The snow-covered peaks of the Swiss Alps are the birthplace of skiing. Most sports complexes are located at high altitudes or on glaciers, ensuring a long season of comfortable skiing. Swiss ski resorts are known for their developed infrastructure, well-maintained slopes, and variety of recreational activities in cozy hotels. The longest slopes in Europe, diverse terrain, and unique nature attract professionals, beginners, and families with children. Opportunities abound for alpine and cross-country skiing, freeriding, snowboarding, and sledding.
All complexes have ski schools and sports equipment rentals. Modern lifts with high capacities manage the influx of tourists even during peak seasons. The advantage of Swiss ski resorts is their transport accessibility: you can reach the farthest point in the country by train or car in less than three hours.
Zermatt
The sports complex in the small village of Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn at an altitude of 1600 meters is among the top ten ski resorts for quality slopes. A significant advantage is year-round access to mountain peaks, which are snow-covered even in summer. Zermatt is famous for the longest slopes, totaling 360 km, with a vertical drop of 2263 meters and the highest point, Klein Matterhorn (3885 meters), from which a 22 km descent is laid.
The area has 35 uninterruptedly operating lifts, including button, chair, and gondola types, many of which have closed cabins. First-time skiers may find Zermatt challenging due to the limited number of beginner trails.
The territory is divided into three skiing zones:
- Rothorn: 75 km of blue trails for skiers with some experience, with a ski school.
- Gornergrat: 220 km of medium-difficulty red routes passing through the most scenic areas.
- Schwarzsee: 50 km of black trails with moguls, rocks, cliffs, and couloirs for professionals.
You can reach the largest snow park in Europe, Graviti Park, by cable car, where snowboarders and freestyle enthusiasts hone their skills on half-pipes, rails, and jumps.
Verbier
The largest center for skiing and snowboarding in the country forms the “Four Valleys” ski area, united by a common ski pass. The slopes, totaling 202 km, including the longest at 13 km, have a vertical drop of 1830 meters (1500-3330 meters). The season officially opens in Verbier on November 30 and closes on May 3.
While there are some beginner slopes, the complex mainly caters to intermediate and expert skiers. Verbier is known for its ski schools with experienced instructors teaching alpine skiing and snowboarding skills.
The total length of slopes by difficulty level:
- 107 km blue (32%)
- 202 km red (42%)
- 103 km black (26%)
The highest point is Mont Fort peak (3329 meters) with a glacier, offering a challenging descent. At 2260 meters, there are snowboarding and freestyle zones. The vertical wall of Bec des Rosses attracts snowboarders and skiers from around the world.
St. Moritz
Located in a picturesque valley among the Alpine mountains on the shore of the lake of the same name, the complex operates from October 22 to March 28 and attracts over 1.5 million skiers annually. With 56 lifts, the resort can handle up to 65,000 people per hour. The highest point is 3303 meters, with a vertical drop of 1503 meters. St. Moritz caters to advanced skiers with experience.
The complex includes four skiing zones:
- Corviglia: Red and blue trails, off-piste runs.
- Corvatsch: Long red trails for professionals.
- Diavolezza: Popular among freeriders, with black trails, including the highly challenging Hahnenseeb (8 km).
- Zuoz: For beginners and families, with wide and gentle slopes.
St. Moritz is famous for its natural ice bobsled track and the steep Free Fall, where speeds exceed 100 km/h within the first seven seconds.
Grindelwald
The resort is attractive not for the length and quality of its slopes but for the picturesque landscapes of the central Alps. The area is surrounded by the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, with a glacier close to the valley.
The skiing zone ranges from 1034 to 2971 meters, with a vertical drop of 1937 meters. The ski season runs from December 2 to April 8. There are 47 modern lifts, providing access to 214 km of slopes.
The complex suits beginners, experienced skiers, and families with children. Blue trails make up 30% of routes, red 50%, and black 20%. For beginners, there are slow slopes with a speed limit of 30 km/h. For high-level professionals, there’s the world’s longest speed descent, Lauberhorn.
Grindelwald is gaining popularity among snowboarders, with two fan parks, a half-pipe, six toboggan tracks, and a snow park for beginners and pros. The slopes of Grindenwald feature extensive sledding runs.
Saas-Fee
Located on a glacier high in the mountains, the resort’s year-round negative temperatures allow it to close only briefly from April 20 to July 12 due to avalanche danger. There are 36 slopes totaling 100 km, with a vertical drop of 1800 meters.
More than 70% of the slopes are red and black, featuring excellent snow cover, challenging sections along the glacier, and unique terrain. The sports center has 22 lifts with a capacity of 26,500 people per hour. There are sledding tracks with a vertical drop of 550 meters, cross-country skiing tracks, and up to 30 km of snowshoe hiking routes.
