The best ski resorts in Switzerland

Skiing is to Switzerland as chocolate is to … well, Switzerland. It’s not just a cool thing to do when you’re there – it’s part of the country’s very fabric. 

Home to some of the highest and most glorious riding in Europe, Switzerland is full of amazing ski resorts that embody some truly spectacular sights and experiences.  Switzerland has it all – from lifts reaching 3,900 meters/12,795 feet and perilous freeriding to picturesque lakeside towns filled with horse-drawn sleighs and swanky casinos. So take a magical tour of this powder paradise and raise your stoke levels for the season ahead.

And if you’re going to break new ground this season, do it with some new gear. Check out our range of ski bibs and ski jackets for the best freeride-ready snow gear around.

Switzerland ski resorts

Zermatt ski resort

Come on, did you expect anything else? One of the most famous mountains in the world (the Matterhorn) is also home to the highest skiing in Europe. No wonder it’s top of our list of the best places for skiing in Switzerland.

Zermatt’s expansive ski area extends across the face of the Monte Rosa massif, a collection of glacier-laden peaks stretching as high as 4,609 meters (15,118 feet). Shred at a lofty 3,899 meters (12,792 feet) by taking the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise gondola, where you’ll be treated to the Alps’ highest-altitude glacier riding. Linking into the Breuil-Cervinia across the Italian border, you’ll find predominantly red and blue trails above the treeline. On the Swiss side, there’s an awesome mix of intermediate runs, a nice selection of expert and beginner terrain, and some premium marked off-piste to explore above and below the treeline.

Zermatt’s town is pretty sizable and quintessentially Swiss, packed with sloped-roofed chalets and apartment buildings. You’ll discover winding streets lined with trees, offering a stunning view of the Matterhorn towering high above. There are also plenty of subdued hotels and self-catered options if you want a laid-back escape. However, Zermatt attracts a younger, livelier crowd, so you’re never far from a bar or club blasting dance music late into the night. From upmarket après to dark nightclubs, Zermatt has it all. Still, it’s one of the pricier choices for a Swiss ski getaway, thanks to its high-quality experiences on and off the mountain. 

Zermatt’s high altitude means it’s a very snow-sure ski resort and regularly receives snowfall throughout the season. In fact, the first snow tends to fall on high ground in early October, persisting through to late May. The season‌ doesn’t end as soon as many surrounding ski resorts, making Zermatt an ideal choice for April or May ski trips.

Verbier ski resort

Verbier. The freerider capital had to make the list! Verbier is part of the Mont Blanc area pass, which means you can ride at Le Brévent, La Flégère, Argentière, Vallorcine, and Verbier all on the same trip. The result? Possibly the best freeride experience in the Alps!

Verbier’s ski area is an interesting network fraught with epic freeride lines, no-go cliff areas, and predominantly intermediate to advanced trails (thanks to its generally steep grade). Get as high as 3,300 meters (10,826 feet) atop the Mont-Fort peak. Then, after sinking a cool drink at a bar at the top of the world, rip down some pretty epic lines as you make your way to one of the many bases. While the trails will guide you down to Verbier proper, the best powder descents are found heading towards Siviez and off the back of the Greppon Blanc high point. Just remember, it’s a bus ride back to civilization from the bottom!

Verbier’s town is charming and snow-covered all season long, packed with cute Swiss chalets. There’s upmarket accommodation available for those chasing a more luxurious trip. However, if you’re in the mood to party, Verbier has a heart-pumping après-ski scene with a super spread of bars at the bottom of the main gondola. So, head from pow to party without taking your boots off! You’ll also find some great spots for live music and late-night antics around the village center. Looking for a quiet night’s rest? Choose a hotel a little further away!

Verbier enjoys a microclimate, which means it gets nearly twice as much snow as its French neighbours, including Chamonix. Averaging about 18 to 20 feet per year, Verbier is one of the snowiest ski resorts in the western Alps. Mid to late February offers the best coverage and chance of fresh, heavy snowfall. But you can ride as early as mid-December most years, especially up high. In favorable years, pow dumps arrive as late as early April.

