A Guide to Skiing the Swiss Alps | Ski.com

If your ideal ski vacation includes see-forever views of towering, snow-covered peaks, copious amounts of fondue, and a side of chocolate, then it’s high time you booked your trip to the Swiss Alps. Visiting Switzerland for its skiing is a time-honored tradition and there's plenty of reasons why this relatively small country is such a big hit with skiers and snowboarders. With countless options in a unique country with four different languages, cultural and gastronomic areas, Switzerland ski resorts are prolific and steeped in a deep-rooted history. And while it might seem like a lot, don’t fret. We’re here to break down these world-class resorts and guide you in the direction of the perfect Switzerland Ski Vacation.

With the help of our friends at My Switzerland and our own Europe Travel Experts, we’ve comprised a guide to skiing in the Swiss Alps.

Top Swiss Ski Resorts

Engelberg Titlis

About the destination

Not only is Engelberg-Titlis one of Switzerland’s best ski destinations, it’s also the perfect spot to start off if you plan on visiting more than one Swiss resort. From the top of the 9,934-foot Klein (Mount) Titlis, you can see 80 percent of Switzerland, making it a great vantage point to get the lay of the land. This impressive peak is accessed by the world’s first rotating cable car. Skiers and sight-seers alike can enjoy these views via an interconnected gondola system that joins the village of Engelberg with Klein Titlis via three cable cars.

Engelberg-Titlis is convenient to Zurich and Lucerne, which makes it easy for international travelers and provides an opportunity for tack-on trips. History aficionados will appreciate the off-mountain atmosphere in Engelberg, as the village dates back to 1120, when it was founded by Benedictine monks. The town has been relatively unaffected by development, and the charming chalets and idyllic Victorian buildings provide a welcome Old World respite.

About the skiing

Titlis is especially compelling for experts, with its high-Alpine, off-piste terrain, big vertical and glacier skiing. This is probably why it’s still a mecca and home base for many Swiss ski bums, former professionals, and Olympians.

Experts on the hunt for powder and adventure will want to take advantage of the resort’s “Big Five” guided experience. A professional local mountain guide will show you insiders’ secrets and stashes from the renowned Laub and the challenging Sulz to the lesser-known Steintäli and the Steinberg, as well as a long descent from Galtiberg. The day ends with an après-ski wine tasting at the cellar of local freeride pioneer Geny Hess.

About the lodging

The historic Hotel Terrace—built in 1903—provides guests with a luxurious, Old World atmosphere. Situated on the south-facing slope in Engelberg, the hotel is just a short lift ride from the village center as well as the bus stop for the free skier shuttle to the cable-car station.

Jungfrau Region and Interlaken

About the destination

Perfect for the ski traveler who seeks exceptional scenery, the Jungfrau region, and Interlaken are among Switzerland’s most stunning ski destinations. Interlaken, which serves as the home base and cultural hub to skiers and riders seeking out the slopes accessed via the famed Jungfraujoch (train), is situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Above this Alpine city sits the rugged Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.

Tourism in this charming valley dates back to the beginning of the 19th Century and only became more popular at the advent of the Bernese Oberland Railway in 1890, followed by the world-famous Jungfrau Railway in 1912.

While the ski resorts, Grindelwald and Wengen have enjoyed plenty of modern updates, Interlaken has retained its historic charm and none so much as the 100-year-old Jungfraujoch cogwheel that transports skiers, riders and sightseers to the top of the Jungfrau, which is Europe’s highest railway stations.

About the skiing

Beginner skiers and riders will enjoy Wengen’s gentle slopes and designated learning areas, while intermediates will find they have the lion’s share of terrain at all three resorts. Experts will revel at the chance to ski two of the world’s longest downhill race runs at Wengen and Murren. Wengen is home to the legendary World Cup event Lauberhorn, where downhill racers reach speeds of 100 mph while descending the nearly three-mile course. Mürren is the home of the Inferno, an annual downhill race that attracts more than 1,000 competitors. The Inferno race course drops from the 10,059-foot Schilthorn to a valley just above Interlaken, at 2,611 feet.

About the lodging

City Hotel Oberland is situated right in the heart of Interlaken, just a few minutes’ walk from the Interlaken West railway station. Guests enjoy two onsite restaurants and two bars/lounges as well as ski storage, a 24-hour front desk, and complimentary buffet breakfast.

St. Moritz

About the destination

Renowned as Europe’s No. 1 winter destination for the international jet set, St. Moritz takes the term luxury to whole new altitudes. Situated in the Engadin Valley in the Eastern Swiss Alps, St. Moritz is not just a high-brow Alpine ski resort, but it’s actually the birthplace of winter tourism and before that, as in 3,000 years ago, it was established as a summer spa getaway due to its restorative mineral springs.