Nearby is the famous Free Style Park with impressive jumps and a half-pipe. The Saas-Fee mountain tourism center suits intermediate and professional skiers. There are few gentle slopes for beginners and teenagers.
Davos
Located in a picturesque valley at an altitude of 1500 meters, Davos, together with the equally famous Klosters complex, forms seven skiing zones totaling 320 km of slopes, united by a common ski pass. The winter season in Davos opens on November 17 and continues until April 8. The resort caters to beginners, experienced skiers, families with children, extreme snowboarders, and beginners.
There are 110 slopes of different difficulty levels:
- Blue: 30%
- Red: 50%
- Black: 20%
The area has 53 lifts, including gondola, button, and chair types. Two mountain trains provide free transport to the Klosters slopes with a ski pass. The “Family” mountain is equipped for children’s entertainment, with ski slopes and lifts for the little ones, and a ski carousel.
The wide slopes of Fun Mountain with modern snow parks attract new-school skiers and snowboarders. Grandiose jumps and half-pipes are built here annually. At the foot of the mountain is a beginners’ skiing area.
Crans-Montana
Open from December 20 to April 8, Crans-Montana is located near the small village of Montana at an altitude of 1500 meters. The complex caters to skiers with low to medium proficiency, with most slopes lacking high-difficulty sections.
There are 50 slopes with a vertical drop of 1500 meters, divided by difficulty levels:
- Blue: 53 km (38%)
- Red: 70 km (50%)
- Black: 17 km (12%)
The skiing zone is divided into three sectors:
- Plaine Morte Glacier with the central Violettes zone: For advanced skiers, featuring a steep 8 km descent from 2927 meters.
- Bella Lui (2500 meters): Features large-mogul slopes.
- Petit Bonvin (2400 meters): Gentler slopes with diverse terrain.
The complex has 17 gondola and button lifts, and 11 cable cars with cabins. For children, there are the Cri-Der and Snow Island zones for skiing, sledding, tubing, and carousels. Wide gentle slopes are equipped for beginners.
Engelberg
Located at the foot of Mount Titlis (3020 meters), the highest point in central Switzerland, Engelberg’s official ski season runs from October 22 to May 28, with some routes and jumps available for nine months a year. The total length of slopes connected by lifts and ski passes is 82 km, with a vertical drop of 1970 km.
The 28 slopes are divided by difficulty:
- Blue: 17 km (20%)
- Red: 57 km (60%)
- Black: 8 km (12%)
The skiing area with 27 lifts is divided into two zones. Brunni (1860 meters) on the north side of the valley is for beginners and families with children. The southern zone includes the Gerschnialp plateau with button slopes, the Trübsee stop (frozen lake), and the Joch pass (2207 meters). The highly challenging 12 km black slope from Titlis peak, passing over the glacier with crevasses and steep, sparsely snow-covered sections, is a serious challenge for professionals.
There are three sledding runs totaling 2.5 km with a vertical drop of 300 meters, 41 km of cross-country and carving trails, and long freeride routes. The rest area has a kindergarten and a ski school.
For snowboarders, Terrian Park at 2200-3020 meters is equipped with a quarter-pipe, big airs, half-pipes, and a boardercross track.
Champéry
The main advantage of this resort, located in a small village, is access to the largest skiing area in the world, Portes du Soleil. The total length of slopes for skiers and snowboarders, united by a common ski pass, is 650 km. The winter season lasts from December 15 to April 22, and trekking tours are popular in summer.
The variety of gentle and steep slopes allows for routes of any difficulty:
- Green: 65 km (13%)
- Blue: 290 km (43%)
- Red: 250 km (35%)
- Black: 45 km (9%)
The lowest point of the skiing area is at 1050 meters, and the highest is at Mosettes peak (2277 meters), with a vertical drop of 1250 meters. Skiers are transported to 58 slopes by 37 modern lifts of various types.
For snowboarders, there are nine fan parks, four boardercross zones, and three half-pipes. Cross-country skiing trails are laid across the plain, some of which are illuminated and close at 22:00. This resort appeals to all winter sports enthusiasts, from first-time skiers to professionals.
Samnaun
Part of the Silvretta Arena skiing area, Samnaun has well-maintained slopes totaling 239 km, served by the unique “double-decker” Twineiner lift. The winter season opens on November 28 and continues until May 3.
The resort caters to experienced skiers, with most marked trails being of medium to high difficulty:
- Blue: 40 km (15%)
- Red: 131 km (65%)
- Black: 38 km (20%)
The slopes have a vertical drop of 1100 meters, facing all directions, with over 1000 snow cannons serving 80 km of artificially snowed slopes. The skiing area has an excellent system of 45 lifts.
