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10 Best Ski Resorts in Switzerland, 2023/24

10 Best Ski Resorts in Switzerland, 2023/24
Leo Kleine
Written by Leo Kleine / Photos by Greg Burke
Last updated May 23, 2022

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! 

Zermatt ski resort Switzerland
Nothing but the best in 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 area

Highlights

  • 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

Geneva Airport - 229 km (2.5 hour drive)
Zurich Airport - 257 km (3.5 hour drive)
Zermatt ski resort Switzerland
Nothing but the best in 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!

Views from top of Mont Fort Verbier
Enjoy the incredible views from the top of Mont Fort or ride down if you dare.

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 402 km 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 terrain

Highlights

  • 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

Geneva Airport - 161 km (2 hour drive)
Views from top of Mont Fort Verbier
Enjoy the incredible views from the top of Mont Fort or ride down if you dare.

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 402 km 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.

St Moritz ski resort Switzerland
It's posh and pricey but St Moritz is well worth it.

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

Samedan Airport - 8 km (11 minute drive)
Zurich Airport - 209 km (3 hour drive)
St Moritz ski resort Switzerland
It's posh and pricey but St Moritz is well worth it.

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.

skiing groomers Parsenn Davos Klosters Switzerland
There's something for everyone at Parsenn, from groomers to backcountry terrain

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 269 km 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 slopes

Highlights

  • 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

Zurich Airport - 151 km (2 hour drive)
skiing groomers Parsenn Davos Klosters Switzerland
There's something for everyone at Parsenn, from groomers to backcountry terrain

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 269 km 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.

Saas Fee Pearl of the Alps
Welcome to The Pearl of the Alps

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 5 km toboggan course along with a whole bunch of snowshoeing trails.

Known for

Very long runs and excellent intermediate terrain, all from a picturesque village

Highlights

  • 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

Geneva Airport - 225 km (3 hour drive)
Saas Fee Pearl of the Alps
Welcome to The Pearl of the Alps

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 5 km toboggan course along with a whole bunch of snowshoeing trails.

Eiger backdrop Grindelwald Wengen ski resort
With a backdrop like Eiger, how could you say no?

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 Eiger

Highlights

  • 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

Zurich Airport - 151 km (2 hour drive)
Eiger backdrop Grindelwald Wengen ski resort
With a backdrop like Eiger, how could you say no?

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.

Terrain park Flims Laax Falera
Freestylers, are you excited for this?

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 trendy

Highlights

  • 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

Zurich Airport - 153 km (2 hour drive)
Terrain park Flims Laax Falera
Freestylers, are you excited for this?

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.

Arosa Lenzerheide ski resort Switzerland
Get a dose of sunshine while you cruise around Arosa Lenzerheide

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 225 km 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 explore

Highlights

  • 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

Zurich Airport - 145 km (2 hour drive)
Arosa Lenzerheide ski resort Switzerland
Get a dose of sunshine while you cruise around Arosa Lenzerheide

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 225 km 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!

freeriding Engelberg ski resort
Attention freeriders, this is your resort!

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 vibe

Highlights

  • 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

Zurich Airport - 103 km (1.5 hour drive)
freeriding Engelberg ski resort
Attention freeriders, this is your resort!

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.

SkiArena Andermatt Sedrun Switzerland
Get your powder fix at SkiArena 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 resort

Highlights

  • 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

Zurich Airport - 126 km (1.5 hour drive)
SkiArena Andermatt Sedrun Switzerland
Get your powder fix at SkiArena 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.