What are the the best ski resorts in Switzerland?
Switzerland, the country of mountains, cheese and watches is also known to be a true paradise for winter sports. Skiers are spoilt for choice with a selection of excellent ski resorts. Having difficulty choosing the best one for you and your family?
Here are our top 6 picks for the best skiing resorts in Switzerland.
#6: Engelberg – The Family-Friendly Powder Paradise
Is Engelberg a family-friendly ski resort?
Engelberg is perfect for families due to its user-friendly layout and top-notch ski schools. The Brunni side (facing south) is your go-to family zone: sunny, quiet, and loaded with easy runs.
Here’s where to go:
Klostermatte: Right near the village, this area is a snow playground with conveyor belts, magic carpets, and gentle hills.
Yeti Park: A small snow park at Ristis for kids to play, sled, or take their first turns on skis.
Ski Schools: Schools like Prime Mountain Sports and Skischule Engelberg Titlis offer English-speaking instructors, group classes, or private family sessions.
Also, try sledging from Gerschnialp to Engelberg or hop into the Brunni toboggan run, a family hit.
Does Engelberg offer challenging runs for expert skiers?
Oh yes, and here’s where Engelberg stands apart. It’s world-renowned for off-piste freeriding and deep powder. Advanced skiers should head to the Titlis side, accessed via the Titlis Xpress gondola and the Rotair cable car.
Here are some famous expert zones:
Laub: A massive, 1,000-vertical-meter off-piste face. No marked trails — just you, your skis, and pristine powder. Only attempt with knowledge of avalanche safety or a guide.
Steinberg: Another gem beneath the Titlis glacier, offering wide, open runs with stunning views. Avalanche gear is essential!
Galtiberg: For the bold — a long, wild descent to Engelberg from the glacier. It’s not patrolled or marked, and best done with a certified local guide.
On-piste, advanced skiers can enjoy runs like:
Run #1 (Stand–Trübsee): A long red with sweeping turns and a stunning glacier backdrop.
Run #8 (Jochpass–Engstlenalp): Fast, wide, and scenic — a local favorite.
How accessible is Engelberg from major Swiss cities?
Incredibly easy, and that’s a huge part of its appeal.
From Zurich: 1 hour 40 minutes by direct train (with a transfer in Lucerne).
From Lucerne: Only 45 minutes — just hop on the Zentralbahn train.
By car: Easily reachable via the A2 motorway.
Pro tip: The train ride from Lucerne to Engelberg on the Luzern–Stans–Engelberg line is stunning — it’s worth going by rail just for the views.
How is après-ski and nightlife in Engelberg?
While not a party mecca like Verbier, Engelberg offers cozy, sociable après-ski.
Some great spots include:
Yucatan: A popular après-ski bar with live DJs and a buzzing crowd.
Spannort Inn: Laid-back with great cocktails and a cool, alpine-lounge vibe.
Hoheneck Bar: Known for its live music evenings and relaxed atmosphere.
Many hotels also feature spa areas, saunas, and hot tubs — perfect for winding down after a day on the slopes.
What are the best non-skiers activities to do in Engelberg?
Engelberg shines with its mix of snow activities, just make sure you try:
Titlis Cliff Walk: Europe’s highest suspension bridge at 3,041 meters/9,977 feet — thrilling and Instagram-worthy.
Snowshoeing trails: Try the easy Gerschnialp trail or the Brunni loop for panoramic views and peace.
#5: Davos – The High Alpine Hub for Ski and More
What kind of slopes can I expect in Davos?
Davos offers a diverse range of slopes catering to all skill levels. Parsenn features the renowned “Weissfluhgipfel” run, extending 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) with a vertical drop of 2,034 meters (6,673 feet). Jakobshorn is popular among freestyle skiers and snowboarders, boasting terrain parks and the challenging “Brämabüel” mogul slope. Rinerhorn provides quieter slopes ideal for families and beginners.
How family-friendly is Davos?
Davos is well-equipped for families, featuring dedicated children’s areas, ski schools, and gentle slopes. The Madrisa area in nearby Klosters is particularly family-oriented, offering a variety of activities for children.
How accessible is Engelberg from major Swiss cities?
Incredibly easy, and that’s a huge part of its appeal.
From Zurich: 1 hour 40 minutes by direct train (with a transfer in Lucerne).
From Lucerne: Only 45 minutes — just hop on the Zentralbahn train.
By car: Easily reachable via the A2 motorway.
Pro tip: The train ride from Lucerne to Engelberg on the Luzern–Stans–Engelberg line is stunning — it’s worth going by rail just for the views.
How is après-ski and nightlife in Davos?
Davos boasts a vibrant après-ski scene with numerous bars, restaurants, and clubs. Dining options range from traditional Swiss cuisine to international gourmet experiences.
#4: Verbier – The Playground for Expert Skiers and Luxury Seekers
Why is Verbier considered one of the best resort for expert skiers?
Verbier is renowned for its challenging terrain, including the steep “Tortin” run and off-piste areas like “Mont Gelé” and “Col des Mines.” These zones offer thrilling experiences for advanced skiers seeking powder and adventure.
How extensive is the Verbier ski area?
The 4 Vallées encompasses 410 kilometers (255 miles) of slopes, connecting Verbier with resorts like Nendaz, Veysonnaz, and Thyon, providing a vast playground for skiers.
What’s the vibe off the slopes in Verbier?
