Ski Holidays in Switzerland: How to Pick the Ideal Mountain Resort

Are you dreaming of ski holidays in Switzerland? From romantic alpine villages to glamorous towns, Switzerland has many fantastic mountain resorts. Choosing is not easy, so let me help you identify the best Swiss ski resort. 

Regardless of the destination, you can hardly go wrong in Switzerland. The alpine scenery ranges from beautiful to magnificent. Ski slopes for any level are abundant, and skiing in the Swiss Alps is a real treat. And even if you’re not a skier (or not yet), winter holidays in Switzerland are a lot of fun, and there’s plenty to do.

Which are the best ski resorts in Switzerland?

If you wonder what are the best places to ski in Switzerland, there’s no straight answer to the question. Every resort is unique. Romantic villages like Gstaad. Glamorous destinations like St. Moritz. Or car-free Zermatt, with its views of the iconic Matterhorn. 

Then there are the ski areas. While all of them offer various easy, intermediate, and challenging slopes, you should consider your experience before deciding where to spend your ski holidays in Switzerland. 

Altitude is another factor to weigh. In Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Saas-Fee, you can ski well above 3000m (9843 ft). That means you’ll enjoy favorable snow conditions even in a year with little snowfall. However, a possible downside is potentially suffering from altitude sickness. The best to do, in that case, is to reach higher altitudes progressively. 

Swiss ski resorts below 2200-2500m (7220-8200 ft), like Gstaad, are generally better suited for beginners or intermediate skiers. There are many gentler slopes, perfect for beginners or those who want to improve their skiing skills. They’re also recommended for elderly people, for whom high altitude might be risky.

All top Swiss ski resorts offer a wide range of accommodations: hotels, luxury chalets, guesthouses, and more. 

Winter Holidays in Switzerland: Getting There…

Unless you travel to Switzerland by car from Italy, France, Germany, or Liechtenstein, you’ll likely get there by plane. And provided that you have the choice, which destination is better? Zurich or Geneva? Honestly, it all depends on where you plan to have your ski holidays in Switzerland. To help you get an idea, here’s a summary of the distances and the best airports for each Swiss ski resort.

Resort	Best from	Distance and time to reach
Jungfrau (Grindelwald)	Zurich	2-2.5 hours drive, ca. 3 hours by train
Zermatt	Geneva	2.5-3 hours by car, about 4 hours by train
Verbier	Geneva	2-2.5 hours drive, ca. 2.5 hours by train
St Moritz	Zurich	ca. 3 hours by car, about 4 hours by train
Gstaad	Geneva Zurich	2 hours drive, ca. 3.5 hours by train ca. 3-hour drive, about 3.5 hours by train
Engelberg	Zurich	less than 1.5 hours by car, less than 2 hours by train
Parpan	Zurich	1.5 hours drive, about 2 hours by train

… And Getting Around

Switzerland boasts a capillary and efficient network of trains and buses. Consequently, you don’t really need a car. However, public transport in Switzerland is pricey, especially if you’re skiing in Switzerland with kids and as a family. Nevertheless, it’s possible to save money buying the Swiss Half-Fare Card. With it, you’ll have a 50% discount on trains, buses and boats part of Switzerland public transport network. Additionally, with the half-fare card you’ll receive the complimentary Swiss Family Card. With it, travel is free for children aged 6 to 16 years.

Conversely, should you prefer hiring a car, check out Rentalcars for the best deals on car rentals.

Switzerland Ski Resorts Map

Ski Holidays in Switzerland: How to Choose Your Ideal Resort

I’m pretty sure you wish you could experience multiple ski resorts in Switzerland. This is indeed sometimes possible when the places are not too far away. However, some ski areas in Switzerland are somewhat distant from one another. In that case, you’ll have to pick one which is right for you.

Of course, the places mentioned are only a selection, including most of the best Swiss ski resorts and lesser-known ski areas worth visiting.

Jungfrau Ski Resort

by Jurga, Full Suitcase

KEY INFORMATION
N. of slopes:	131
N. of lifts:	63
Length of slopes:	about 210 km (130 mi)
Best suited to:	Beginners, Intermediate, Experts

The Jungfrau Region, with the backdrop of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountain peaks is probably one of Switzerland’s most picturesque mountain resorts! It’s also one of Switzerland’s biggest ski areas. It stretches over three mountain ranges and comprises three resorts: Grindelwald-First, Grindelwald-Wengen, and Mürren-Schilthorn. You can ski here for days without ever having to do the same run twice. 

Also, the Meiringen – Hasliberg ski area officially belongs to the Jungfrau Region. However, it’s farther away and does not connect with the main ski area’s slopes. With 210km of slopes connected by trains, gondolas, and cable cars, and covering an area between 796 and 2970 meters above sea level, Jungfrau Region has plenty to offer to all types of skiers. There are some beginner slopes, but most runs here are long and categorized as ‘red.’ However, they are usually so vast that even a beginner will feel comfortable skiing there.

