Looking for the best ski resorts in Switzerland? We’ve got you covered.
Some of the greatest slopes in the Alps and some of the world’s most incredible ski resorts can be found in Switzerland, attracting many snowboarders, freestylers and skiers at the top of their game.
But you don’t have to be a pro to ski Switzerland. In fact, it boasts some superb ski schools and slopes to suit all levels of skill. And let’s not forget the mind blowing and magical winter wonderland scenery.
Here’s the lowdown on Switzerland’s best ski resorts…
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St Moritz
Positively iconic, St Moritz has a reputation for glitz and glamour, but it’s also a fabulous ski destination.
Three different ski areas contain 350km of pistes, with each areas featuring diverse terrain with vertical drops of up to nearly 5000 feet, plus excellent seasonal snowfall of up to a maximum of nearly 400 inches.
There are a total of 308 marked runs served by 42 lifts, of which roughly 20% are beginner runs, 60% intermediate, and 20% advanced.
The diverse mix of terrain includes sunny southern slopes, a wealth of thrilling red runs, groomed cruisers, alpine bowls, long, perfectly groomed pistes, challenging steeps and chutes, glacier skiing and outstanding off piste backcountry for ski and snowboard experts.
But this is also a resort infamous for its après ski, with crazy slope parties, stylish nightclubs with big name DJs, elegant cocktail bars, world class restaurants, and top name shopping for those who’ve got the cash to splash.
Take a look at this video for a taster of what’s on offer in St Moritz:
Where to Stay: Kempinski Residences St. Moritz
Guests at the Kempinski Residences St. Moritz can enjoy the ultimate in exclusive luxury plus all the benefits of a ski in /ski out location.
Spacious residences have 1 to 5 bedrooms, are decorated in tasteful contemporary alpine style, and feature en suite bathrooms, large living and dining areas, and private balcony or terrace from which to admire the spectacular mountain vistas.
The adjacent Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz offers 3 different dining options including fine French cuisine at Les Saisons, and Michelin star award winning Italian cuisine at Restaurant Cà d’Oro.
The vast and tranquil Kempinski Alpine Spa features an extensive range of treatments, numerous saunas, fresh mountain streams, an indoor pool and a state of the art fitness center.
- Ski in / ski out accommodation
- Luxury residences with mountain views
- Spa and wellness center
- Choice of dining options
- Bar
- Fitness center
- Kid’s club
Verbier
Ski resorts don’t come much bigger than Verbier in the immense 4 Vallées ski region, and not only is it big, it’s also one of the best.
94 runs for all levels are spread across the 400 skiable acres with jaw dropping views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. With 331 inches average snowfall this is a pretty snow sure resort too. 82 lifts serve the pistes with an exhilarating 6004 foot vertical.
While there is something for everybody at Verbier, beginners may find the terrain more limiting, however intermediate to advanced skiers will be in their element, as will the experts who can make the most of the challenges posed by the hair raising off piste terrain which includes plenty of moguls, chutes, cliffs, and steeps.
Show off your freestyle moves at the awesome and well equipped Verbier Snowpark. After the day on the slopes is over, there’s a ton of après ski fun to be had on the mountainside and in the small resort town.
Take your pick of cool bars, live DJs, and excellent restaurants or hearty fare for you to fill your boots with.
Where to Stay: W Verbier
The luxurious 5-star W Verbier Marriott hotel is perfectly placed for easy piste access.
Slick rooms and suites feature an alpine influenced, daring contemporary design, complete with cozy fireplace, private balcony, hi-tech sound system and flat screen TV, and en suite bathroom.
Delicious local flavors and garden fresh ingredients are served at the hotel bistro, W Kitchen, or guests can discover modern Japanese dishes at Carve Sushi Bar. W Living Room cocktail bar features fine cocktails created by top mixologists and sublime panoramic mountain views.
