We may be coming to the end of the current ski season as I write this, but let me tell you that booking a trip to the Alps is always on my mind! One of my favourite places to ski in Europe is Switzerland and I’ve been lucky to visit numerous ski resorts in Switzerland over the years.
A sojourn to the Swiss Alps means pristine slopes, breathtaking scenery and fairytale Swiss villages which look as though they’ve been lifted straight from a storybook.
Of course they really know how to do hospitality in Switzerland too, so you know you’re in for a treat with luxury hotels and world-class restaurants.
Skiing in Switzerland is, for the most part, a sophisticated affair with a number of luxury ski resorts to try.
Whether you’re totally new to skiing or you’re a seasoned pro looking for a new spot to test your skills, I’m here to share my pick of the best ski resorts in Switzerland.
From family-friendly resorts and charming villages to lively après and steep descents, here are my favourite Swiss ski resorts.
Author Bio: Jessie Moore
Jessie Moore is a luxury ski & travel expert with years of experience adventuring in the mountains to find the best resorts and hotels.
This post contains affiliate links.
1. Zermatt
Best for: Year-round skiing
Nearest airport: Geneva
Ski area height: 1,620 – 3,883m
Where to stay: The Omnia
With its iconic Matterhorn backdrop, Zermatt is the very definition of a postcard-perfect ski resort.
A car-free village, charming chalet-style buildings and truly epic scenery make Zermatt the ultimate fairytale Swiss town.
In terms of the skiing, there is a fantastic offering for skiers of all levels, with over 360 km of pistes. Although I’d say that the resort best caters for intermediate and advanced skiers.
Zermatt is also renowned for its year-round skiing, thanks to the Theodul Glacier. This makes it a rare gem where winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the thrill of the slopes even in summer.
Beyond skiing, I have no doubt that Zermatt will charm you with its historic chalets, world-class cuisine, and a vibrant après-ski scene.
Read my guide to the best luxury hotels and chalets in Zermatt.
2. St Moritz
Best for: Glitz and glamour
Nearest airport: Milan
Ski area height: 1,735 – 3,057m
Where to stay: Kulm Hotel
If you like to be in the presence of celebrities and royalty then you’ll fit right in at St Moritz.
It definitely feels like more than just a ski resort; known as the birthplace of winter tourism, it’s a dream for winter sports enthusiasts.
The frozen lake in the heart of the resort hosts glamorous events like polo matches and horse racing.
While adrenaline junkies will appreciate the world renowned bobsleigh track for a bone-rattling experience.
It’s not just the luxury hotels and sports events that make it such a prestigious resort – the skiing itself is just as impressive.
With over 350 km of pistes and a high altitude, St Moritz caters to all skiing levels and boasts excellent snow conditions throughout the season.
After a day on the mountain, St. Moritz’s luxury spas, gourmet restaurants, and chic boutiques offer indulgent ways to relax and recharge.
While it may not be the prettiest ski resort in Switzerland, what it lacks in charm it more than makes up for in provisions.
3. Verbier
Best for: A skiing challenge
Nearest airport: Geneva
Ski area height: 1,500 – 3,330m
Where to stay: W Verbier
Verbier is definitely one for the more accomplished skiers with its legendary runs and challenging off-piste opportunities.
With sun-drenched slopes and over 410 km of slopes across four ski areas, skiing in Verbier is an absolute dream.
Less experienced skiers will still find plenty of meandering blues and reds, all against the backdrop of breathtaking alpine scenery.
The resort also boasts an excellent après-ski culture, with a number of bustling bars and live music venues.
Verbier is another of the most luxurious ski resorts in Switzerland, so you’ll be spoilt for choice with high-end hotels, chalets and restaurants.
Yet despite its luxury reputation, it’s not stuffy or pretentious. This is a laid-back ski resort for those who like the finer things in life – including world-class skiing.
4. Arosa
Best for: Families
Nearest airport: Zurich
Ski area height: 1,229 – 2,865 m
Where to stay: Tschuggen Grand Hotel
Arosa is a charming, lesser-known treasure tucked away in the Graubünden canton.
While it may not be as famous as the likes of Zermatt and St Moritz, it still offers a seriously impressive resume.
I’d recommend Arosa as a fantastic family-friendly destination. There are a wide range of slopes suitable for beginners and children, plus a host of fun winter activities like sledding, ice skating and winter hiking trails.
The resort is linked to Lenzerheide, providing access to over 225 km of pistes that cater to all ski levels.
Nestled within a mountain bowl, Arosa benefits from snow-sure conditions and an impossibly picturesque setting.
The village itself exudes a tranquil, welcoming atmosphere where you’ll find cosy mountain restaurants serving up traditional Swiss fare.
5. Laax
Best for: Freestylers
Nearest airport: Zurich
Ski area height: 1,100 – 3,018m
Where to stay: Rocksresort
Laax is perhaps best known for its great appeal to freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
The resort is home to one of the world’s largest half-pipes, a plethora of snow parks, and freeride areas that have earned a stellar reputation among the freestyle community.
