the largest terrain park in Switzerland, making it a favorite destination for freestyle skiers. You can hit huge features or launch yourself in the halfpipe here. Just make sure to do it safely!
If you want to try ski touring here, you’ll need to pay extra for a touring pass. It’s only a few euros, but it’s required to access the trail system. Be sure to bring along avalanche gear if you want to venture into the backcountry as well.
Additional Tips for Skiing in Switzerland
Switzerland can be an unreal skiing experience, but it also takes some planning to pull the trip off. You’ll want to make sure to book your lodging well ahead of time to ensure you save a little money and get the room you are looking for.
And if you’re flying in from the US or any other country, getting a good ski bag (and learning how to pack it properly) is a must. Always pack your skis, poles, and boots before putting in your softer clothing and other gear.
Check out the video below for some other good tips on how to pack a ski bag.
Final Words
If you have ever dreamed of skiing in the Swiss Alps, Switzerland needs to be on your list of places to ski. All of the resorts mentioned here will give you access to some of the best terrain and snow conditions in the world. If you get the chance to ski here, do it!
