Ski Resorts – 4 of the Best in Switzerland

Every skier fantasizes about skiing in the Swiss Alps, whether it’s the glitz of St. Moritz or the dazzling vision of the Matterhorn standing tall above Zermatt’s classic chalets. The experience is truly a grand and unique one and also something that anyone can enjoy, whether you’re an amateur or veteran. The majority of ski resorts have easy-to-navigate terrain and excellent learning programs along with slopes and lifts that are specifically designed for beginners and learners. The ski resorts found in Switzerland are well suited to the needs of families as well, with family passe, packages and lodging.

The past year has affected the climate of skiing in Switzerland with several countrywide mandates now in effect. The extent of the restrictions does differ from region to region though one primary commonality is the necessity of advanced online ticket purchases to ensure better preparation and less physical contact. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few of the best ski resorts that Switzerland has to offer.

Verbier

This one’s for the veterans, Verbier features well laid out runs suitable for long-distance skiing as well as a vast amount of backcountry terrain. The Tortin is renowned for having one of Europe’s steepest descents.

Verbier is a part of the Four Valleys ski area, which also includes Thyon, Veysonnaz, and Nendaz for a total of more than 410 kilometres of ski runs and 93 lifts, all of which is included in a single lift pass.

There are also more intermediate level slopes available if you’re not quite up to par. These are located in multiple spots along the path of the cable car to Tortin and also at Bruson across the valley. Vervier is a fairly expensive ski resort, one that was named as Switzerland’s best in the 2018 World Ski Awards.

Arosa Lenzerheide

Lenzerheide and Arosa were separate resorts until 2013 when they became linked by the mile-long Urdenbahn cable car. Today they’re only a five-minute ride apart and share a single ticket.

This one is more suited to intermediate skiers so if you’re a veteran Arosa Lenzerheide might not quite tickle your fancy though, with 140 miles of groomed runs spread across three different mountainsides, this lesser-known resort is still quite an enjoyable challenge. The majority of these will give you access to some spectacular views that would otherwise be reserved only for summit-skiing experts.

Arosa is a fairly attractive ski town, one that can easily be reached by bus making it great if you don’t plan on renting out a car for your Swiss vacation.

Andermatt-Sedrun

This ski resort is one that’s quickly on its way to becoming the next big thing so it’s in your best interests to check it out before business really starts booming. The Andermatt-Sedrun ski link which opened in recent years has made this resort the largest and most modern one in Central Switzerland.

Andermatt-Sedrun is primarily composed of intermediate level slopes such as the ones at the Nätschen area. The north-facing valley, Gemsstock is where the truly challenging slopes lie and offer a great time for all you experts out there with some of the most extensive terrain for skiing in the world. 

Zermatt

Zermatt holds the highest skiing area in the Alps with altitudes between 2500 and 3900 meters. Along with this, it also has the Matterhorn, Europe’s most iconic mountain. The Matterhorn is visible from pretty much anywhere on the mountain’s trails system which connects two countries.

Zermatt is famous for its long ski runs with terrain for all skill levels, as well as offering skiing and snowboarding 365 days a year in a picturesque setting. Wolli’s Park, located at the top of the Sunnegga funicular, is an ideal spot for beginners and children. From here, experienced skiers can take gondolas, chairlifts, and a cable car up to the Rothorn’s trails and snowfields, or they can connect to the Gornergrat ski pistes. While the traditional socializing of skiers isn’t really encouraged in current times, Zermatt still hosts a wealth of other outdoor activities to keep anyone’s vacation schedule quite busy.