TOP 10 PICKS FOR SWITZERLAND’S BEST SKI RESORTS
Hey there, fellow adventurers! It’s Viva again, your half-German, half-Spanish Swiss-born travel buddy. Growing up in Zurich meant that skiing was practically in my DNA.
Not a big fan of reading?
Watch the YT short
Listen to the audio summary
I still remember my first ski lesson at the age of five—it mostly involved falling face-first into the snow while my dad cheered me on from the sidelines. Fast forward to today, and I’ve explored some of the best ski resorts Switzerland has to offer. So grab your gear and let’s dive into my top 10 picks for must-visit ski resorts in Switzerland!
1. Zermatt – The Iconic Alpine Experience
Zermatt is a dream come true for skiers and snowboarders alike. With its car-free village and the majestic Matterhorn towering above, this resort offers 362 km of pistes for all levels. I still remember sipping hot chocolate at a cozy chalet here, watching the sunset paint the Matterhorn pink—it was like something out of a postcard!
- Cost: Day pass starts at CHF 79.
2. Verbier – For the Thrill Seekers
If you’re an adrenaline junkie like me, Verbier is your playground. Known for its challenging off-piste runs and vibrant après-ski scene, it’s part of the massive 4 Vallées ski area. I once tried heli-skiing here—let’s just say it was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating!
- Cost: Day pass starts at CHF 75.
3. St. Moritz – Where Luxury Meets Adventure
St. Moritz isn’t just a ski resort; it’s a lifestyle. With 350 km of sunny slopes and luxury boutiques lining the streets, you’ll feel like royalty here. Fun fact: my mom took me here once as a kid, and I was more excited about the hot chocolate than the skiing (some things never change).
- Cost: Day pass starts at CHF 70.
4. Davos-Klosters – A Tale of Two Resorts
Davos-Klosters offers something for everyone—Davos is lively and modern, while Klosters is quaint and traditional. With over 300 km of pistes, it’s perfect for families or groups with mixed skill levels. My favorite memory? Skiing down a gentle slope in Klosters with my little cousin—it was her first time on skis!
- Cost: Day pass starts at CHF 66.
5. Grindelwald – A Winter Wonderland
Nestled in the Jungfrau region, Grindelwald offers breathtaking views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. The slopes are fantastic, but don’t miss the Jungfraujoch railway—it’s Europe’s highest train station! I once spent an entire afternoon just taking photos here because every angle was Instagram-worthy.
- Cost: Day pass starts at CHF 65.
6. Crans-Montana – Sun-Soaked Slopes
Crans-Montana is perfect for those who love skiing under the sun (and who doesn’t?). With south-facing slopes and luxurious accommodations, it’s an ideal mix of adventure and relaxation. I still laugh about that time I got sunburned here in February—don’t forget your sunscreen!
- Cost: Day pass starts at CHF 63.
7. Gstaad – Alpine Elegance
Gstaad combines luxury with authentic alpine charm. Its 200 km of slopes cater to all levels, making it a favorite among celebrities (and me!). Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying their famous cheese fondue—it’s worth every calorie.
- Cost: Day pass starts at CHF 72.
8. Saas-Fee – The Pearl of the Alps
Saas-Fee is a high-altitude paradise surrounded by towering peaks over 4,000 meters high. The car-free village adds to its charm, making it perfect for families or those seeking tranquility. My dad still teases me about how I kept falling off the sledding track here as a kid—good times!
- Cost: Around 29 CHF for adults.
9. Engelberg-Titlis – Freerider’s Paradise
Engelberg-Titlis is known for its challenging terrain and family-friendly slopes alike. Don’t miss riding the Titlis Rotair—the world’s first revolving cable car! I’ll never forget my first freeride experience here; let’s just say my legs were sore for days afterward.
- Cost: Day pass starts at CHF 68.
10. Arosa-Lenzerheide – A Hidden Gem Turned Favorite
Arosa-Lenzerheide offers a relaxed atmosphere with sunny pistes and charming mountain huts. It’s perfect for families or couples looking for a quiet getaway—I once spent an entire day here just soaking up the views with my best friend.
- Cost: Day pass starts at CHF 64.
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or looking for a cozy alpine escape, Switzerland has a ski resort for everyone—and these are just my top picks! Have you visited any of these before? Let me know your favorites in the comments below!
For more information on these attractions and their current visitor guidelines, check out Google Maps.
Image credits
- Zermatt – Photo by Ruining Song: https://www.pexels.com/photo/winter-view-of-zermatt-with-matterhorn-in-background-29383066/
- Verbier – Photo by Adrien Olichon: https://www.pexels.com/photo/mountains-in-winter-15952753/Photo by Adrien Olichon: https://www.pexels.com/photo/mountains-in-winter-15952753/
- St. Moritz – Photo by Frans van Heerden: https://www.pexels.com/photo/mountain-covered-with-snow-625403/
- Davos-Klosters – Photo by Valentine Kulikov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-on-snow-covered-mountain-11035053/
- Grindelwald – Photo by Stephan Leuzinger: https://www.pexels.com/photo/rocky-mountains-landscape-in-winter-19982305/
- Crans-Montana – Photo by Hugo Sykes: https://www.pexels.com/photo/snow-covered-mountains-under-cloudy-sky-14932379/
- Gstaad – Photo by Sergio Zhukov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/snowy-mountain-chalet-in-scenic-winter-landscape-28179109/
- Saas-Fee – Photo by Sergio Zhukov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-snowboard-is-sitting-on-top-of-a-tent-28199263/
- Engelberg-Titlis – Photo by Jeetesh Nath: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-snows-on-mountain-at-daytime-728411/
- Arosa-Lenzerheide – Photo by Valentine Kulikov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-snowboarding-on-a-slope-11051170/
