10 Best Ski Resorts in Switzerland, 2023/24
It’s no secret that some of the world’s best ski resorts are found within Switzerland’s outstanding mountains. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly slopes or deep powder freeriding, it’s all here!
1. Zermatt
Why Ski Zermatt
Zermatt is the jewel in the crown of Switzerland’s ski resorts. This is your resort if you’ll accept nothing but the best, and have the money to afford it! Fantastic restaurants are dotted all over the mountain, serving Swiss cheese fondue and other culinary masterpieces. Every type of skier is catered for here. Little ones will be learning to ski on the nursery slopes. Expert skiers will be presented with limitless possibilities. Down in the historic town, there’s luxurious shopping, along with legendary après ski fun at the Papperla Pub, so what are you waiting for!
Known for
The iconic Matterhorn scenery as a backdrop to the massive ski areaHighlights
- Perfect for all, from newbie kids to freeriders
- Epic mountain scenery is unmissable
- Luxurious selection of food and accomodation
- Be prepared to pay a premium here
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 18 2022
- Closing Date: Apr 30 2023
Closest airports
Why Ski Zermatt
Zermatt is the jewel in the crown of Switzerland’s ski resorts. This is your resort if you’ll accept nothing but the best, and have the money to afford it! Fantastic restaurants are dotted all over the mountain, serving Swiss cheese fondue and other culinary masterpieces. Every type of skier is catered for here. Little ones will be learning to ski on the nursery slopes. Expert skiers will be presented with limitless possibilities. Down in the historic town, there’s luxurious shopping, along with legendary après ski fun at the Papperla Pub, so what are you waiting for!
2. Verbier
Why Ski Verbier
Verbier’s home to some of the most technical freeriding terrain on the planet. Being part of Switzerland’s largest ski area, the 4 Vallées, means you’ll have more than 250 miles of runs to tire yourself out on. Advanced skiers will benefit most from the craggy chutes, cliff drops, and insanely steep pitches, but adventurous intermediates will get a kick out of this place too. On the flip side, there isn't a great deal of easy terrain for beginners and as Swiss ski towns go, there are much prettier ones than Verbier.
Known for
Its status as a freeride mecca thanks to its intense terrainHighlights
- Stacks of off-piste to challenge the expert skiers
- Attractive village and stunning views of the Mont Blanc massifs
- Great apres ski and nightlife
- Expensive food and lodging and can get crowded
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 05 2022
- Closing Date: Apr 23 2023
Closest airports
Why Ski Verbier
Verbier’s home to some of the most technical freeriding terrain on the planet. Being part of Switzerland’s largest ski area, the 4 Vallées, means you’ll have more than 250 miles of runs to tire yourself out on. Advanced skiers will benefit most from the craggy chutes, cliff drops, and insanely steep pitches, but adventurous intermediates will get a kick out of this place too. On the flip side, there isn't a great deal of easy terrain for beginners and as Swiss ski towns go, there are much prettier ones than Verbier.
3. St. Moritz
Why Ski St. Moritz
Whether you’re itching for some serious speed on World Cup-quality courses or just leisurely carving up some corduroy, it’s all here at St Moritz. The resort is also home to a wide range of weird and wonderful winter sports. Its frozen lake is an arena for everything from ice skating and curling to horse racing and cricket! Even when you put winter sports aside, you can pay a visit to the Segantini museum, casino or designer boutiques on Via Serlas. St Moritz is not to be missed if you want to experience a diverse winter sports destination and don’t mind the higher price.
Known for
Its glitz, glamour, and incredibly good intermediate terrain!Highlights
- Amazing snow quality thanks to high altitude base
- Incredible views over the iconic frozen lake and mountains
- Plenty of activities for non-skiers to enjoy
- It’s an unashamedly upmarket resort
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 26 2022
- Closing Date: Apr 23 2023* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Why Ski St. Moritz
Whether you’re itching for some serious speed on World Cup-quality courses or just leisurely carving up some corduroy, it’s all here at St Moritz. The resort is also home to a wide range of weird and wonderful winter sports. Its frozen lake is an arena for everything from ice skating and curling to horse racing and cricket! Even when you put winter sports aside, you can pay a visit to the Segantini museum, casino or designer boutiques on Via Serlas. St Moritz is not to be missed if you want to experience a diverse winter sports destination and don’t mind the higher price.
4. Parsenn
Why Ski Parsenn
Enjoying centre spot in the immense Davos Klosters linked ski area, Parsenn is the lynchpin that links these two regal ski towns together. Of the five mountains that contribute to the 167 miles of slopes here, it’s Parsenn that’s the biggest and offers the most varied ski terrain. However, Parsenn isn’t without its drawbacks, namely the crowds that build up around the Parsennhütte station where many runs end and lifts start. If you’re on a family ski vacation get yourselves over to Madrisa, a smaller mountain with gentler slopes and plenty of sun, it’s perfect for a relaxed ski day.