For professionals, there are black mogul slopes and a breathtaking 12 km descent from Palinkopf (2864 meters) with a steepness of up to 70% in some sections.
The skiing area has 15 km of cross-country trails, 14 km for freeriding, and two sledding runs. Snowboard enthusiasts can enjoy the fan park with high jumps and extensive powder areas on the slopes of Greitspitz, suitable for all skill levels.
Flims
Together with Laax and Falera, Flims forms the Alpine Arena skiing area. From November 3 to April 8, the sports sector provides all conditions for active leisure for professionals and beginner skiers.
Over 100 sq. km are filled with well-equipped slopes connected by 29 lifts, with a capacity of 42,000 people per hour. The modern chairlift has a 45-degree turn for a better view of the unique mountain landscapes.
The 220 km of slopes are divided by difficulty:
- Green: 63 km
- Blue: 70 km
- Red: 48 km
- Black: 39 km
Over 70% of the skiing area is above 1800 meters. The highest points of descent are Vorab Glacier (3018 meters) and Laaxerstöckli (2898 meters), with a vertical drop of 1918 meters.
Despite the shared skiing area, each resort has its features. There are 55 km of cross-country trails, off-piste slopes marked in yellow, and a wide network of hiking routes. The steep Cassons slope in the glacier area at 2675 meters is accessible only to freeride enthusiasts, with no equipped slopes.
Laax
Laax is famous for its long red and black mogul slopes passing through the glacier and forest clearings. The longest descent is 14 km with a vertical drop of 1918 meters. The ski resort, part of the Alpine Arena, attracts skiers and snowboarders worldwide.
Beginners and professionals are drawn to the long steep slopes with significant vertical drops and beautiful mountain landscapes. The youthful crowd makes for an active nightlife at the resort. On Vorab Glacier, there are four snow parks with Switzerland’s largest half-pipe, the only indoor freestyle hall in Europe, based at the Freestyle Academy, where skills can be honed year-round.
The recently built Ils Plauns with five jumps and 15 figures is popular. Nearby is a snow park for beginners to practice. Laax offers ideal conditions for freestyle, with jumps, rails, and slide boxes (25 figures).
Falera
This charming mountain village attracts those seeking a peaceful holiday and families with children. The small resort has many wide and gentle slopes, and an artificial ice rink is set up annually. The sunny plateau above the Rhine Gorge ensures stable, comfortable weather.
The sports complex, just 3 km from Laax, is part of the Alpine Arena skiing area. The boundaries between the resorts are blurred, making the distinction a formality. Ski passes allow free movement between Falera, Laax, and Flims, serving all three sports sectors.
Vercorin
Located in the Anniviers Valley, Vercorin invites skiers and snowboarders with minimal to moderate experience, families with children, and tourists who prefer a quiet holiday. There are no highly challenging and steep slopes or long trails (the maximum length is 5 km). Skiers can enjoy the breathtaking alpine scenery without worrying about lift queues.
The sports zone ranges from 1341 to 2374 meters (the highest point is Crêt-du-Midi peak), with seven lifts serving 14 slopes totaling 35 km. The resort has 4.5 km of sledding tracks with a vertical drop of 500 meters and 12.5 km of classic and skating cross-country ski trails. For deep-snow enthusiasts, special areas are fenced off. Twelve trails are covered with artificial snow.
The resort has gentle slopes for beginners, a ski school, and eight snowshoe hiking routes totaling 45 km with an instructor, and 16 km of walking trails. For snowboarders, there is a snow park with a half-pipe. Thrill-seekers can enjoy a special scooter descent trail called “Trottinett.”
Nendaz
Part of the vast “Four Valleys” skiing area, including the famous Verbier, Thyon, and Savoleyres complexes, Nendaz offers a variety of steep and gentle slopes with unique terrain for beginners and professionals.
The Printze sector, combining Nendaz, Thyon, and Veysonnaz, has 220 km of trails:
- Blue: 77 km
- Red: 126 km
- Black: 9 km
The vertical drop in the Printze area is 1380 meters. The highest descent starts at 2730 meters. With most trails high in the mountains, the winter season is long, from mid-November to May.
Part of the complex covers the Mont Fort Glacier, with several routes passing through picturesque forest areas. Most black slopes are concentrated at Mont Chélet. Numerous gentle slopes with easy descents are appealing for family skiing and beginner lessons.
