Best Ski Resorts in Switzerland
Well known for being home to some of the most glamorous ski resorts in the world, Switzerland is a snow paradise for not only the rich and famous.
There are Swiss skiing resorts for all levels of skier so whether you plan to spend a day or a week on the slopes, you’re sure to find a resort to suit.
In this guide, a number of travel bloggers have shared their recommendations for the best ski resorts in Switzerland and they include a great variety of resorts.
On this list you’ll find some of the most famous skiing resorts in Switzerland as well as others that aren’t quite as well known.
There are resorts that offer excellent nightlife and aprés ski activities, resorts more suited to families, and resorts where you can ski across an international border!
No matter what type of ski experience you’re looking for, you’re bound to find the perfect Swiss ski resort below.
For help with planning your ski trip, we’ve written an article covering essential information for visiting Switzerland in winter.
[This post may contain compensated links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.]
What's in this Article
Top ski resorts in Switzerland
Mürren
The picturesque alpine village of Mürren is not only the birthplace of slalom skiing, it is also widely regarded as one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland.
Situated on a terrace above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, this car-free village has plenty to offer when it comes to winter sports.
The Mürren-Schilthorn ski area is the highest altitude winter sports area in the Bernese Oberland with guaranteed snow. Skiers can choose from a wide range of slopes suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers.
With both long downhill runs and steep slopes, you’ll never tire of the skiing here. The ski runs can be accessed via the Schilthorn cableway and the seven chairlifts that operate in the area.
Mürren is also the perfect destination for families with excellent ski schools, numerous ski-in ski-out hotels and a friendly atmosphere. Freeriders are well catered for here, too, and it’s also possible to go heli-skiing.
To really test yourself, why not take part in the annual Inferno downhill ski race. The largest amateur ski race in the world, it attracts around 1,800 participants who contest a 14.9 kilometre course from the Schilthorn (2,970 metres) via Mürren to Lauterbrunnen (800 metres).
Other winter activities available in Mürren include sledging, winter hiking, ice skating and curling.
Mürren, which is located in the Jungfrau Region in central Switzerland, is a car-free village which can be reached either via a cable car and panoramic train from Lauterbrunnen, or via the Schilthorn cableway from Stechelberg. Both Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg are well served by public transport and both have parking facilities for visitors arriving by car.
> Click here to browse accommodation in Mürren
Grindelwald
It may not be the largest ski resort in the country but Grindelwald offers some of the best skiing in Switzerland.
Located at the foot of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch in the Jungfrau Region, Grindelwald is the ideal destination for skiers of all abilities.
There are two main ski areas to choose from – Grindelwald First offers 60 kilometres of slopes catering to both beginners and advanced skiers, whilst Kleine Scheidegg-Mannlichen consists of over 100 kilometres of slopes, as well as a 30 kilometre-long toboggan run.
Grindelwald’s bodmiArena, located right in the centre of the town, covers 6,000 square metres and is the largest beginner’s ski area in the Jungfrau Region. It’s also the place to enjoy sledding and tube rides – click here to check prices and details.
Non-skiers won’t be bored in Grindelwald either as the activities available are many and varied. Curling, snow-shoeing, hiking and night sledding are all popular winter pastimes, and there’s also the chance to try the First Flyer zipline or take in the panoramic views from the Tissot Cliff Walk.
If you have energy to burn, you can hike to Faulhorn (approximately two hours) and then enjoy a 15 kilometre sled ride back to Grindelwald on Europe’s longest sled track.
When it comes to choosing somewhere to stay in Grindelwald, the options are plentiful. There is an excellent selection of hotels, apartments and chalets to suit all budgets.
Grindelwald is easy to reach from the major Swiss cities of Bern, Zurich and Geneva. Regular train services connect the town with all parts of Switzerland (and beyond), and for those who are arriving by car, a large car park is located right in the centre of town.
> Click here to browse accommodation in Grindelwald
Davos Klosters
Recommended by Amanda from Bucket List Seekers
Davos Klosters is a series of mountain villages in Grisons, east Switzerland, which is famed for its active leisure lifestyle and as a pioneer of the winter sports scene.