Known for
Being a prestigious ski resort with top-notch facilities on and off the slopesHighlights
- It’s a very diverse ski area with terrain for all abilities
- Proper town with lively apres ski and nightlife
- There’s some awesome backcountry to explore
- Ski areas are not lift-connected, need to take a bus/ train
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 18 2022
- Closing Date: Apr 23 2023
Closest airports
Why Ski Parsenn
Enjoying centre spot in the immense Davos Klosters linked ski area, Parsenn is the lynchpin that links these two regal ski towns together. Of the five mountains that contribute to the 167 miles of slopes here, it’s Parsenn that’s the biggest and offers the most varied ski terrain. However, Parsenn isn’t without its drawbacks, namely the crowds that build up around the Parsennhütte station where many runs end and lifts start. If you’re on a family ski vacation get yourselves over to Madrisa, a smaller mountain with gentler slopes and plenty of sun, it’s perfect for a relaxed ski day.
5. Saas-Fee
Why Ski Saas-Fee
Saas Fee grew from humble farming roots and still retains much of its traditional feel. The resort serves up excellent high alpine skiing on gentle slopes, making it a firm favourite amongst beginners and intermediates as well as families. Advanced skiers might want to look elsewhere to get their kicks, but freestylers will find more than enough to test their skills at the Morenia snow park. There’s also an entire mountain dedicated to all things not skiing and snowboarding. Hannig, with its very own gondola, offers a 3 miles toboggan course along with a whole bunch of snowshoeing trails.
Known for
Very long runs and excellent intermediate terrain, all from a picturesque villageHighlights
- Reliable snow cover thanks to its high altitude
- Cheaper and less crowded than neighbouring Zermatt
- Awesome snow park has a strong reputation amongst freestylers
- Limited black runs and off-piste skiing could disappoint experts
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Oct 29 2022
- Closing Date: Apr 23 2023
Closest airports
Why Ski Saas-Fee
Saas Fee grew from humble farming roots and still retains much of its traditional feel. The resort serves up excellent high alpine skiing on gentle slopes, making it a firm favourite amongst beginners and intermediates as well as families. Advanced skiers might want to look elsewhere to get their kicks, but freestylers will find more than enough to test their skills at the Morenia snow park. There’s also an entire mountain dedicated to all things not skiing and snowboarding. Hannig, with its very own gondola, offers a 3 miles toboggan course along with a whole bunch of snowshoeing trails.
6. Grindelwald
Why Ski Grindelwald - Wengen
If you’re looking for a Swiss postcard ski experience, then Grindelwald is the place for you. The majestic North Face of the Eiger towers over this pretty mountain village, which is steeped in mountaineering and skiing history. Its main ski area shares slopes with Wengen and can be skied on the same lift ticket! There’s no better way to get up the mountain here than by train. Before the lifts close, make your way up to the Hohlenstein station and schuss down the red run. It’s a great slope to finish up the day and great opportunity to enjoy the amazing sunset views.
Known for
Small, traditional village with truly breathtaking scenery surrounding the EigerHighlights
- Plenty of lengthy intermediate pistes
- Ride a train up to the slopes!
- Family friendly resort with hiking, sledging and shopping options
- Flat sections mean it’s not particularly snowboarder friendly
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 26 2022
- Closing Date: Apr 30 2023
Closest airports
Why Ski Grindelwald - Wengen
If you’re looking for a Swiss postcard ski experience, then Grindelwald is the place for you. The majestic North Face of the Eiger towers over this pretty mountain village, which is steeped in mountaineering and skiing history. Its main ski area shares slopes with Wengen and can be skied on the same lift ticket! There’s no better way to get up the mountain here than by train. Before the lifts close, make your way up to the Hohlenstein station and schuss down the red run. It’s a great slope to finish up the day and great opportunity to enjoy the amazing sunset views.
Why Ski Flims Laax Falera
What pulls in skiers and snowboarders from all over the world to Flims Laax Falera are the world-class terrain parks. There’s no denying this ski resort is a big hit with freestylers, but there’s also plenty to attract skiers. If you’re looking for the most excitement off the slopes, there’s no question that you should stay in Laax, the party animal of the three villages. On one end of the scale is Falera, the quietest of the bunch and car-free too. Somewhere in the middle is Flims, which has the charming character of a traditional Swiss mountain village.