Crans-Montana

With the least-sounding Swiss name on this list, Crans-Montana snags a spot thanks to its sprawling ski area, epic freeriding, and fun town. You’ll find everything here – from relaxing snow-laden chalets to bouncing party hotels.

Crans-Montana might not get the press as the other Swiss ski resorts do. However, the fact it flies under the radar means it never gets too crowded, and there are always fresh lines to be had. With a gondola sweeping as high as 2,927 meters (9,603 feet) – giving access to nearly 1,500 meters (4,649 feet) of vertical descent – this ski resort certainly won’t disappoint. Above the treeline is its most advanced terrain, with some truly epic chutes and cliff lines. Lower down, its low-angled, snowy glades are filled with powder. With an epic park setup and tons of riding for beginners, too, Crans-Montana should be a Swiss mountain on everyone’s hit list.

Crans and Montana are two neighboring villages, each with their own vibe and identity. They boast the best shopping and gastronomical choices, with plenty of lively bars across the base where the trails drain down into town. As it’s a year-round destination, Crans-Montana has more character and charm than some winter-only ski resorts. However, as it’s spread out across a good area, you can pick between being right in the hustle and bustle or out from the center, where it’s so quiet it’s possible to hear the snow falling.

The mountain receives steady snowfall throughout the season, averaging 17 feet or more every winter. Snow surety is guaranteed as there’s a lot of riding above 2,000 meters (6,561 feet). Plus, thanks to a 200-strong network of snow cannons, you’ll never be short on coverage. There are always powder stashes hidden around this ski resort and fresh lines to discover above and below the treeline. So, happy hunting! 

Laax

Laax is a truly special place with one of Europe’s largest networks of high-altitude riding. Plus, it’s famed as the home of The Stomping Grounds. This is Laax’s world-famous pro-level glacier terrain park that hosts all the big names (slopestyle and pipe pro riders) for pre-season training. Not bad.  

With just a handful of long home-run trails draining back down to the base at 1,100 meters (3,609 feet), Laax is unique in that you’ll need to take a gondola (or three) to get to where the action is. Beginners can learn at the base, and for quick laps, there’s a chair that takes you up to Naraus at 1,842 meters (6,043 feet) for the easiest-access freeriding laps. However, those willing to make the pilgrimage to the Vorab Glacier peak will be rewarded with 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) of vertical descent, including some amazing off-piste in the Vorab Pign bowl. Then, one giant playground awaits as you choose your own line to the bottom, stopping at the various bars, parks, and viewpoints to gaze out at the Tectonic Arena Sardona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site towering above the town.

Laax town isn’t a purpose-built ski resort, so the vibe is more relaxed than some other Swiss resorts. You’ll find plenty of cozy hotels and self-catered options, all of which are quintessentially Swiss in their look and feel — which isn’t bad! Nightlife is limited to the base station at the foot of the gondola, with several lively bars pumping from the early afternoon. Flims, the next station along sharing Laax’s ski area, is much the same. You’ll discover a traditional Swiss town with a couple of high-energy bars at the lift base, but an altogether laid-back feel.

Because Laax is laid out across the mountain – and with so much of its network sitting in high Alpine bowls – fresh snow is abundant. There’s a big difference between what falls in town and up top, with estimates putting the yearly mid-mountain snowfall as high as 23 feet. Lower down, you’ll expect less. Still, there aren’t many trails below the treeline, so it doesn’t matter. You come to Laax for high-altitude powder riding and its epic parks!

Saas-Fee

Saas-Fee – another high-altitude playground – offers glacier riding as high as 3,500 meters (11,483 feet), world-renowned freestyle terrain, and a vibrant town. Unsurprisingly, this makes it a popular choice for those who like to ride hard and dance harder.