The town of Davos is the highest in Europe, whereas Klosters is a picture-perfect village with traditional charm and a favourite haunt of the British Royal family, amongst other celebrities.
Together the Davos Klosters ski area is spread across six different ski areas interlinked by trains and buses, offering over 300 kilometres of piste trails, and some of the best skiing conditions in the world!
Davos Klosters can be reached from Zurich by road or rail in around two hours.
With an average annual snowfall of approximately ten metres, and every type of ski lift, gondola, cable car and funicular imaginable, Davos Klosters is perfect for skiing and snowboarding in all conditions.
The one lift ticket will allow access to five of the main areas: Parsenn, Madrisa, Jakobshorn, Pischa and Rinerhorn. The train that traverses the valley and towns between Davos and Klosters is also included in the lift ticket!
Planning a trip to Switzerland?
At Holidays to Switzerland we are passionate about sharing our love of Switzerland and helping you to plan the perfect trip. Read our guide to planning a trip to Switzerland to kick start your travel plans and join our free Switzerland Travel Planning group on Facebook to chat with other past and future travellers.
Want monthly news and podcast updates, helpful travel tips and special deals sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Holidays to Switzerland and we’ll send you a bonus copy of our 21 Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Switzerland guide.
🇨🇭 Check out our exclusive discount offers and save on your Swiss vacation. 🇨🇭
For the non-skiers, there is no shortage of other winter (and summer) activities available at Davos Klosters, including tobogganing (known as sledging), snow shoeing, winter hiking, ice skating, fat bike riding, igloo building, ice climbing, or simply enjoying an afternoon at the Wellness Centre (Spa).
The food scene around Davos Klosters is second to none, with several fabulous cafes and restaurants serving traditional Swiss food, as well as other cuisines. Be sure to check out Kaffee Klatsch, Hänggis Restaurant or Restaurant Strela-Alp.
But by far, the best spot to end the day is at one of the mountain-top aprés ski bars, such as Restaurant Jatzhütte, where you can enjoy a drink with a view over the seemingly endless Swiss Alps, and then catch the gondola back to the bottom!
> Click here to browse accommodation in Davos and Klosters
Crans Montana
Recommended by Tracy from Tracy’s Travels in Time
Located in the Swiss canton of Valais you will find the ski resort of Crans Montana. Or should I say ski resorts of Crans and Montana.
Located only a few kilometres from each other, the two towns have merged over the years to become the upmarket resort associated with the rich and famous (Roger Moore made the area his home) and is now considered one of the top ski resorts in Switzerland.
Skiing at Crans Montana is perfect for those who have mastered their technique and are ready for a little more challenge.
The resort mainly consists of blue and red runs so is perhaps not suitable for the expert skier looking for the thrill of black runs or off-piste opportunities.
Crans Montana is a family friendly resort with a large children’s area and ski kindergarten and school. There is also a six kilometre-long toboggan run which is great fun for all the family.
If you are visiting in December or January don’t miss the Etoile Bella Lui, a magical winter festival, or the spectacular night slalom which is held around 29 December.
After a day on the slopes you will find plenty of aprés ski on offer in Crans Montana with numerous night clubs and bars. If shopping is your thing then head to the Rue du Prado for your fix of luxury goods from some of the world’s most exclusive brands.
There are many wonderful (and very expensive) restaurants in Crans Montana but my favourite is a little quirkier. La Bergerie du Cervin has two donkeys and two sheep living in the restaurant (separated by a glass wall) which certainly adds to the atmosphere while enjoying a raclette!
Crans Montana is easily accessible by train and funicular from Geneva.
> Click here to browse accommodation at Crans Montana
Arosa
Recommended by Auston from Two Bad Tourists
Arosa is a small mountain village and ski resort located in the Swiss Alps about 150 kilometres southeast of Zurich.
There are countless runs at Arosa to keep you occupied for a few days, but if you want to explore more you can connect to Lenzerheide, an even larger mountain resort just next to Arosa, using a joint Arosa Ski Pass. With the two mountains combined, there are over 220 kilometres of slopes to explore.