Known for
Vibrant resort that attracts the young and trendyHighlights
- Home to the world’s largest superpipe and four snow parks
- Well connected slopes across all three bases
- Great après ski to enjoy in Laax
- Slopes can get crowded during the high season
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 26 2022
- Closing Date: Apr 16 2023
Closest airports
Why Ski Flims Laax Falera
What pulls in skiers and snowboarders from all over the world to Flims Laax Falera are the world-class terrain parks. There’s no denying this ski resort is a big hit with freestylers, but there’s also plenty to attract skiers. If you’re looking for the most excitement off the slopes, there’s no question that you should stay in Laax, the party animal of the three villages. On one end of the scale is Falera, the quietest of the bunch and car-free too. Somewhere in the middle is Flims, which has the charming character of a traditional Swiss mountain village.
Why Ski Arosa Lenzerheide
Lenzerheide and Arosa were both stand-alone ski resorts until the impressive Urdenbahn cable car was finally built. It has created a major league ski area much like the Peak 2 Peak gondola at Whistler Blackcomb. Now there are 140 miles of groomed runs across three distinct mountainsides to explore. Where this ski resort excels is in its blue groomers, which make up over half of all the runs and are fantastic for cruising and carving. Black trails are a serious minority so pick this resort if you’re a ski newbie, or a hardcore freerider on a ski vacation with your family of intermediates!
Known for
Jaw-dropping views and having a huge ski area for intermediates to exploreHighlights
- Epic mountain views located near a frozen lake
- Great family resort with all day sledging
- Enjoys plenty of sunshine so expect stunning bluebird days
- Like most Swiss ski resorts, it’s expensive
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Dec 03 2022
- Closing Date: Apr 16 2023
Closest airports
Why Ski Arosa Lenzerheide
Lenzerheide and Arosa were both stand-alone ski resorts until the impressive Urdenbahn cable car was finally built. It has created a major league ski area much like the Peak 2 Peak gondola at Whistler Blackcomb. Now there are 140 miles of groomed runs across three distinct mountainsides to explore. Where this ski resort excels is in its blue groomers, which make up over half of all the runs and are fantastic for cruising and carving. Black trails are a serious minority so pick this resort if you’re a ski newbie, or a hardcore freerider on a ski vacation with your family of intermediates!
9. Engelberg
Why Ski Engelberg
Engelberg is a rising star for a range of good reasons, but the highlight is the massive freeride potential. The secret is most definitely out as the town fills up every year with Scandinavians in search of their powder fix. What makes Engelberg a stand out for accomplished skiers is the excellent off-piste terrain that can be quickly accessed from the lifts. To share stories about your gnarly lines, just head to the Ski Lodge for après ski, you’ll be in good company! Don’t be surprised to see plenty of tourists without skis heading all the way up for the sensational views too.
Known for
Nice little mountain town with a relaxed vibeHighlights
- Quick and easy access from Zurich Airport
- Incredible expert terrain makes it a paradise for freeriders
- Its high elevation usually means lots and lots of snow!
- Few intermediate runs and slopes are poorly connected in places
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Oct 15 2022
- Closing Date: May 07 2023
Closest airports
Why Ski Engelberg
Engelberg is a rising star for a range of good reasons, but the highlight is the massive freeride potential. The secret is most definitely out as the town fills up every year with Scandinavians in search of their powder fix. What makes Engelberg a stand out for accomplished skiers is the excellent off-piste terrain that can be quickly accessed from the lifts. To share stories about your gnarly lines, just head to the Ski Lodge for après ski, you’ll be in good company! Don’t be surprised to see plenty of tourists without skis heading all the way up for the sensational views too.
10. Andermatt-Sedrun
Why Ski SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun
Andermatt had long been the reserve of local powder junkies who are brave enough to take on the craggy steeps, spectacular couloirs, and wide open bowls emanating from every direction. Now, it’s developing into more rounded ski resort, thanks to its more sedate runs that link across multiple snowfields to Sedrun. A lift ticket for the SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun resort also includes use of the trains that wind through the mountains where there are cross-country skiing trails to enjoy. If you fancy a few days of top-notch powder freeriding within easy reach of Zurich, there’s no better place than Andermatt-Sedrun.
Known for
Traditional Swiss ski village with plenty of character sits alongside a new luxury resortHighlights
- Apres ski train available between Andermatt and Disentis
- Consistent snowfall on the mountain from every direction
- Amazing intermediate terrain stretching across several valleys
- Either crowded on a powder day or shutdown due to storms
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Dec 17 2022
- Closing Date: Apr 10 2023
Closest airports
Why Ski SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun
Andermatt had long been the reserve of local powder junkies who are brave enough to take on the craggy steeps, spectacular couloirs, and wide open bowls emanating from every direction. Now, it’s developing into more rounded ski resort, thanks to its more sedate runs that link across multiple snowfields to Sedrun. A lift ticket for the SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun resort also includes use of the trains that wind through the mountains where there are cross-country skiing trails to enjoy. If you fancy a few days of top-notch powder freeriding within easy reach of Zurich, there’s no better place than Andermatt-Sedrun.