Verbier exudes a lively and upscale atmosphere, featuring chic après-ski venues, gourmet restaurants, and luxury boutiques. It’s a hotspot for both skiing and socializing.
#3: Grindelwald-Wengen – The Jungfrau Ski Arena Gem
What’s special about skiing in Grindelwald-Wengen?
Where else can you ski beneath one of the Alps’ most iconic mountain walls? The area’s crown jewel is the Lauberhorn downhill run, a legendary World Cup course and the longest on the circuit: 4.5 km (2.8 miles) long, with a jaw-dropping vertical drop of 1,028 meters (3,373 feet). But the magic doesn’t stop there — from gentle cruisers around Männlichen to panoramic carving runs on Kleine Scheidegg, there’s terrain for every level. Expect wide, scenic pistes and lots of sun.
Top slopes to try:
Lauberhorn (Wengen): Iconic downhill race course for advanced skiers.
Eiger Run (Grindelwald): A fun red-rated piste, also open for night sledding!
Blue Heaven (Männlichen): Long, gentle slopes ideal for beginners and improvers.
Oh God! (Männlichen): Don’t be intimidated by the name — it’s steep but smooth for thrill-seekers.
Can non-skiers enjoy Grindelwald-Wengen?
Absolutely. This region isn’t just about skiing — it’s about alpine living. Non-skiers can ride the famous Jungfraujoch railway to Europe’s highest train station at 3,454 meters (11,332 feet), walk snowy hiking trails with views over the Lauterbrunnen Valley, or take a thrilling toboggan ride down the Eiger Run. There are also cozy cafés and spa experiences to unwind in mountain serenity.
Is Grindelwald-Wengen family-friendly?
Very much so. The “Lily Slopes” and Kinderland areas near Wengen and Grindelwald Grund are designed for young skiers, with magic carpets, ski carousels, and safe zones for early learners. English-speaking ski instructors are readily available, and off-piste fun like sledding, ice skating, and chocolate-making workshops make it easy for kids to fall in love with the Alps.
#2: Zermatt – Iconic Peaks and Endless Skiing
What makes Zermatt so unique?
Zermatt boasts the longest vertical drop in Switzerland, over 2,279 meters (7,477 feet), and offers year-round skiing on its glacier. The iconic Matterhorn provides a stunning backdrop to the extensive ski area.
How is the village atmosphere in Zermatt?
Zermatt is a car-free village, preserving its traditional alpine charm. Visitors navigate the town via electric taxis, horse-drawn carriages, or on foot, enjoying boutique shops and gourmet dining.
Can I ski into Italy from Zermatt?
Yes — and it’s one of the resort’s most magical features. From the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, you can ski directly into Cervinia in Italy. It’s one of the highest international ski crossings in the world.
Cervinia’s terrain is gentler and wider, ideal for relaxed cruising and soaking up Italian sun.
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine for lunch — a hearty pasta or risotto at a slope-side rifugio — then ski back to Switzerland in the afternoon.
You’ll need an international ski pass (the “International” version of the Zermatt lift ticket) to cross the border freely.
Pro tip: Weather can occasionally close the connection, so check lift status before crossing into Italy.
#1: St. Moritz – The Winter Sports Capital
What types of slopes are available in St. Moritz?
St. Moritz offers terrain for every level, but its standout quality is variety served with sophistication.
Corviglia (St. Moritz’s “home mountain”) is known for wide, sunny slopes perfect for stylish carving. Don’t miss the Paradiso run — a local favorite for cruisers.
Corvatsch, reaching up to 3,303 meters (10,837 feet), boasts snow-sure skiing, challenging red and black runs, and Switzerland’s longest illuminated night slope, stretching 4.2 kilometers (2.6 miles).
Diavolezza is a glacier playground, famed for its Bernina Run — a thrilling 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) descent from 2,978 meters (9,770 feet) down to the Morteratsch Glacier. It’s a favorite for freeriders and experts.
Why is St. Moritz considered a luxury destination?
Simply put, it invented alpine glamour. St. Moritz is home to:
- Iconic five-star hotels like Badrutt’s Palace and Kulm Hotel
- Michelin-starred restaurants and fine-dining chalets
- Flagship boutiques from Chanel to Cartier
- World-famous events like the Snow Polo World Cup and White Turf horse races on the frozen lake.
From fur-lined après lounges to private ski instructors, this is a place where no indulgence is too grand.
Is St. Moritz family-friendly?
Very much so! Despite its reputation for luxury, St. Moritz offers a wealth of activities for families:
- Gentle beginner zones at Salastrains and Corviglia
- Renowned ski and snowboard schools with English-speaking instructors
- Kid-focused fun like ice skating, toboggan runs, and horse-drawn sleigh rides through snow-covered forests.
Many hotels also offer family suites, child-care services, and special kids’ menus — so everyone feels pampered.
Discover the best ski resorts in Switzerland with MyMountains
At MyMountains, we don’t just plan ski holidays — we craft extraordinary alpine experiences. Every resort we’ve selected represents the very best that Switzerland has to offer: world-class slopes, stunning scenery, vibrant local culture, and exceptional hospitality.
Whether you’re carving fresh powder in Verbier, enjoying après-ski charm in Zermatt, or soaking in the sun-drenched elegance of St. Moritz, your journey is designed with Swiss precision and heartfelt care. From the moment you arrive to your final descent, we ensure that every detail is seamless, so you can focus on making unforgettable memories in the mountains.
Let us guide you to the perfect winter adventure, tailored to your style, pace, and passions.
Switzerland awaits.
