10 amazing ski resorts near Zurich (+ map)

Nestled amidst the breathtaking Swiss landscape, Zurich is not just a bustling urban centre but also a gateway to some of the most enchanting ski resorts in the world.

Whether you’re a seasoned skier looking for challenging slopes or a family seeking a winter wonderland, the areas surrounding Zurich offer a diverse range of options to suit every taste.

In this article, I’ll guide you through my hand-picked selection of the best ski resorts near Zurich.

Each has been selected for its proximity to Zurich, as well as their unique blend of scenic beauty, exhilarating slopes, and cosy mountain charm.

From the serene and family-friendly to the vast and adventurous terrains, these resorts promise unforgettable winter escapades just a stone’s throw from one of Switzerland’s most vibrant cities.

So, pack your ski gear, and let me help you discover the snowy peaks and pristine valleys that make these destinations a must-visit for anyone craving a slice of alpine paradise not far from Zurich.

1. Arosa – Lenzerheide

By car: 1 hour 40 minutes

By train: 2 hours

Ski area size: 225km

Best for: Large ski area

Located in the heart of Graubünden, the Arosa-Lenzerheide ski resort offers a harmonious blend of serene landscapes and vibrant ski culture.

This interconnected winter paradise boasts over 225 kilometres of meticulously groomed pistes, catering to both novice and seasoned skiers.

The connection of Arosa and Lenzerheide through the Urdenbahn cable car has created a vast network of slopes.

This undoubtedly elevates the skiing experience with its wide range of difficulty levels and breathtaking mountain vistas.

What I think sets Arosa-Lenzerheide apart is not just its extensive ski area but also its commitment to providing a comprehensive winter holiday experience.

Families will appreciate the dedicated children’s ski areas and ski schools, ensuring a fun and safe learning environment for the younger ones.

For those seeking adventures beyond skiing, the resort offers winter hiking trails and snowshoeing tours.

Plus, I have to mention the unique “Light Ride” night sledding experience, complete with multisensory light installations.

2. Laax

By car: 1 hour 30 minutes

By train: 2 hours

Ski area size: 224 km

Best for: Freestyle skiers

Laax stands out as a beacon for freestyle skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.

With its roots deeply embedded in freestyle culture, the resort is home to an impressive four snow parks.

These include the largest halfpipe in Europe, and the Freestyle Academy – an indoor training facility.

This dedication to freestyle sports has made Laax an annual host to international competitions, drawing athletes and spectators from around the globe.

But Laax is more than just a freestyle mecca; it offers an impressive 224 kilometres of slopes that cater to all levels.

From gentle blue runs for beginners to challenging black diamonds for the experts.

The resort’s high elevation and extensive snowmaking capabilities ensure excellent snow conditions throughout the season.

Aside from the adrenaline-pumping activities, I can highly recommend the vibrant après-ski scene and wide selection of culinary delights on offer in Laax.

From cosy mountain huts serving traditional Swiss cuisine to modern restaurants with panoramic views, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Whether you’re winding down with a hot chocolate by the fire or dancing the night away at one of the resort’s lively bars, Laax offers an unforgettable après-ski experience.

All this to complement its world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities – it’s easy to see why I consider it to be one of the best ski resorts near Zurich.

3. Engelberg

By car: 1 hour 5 minutes

By train: 1 hour 45 minutes

Ski area size: 80km 

Best for: Off-piste

Engelberg, a charming village with a rich monastic history, is a ski resort near Zurich that offers an intriguing blend of cultural heritage and winter sports excellence.

This resort is particularly famed for its off-piste opportunities and the breathtaking Titlis Glacier, ensuring snow-sure conditions from autumn through to spring.

With over 80 kilometres of slopes, Engelberg caters to a wide range of skill levels, from the gentle runs for beginners to the challenging descents for experts.

The highlight for many visitors to Engelberg is the Titlis Rotair, the world’s first revolving cable car, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Once at the top, adventurers can step onto the Cliff Walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge, for an adrenaline-fueled experience with stunning vistas.

Engelberg is not just about skiing; it offers a variety of winter activities such as tobogganing, winter hiking, and cross-country skiing.

The resort’s après-ski scene is equally appealing, with cosy mountain restaurants and bars where you can enjoy traditional Swiss dishes or a warm mug of glühwein.

4. Flumserberg

By car: 1 hour 15 minutes

By train: 2 hours

Ski area size: 65km 

Best for: Variety of winter activities

Another fantastic ski resort near Zurich is Flumserberg, which is known for its accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere.

With 65 kilometres of slopes, it offers a balanced mix of runs for all abilities, including wide, gentle slopes for beginners and more challenging ones for seasoned skiers.

Flumserberg’s modern lift system ensures easy access to its varied terrain, making it an ideal destination for families and groups with diverse skill levels.

One of Flumserberg’s standout features is its dedication to non-skiers as well, with a range of winter hiking trails, toboggan runs, and snowshoeing paths.

The resort also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with initiatives aimed at preserving its pristine alpine environment for future generations.

After a day on the slopes, Flumserberg offers a variety of après-ski options, from sun terraces where you can soak up the mountain views to inviting restaurants that serve up delicious local cuisine.

Its proximity to Zurich also makes it perfect for day trips or short weekend getaways, offering a quick escape to the snow without the need for extensive travel.

5. Davos – Klosters

By car: 1 hour 30 minutes

By train: 1 hour 50 minutes

Ski area size: 269km 

Best for: High altitude skiing

Davos Klosters, a name synonymous with world-class skiing, embodies the spirit of Alpine adventure.

Spread across six distinct ski areas, it offers an impressive 300 kilometres of snow pistes that cater to every level of skiing proficiency.

This sprawling resort is a favourite among both professional skiers and leisure seekers for its vast and varied terrain that includes wide-open runs, challenging descents, and everything in between.