Leukerbad
Located in an Alpine gorge, Leukerbad is near the largest high-altitude SPA center on thermal springs. The complex with variously challenging slopes opens on December 8 and closes on April 8. Ski routes range from the lowest point at 1411 meters to the highest at 2610 meters, with a vertical drop of 1139 meters.
There are about 50 km of ski slopes, with the longest trail being 6 km:
- 3.5 km blue
- 26.9 km red
- 16.8 km black
Each of the two skiing areas on the Gemmi and Torrent passes has cable cars, including 17 button, chair, and cabin lifts, three of which are for children. Ski slopes are on the Torrent slopes. Cross-country skiers have a 25 km route for classic and skating styles on the Gemmi.
For young tourists, there is a sledding run with a vertical drop of 200 meters. The resort suits mountain sports enthusiasts of all levels, families with children, and those wishing to combine skiing with thermal spring relaxation.
Adelboden
Located in the southern Bernese Highlands, Adelboden is part of the unified skiing area Adelboden-Frutigen-Lenk with a total of 210 km of slopes:
- Blue: 92 km (40%)
- Red: 96 km (40%)
- Black: 22 km (20%)
Tourists are transported to the slopes by 72 modern lifts, six of which are for children. There are many gentle slopes for family holidays, and a ski school for children and beginners.
The flat part of the resort area has 18 km of classic cross-country ski trails and 15 km for skating. Three snow parks with three half-pipes and a boardercross track are at altitudes of 1800-2200 meters. The number of snow cannons for maintaining the required snow cover is impressive.
The lowest point of the combined area is at 1050 meters, and the highest is over 2400 meters. The season for winter sports enthusiasts starts on December 2 and ends on April 8.
Arosa
The small town of Arosa is in a valley at 1750 meters, with the highest descent starting on Mount Weisshorn (2657 meters). The vertical drop in the skiing area is 903 meters. The winter season in Arosa starts on November 28 and lasts until April 14.
Combining Arosa and Lenzerheide ski routes results in a total length of 225 km. Most slopes are for beginners and families with children, but there are challenging routes for professional athletes.
Routes by difficulty:
- Blue: 111 km (45%)
- Red: 87 km (45%)
- Black: 27 km (10%)
Thirteen button, chair, and cabin lifts provide uninterrupted access to the slopes. The resort’s gentle terrain and consistently adequate snow cover make it attractive for beginners and families. The resort is well-protected from strong winds by mountain slopes, ensuring stable good weather for a pleasant holiday.
Villars-Sur-Ollon
Near the village of the same name in the western part of the Swiss Alps, Villars-Sur-Ollon is perfect for training beginner skiers and active family holidays. Gentle slopes for this category of tourists are laid right from the village edge, with a children’s skiing area, Saas Fee, located near the central street. The ski complex is part of the combined Villars-Gryon skiing zone on the Chamoser massif, merging with the slopes of Les Diablerets.
The resort has 112 km of its slopes:
- For beginners: 15%
- For those with some skiing experience: 37%
- Medium difficulty routes: 40%
- Difficult slopes: 8%
Villars hosts several renowned international ski schools with more than 250 instructors. The location is no accident—most resort slopes are ideally suited for learning alpine skiing skills.
The vertical drop ranges from 1115 meters to 2120 meters. Thirty-four lifts deliver skiers and snowboarders to the start of selected slopes. The winter season at the resort opens at the end of November and lasts until mid-April.
Les Diablerets
This quiet village at the foot of the Les Diablerets slopes is a ski resort within the 225 km Villars-Gryon-Leysin-Les Mosses skiing zone. Steep and gentle slopes with slight and sharp turns attract skiers of various skill levels. There is a wide choice of slopes for beginners and families with children, as well as long descents with steep angles and complex mogul trails.
Marked descents by difficulty:
- Blue: 90 km (42%)
- Red: 88 km (41%)
- Black: 47 km (17%)
The resort itself is located at 1180 meters. The highest point of the skiing zone is on the Glacier 3000. Skiers are transported to the slopes by 50 different types of lifts. Tourists are taken to the glacier in two stages by a modern funicular built in 2000.
Tourists arriving in Les Diablerets with a unified ski pass can access all slopes in the five-resort area and the famous glacier. The winter holiday season begins on November 25 and continues until April 12.
Conclusion
Switzerland offers a wealth of ski resorts catering to all levels of skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. From the high-altitude slopes of Zermatt and Verbier to the family-friendly runs of Villars-Sur-Ollon and Les Diablerets, each resort provides unique experiences framed by the stunning landscapes of the Swiss Alps. Whether you’re a professional skier seeking challenging black slopes or a family looking for gentle, safe runs, Switzerland’s diverse and well-equipped ski resorts ensure an unforgettable winter holiday.
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