Hitting the slopes: The best ski destinations in Switzerland

Laax is a modern ski resort known for its vibrant snowboarding culture and extensive freestyle facilities. It boasts one of the largest snow parks in Europe, making it a hotspot for snowboarders and freestyle skiers. With over 235 kilometres of pistes and a variety of terrain for all levels, Laax caters to both beginners and advanced skiers. The area also provides a lively après-ski scene with trendy bars and restaurants.

Advanced skiers flock to Engelberg, renowned for its deep powder snow and impressive vertical drops. The resort offers over 80 kilometres of slopes and is famous for its off-piste opportunities, particularly around the Titlis glacier. Engelberg’s charming village atmosphere, coupled with stunning mountain views, creates an inviting ambience for visitors. The area also hosts various events throughout the winter season, including music festivals and culinary experiences that showcase local Swiss cuisine.

Nendaz is part of the Four Valleys ski area, which includes Verbier, but remains less crowded than its more famous neighbour. It offers over 400 kilometres of interconnected slopes suitable for all skill levels. Besides skiing, Nendaz has over 30 hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and pastures.

Crans-Montana is a sun-drenched resort located on a high plateau overlooking the Rhone Valley. It features around 140 kilometres of slopes and is known for its stunning views of the Alps. The area is famous for hosting international ski competitions, including the annual World Cup races. Crans-Montana offers a blend of luxury shopping, fine dining, and wellness experiences in addition to skiing.

Host to the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948, St Moritz is known as the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism. Surrounding the town, you’ll find four main ski areas: Corviglia/Piz Nair, Corvatsch/Furtschellas, Diavolezza and Lagalb. There are plenty of pistes to choose from, ranging from beginner to advanced. With over 40 ski lifts and over 300 kilometres of pistes, you won’t ever have to ski the same run twice.

Zermatt sits at the foot of Matterhorn mountain, one of Switzerland’s iconic mountain soaring over 14,000 feet above sea level. Perfect for intermediate and advanced level skiers and snowboarders, the town offers over 360 kilometres of pistes and some the highest peaks in the country, with a majority graded red. While you’re here, don’t forget to cross over to the Italian ski region Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche for more fresh powder slopes.

If you’re just starting out on the slopes, Saas Fee is the best place to be at. The village is surrounded by 13 peaks spanning 4,000 metres. Various nursery slopes and gentle green runs are available and isolated from main runs—so you won’t be overwhelmed by experienced skiers coming down at high speeds. Separate mountains are also available for tobogganing and winter hiking.

If you enjoy going off-piste, you’ll enjoy a trip to Verbier. The village boasts over 400 kilometres of slopes with the majority being red and black runs. Try out some of the area’s most famous off-piste runs, including Bec des Etagenes, Marlenaz, Croix de Coeur, Col des Mines and Couloir de la Banane. Feeling adventurous? Take a cable car up to the summit of Mont-Fort for its steep black run.

Andermatt’s ski area is split in two—Gemsstock for intermediate red and black runs; and Natschen-Gutsch-Sedrun for gentler green and blue slopes—making it the perfect destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Once you’re done exploring the slopes for the day, head to the Apres Ski Train where you can dig into food and imbibe on drinks with the mountains as the backdrop.

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