Saas-Fee’s trail network is split across three stations: Saas-Grund, Saas-Almagell, and Saas-Fee proper. Several gondolas take riders up from the base, interlinking a fairly disjointed network of trails. However, with a selection of peaks and chairs, riders will have their choice of predominantly intermediate to advanced runs, along with some pretty epic freeriding opportunities. A unique funicular train will get you to the top of the Mittelallalin at 3,500 meters (11,483 feet). There, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and amazing food and drink options. It’s worth coming just for a one-of-a-kind lunch! Then, take a 1,700-meter (5,577-foot) vertical ride back to town for some well-earned après.

Saas-Fee’s town is awash with various affordable and upmarket accommodation – from opulent hotels to easy-going self-catering. Plenty of party places exist, too, with relaxed pubs and stylish cocktail venues – perfect for reliving your mountain adventures after a mega day. And, of course, you won’t have to look too hard to find somewhere playing dance music long into the night. At the lower end of the town, you’ll find mellower hotels and chalets if you want to stay out of the melee and have a quiet night’s rest. However, do that and you’ll miss out on the town’s true spirit!

The weather at Saas-Fee isn’t dissimilar to most high-altitude Alpine ski towns. Residing at 1,800 meters (5,905.5 feet) in elevation, deep in the heart of the Alps, snow is abundant, even at ski resort level. So prepare for snowy hikes to and from the lift station. Higher up, estimates put the annual snowfall anywhere from 15 to 20 feet on average, with the glacier getting the most snow. And, the snow stays cold and light thanks to its north-facing aspect. Plus, it doesn’t melt until mid-spring, making for fantastic riding conditions all winter.

Grindelwald ski town

Grindelwald is not just a character in a Potterverse movie. It’s an extremely charming Swiss ski town with a deceptively deep bag of tricks at its disposal. These include the Eiger Express, a high-speed gondola that whisks you to the Jungfraujoch – ‘Top Of Europe’ at 3,454 meters (11,332 feet). 

For riding purists, Grindelwald probably doesn’t offer quite what Verbier or Zermatt do. However, it’s awesome for those looking for an altogether more relaxed and quaint escape with some unbelievable scenery. A good network of blue and red marked trails crisscross the mountain. Plus, having a lower altitude than its glacier-fraught countrymen means there’s some excellent tree riding to be found following a dumping of snow. But, overall, this is a pretty laid-back ski resort that prioritizes cruisey groomer runs with epic vistas over white-knuckle freeride descents.

The resort is perfect for families, with bars and restaurants ideal for unwinding after a long day of riding. There’s a nice variety of accommodation, too, with most leaning towards the smaller, Swiss-style chalets. But there are some larger hotels, as well as plenty of self-catering options. You’ll also find some decent shopping and tons to see and do around the town and ski resort. This includes dining at the Sphinx Restaurant (Jungfraujoch’s highest point), the Ice Palace, Tissot’s First Cliff Walk, ziplining, night sledding, and so much more.

The weather is sunnier in Grindelwald than some other Swiss ski resorts, meaning its average yearly snowfall is around 10 feet. Located centrally in the Alps and a little further north than most, it avoids the prevailing weather that the more eastern resorts catch. However, its north-facing slopes hold snow well, and its extensive snowmaking ensures coverage at all times of the season. 

St. Moritz

Switzerland’s glitz and glamor capital also has some pretty epic riding available. If you want to combine five-star hotels with Michelin-star dining — with seven certified restaurants — and a huge helping of Swiss history, St. Moritz is the place for you.

You might be surprised to learn that St. Moritz has one of Switzerland’s most varied and high-quality ski areas. The ski resort base is at 1,856 meters (6,089 feet), and the cable car goes as high as 3,056 meters (10,026 feet) atop Piz Nair. You can either use the extensive trail network down or ride one of the marked freeride lines. Or just pick your own route, which is highly recommended, thanks to the ample snowfall that builds up here. However, playing host to two winter Olympics means the Alpine ski runs are the crowning achievement, with plenty of race-grade trails to tackle, and an epic terrain park. Just stop for a well-earned lunch and cocktail at one of the many amazing mountain-side restaurants.