Recharge your batteries at the Away Spa with a range of treatments plus hammam, whirlpool, and steam bath, break out a sweat at the state of the cutting edge fitness center, or take a relaxing swim in the heated indoor / outdoor pool.
- Ski in / ski out slope access
- Private fireplace and balcony
- Choice of restaurants and bars
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
- Swimming pool
Engelberg
By qwesy qwesy (CC BY 3.0 licence)
Skilled skiers and serious snowboarders adore Engelberg for its superb, bountiful powder, vertiginous 6560 foot vertical, and huge amount of gnarly off piste terrain, glacier skiing, mogul fields, and outstanding views.
There’s not much for beginners here, with only a handful of blue runs, but advanced intermediates will find plenty to please.
The resort’s 28 ski lifts are good but don’t cover the entire terrain perfectly, so be prepared to walk to get to some trails. The resort terrain park is well kitted out for freestyling.
Engelberg village isn’t exactly party central, but it’s got a great atmosphere and there are a good selection of bars which get pretty lively at weekends. There’s good food to be found too, from Mexican to classic Swiss dishes, to Pizza and much more besides.
Zermatt
The massive 7477 foot vertical is just one of the things that makes Zermatt one of the best ski resorts — not just in Switzerland, but the entire world.
It also boasts unparalleled scenery, nearly 400 inches of superb quality snowfall each season plus extensive snow making, and 145 runs across 360 acres of awesome terrain.
The resort is composed of 4 main ski areas with terrain for all ability levels, although beginners may struggle to find something to suit apart from at the ski schools.
For intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders there is plenty of scope for thrills and spills, nearly 70% of marked pistes are red, with tree skiing, long cruisers, and simply incredible powder skiing and backcountry terrain to please those with a superior set of skills.
Off piste Zermatt is a party paradise, with infamous mountain parties, champagne bars, DJs and live bands, cozy chalet bars, and even a bar in an igloo.
When it’s time to eat there are a wide range of top quality restaurants and eateries both on and off mountain, and if you’re a serious foodie you’ll be pleased to hear that this Swiss ski resort has the highest concentration of award winning gourmet restaurants, including two with Michelin Stars.
Where to Stay: Hotel Daniela
The charming and family friendly 4 star Hotel Daniela is situated in a tranquil spot about 10 minutes walk from Zermatt town center yet close to the slopes.
Rooms, suites, and family rooms have been tastefully decorated in bright colors and feature dressing and seating areas, terrace with balcony, flat screen satellite television, and en suite bathroom.
The hotel restaurant is open 24 hours a day and serves up tasty local cuisine and a satisfying buffet breakfast, and the pleasant bar has a terrace where guests can unwind with a cocktail and admire the view.
- Close to ski lifts
- Short walk to town center
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Family and pet friendly
Davos
Welcome to the highest town and some of the most amazing ski terrain in Europe.
Davos Klosters’ 320 skiable acres is divided into 6 different areas which deliver wonderfully diverse ski and snowboard opportunities, and because of the resort’s high altitude it receives a staggering 539 inches of the fluffy stuff each season.
There are 85 runs, 12 valley piste trails, some thigh burning long runs up to 12 km long, plenty of excellent and demanding off piste, and a vertical drop of 6673 feet giving rise to some challenging steeps.
With 11% greens, 28% blues, 47% reds, and 14% blacks, runs are well mixed for all skill levels, but this Swiss ski resort is best suited to upper intermediates and experts.
With over 40 bars and clubs at small but bustling Davos there are some great places for après entertainment including lively pubs open from early afternoon to sophisticated lounge bars and some kicking night clubs, as well as cinemas and a huge casino.
Likewise you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants, with over 100 in the city alone, let alone those on the slopes.
Where to Stay: Davos INN
Set in an historic building in the heart of Davos, the Davos Inn offers a charm that is both traditional and cosmopolitan in pleasant surroundings.
Four room types are available, all of which benefit from en suite bathrooms, and LCD TV. All south facing rooms have a sun terrace.