Old World beauty is one of St. Moritz’s many strong suits. Visitors will revel in exploring the village’s idyllic streets and visiting the Mauritius Church, which dates back to 1500.

The base area is divided into St. Moritz Bad, which is a better locale to access the lifts, and St. Moritz Dorf, which features an elegant shopping village.

About the skiing

The resort incorporates five ski areas—Lagalb, Diavolezza, Corvatsch, Furtschellas and Corviglia—and their combined 220 miles of varied terrain is serviced by 56 lifts. The most accessible skiing from the base area are the Corviglia and Corvatsch ski areas.

Experts will enjoy the challenging Diavolezza and Lagalb zones, which serve up a thrilling off-piste glacier route and stunning Alpine vistas. Be sure to have your swimsuit in tow, as there’s a hot tub at the mountain restaurant in the Diavolezza. Soak your bones and take in the epic views of the Bernina massif and Piz Palü.

Intermediates and families will appreciate the Corviglia area, thanks to its perfectly manicured runs and easy access from the base area. Novices will enjoy Salastrains or Survetta, which is just a short shuttle ride from the main Bad base area.

About the lodging

The five-star Giardino Mountain is perfect for the skier in search of intimate, detailed luxury. This stunning boutique hotel provides exceptional views of the surrounding valley and mountain peaks, as well as a wonderful onsite restaurant where you’ll enjoy culinary surprises from the Mediterranean, Asia, and regional Engadin specialties. The spacious dipiù Spa is the perfect cherry on top of an unbeatable guest experience.

Valais

Situated along the pristine Rhone Valley and featuring 4,000-meter peaks, the Valais ski region is both gorgeous and bursting options for every ski-vacation stripe. The region features world-class resorts including Zermatt, Verbier, and Crans Montana.

Verbier

For interconnect skiing and awesome base-village diversions, base your ski vacation out of Verbier, which is the best-known resort of the 4 Vallées. In addition, skiers and riders can experience Bruson, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, and Thyon ski areas on one ski pass, which collectively make up 412 kilometers of skiing served by 93 lifts. High altitude and great snowmaking capabilities make this region very snow-sure December to April.

About the lodging

W Verbier is perfect for the ski traveler who wants convenience, a lively atmosphere, and a range of services and amenities. Located just steps from the main Verbier chairlift, W Verbier offers a lovely locale for sun-basking, après-ski, spa time, and much more.

Zermatt

The ultimate in Swiss charm an iconography, Zermatt is just as stunning and idyllic as one would imagine. This car-free, Old World village sits beneath the looming, breathtaking Matterhorn—the world’s most famous peak. The 360 kilometres of skiing is exceptional and well-suited to intermediates. Glacial skiing is also possible year round at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. A crossover to the Italian ski region of Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche is possible from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Adventurous mountain enthusiasts will want to experience the Haute Route, a challenging 400-kilometer ski touring (winter) or hiking (summer) route from Zermatt to Mont Blanc. As of 2019, Zermatt is also an Ikon Pass partner and pass holders can get up 7 days at this exclusive destination.

At least one morning you're going to want to get up and at 'em early and take advantage of Zermatt's First Tracks Program. Meet your instructor at the Matterhorn Glacier Valley Station at 7:30 a.m. to load up the lift. At the top, you'll be treated to untouched corduroy before the crowds arrive, followed by a buffet breakfast at the Restaurant Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

About the lodging

\

Dating back to 1879, when Zermatt was an up-and-coming summer resort, Grand Zermatterhof Hotel offers historic charm and five-star, full-service luxury, including concierge, three restaurants, three bars, and a classic Alpine spa.

Crans Montana

This popular ski resort, which combines two ski areas—Crans and Montana—features plenty of modern facilities, including two six-person gondolas and a new 30-passenger tram, which access the Cry d’Err—a stunning high-Alpine zone. Famous for its views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, Crans Montana’s Cry d’Err also features an on-mountain restaurant that, if experienced, will live in your memories forever. This large-decked restaurant provides an exceptional vista and views of the slopes and lifts, not to mention

About the lodging

For an intimate, high-touch experience, book a room at the Guarda Golf Hotel & Residences. Enjoy an authentic onsite Japanese restaurant and a variety of spa services, including a heated indoor pool sauna, steam room, treatment rooms, and much more.

If you’re ready for an unforgettable ski vacation in the Swiss alps, start building your very own customized quote. If you have additional questions, call our Mountain Travel Experts at 800-610-8911.