Non-skiers also have plenty of activities and amenities to enjoy like heated pools, spas, an ice skating rink and even a concert hall.
In the evening, you can take the gondola up to the top mountain to enjoy Swiss fondue at the restaurant and afterward enjoy downhill mountain sledging.
The train to and from the city of Chur (where you connect from Zurich or other major cities) is an hour-long, panoramic ride up the mountain with beautiful views of charming little villages and numerous bridges. The train ride itself is breathtaking and is a very memorable part of the journey.
There are plenty of options for accommodations in Arosa, but if you want convenience at a good price, you might consider the Vetter Hotel, which is at the center of Arosa, directly in front of the train station and literally next door to the ski lift and gondola.
Given the central position, it’s one of the most convenient locations for arriving by train, getting on and off the slopes and they even have a rental shop onsite, plus daily breakfast each morning.
Arosa is a welcoming place to all visitors and it has a laid back and friendly vibe. It’s also well-known for hosting the annual Arosa Gay Ski Week each January since 2005. If you happen to be attending for the Gay Ski Week, you can even use a site like misterbnb to find apartment rentals in the village from LGBT and LGBT-friendly hosts.
> Click here to browse more accommodation in Arosa
Zermatt
Recommended by Amy from Oceans to Alpines
The Matterhorn is a famous icon of Switzerland, which makes visiting the resort town of Zermatt one of the best locations for a ski trip in Switzerland.
The iconic Matterhorn can be viewed from all parts of the Zermatt Ski resort, which offers runs next to the famous pointed peak, across 200 kilometres of varying levels of ski runs.
The resort is suited for all ability levels of skiers, from beginner to advance. There are different sections of the ski resort that are navigable by the lifts that allow even the newest of skiers to enjoy the views. > Click here to pre-book your ski experience or your private ski lesson in Zermatt.
As one of the few resorts that offer year round skiing, Zermatt is one of the best places to ski in Switzerland in summer, too.
Zermatt is popular due to the Matterhorn, and the attraction has ensured that the surrounding area supports skiers and non-skiers alike. The little town of Zermatt offers a variety of hotels with varying views of the mountain (the main attraction).
If you are a fan of shopping you will find top-end lines all along the town where you can purchase winter gear in all the designer brands of your dreams.
Additionally, the number of lifts allows even non-skiers to go up to the top of the mountains and enjoy dining experiences at a variety of lodges.
Or, if you aren’t interested in taking a lift, there is the option of taking the train (Gornergrat Bahn) to the Gornergrat which has an observatory to explore.
Zermatt is one of the high-end ski resorts in Switzerland, so come prepared to spend a significant amount of money.
> Click here to browse accommodation in Zermatt
Flumserberg
Recommended by Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple
Flumserberg is one of the most popular ski resort choices for families living in Zurich, only being an hour away. This mid-sized resort has pistes that suits all skill levels.
Located in Heideland and offering breathtaking views over Churfirsten mountains and Walensee, with a good choice of accommodation and thanks to being one of the closest ski resorts to Zurich, Flumserberg is a compelling choice of ski resort for families, either as a mid-week break or weekend away.
The best winter activities at Flumserberg include carving, skiing, snowboarding, sledging, winter hiking and dog sled rides.
There are 65 kilometres of slopes of which 10 kilometres are blue runs, 38 kilometres are red runs and 17 kilometres are for black runs.
As well as 17 operating lifts to transport the guests, there are drop-in ski lessons and magic carpets for kids, wide blue hill for beginner levels, and advanced terrain for ski experts.
The two magic carpets are located in front of the Tannenboden gondola, close to the car park and restaurants, making it an ideal choice for kids and parents to take regular breaks with their little ones.
The forest trails for kids contain little jumps and bumps making it a fun filled time for children.
If skiing is not your thing, don’t fret. There is a 24 kilometre hiking and walking path open all through the year. And there is a three kilometre toboggan run from the gondola station for those who enjoy sledging.
Flumserberg ski resort is home to an Intersport store where you can hire equipment of all kinds.
How to reach Flumserberg Ski Resort from Zurich
By Car, Zurich is 94 kilometres away and takes roughly an hour and fifteen minutes via the A3.
