As well as watches, banks and chocolate, it's hard not to think of skiing when you think of Switzerland. The rugged terrain of the Alps makes the country a huge playground for skiers, shared with France and Italy in particular. Between its high peaks, alpine landscapes dotted with lakes and rivers make a splendid setting dreamed of by sports enthusiasts. So, where can you ski in Switzerland? Discover the country's most popular resorts.
1- Wengen-Grindelwald ski area
If Grindelwald is one of Switzerland's most beautiful villages, it's also an ideal location for winter sports. The Grindelwald-Wengen ski area is the largest in the Jungfrau region. Here you'll find 103km of slopes, as well as numerous hiking trails and toboggan runs for off-piste skiing. Wengen is also the venue for the annual Lauberhorn race, the most famous World Cup race in alpine skiing.
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2- St. Moritz, on the Corviglia ski area
In southeastern Switzerland, the world-famous resort of Saint-Moritz is part of the Corviglia ski area. It boasts some 155km of slopes of varying difficulty between 1720 and 3022 meters above sea level, as well as the Olympic downhill run from the 1948 Winter Olympics. The resort is also home to the world's first yoga track, on which enthusiasts can practice "yoga on snow". Cross-country skiers can also take advantage of the 230 km of Nordic trails.
Activities to book if you're more of a sightseer than a skier, this tour of St. Moritz with a panoramic train ride from Milan.
3- Skiing in Zermatt
Certainly the most famous of Swiss ski resorts, Zermatt is part of the Matterhorn Ski Paradise, Europe's highest ski area. Dominated by the majestic Matterhorn, this year-round pedestrian resort offers 322km of pistes for all levels. Experienced skiers will be particularly interested in the 220km of red runs and 27km of black runs. To find out more about Zermatt, read our article on the best things to do in the resort.
4- Champéry in the Portes du Soleil ski area
A real picture-postcard village, Champéry is also the best Swiss resort for accessing the Portes du Soleil ski area. This extensive ski area between France and Switzerland is the largest cross-border ski area in Europe. It boasts 580km of pistes of varying difficulty, spread over 12 resorts. This immense playground, a skier's paradise, also offers numerous off-ski activities.
5- Where to ski in Switzerland? In Samnaun on the Silvretta Arena ski area
On the border withAustria, the resort of Samnaun is the best Swiss entrance to the Silvretta Arena ski area. Spanning both countries, the area boasts some 238km of slopes criss-crossing the mountains up to 2872m altitude. It is also one of Austria's top ski areas, along with Ischgl, its flagship resort and Alpine party venue. Samnaun, on the other hand, is quieter, more family-oriented and more relaxed.
6- Ski Verbier in the 4 Valleys ski area
Switzerland's largest ski area, the 4 Vallées ski region includes the resorts of Verbier, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz and Veysonnaz. Its 412km of pistes are divided into 107km of blue runs, 202km of red runs and 103km of black runs. The resort of Verbier is magnificently situated and offers a wide range of cultural and sporting activities in addition to skiing.
Activities to book : this winter flight in a tandem paraglider above Verbier will allow you to discover Switzerland in a different way.
7- The Crans-Montana ski area
Crans-Montana is a typical, lively resort nestled in a charming Swiss village. Situated in Switzerland's Rhone Valley, the resort boasts views of the Valais, the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. Crans-Montana's 140km of slopes stretch up to 2927m altitude. There's also the famous Mont-Lachaux piste, regularly used by women athletes at the Alpine Skiing World Cup.
8- Skiing in Arosa-Lenzerheide
Located between the resorts ofArosa and Lenzerheide, the ski area bearing their names is the fifth largest in the country. Arosa is also accessible by the Bernina Express, the famous red panoramic train that crosses the Swiss Alps. From the charming resort of Arosa, you'll have access to the 225km of pistes in the area, at altitudes ranging from 1229 to 2865m.
9- Sils Maria, on the Piz Corvatsch ski area
From the Swiss resort of Sils Maria, skiers have access to the Piz Corvatsch ski area. Its 120km of slopes extend up to 3303 meters altitude. There are 13km of blue runs, 89km of red runs and 18km of black runs. Freeriders will also be delighted by the resort's Corvatsch Snowpark.
10- Where to ski in Switzerland? Laax
The resort of Laax is renowned for its vast ski area, also accessible from Flims and Falera. with 188km of downhill slopes, you'll be able to take in the breathtaking scenery. The slopes are well distributed, with 88km of blue runs, 81km of red runs and 19km of black runs. You'll also find four snowparks and Europe's largest halfpipe, 6.90m high.
11- Adelboden in the canton of Bern
Located in the canton of Berne, the resort of Adelboden is a charming village of traditional chalets, renowned for its mild climate. TheAdelboden-Lenk ski area boasts a piste network of over 210km and 72 lifts, making it one of the largest in Switzerland. Skicross enthusiasts will particularly appreciate Adelboden and its numerous courses, as well as the famous Gran Masta Park, ideal for freeriders.
Some of these resorts can be reached by train. If you're interested, take a look at France's best train-accessible resorts.
Tempted by our selection? Take a look at our train ticket prices and book now!
Where to ski in Switzerland near France?
Here are a few Swiss resorts close to France, if you want to reach the country easily:
- Champéry. This resort is the closest to France and is part of the Franco-Swiss Portes du Soleil ski area. You can even choose a French resort and access the Swiss mountains via its lift network.
- Verbier. The luxury resort of Verbier is close to the French border and Mont Blanc, which you can see from certain vantage points.
- Gstaad. Close to Lake Geneva, Gstaad is Switzerland's most jet-set resort. It's just over an hour from the French border.
Where can families ski in Switzerland?
For your family holiday in Switzerland, here's a selection of the country's best family ski resorts:
- Wengen-Grindelwald. This resort offers a wide range of facilities and activities for young and old alike, making it ideal for a family holiday.
- Verbier. This must-see resort in the 4 Valleys has been voted "best resort in Switzerland" for the past two years. Ski schools and a giant toboggan run are just the thing to keep your little ones busy.
- Ovronnaz. This family-friendly resort is also a renowned spa. Here you'll find a wide variety of slopes and off-ski activities perfect for families.
- Nendaz. With its excellent transport links, Nendaz has the infrastructure, accommodation, activities and entertainment to suit children and families.