Beyond skiing, Davos Klosters is a hub of winter activity. It offers 100 kilometres of cross-country ski tracks, dedicated children’s skiing areas, and a plethora of alternative winter sports options like tobogganing and ice skating.

The resort’s pioneering role in winter tourism is evident in its modern facilities, efficient lift systems, and a vibrant town that hosts international events, including the World Economic Forum.

The twin towns of Davos and Klosters offer contrasting atmospheres: Davos with its lively, cosmopolitan flair, and Klosters with its tranquil, exclusive charm.

Together, they provide a premier destination for winter enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive Alpine experience.

6. Pizol – Bad Ragaz / Wangs

By car: 1 hour

By train: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ski area size: 50 km 

Best for: Community atmosphere

Pizol – Bad Ragaz / Wangs presents a more intimate skiing experience. With 50 kilometres of slopes, it caters to a family-friendly audience, offering a mix of easy, medium, and difficult runs.

The resort’s modern mountain cable cars provide easy access to its picturesque slopes.

While the ability to measure your speed on certain runs adds an element of fun and competition to your skiing adventure.

Beyond the pistes, Pizol offers unique experiences, such as winter hiking trails that boast stunning panoramic views.

There’s also the therapeutic thermal baths in Bad Ragaz, perfect for soothing sore muscles after a day on the slopes.

Its smaller size contributes to a warm, community atmosphere, where every visitor is greeted with a friendly smile.

Pizol’s commitment to providing a diverse winter sports experience within a cosy, welcoming environment makes it a gem among the larger, more bustling resorts.

Its combination of scenic beauty, well-maintained slopes, and the added allure of nearby thermal baths create a perfect setting for a rejuvenating winter getaway.

7. Grindelwald

By car: 2 hours

By train: 2 hours 45 minutes

Ski area size (Jungfrau area): 214 km

Best for: World-famous mountain views

I adore Grindelwald which is set in the stunning Jungfrau region. It offers a picturesque backdrop that seems to leap straight out of a storybook.

Known as the gateway to the Jungfraujoch, it’s a place where ski enthusiasts can enjoy over 200 kilometres of slopes in the combined Jungfrau ski region.

The resort caters to a wide array of skill levels, boasting a mix of easy, intermediate, and challenging runs that ensure every skier finds their perfect trail.

One of Grindelwald’s standout features is its breathtaking views of the Eiger North Face, a sight that captivates visitors year-round.

The resort is also known for its high-altitude reliability, offering snow-sure skiing throughout the season.

Beyond skiing, Grindelwald offers a wealth of winter activities, including sledging, winter hiking, and ice climbing.

Grindelwald’s charm extends beyond the slopes into the village itself, which is steeped in history and Alpine tradition.

Cosy inns, traditional Swiss restaurants, and lively après-ski bars add to the warm, welcoming atmosphere of this iconic Swiss resort.

Discover more of the best ski resorts in Switzerland.

8. Stoos-Muotatal

By car: 50 minutes

By train: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ski area size: 35 km

Best for: A quiet hidden gem

Stoos-Muotatal, although smaller in scale, punches well above its weight in terms of scenic beauty and ski experiences.

This hidden gem is accessible via the world’s steepest funicular railway, an adventure in itself, leading to a tranquil mountain retreat.

With 35 kilometres of slopes, Stoos caters primarily to families and those seeking a quieter skiing experience away from the bustling crowds.

The resort is known for its panoramic views, which I’d recommend enjoying from the Fronalpstock peak.

Here you’ll find vistas that span across central Switzerland’s mountainous landscape.

Stoos is not just about skiing; it offers a variety of winter activities, including winter hiking trails, snowshoeing, and sledging.

Stoos-Muotatal’s offering of a serene, family-friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect escape for those looking for a tranquil ski resort near Zurich.

9. Mythen Region

By car: 45 minutes

By train: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ski area size: 55km 

Best for: Quaint atmosphere

The Mythen Region, nestled in the heart of Central Switzerland near the towns of Schwyz and Brunnen, provides a skiing experience that’s both intimate and invigorating.

Another of the best ski resorts near Zurich, it brings over 50 kilometres of slopes that offer a balanced mix of easy, intermediate, and challenging runs.

Its close proximity to Zurich makes it a favoured choice for those looking to escape the city for a day of skiing without the long journey.

What makes the Mythen Region particularly appealing is its authenticity and the sense of community.

Unlike the larger, more commercialised resorts, Mythen maintains a quaint atmosphere, where the focus is purely on enjoying the snow and the stunning scenery.

The resort is well-equipped with modern lifts, ensuring quick and easy access to the slopes. Plus, its friendly, welcoming staff make every visit a pleasure.

10. Rigi

By car: 55 minutes

By train: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ski area size: 20km

Best for: A small, tranquil ski resort

Rigi, affectionately known as the “Queen of the Mountains,” is a unique ski destination that captivates with its panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding peaks.

Though smaller in terms of ski-able terrain, Rigi offers a tranquil alternative to the more adrenaline-fueled resorts.

Its slopes are suited for beginners and families, where you can discover an enjoyment of skiing in a breathtaking natural setting.

I love that the journey to Rigi is part of the adventure, with access provided by a historic cogwheel train that climbs through picturesque landscapes to the summit.

Once there, visitors are treated to a range of winter activities, including skiing, winter walking, and snowshoeing, all designed to make the most of the stunning vistas.

Rigi’s thermal baths provide a unique après-ski experience, where guests can unwind in warm, healing waters while surrounded by the snow-covered mountain landscape.

Map of ski resorts near Zurich

Use my map of ski resorts near Zurich to visualise their proximity and how to get there.

Do you have any favourite ski resorts near Zurich? Do let me know in the comments below!

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