As for the town … Where to start? You won’t know where to look with its array of hotels, shops, restaurants, mineral baths, ice plunges, skating rink, spas and saunas, the Segantini museum, the railway that winds through the mountains, the restaurants and bars on the mountains, the epic upmarket après scene, the casino, the horse-sleigh racing, the galleries, and so much more. There’s probably not a more vibrant and attraction-packed town than St. Moritz. However, it’s definitely more geared to adults with higher budgets, and there’s not a whole lot going on for the little ones. Still, if you want a sumptuous ski trip and feel like splurging, St. Moritz is possibly the best resort this side of the Atlantic.

St. Moritz’s town symbol is the sun, and for good reason. You can certainly expect clear weather if you visit, with an average of 322 sunny days per year. However, they do get a modest nine feet of snow a year, and the higher slopes will definitely accumulate more. Plus, an extensive snow cannon network means coverage is guaranteed, even in the early season. 

Corvatsch

Often overlooked as St. Moritz’s less luxurious neighbor, Corvatsch is a more stripped-back resort with north-facing slopes and a rideable glacier stretching to 3,303 meters (10,836 feet). There’s no glitzy town here. But there is great riding.

When a ski resort brands itself as a place ‘Where powder and pipes prevail’, you know it’s going to be good. Nicknamed the ‘Big Raven’, you’ll soar high above the clouds and the snowline from late November to early May. While Corvatsch takes pride in its huge terrain park – equipped with fun and rhythm zones, beginner and intermediate lines, and a pro jump line – the Freeride El Dorado Corvatsch (the legendary North Face at Corvatsch) is worth the pilgrimage. North Face – an entire north-facing powder zone fraught with cliffs and natural features – promises endless powder turns with everything from gentle pow fields to 65-degree steeps. Lower down, you’ll find some intermediate trails and lift links to the Furtschellas base. But, come on – you’re here for the park and pow, right?

As for the ski resort, you can stay in Surlej, the small village at the base of the lifts, full with mellow chalet-style accommodation. There are a few restaurants here, but nothing much in the way of an après scene. For that, you’ll want to stay in the slightly larger Silvaplana. Although, options are very limited here, too. There’s always the possibility of staying in Sils im Engadin-Segl, of course. This is the other village that shares the ski area. However, that’s just as quiet as Surlej. Instead, riding is the priority, with the villages serving one purpose: somewhere to sleep and rest your legs.

As for the weather, Corvatsch benefits from a high-altitude glacial setting, a north-facing aspect, and a place in the Sella Gruppe massif. This means the weather coming out of the north-west catches and builds up. As such, the nine-foot average snowfall feels much deeper than it is, with the peaks of these mountains retaining snow all year round. In fact, they claim a consistent late-November-to-early-May season, which tells you everything you need to know.

Aletsch Arena

It’s not often you come across a ski area that won a ‘Best Ski Resort’ award and calls itself ‘the greatest glacier in the Alps’... But you’ve never heard of it. So, add Aletsch Arena to your list – it’s 100% worth the trip. 

The Aletsch Glacier begins at the Bettmerhorn peak and runs the full length of the ski resort. The trail network crisscrosses below it on exposed, powdery slopes. There are two high points here. One is at the Bergstation Bettmerhorn at 2,547 meters (8,356 feet), and the other is at the Bergstation Eggishorn at 2,869 meters (9,413 feet). With lots of open faces below both, freeride opportunities are abundant. There’s also a fantastic selection of advanced and beginner terrain, terrain parks, slalom runs, and so much more. Depending on which station you stay at, the experience of getting up to the slopes will be slightly different. 

