Tourism is one of the most important economic sectors in Switzerland. Winter sports are particularly important here. Switzerland offers holidaymakers a variety of extraordinary ski resorts, where both professionals and beginners get their money’s worth.
Spectacular descents in the Silvretta Arena Samnaun Ischgl
The Silvretta Arena in Ischgl is a particularly worthwhile destination for all winter sports enthusiasts. The internationally renowned ski resort is located at altitudes of 1400 to 2900 meters and has a double-decker cable car. This leads from Samnaun-Ravaisch directly to the Alp Trider Sattel.
A total of 45 chairlifts, conveyor belts and lifts provide access to rapid deep snow descents, adventurous snowboard slopes and carving trails. The absolute highlight here is slope 14a with a gradient of 70 percent. For snowboarders, there are also several snowboard parks to choose from, where both beginners and advanced snowboarders can let off steam. The cross-country trails lead through the region from Ischgl to Galtür, and it is even possible to reach the Bielerhöhe with 2040 metres of altitude difference by cross-country skiing.
From Laret via Ravaisch to Samnaun village there is also a leisurely cross-country ski trail of almost 4 kilometres. Relaxing or après-ski is possible in the 15 bars and restaurants of the ski area. Here, travelers can also enjoy the country’s typical cuisine as well as international specialties.
Corviglia in St. Moritz with breathtaking 3057 meters of altitude
The Corviglia ski area is part of the world-famous winter sports destination of St. Moritz. Holidaymakers can choose from 155 km of professionally groomed slopes and around 8 km of ski routes. A tip among winter sports enthusiasts is the cross-country ski trail 43. Corviglia stretches from 1720 to 3057 metres in altitude. The ski area has a total of 24 modern and comfortably equipped lifts. St. Moritz/Corviglia is known worldwide for its special flair and is one of the top destinations for the jet set. Here, winter sports enthusiasts can indulge in luxurious hotels, enjoy star cuisine in renowned restaurants or take part in extraordinary sports such as ice polo.
Switzerland’s first unattended gondola and unique mountain scenery at almost 4000 metres in Zermatt
Zermatt is located in the ski area exactly between Switzerland and Italy. Winter sports enthusiasts can ski here 365 days a year. Because the region is one of the snow-sure destinations. The fantastic mountain scenery between Breuil-Cervinia and Zermatt is particularly worth mentioning here. With its almost 4000 metres of altitude, the Matterhorn ski area is the highest winter sports region in the Alps. Zermatt is also one of the best-developed ski destinations in the world. In the region of the Unterrothorn near Zermatt, Switzerland’s first unattended gondola lift is ready for tourists. The entire new facility comprises 56 gondolas, each with 10 seats. Although the range of cross-country skiing trails in Zermatt is rather smaller, the destination is still worthwhile due to the high-altitude trail Furi-Schweigmatten at around 1870 metres above sea level. The route leads through the middle of a fantastic mountain scenery. The cross-country ski trail from Täsch to Randa with 14 kilometers is also highly recommended because of the view.
Extraordinary night skiing and children’s winter sports in Arosa Lenzerheide
The Arosa Lenzerheide in Graubünden is one of the snow-sure ski areas in Switzerland and offers 225 kilometres of groomed slopes. It also offers very special activities such as night skiing, full moon rides and ski tours for early risers. The slopes in Arosa Lenzerheide are suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers. In addition, well-developed snow parks and jib areas are available. There is a special children’s area for the little winter sports enthusiasts. In the Lenzerheide area, there are numerous cross-country trails of different levels of difficulty to choose from. The cross-country skiing network stretches from Parpan to Lenz. Winter sports enthusiasts can choose from both leisurely and particularly challenging routes.
Freestyle, baby lift and cross-country skiing trails for beginners with panoramic views – Saas-Fee
Saas-Fee is the ideal holiday destination for children who want to learn to ski. Here, the practice slopes are relatively flat and the local ski school has a state-of-the-art baby lift. Intermediate and easy slopes lead to altitude differences of 3600 to 1800 metres, which are groomed daily and also covered with artificial snow. Snowboarders and freestylers get their money’s worth in the freestyle park near Morenia. In summer, a halfpipe is also available on the glacier. Although the cross-country ski trails in Saas-Fee are mostly among the shorter routes, they are worthwhile and very popular due to their views. The highlight here is the approximately 26-kilometre-long Saas Valley trail from Balen to Eiualp. The 6-kilometre-long high-altitude cross-country ski trail is also popular there. In total, there are over 38 kilometres of cross-country ski trails available in the Saas Valley.
Davos Klosters Mountains – Five ski areas in a rustic mountain landscape
The Davos Klosters Mountains near Graubünden comprise a total of five worthwhile ski resorts. In the middle of the Alps in an idyllic mountain landscape, Davos is the highest city in Europe. Children’s courses, freeride descents, superpipes and numerous slopes of different levels of difficulty are available to enthusiastic winter sports enthusiasts to choose from. Parsenn is the largest of the five ski areas in the Davos Klosters Mountains. Here, holidaymakers will also find 17 rustic mountain restaurants with sun terraces that invite you to relax and linger. Over 100 kilometres of classic trails can be used by cross-country skiers here. The trips through the idyllic side valleys are recommended. For more demanding cross-country skiers, the FIS World Cup trail to the Flüela Valley is available. The villages of Davos and Klosters are connected by the Furka-Zipper, a state-of-the-art 6-seater chairlift. The new system drives particularly quietly, is equipped with heated seats and has weather hoods. Special tips for cross-country skiers in the Davos Klosters Mountains include the Davos night trail, the Frauenkirch dog trail and the Wildboden panoramic tour.
Bellwald – Picturesque backdrop for cross-country skiing
The municipality of Bellwald is located north of Brig above the Valais Rhone Valley and can also be reached by cable car. Since 2007, the area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch. The Bellwald ski area has two ski lifts, a detachable 2-seater chairlift and a detachable 4-seater chairlift. The ski slopes here range from very easy to intermediate to challenging. Thus, a visit to Bellwald is worthwhile for beginners and professionals alike. The cross-country ski trails of the ski area lead from about 1250 meters in altitude to a total of 1380 meters in altitude. Skiers can choose from 85 kilometres of classic and skating trails. Bellwald also offers around 4 kilometres of floodlit trails through the extraordinary panorama. For demanding cross-country skiers, the FIS race trail of 5 kilometres is ideal here. A total of 12 villages in the area from Oberwald to Niederwald are connected to the Goms cross-country ski trail. This gives cross-country skiers the opportunity to use the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway for the way back if necessary.