Guests are invited to start the day the right way with a complimentary buffet breakfast at the hotel restaurant, and the Starbucks Coffee & Wine café features a conservatory and lounge, which make for a cozy place to relax.
- Mountain views
- Close to ski lifts and town center
- Restaurant
- Complimentary buffet breakfast
- Café and wine bar
Grindelwald
By © Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
It may not be the most hi tech Swiss ski resort, but what makes Grindelwald so special are its legendary setting in a supreme snowy landscape, quaint mountain village, and superb intermediate skiing.
Natural snow fall at the resort can sometimes be a little lacking, but this is made up for with excellent snowmaking. There is a more than respectable 5590 foot vertical, with 16 blue runs, 24 reds, and 15 blacks, with a total downhill length of 213 km.
There are 20 ski lifts, but they do leave a little to be desired so be prepared to be patient.
What’s also interesting about Grindelwald is that is offers a gateway to the Murren and Wengen ski areas which opens up a whole world of additional terrain to explore, including the the longest World Cup downhill course, the Lauberhorn.
When the action on the slopes winds down the village is lively despite its smallish size, and there are some good bars and night spots to choose from, as well as some wonderful places to eat to suit all budgets.
Most venues are found inside the big hotels, although there are also some good options on the slopes.
Where to Stay: Sunstar Hotel & SPA Grindelwald
The centrally located 4 star Sunstar Hotel & SPA Grindelwald is spacious and stylish with unspoilt panoramic views.
In addition to having its own in-house sports shop, the hotel has a warm and welcoming lobby piano bar with open fireplace, and a choice of 2 restaurants, one of which — the elegant Restaurant Adlerstube — offers a gourmet menu and comprehensive wine list.
Rooms and suites at the hotel offer tranquility and comfort, with Flat screen TV and en suite bathroom, and certain rooms featuring private balconies with mountain views.
Treat yourself at the Wellness Oasis with indoor pool, a Finnish sauna, Roman-Irish baths with four climate zones and hydro-massage showers. Or let off some steam at the fitness center.
- Unspoilt panoramic views of the Eiger
- Wellness Oasis with Roman Baths and spa
- Swimming pool
- Fitness Center
- Restaurant and bar
Andermatt
By snowboardguides.com (CC BY 2.0 licence)
One of the Switzerland’s most snow sure resorts, and boasting regular dumps of fresh powder thank to cold storms coming from all directions, Andermatt is one of the world’s best freeride destinations.
It has recently been linked with the Sedrun ski area to give access to even more terrain with a 4984 foot vertical and more than 120 km of runs.
For now the resort is relatively uncrowded — although it does get busier at weekends — but this is fast changing as Andermatt-Sedrun becomes increasingly popular.
There’s currently not a great deal here for beginners (although this is set to improve) but advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders will be beside themselves with the amount of world class off piste and backcountry terrain.
Continual expansion has led to new intermediate areas being opened up, and the east side of the resort terrain is now a paradise of blues.
The compact, pretty village of Andermatt has a traditional appearance, and is fast being developed to include more bars, restaurants, and accommodations.
Après gets off to a quirky start at Andermatt on the Après Ski Bar Train which travels between the local villages, and there are some good venues for both eating and drinking on the mountain and at both Andermatt and Sedrun.
Where to Stay: Hotel Crown
In the heart of Andermatt’s Old Town, the newly built Hotel Crown has everything you could need for a comfortable stay.
There are 20 roomy suites, all of which feature bedroom with en suite bathroom and a separate living area with balcony, flat screen television, and dining area.
Guests can soak up the alpine sun on the terrace, or enjoy a relaxing drink in front of a roaring fire at the James bar and lounge.
At the restaurant diners can sample wonderful classic dishes, and the The 4 Quellen Spa & Fitness contains a Finnish sauna and a hay bath, as well as the latest equipment for weight and fitness training.
- Good central location
- Spacious accommodations
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
Which do you think is the best ski resort in Switzerland?
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