The Aletsch Arena offers plenty of places to stay. Choose from Mörel and Breiten – at the eastern edge – or Fiesch at the western side. Mörel is mellow with little going on in terms of après and partying, so it’s ideal for laid-back getaways with its picturesque aesthetic. There’s a little more going on in Fiesch, but it's still a family-oriented village. Then, there’s the opportunity to stay in Riederalp, Bettmeralp, or Fiescheralp, all of which are ‘resort’ towns around 2,000 meters (6,562 feet). This means you can expect them to be snowier, and livelier, too, with more après-ski happening in the bars at the bottom of the lifts. Still, they’re small stations, so don’t expect heavyweight partying late into the night.

Aletsch Arena’s ski area has a southern outlook, meaning it gets tons of sun. Still, it racks up around 12 feet of snow every winter, so coverage is never an issue. And thanks to the high altitude of the ski resorts here, riding back to town is guaranteed all season long. This is boosted by the resort’s network of snow cannons, which have seen recent steady investment.

Engelberg

A stunning Alpine village with rolling pastures below and towering granite faces above, Engelberg is about as Swiss as chocolate. And with lifts stretching as high as 3,028 meters (9,934 feet), it’s no slouch in the riding department either.

The mountain is actually two mountains. You can hit Brunni, taking the cable car up to the Schonegg peak at 2,040 meters (6,693 feet). There, you’ll be treated to winding tree-riding and plenty of stunning views of Titlis. There’s also lots of snowshoeing and snow walking on this side, along with marked sled runs, making it great for non-skiers and little ones who want more out of the trip than just snow ploughing for a week. For those looking for more action, take the trip up Titlis from the other side of town and make your way to Klein Titlis, 2,000 vertical meters (6,562 feet) above the ski resort. From there, red and black trails guide you down, offering intense freeride opportunities for the truly skilled. It’s a bit of a quirkily laid-out ski network. However, there’s lots to explore and enjoy for those willing to do it all.

Engelberg brands itself as the perfect family-friendly winter resort with plenty of beginner-grade riding and infrastructure set up for kids (of all ages). And with lots to do – including hiking and snowshoe tours, tubing, cross-country skiing, sledding, and loads of dedicated children’s areas – it backs up this claim. Off the mountain, you’ll launch into lots of activities, such as skating and curling, as well as a host of great restaurants and hotels ranging from reasonable and relaxed to luxurious and lavish. Like most Swiss mountain towns, there’s an après scene. But, as a family-focused ski resort, it won’t be as bouncy as others. Still, you won’t have trouble finding somewhere serving delicious cocktails and cold beers.

Engelberg is one of the snowier resorts on this list, with an average annual snowfall of almost 15 feet. The Titlis mountain is also north-facing, so it catches and holds snow well, even into the late season. With the town at 1,000 meters (3.281 feet), early and late season snowfall at ski resort level can be a little hit or miss. Still, there’s something to be said for walking snow-free streets and slashing pow stashes on the same trip!

Grimentz-Zinal

Grimentz is a bit of a four-for-one deal, forming part of the Val d’Anniviers circuit. And, while it may not be the largest ski resort, it still has plenty to offer, including epic freeriding off multiple peaks and a cable car linking it to the Zinal ski area.

From Grimentz, you’ll take a gondola, chairs, and tow lifts to the top. Once you’re there, watch out. Three high points at 2,900 meters (9,514 feet), 2,858 meters (9,377 feet), and 2,730 meters (8,957 feet) all provide uninterrupted hefty vertical descents through open pow fields. Plus, thanks to no one really knowing about the place, there are fresh lines to find days after a good snowfall — which is pretty common here, too! On the Zinal side, you can get up to almost 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) via the lifts. You’ll enjoy some great open pow fields there, including a dedicated freeride zone littered with chutes and cliffs for those with bionic knees. Sure, the lift infrastructure isn’t as advanced as some larger ski resorts. Still, for a stripped-back freeriding experience, this place is paradise.

Grimentz’s resort is more of a Swiss hamlet than a ski resort, with classic wooden chalets littering the hillside, snow-laden by early winter. A selection of affordable B&B-style hotels is muttered throughout the village, with a few bars and restaurants scattered around, including the Tsirouc. This is a pumping après spot at the foot of the lifts, known for its lively atmosphere, especially on powder days! However, if you’re looking for ‘more than riding’, Grimentz probably isn’t the right call. There’s little to do off the mountain, especially for children.