The most extensive ski area of the Jungfrau Region and our favorite is the one between Grindelwald and Wengen. First, you must make your way up to Männlichen or Kleine Scheidegg. Once there, you can choose between 102km of runs and 24 ski lifts. You can’t go wrong with any of the runs there – the views are incredible, and skiing is always relaxing and fun. If you’re up for it, you can also try the steep run used for the famous Lauberhorn ski race in Wengen every January. Those familiar with the alpine ski races know that the Lauberhorn is one of the top runs, together with the Streif in Kitzbuehel (Austria).  Even if you’re not a skier, remember that Jungfrau Top of Europe is one of the most scenic alpine train rides. From the top, you’ll get some of the most breathtaking views of the Alps.

But there’s so much more to do here in winter than skiing! For more information, please check this guide to visiting the Jungfrau Region in winter.

Zermatt Ski Resort

by Claire, Stoked to Travel

KEY INFORMATION
N. of runs:	145
N. of lifts:	53
Length of slopes:	360 km (224 mi)
Best suited to:	Intermediate, experts

Zermatt is a stunning resort nestled high in the Swiss Alps, sitting under the magnificent and imposing pyramid-shaped Matterhorn mountain. (If you like Toblerone chocolate, you’ll remember the drawing of the Matterhorn on the triangle packaging). 

The highest altitude is at 3889 m (12,760 ft), making Zermatt the highest ski resort in Switzerland, boasting frequent near-perfect snowy conditions. Thus, the ski season is long, and diehard skiers and snowboarders take advantage of Zermatt summer skiing. 

Zermatt has something for every skier or snowboarder level, with more than 360 km of slopes and 53 lifts. There’s a wide variety of blue, red, and black slopes, and there’s a dedicated Snowpark for snowboarders. For learners, Zermatt ski school is excellent, also if you want to experience snowboard. Furthermore, if you’re an advanced off-piste skier, you can have an exhilarating Zermatt heli-skiing adventure. Another unique aspect of Zermatt is that it is located close to Italy. You can ski into the resort of Cervinia for lunch and back to Switzerland afterward!

Wherever you are in the resort, look up, and you can likely see the jagged slopes of the Matterhorn reaching high in the sky. No wonder Zermatt is one of the top ski resorts in Switzerland and the world. Apres-ski in Zermatt is a lively, fun, and very Swiss affair. But make sure to also cozy up in one of the tiny chalets such as Champagner Bar Teehäuschen Flora with a hot chocolate or glass of Champagne, with outdoor seating lined with reindeer furs and surrounded by towering snow-capped trees. 

Back in the resort, enjoy a car-free environment as Zermatt is a pedestrian-only town. Take an afternoon to wander the picture-perfect streets, enjoy stops at local bakeries or wine bars and soak up all that makes Zermatt so unique! 

Verbier and the 4 Valleys

KEY INFORMATION
N. of runs:	94
N. of lifts:	89
Length of slopes:	410 km (255 mi)
Best suited to:	Beginners, Intermediate, and Experienced
How to get to Verbier:	From Geneva it takes about 2.5 hours by car or by train. From Zurich you must count 3.5 to 4 hours by car, and 4 hours by train. Check timetables and prices on Omio

Verbier and the 4 Vallées, as the 4 Valleys are called in French, is the biggest ski resort in Switzerland. The town is not as charming as Gstaad, but you’re sure to experience top-notch skiing. It certainly is one of the most fashionable ski resorts in Switzerland, although probably a little less than St. Moritz and Gstaad. 

The altitude ranges from 1250 m (4,100 ft) up to 3300 m (10,827 ft) on the top of the famous Mont Fort. Runs are abundant and suitable for any level of skiers, although Verbier is incredibly popular with experienced skiers. If you’re looking for a challenge, head to the Mont Fort run. Although I’ve been skiing for years and am quite good at it, I didn’t dare to face the steep slope and the deep ditches. 

Verbier is also a real paradise for off-piste skiing, and heli-skiing is extremely popular if you’re looking for some exceptional freeriding.

St. Moritz Ski Resort

by Rai, A Rai of Light

KEY INFORMATION
N. of runs:	88
N. of lifts:	58
Length of slopes:	350 km (217 mi)
Best suited to:	Beginners, Intermediate, and Experienced
How to get to St. Moritz:	By car, it takes 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Zurich and about 3.5 hours by train. Check timetables and prices on Omio.

The famous resort of Saint Moritz, found in a valley of the Engadine region, is home to some of the best scenery in the Southern Alps. As one of the oldest winter holiday destinations, it is filled with winter sports history.

This petite Swiss mountain town, situated at an elevation of over 1,800 meters, has twice hosted the Winter Olympics and is frequently the site of world ski events. Here you will find two main ski areas, namely Corvatsch and Corviglia, with a 30-minute bus ride connecting the two. There are more than 350 km of slopes for skiing and snowboarding, suitable for all skill levels.

