Switzerland is the ultimate skiing destination, and there is a lore behind its inception. Father Johann Imseng fashioned a pair of skis from barrel staves to save his flock trapped during heavy snowfall in a lower village. Fast-forward to today, and we have magnificent mountains, icy lakes, snow-covered pine forests, wooden chalets, alpine sun terraces, apres-ski relaxation, off-piste adventures, family time, and hearty plates of delicious food.
The famous hubs such as Verbier and St. Moritz have made Switzerland one of the most sought-after skiing destinations, but it is also home to equally enchanting villages with quiet slopes. Urban beauty, chocolates, and cheese are the things that will make everyone fall in love with the romantic paradise, so here are the 10 best ski resorts in Switzerland for unlimited fun and exploration:
Best Ski Resorts in Switzerland
1. St. Moritz
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The birthplace of Alpine winter tourism in the late 18th century has also hosted the Winter Olympics. St. Moritz, celebrating over 150 years of winter tourism, is the best ski resort in Switzerland. This famous village, tucked away around a scenic lake, is the first-ever all-round winter sports ski resort in the world and has a prime spot surrounded by dazzling lakes and forests. St. Moritz is an attractive choice paired with all the glitz and glam where jet setters and celebrities regularly descend. There is more to St. Moritz than skiing and offers more activities around the frozen lake including bobsleigh, horse racing, show jumping, greyhound racing, polo, golf, and even cricket.
2. Andermatt
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This historic and charming village of Andermatt is in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Having undergone a remarkable transformation, find state-of-the-art lifts, upscale hotels, and excellent dining options. All the while maintaining its traditional charm and rustic allure, Andermatt is best for adventurers as the former garrison village was synonymous with challenging skiing. This is one of the best ski resorts for its powder-filled off-piste terrain and challenging slopes, so it is not for beginners. Close to the Alpine passes, and offers one of the best views of the Alps in the backdrop. Despite all the development, you will love standing in your ski boots waiting for a train – it is all part of creating unforgettable memories.
3. Zermatt
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Situated at the foot of the famed Matterhorn, Zermatt is the very definition of a postcard-perfect resort and one of the first ski resorts that spring to mind for year-round skiing fun. You will love the car-free village with its charming barns and chalet buildings, traditional atmosphere, horse-drawn carriages, and the iconic Matterhorn as a scenic backdrop. Enjoy views from the snow pistes that stretch to 3,883 m, making it the highest ski area, with the Matterhorn jumping out whenever you turn a corner. You can also ski to Italy and enjoy the delicious mountain restaurants of Cervinia. The village is a wondrous blend of old and new, has preserved its original character, and offers unlimited fun.
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4. Verbier
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One of Switzerland’s favourite destinations, Verbier is a resort for those who want to ski hard and party harder. Novices and newcomers are more than welcome to try the disjointed piste skiing, but you will see many more pairs of long, wide powder skis than beginner-friendly models. This boutique resort is a hotspot for celebrities and royalty from across the globe, so you should be ready to splurge. Once you have experienced the thrilling skiing, you can go down to the town where the DJs are playing live sets or enjoy a live band performance with an open-air roof, and plenty of magnums of rose free-flowing.
5. Wengen
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An idyllic village tucked away on a sunny plateau in the Jungfaur mountains, Wengen is one of the top 10 Swiss ski resorts. The quaint resort was once a farming community and retains much of its charm; it is mostly car-free and accessed by mountain railways. Despite the small size, there are almost 200 km of piste across the whole region including nursery slopes located in the centre of the village for beginners. There is much more to skiing and there are many off-the-slope activities like paragliding, tobogganing, curling, or ice skating.
6. Davos and Klosters
Best suited for intermediate skiers and famous for being the highest town bringing a lively urban atmosphere, Davos and Klosters is one of the best skiing resorts. International ambiance, genteel charm, and stylish but always warm and relaxed atmosphere welcome you to spend quality time with your loved ones. They have ski schools and nursery slopes for beginners as well but there is nothing sedate about the Klosters slopes as you find yourself in the heart of the ski area. You can visit the museums and adventure parks, or enjoy family bike trails and paragliding.
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7. Saas-Fee
Famous as the “Pearl of the Alps”, Saas-Fee is nestled high at 1,800m in the soaring mountains including Switzerland’s highest peak, the Dom. One of the best resorts, it has gentle slopes ideal for developing skiing abilities and offers a great variety of skiing for all abilities. There is a wide array of schools making it a great place for children and adults alike to make their first foray into the snowy world. It is a relatively small, traffic-free village which is also packed with shops and lively bars. Being one of the highest ski regions, Saas-Fee is a snow-sure resort where the alpine scenery is to die for.
8. Laax
Located 2 hours southeast of Zurich, Laax is one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland, perhaps known for its great appeal to freestyle skiers and snowboarders. With 235 km of pistes stretching across kilometers of snow-assured slopes, Laax is home to the world’s largest half-pipes, a plethora of snow parks, and freeride areas. Famous for its weekend nightlife, Laax is also an enormous outdoor playground for guests during the summer. It is a great ski resort for families with three kids’ villages to explore and enjoy the youthful atmosphere.
9. Grindelwald
It is not the antihero of the famed Harry Potter series, but a much sought-after and admired resort in the Jungfrau mountains. As a popular getaway to Jungfrau mountains, this picturesque village has all the wonders of nature and more. You can explore the scenic gorges and waterfalls, and be awed by the limestone topography. Most activities include skiing, snowboarding, trekking, and snow biking. You will love the charming village and spending quality time with your loved one creating unforgettable memories.
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10. Murren
Perched on a terrace above the gorgeous Lauterbrunnen Valley, Murren makes for an excellent ski destination. This car-free village will charm you with its wooden chalet buildings as you stroll in the quiet streets and breathe fresh alpine air. Not for adventurous vacationers, but is made for those who want to experience a chilled-out ski holiday, where you want to relax in the hotel after a day on the slopes. Some of the other key activities include snowboarding, trekking, snowshoeing, and snow biking.
Conclusion
The charming fairytale villages look like they have been lifted straight from a storybook, and the best part is? Adventure freaks will love the slopes, historical buffs will love the history and culture, and the ones who want to relax can also have their share of peace. The deep gorges, snowy mountain ranges, lofty peaks, picturesque alpines, and cool weather will make you want more.