The best thing about Grimentz is the weather. In a word: snowy! Averaging 23 feet per year, it outpaces even the likes of Verbier for the white stuff. The eastern-facing slopes are well shielded from all-day sun, so expect snow to pile high and stick around until mid-spring. Pow laps are common here well into April.

Braunwald

Talking about pow laps above reminded us of something. We couldn’t finish this list without mentioning the snowiest ski resort in the country…and it’s probably one you haven’t heard of. Hard to get to and harder to forget, Braunwald is the Swiss powder paradise with no crowds.

Braunwald is a special ski resort accessible only by funicular. It sits on a plateau that you need to take a railed train to get to. However, once you’re there, you’ll experience car-free streets with snow piles higher than the buildings. And while there may only be 665 meters (2,181 feet) of vertical, with lifts topping out at 1,900 meters (6,237 feet), the heaping helping of powder more than makes up for it. With some exposed bowl riding off the lifts to warm up, it’s the tree skiing here that will excite and delight to no end. Possibly the best under-the-radar destination for powder tree riding in the Alps, Braunwald offers endless lines as you snake back toward the resort. And, thanks to its difficult-to-access location, the crowds are minimal. Plus, you can find fresh lines every day of the season, whether the resort’s had a fresh dumping or not!

Braunwald is car-free, which makes it super quiet. You’ll discover a selection of hotels and plenty of self-catering options. However, don’t expect crazy nightlife. There are a handful of bars and restaurants but think more upscale cocktail and beer bars than high-energy après-ski and you’re on the right track. This place definitely caters more to families looking for a laid-back escape. But that’s great, because it completely undersells itself as a pow skier’s nirvana – and little ones aren’t likely to tear up the deep stuff either, leaving more lines for you.

We needn’t mention the weather, really, considering how we’ve framed this entry. But how does nearly 30 feet of snow annually sound? That’s tons of the good stuff every year. And, thanks to eastern-facing slopes, it piles up and stays. However, when it’s not puking, Braunwald is known to be a sunny spot, ideal for hard riding in the morning and a couple of well-earned beers in the afternoon. Oh, and all with one of the best views in the world, of course. 

FAQs

When do ski resorts open in the Swiss Alps?

Most resorts in Switzerland open in late November or early-mid December depending on their location and altitude and snowfall, of course. However, some are more suited to early-season skiing than others. Zermatt's Glacier Paradise area is the obvious resort to note as its open all year round, with lower slopes opening as snowfall builds up. Saas Fe's glacier opens from the autumn for skiers and snowboarders with a focus on park riding, and St. Moritz opens in mid October with limited, snow-cannon serviced terrain.

Where's the best skiing for beginners in Switzerland?

There are lots of great places to learn to ski in Switzerland. Smaller resorts will offer lower lift ticket prices, and as a beginner you'll likely not be riding the whole mountain, so going to a larger resort can result in you paying for lifts you won't use. However, larger resorts like Zermatt, Crans Montana, Saas Fe, St. Moritz, Andermatt, Davos, and Grindelwald, will have the largest learner areas, the best ski schools and instructors, the best on-mountain infrastructure and trail networks, and the biggest towns to enjoy. As a beginner, you'll want to weigh up the pros and cons of choosing a larger or smaller resort, but whatever you decide, Switzerland is a great choice for your first ski trip!

Wrapping up

Phew! There you have it. We included some obvious entries – such as Zermatt and Verbier topping the list. However, we also threw in a fair few hidden gems no one can rightly pronounce, let alone claim they’ve been to! So, hopefully, we’ve ignited your stoke to go on a ski trip to Switzerland. 
Think we missed a freeride mecca or après-fuelled party ski resort? Give us a shout at crew@montecwear.com and let us know. Otherwise, practice your Swiss-German and start looking for flights! We’ll see you out there.

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