Embark on a captivating journey through the Swiss Alps, a region synonymous with awe-inspiring mountains, diverse ski terrains, and world-class resorts. From the Western Alps, known for its renowned resorts, iconic peaks, and expansive ski areas, to the picturesque and diverse landscapes of the Eastern Alps, via the stunning Swiss Central Alps with its expansive off-piste opportunities and challenging vertical drops. Each region offers a unique skiing experience, characterized by their legendary mountains, exceptional ski facilities, and distinct charm. This guide is structured around Switzerland's primary ski regions – Western, Central, and Eastern Swiss Alps – highlighting their unique features. It includes overviews and essential information for planning your next ski holiday, covering the best resorts to ski in Switzerland, the best skiing times, and necessary travel documentation.
This division includes the western part of the Swiss Alps. It encompasses some of the highest and most famous peaks such as the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. Key ski resorts in this area include Verbier, Zermatt, Nendaz, Grindelwald, Crans-Montana and Saas-Fee.
Skiing in the Swiss Central Alps offers a captivating mix of accessibility, snow-sure conditions, and breathtaking scenery. This region, located at the heart of Switzerland, is home to some key resorts like Engelberg, Andermatt and Melchsee-Frutt.
The Eastern Alps occupy a smaller area, primarily situated in the canton of Graubünden. This region is known for its diverse landscapes from high mountain peaks to deep valleys, and includes renowned ski destinations like St. Moritz, Davos, and Klosters.
Nendaz is a family-friendly ski resort in the Swiss Alps, offering access to the expansive 4 Vallées ski area with over 400 km of slopes. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,773 meters, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 3,330 meters. The nearest airport is Geneva Airport, which is located approximately 166 km away. Nendaz provides a perfect balance of modern facilities and traditional charm, with a range of skiing options and a lively après-ski scene.
St Moritz is a luxurious ski resort, known for its upscale atmosphere and world-class skiing. The resort offers access to the Engadin ski area, featuring over 350 km of pistes. The maximum vertical drop at St. Moritz is 1,820 meters, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 3,303 meters. The nearest airport is Zurich Airport, which is located approximately 215 km away. St. Moritz combines glamour, tradition, and a vibrant après-ski scene, with modern lift systems and stunning scenery.
Zermatt is a picturesque ski resort, set beneath the iconic Matterhorn. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 2,279 meters and has a total of 360 km of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 3,899 meters. The nearest airport is Geneva Airport, which is located approximately 235 km away. Zermatt offers a blend of luxury and tradition, with a car-free village, superb skiing, and lively après-ski options.
Verbier is a renowned ski resort, offering access to the extensive 4 Vallées ski area with over 400 km of slopes. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,929 meters, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 3,330 meters. The nearest airport is Geneva Airport, which is located approximately 160 km away. Verbier provides a lively atmosphere, excellent skiing conditions, and a vibrant après-ski scene.
Saas Fee is a charming ski resort, offering snow-sure skiing on 100 km of pistes. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,800 meters, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 3,573 meters. The nearest airport is Geneva Airport, which is located approximately 225 km away. Saas Fee offers a mix of groomed slopes, freeride terrain, and snow parks.
Grindelwald is a picturesque ski resort, part of the Jungfrau Region, which includes the villages of Wengen and Mürren. The resort offers over 200 km of interconnected slopes, making it a perfect destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The maximum vertical drop is 1,967 meters, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 2,970 meters. The nearest airport is Zurich Airport, which is located approximately 150 km away. Grindelwald provides stunning scenery, modern lift systems, and a range of off-slope activities to enjoy.
Davos is a bustling ski resort, offering access to the Davos Klosters ski area with 300 km of slopes. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,894 meters and has a total of 300 km of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 2,844 meters. The nearest airport is Zurich Airport, which is located approximately 155 km away. Other nearby airports include Friedrichshafen Airport and Innsbruck Airport, both of which are approximately 200 km away. Davos provides a perfect combination of excellent skiing conditions and a lively atmosphere, with a vibrant après-ski scene and modern lift systems.
Crans-Montana is a scenic ski resort, situated on a sunny plateau. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,500 meters and has a total of 140 km of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 2,927 meters. The nearest airport is Geneva Airport, which is located approximately 180 km away. Crans-Montana offers a perfect blend of luxury and tradition, with a diverse range of skiing options, a vibrant après-ski scene, and modern lift systems.
The best time to visit Switzerland for a ski holiday is between December and early April. These are the months when you will be able to maximize your time on the slopes with the least amount of people. Just steer clear of the peak season, usually occurring between Christmas and New Year's, as well as the February half-term period.
British citizens traveling to Switzerland for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) do not require a visa for tourism purposes. However, since the UK has left the European Union, there have been changes to the entry requirements for British nationals.
Here are some important points to consider when planning a trip to Switzerland:
Please note that entry requirements and travel regulations can change over time. For up-to-date passport and visa information, feel free to visit the British government's travel advice website before planning your trip.