But it’s not just about freestyle skiing in Laax. With over 224 km of pistes that range from gentle slopes for beginners to challenging descents for experts, Laax caters to every skiing level.
Laax is also a great ski resort for families, with three kids’ villages to explore and a youthful atmosphere.
A more modern ski resort with a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Laax is a vibrant place to ski and one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland.
6. Andermatt
Best for: Expert skiers
Nearest airport: Zurich
Ski area height: 1444 – 2,961m
Where to stay: The Chedi Andermatt
Andermatt is a historic village in the heart of the Swiss Alps that offers heaps of charm.
It has undergone a remarkable transformation into a luxury ski resort while retaining its traditional charm and natural beauty.
Andermatt offers access to the SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun area that offers over 120 km of diverse pistes.
This is one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland for powder-filled off-piste terrain and challenging slopes.
Due to its recent developments, you’ll find state-of-the-art lifts, upscale hotels and excellent gourmet dining options. All while enjoying its rustic allure.
Andermatt’s unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary luxury is a great appeal of this ski resort. I just wouldn’t recommend it for beginners.
7. Davos-Klosters
Best for: Highest ski town in Europe
Nearest airport: Zurich
Ski area height: 810 – 2,844 m
Where to stay: AlpenGold Hotel
The Davos-Klosters ski area provides access to over 300 km of pistes. It’s best suited to intermediate skiers and isn’t quite as beginner-friendly as other ski resorts in Switzerland.
Davos is famous for being the highest town in Europe and brings a lively urban atmosphere.
While Klosters has a more traditional alpine charm that’s perfect for a quieter retreat. Klosters is also the favoured ski resort of Britain’s royals, so you know you’ll be in good company!
As well as traditional skiing and snowboarding, Davos-Klosters is popular with cross-country skiers due to its extensive trails and breathtaking views.
Beyond skiing, these Swiss ski resorts offer an array of shopping and dining options, as well as high-profile events like the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting.
8. Engelberg
Best for: Epic views
Nearest airport: Zurich
Ski area height: 1,003 – 3,020m
Where to stay: Kempinski Palace Engelberg
Engelberg is a wonderfully picturesque village that offers access to a high altitude ski area with over 70 km of slopes.
This Swiss ski resort is famous for the majestic Mount Titlis, which is accessible via a revolving cable car that provides 360-degree views of snow-capped peaks.
The ski terrain ranges from accessible runs for beginners to the notorious Laub, one of the Alps’ widest and longest freeride slopes.
Off the slopes, the village itself has a peaceful ambiance that will appeal to those seeking a quieter ski adventure.
Winter enthusiasts will have plenty to do with a variety of activities on offer, including snowshoeing, tobogganing and winter hiking.
9. Gstaad
Best for: Luxury
Nearest airport: Bern
Ski area height: 948 – 3016m
Where to stay: Gstaad Palace
Gstaad is synonymous with upscale elegance and luxury, set within a postcard-perfect Swiss village that still retains a great deal of charm.
This exclusive resort is another favourite among celebrities and royals, drawn not only by its privacy and charm but also by its extensive skiing options.
With over 200 km of slopes spread across several interconnected areas, Gstaad caters for a diverse range of skiers and snowboarders.
I’d say that Gstaad is best suited for intermediate skiers with plenty of tree-lined blues and reds to explore.
That said, there are also some beginner slopes, as well as more challenging black runs and off-piste options.
Beyond skiing, Gstaad is renowned for its high-end shopping, gourmet dining, and world-class spa facilities, all wrapped up in an atmosphere of rustic chic.
10. Wengen
Best for: Swiss charm
Nearest airport: Bern
Ski area height: 1,034-2,970m
Where to stay: Beausite Park Hotel & Spa
A car-free village and charming architecture, Wengen is a postcard-perfect village in the heart of the Bernese Oberland.
It’s perhaps most famous for hosting the Lauberhorn World Cup, one of the most prestigious events in the alpine skiing calendar.
Wengen’s ski area is part of the Jungfrau region, which is shared with neighbouring Grindelwald (another Swiss ski resort well worth considering).
The ski area provides access to over 200 km of slopes that boast breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
Beginners and intermediates will be just fine here, with plenty of long easy runs to enjoy. It’s also very well suited to families.
The resort is also a gateway to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, which is an unmissable attraction in the area.
Let me know your favourite ski resorts in Switzerland in the comments below! If you’re planning a European ski trip, you may also like:
- Ultimate guide to the best ski resorts for beginners
- 6 highest ski resorts in Austria
- 10 amazing ski resorts near Zurich
- 20 best ski resorts for après
- 15 best designer ski wear brands
- 10 top ski resorts for non-skiers in Europe
- 12 luxury ski resorts in Europe
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