For beginner riders, the gentle three-kilometer Paradiso is ideal, while the more experienced have the Corviglia Snow Park, which has an abundance of obstacles. The resort also has a handful of very long intermediate runs.

In addition to skiing, I found a lot to do here: ice skating, kite skiing, and bobsledding. Fortunately, it is easily reached by bus or car, averaging around three hours from the major cities in the region. Being world-famous, Saint Moritz is not cheap and not an excellent choice for those on a budget. However, for those who can afford it, it has much to offer and is worth visiting.

Gstaad ski resort

KEY INFORMATION
N. of slopes:	75
N. of lifts:	53
Length of slopes:	220 km (137 mi)
Best suited to:	Beginners-Intermediate
How to get to Gstaad:	From Geneva to Gstaad, it is 2.5 to 3 hours by car and 3 hours by train. Check timetables and prices on Omio.

This charming small village is one of Switzerland’s most famous luxury ski resorts, together with St. Moritz. Royalties and many celebrities own a chalet in Gstaad, but you’ll have few chances to meet any of them. What makes Gstaad unique is its understatement. It looks like many other pretty Swiss villages, except it’s more than that. 

Gstaad is chic and understated—a place like no other. 

You can reach the different ski areas by train, boarding the Montreux Oberland Bernois line, one of Switzerland’s most scenic train rides. However, you must catch the bus if you wish to ski on Glacier 3000.

The altitude of the ski areas around Gstaad barely reaches 2000 m (6562 ft), which can be an issue in years with little snowfalls. However, the Gstaad ski resort is well-equipped to guarantee artificial snow. If you want to ski at higher altitudes, head to Glacier 3000, where you can also walk on Les Diablerets glacier in Summer. 

Gstaad is the perfect destination for a romantic ski holiday in the Alps. Additionally, Gstaad is a friendly mountain resort for disabled people. I spent a week a few years ago with my beloved nephew, who has Down syndrome. Gstaad Ski School has specific programs to prepare instructors to teach people with disabilities, and they do fantastic work. 

Engelberg Titlis Ski Area

By Jurga, Full Suitcase

KEY INFORMATION
N. of slopes:	19
N. of lifts:	25
Length of slopes:	82 km (51 mi)
Best suited to:	Beginners, Intermediate, Expert

Engelberg ski resort is one of our favorite places to ski in Switzerland. There are several reasons for this. First, it’s easy to get there by car, and it is just a short train ride from Lucerne. Second, there is snow certainty during the entire ski season. Third, the slopes are really nice and wide, and they are usually not too busy.

Furthermore, the scenery is terrific, and your ski ticket also allows you to go all the way up to the top of the famous Mount Titlis. That’s one of the most beautiful mountain tops to visit in Switzerland, and separately visiting it will cost you a small fortune, so don’t miss it if you are skiing in the area! With 82km of slopes and 25 ski lifts covering an area between 1.050 and 3.020 meters above sea level, Engelberg ski resort has a wide variety of ski slopes. However, you’ll enjoy skiing here more if you are comfortable with intermediate, red pistes.

Engelberg has three ski areas; the biggest one is the Titlis Area. It’s here that you’ll find the widest variety of ski slopes. The most popular runs are around Jochpass, but the slopes at Stand are just as lovely and quieter. Our favorite place for lunch is the outdoor terrace of Hotel Trübsee. The views are stunning, and there is always such a great atmosphere here.

For more information, please check this complete guide to skiing in Engelberg.

Parpan and Lenzerheide Ski Resort

by Wendy Werneth, The Nomadic Vegan

KEY INFORMATION
N. of slopes:	115
N. of lifts:	43
Length of slope	225 km
Best suited to:	Beginners, Intermediate

Parpan is a tiny hamlet in a valley near the larger mountain resort of Lenzerheide. It’s a quiet place and makes a great base to escape the party scene. Parpan has six easy (blue) and three red (intermediate) runs, so it’s best for beginner to intermediate skiers. But it’s connected to the rest of the Lenzerheide ski area via the Heimberg lift, so there are plenty more options if you want to go further afield.

For example, the runs from the Stätzerhorn chairlift are a bit tougher and usually have good snow. The Heimberg lift also serves as the finishing line for the World Championship ski races held here, so you can test yourself by skiing the same runs as world-class skiers.

In 2014, a connecting lift was also built between the Lenzerheide ski area and adjacent Arosa. As a result, a general ski pass now works in both of these areas, so it has become one huge resort. Parpan is just a tiny part of it and is conveniently located in the middle. In total, there are 43 lifts and 225 kilometers of runs in the combined Lenzerheide-Arosa ski resorts. The highest lift is at an altitude of 2,865m.

Of course, other activities are on offer besides alpine skiing. For example, winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. And a 20-minute drive away, in the tiny town of Surava, is Skateline Albula, a 3-kilometer ice skating trail through a snowy forest.

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