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.
- Layer:
Zermatt is located in the canton of Valais in Switzerland, right at the foot of the famous Matterhorn, at an altitude of 1,620 meters. - Slopes:
The Zermatt ski area covers 360 kilometres of slopes and is part of the international Matterhorn Ski Paradise ski area, which also includes the Italian town of Cervinia. - Altitude:
The slopes extend from 1,620 meters to 3,883 meters, making it the highest ski area in Europe. This guarantees snow all year round. - Glacier skiing:
Zermatt offers skiing on the Theodul Glacier even in summer. - Longest run:
The longest descent leads from the Klein Matterhorn to Zermatt with a distance of 25 kilometres and an altitude difference of over 2,200 metres. - Freestyle and snow parks:
The Snowpark Zermatt offers freestylers and snowboarders modern features such as kickers, rails and boxes. - Cross-country skiing:
Zermatt offers around 15 kilometres of cross-country ski trails with a magnificent view of the surrounding four-thousand-metre peaks. - Car-free:
The village of Zermatt is car-free and can only be explored by electric vehicles, horse-drawn carriages or on foot. Cars have to be parked in Täsch. - Viewpoints:
The cable car leads to the Gornergrat (3,089 m) and the Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m), from where you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views. - Gastronomy:
Zermatt is known for its fine dining with over 100 restaurants, including several with Michelin stars. - Events:
Every year, top-class events such as the Zermatt Unplugged Music Festival or international ski races take place in Zermatt. - International connection:
The ski area is easily accessible, as it is connected to the major train stations in Switzerland via the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway.
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.
- Layer:
Arosa Lenzerheide is located in the Swiss canton of Graubünden and combines two traditional ski areas with the spectacular Urdenbahn. - Slopes:
With a total of 225 kilometres of slopes , it is one of the largest contiguous ski areas in Switzerland. - Altitude:
The slopes extend from 1,230 meters to 2,865 meters, which guarantees snow throughout the winter season. - Highlights:
- Longest descent: The descent from Parpaner Rothorn to Churwalden with a length of 11 kilometres.
- Freeride: Challenging terrain for deep snow and freeride enthusiasts.
- Snow parks:
The ski area has several snow parks, including the “JibArea Stätz” on Lenzerheide and the “Arosa Park”, which attract freestylers. - Cross-country skiing:
With over 50 kilometres of cross-country ski trails in Arosa and another 56 kilometres in Lenzerheide, the region is also a paradise for cross-country skiers. - Family-friendliness:
Arosa Lenzerheide has received several awards for its family-friendliness. Children up to 17 years of age travel free of charge on Saturdays. - Events:
The ski resort plays host to world-class events such as the FIS Ski World Cup races and the Arosa Humor Festival. - Panorama and huts:
The ski area offers breathtaking views of the Graubünden Alps and numerous cosy mountain huts with regional specialities. - Journey:
Arosa can be reached via the picturesque Rhaetian Railway, Lenzerheide via a well-developed road from Chur.
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.
- Layer:
Saas-Fee is located in the canton of Valais at an altitude of 1,800 meters and is also called “The Pearl of the Alps”. - Slopes:
The ski area offers a total of 150 kilometres of slopes, ranging from easy beginner slopes to challenging runs. - Altitude:
The slopes extend from 1,800 metres to an impressive 3,600 metres, which gives Saas-Fee a high level of snow reliability. - Glacier skiing:
Saas-Fee is known for its glacier ski area, which also allows skiing in summer. - View:
The ski area offers breathtaking views of 13 four-thousand-metre peaks, including the Allalinhorn and the Dom massif. - Snow parks:
The freestyle park “Mittelallalin” is a hotspot for snowboarders and freeskiers and attracts professionals from all over the world. - Cross-country skiing:
Saas-Fee has 26 kilometres of cross-country ski trails that lead through picturesque winter landscapes. - Car-free:
The village of Saas-Fee is car-free, which creates a particularly relaxed atmosphere. Visitors travel by electric vehicle and on foot. - Family-friendliness:
Saas-Fee has been awarded several times as one of the best ski resorts for families. Children under 9 years of age ski free of charge when accompanied by an adult. - Particularities:
The “Allalin Revolving Restaurant” at 3,500 metres is the highest revolving restaurant in the world and a highlight for visitors.
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.
- Layer:
Davos is located in the canton of Graubünden and is one of the highest cities in Europe at about 1,560 meters above sea level. - Ski area network:
Together with Klosters, Davos forms a ski area network with six sub-areas: Parsenn, Jakobshorn, Pischa, Rinerhorn, Schatzalp/Strela and Madrisa. - Slopes:
The ski area offers a total of 300 kilometers of slopes that are suitable for all skill levels. - Altitude:
The slopes extend between 1,120 and 2,844 meters, which guarantees snow. - Freeride and snow parks:
Davos is particularly popular with freeriders and has several snow parks, including the popular snow park on the Jakobshorn. - Cross-country skiing:
In addition to alpine skiing, Davos offers over 100 kilometres of cross-country ski trails for classic and skating techniques. - Winter hiking trails:
With more than 150 kilometres of marked winter hiking trails, Davos is a paradise for non-skiers. - Events:
Every year, the FIS Ski World Cup takes place in Davos on the famous Parsenn downhill run. It is also a meeting place for the World Economic Forum (WEF). - Family-friendliness:
Special areas such as Madrisa-Land are ideal for families with children.
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.