Alternatively, Flumserberg is the only ski area that can be reached by urban railway (S-Bahn) if you are looking to use public transport. Take the S2 towards Ziegelbrücke and S4 towards Sargans to reach Unterterzen.
From here, take the gondola adjacent to the train station to reach Tannenbodenalp.
> Click here to browse accommodation in Flumserberg
St. Moritz
Recommended by Rai from A Rai of Light
Found in the centre of the Engadine valley, with some of the best scenery in the Southern Alps, St. Moritz is one of the world’s oldest winter holiday destinations.
Steeped in winter sports history, the slopes of this tiny Swiss mountain town are frequently the site of world ski events and it has twice played host to the Winter Olympics.
At an elevation of over 1,800 metres, the view comprises the mountains from Piz Languard to Piz Julier, with the most prominent peaks being Piz Rosatsch, Piz Surlej and Piz Corvatsch in the distance.
There are two main ski areas – Corviglia and Corvatsch, with a 30-minute bus ride connecting the two. Here you will find over 150 kilometres of slopes and eight kilometres of ski routes available for skiing and snowboarding, catering to all skill levels.
With an abundance of obstacles, Corviglia Snow Park is considered as one of the best in the region for the more experienced. The resort also has several very long intermediate runs while beginner riders are catered for with the gentler three-kilometre Paradiso.
In addition to skiing, there are plenty more things to do here in the winter, such as bobsledding, ice-skating, tobogganing, and kite skiing. For more relaxed activities there are museums, spas, shops, and walks on offer.
It is important to be aware that St. Moritz is on the pricey side, so it is certainly not for those on a budget. The resort also doesn’t offer a lot in the way of nightlife.
St Moritz is easily accessed by bus or car from northern Switzerland, Italy or Austria, averaging around 3 hours from the major cities. There is also the option of taking the train through the Vereina Tunnel. This iconic resort has so much to offer and should not be missed.
> Click here to browse accommodation in St. Moritz
Les Portes du Soleil
Recommended by Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan
Located in between Mont Blanc in France and Lake Geneva in Switzerland, Les Portes du Soleil is actually twelve resorts connected together by a network of more than 200 ski lifts and 300 slopes. Seven of these resorts are in France, and the other five are across the border in Switzerland.
When it opened in 1965, Les Portes du Soleil became the world’s first international ski area, where skiers could cross a national border on a chairlift without even removing their skis. This was well before border formalities were abolished between France and Switzerland, so it was a big deal. Skiing without borders!
More than fifty years later, this network of resorts continues to be popular with locals and international visitors alike. If you’re interested in a longer ski holiday of a week or more, Les Portes du Soleil is a fantastic option.
With such a wide variety of slopes on offer, you certainly won’t get bored here. Although it’s also popular with day-trippers from Geneva and other nearby towns.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert skier, you’ll find slopes that are perfect for your level. If this is your first time on skis, take advantage of the 3-day or 6-day packages for adult beginners. These include a lift pass, group lessons and equipment hire.
Morzine, one of the French resorts, is good for beginners and also for vegetarian and vegan skiers, as the Chalet du Nabor restaurant there is one of the few in the area that caters well for herbivores.
Ski passes are good value here, much cheaper than at other Swiss resorts and also cheaper on average than most major resorts in the French Alps. It’s a particularly good deal for families, as children 5 to 15 years of age pay 25% less than adults.
You can reach the resorts by shuttle bus from Geneva and several other French and Swiss cities on the TGV train line.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are Swiss ski resorts for everyone. There are too many ski resorts in Switzerland to mention in one article, but those included above offer a wide range of facilities and ski conditions to suit every skier and snowboarding.
Other Swiss ski resorts worth considering include Wengen, Engelberg, Adelboden-Lenk, Verbier, and Chateau-d’Oex.
The nine ski regions above are definitely amongst the best ski resorts in Switzerland. Which one will you visit?
Looking for other fun things to do on your days off from skiing? Read our guide to 10 must-do winter activities in Switzerland here.
PIN FOR LATER
