The Best Ski Resorts in Switzerland

Jack Scotford-Smith

The best ski resorts in Switzerland are placed high in Alps with enchanting villages surrounded by iconic peaks. Fantastic for families and superb for short breaks, Switzerland’s all-ability terrain promises to deliver a superior European ski holiday.

A country which is synonymous with skiing because of its rich winter sports heritage, quintessential mountains, high altitudes and exceptional snow quality, Switzerland is also home to many glaciers which keep selected resorts running all year round! Taking all of this into consideration and the short flight time too, it's no surprise it's still a popular skiing destination for us Brits.

But, which resort is going to be best for you? These are the Swiss resorts we think deserve to top the list.

If you already have something in mind, call us Monday to Friday on 01273 224060 or enquire online for personal advice or a tailor-made price. 

Engelberg

Best for Shorter Breaks

Engelberg offers big mountain skiing less than 2 hours by train from Zurich and even shorter by hire car or private transfer. With plenty of direct flights from London, this makes it a great option for those looking for a short break in the mountains. It's also worth noting that SWISS offer free ski carriage!

Engelberg © Engelberg/Titlis Photo Christian Perret
The train from Zurich rolls right into the heart of Engelberg town © Engelberg Titlis / Christian Perret

Engelberg offers skiers perfect all-round terrain, ideal for a mixed-ability group. The area also boasts some amazing off-piste skiing for intermediates and above. The most famous run is the Laub off-piste route, one of Engelberg’s ‘BIG 5’ descents and a run that can single-handedly make the trip worth it. We highly recommend hiring a guide for the safest and most enjoyable experience, or why not book on to the ever-popular Engelberg Snow & Safety Days program to seriously up your off-piste skills?

Where to Stay In Engelberg

One of the most popular options for accommodation in Engelberg is the 4* H+ Hotel & Spa which offers comfortable rooms, a modern spa, buffet breakfast and a central location (just a three minute walk from the station)

 4* H+ Hotel & Spa
Ideal for a ski weekend, a short break or a week’s stay, the modern H + Hotel & Spa is located in the centre of Engelberg

What Our Customers Say About Engelberg

"Excellent for a short break ski holiday." -  Helen Middleton

Zermatt

Best for Luxury

It’s well known Switzerland has an abundance of luxury resorts offering the very best in accommodation, restaurants and shops, topped with world-class skiing. Our top pick for a luxury Swiss destination has to be Zermatt. An iconic ski resort renowned for its rugged scenery and lavish hotels offering up unadulterated views of one of the world's most famous mountains, the mighty Matterhorn.

With its high-altitude slopes, Zermatt guarantees snow throughout the season, making it a reliable destination for winter sports enthusiasts. A trip here becomes even more unique with the new Matterhorn Alpine crossing opening up neighbouring Breuil-Cervinia in Italy to skiers and non-skiers! Of course, it's still possible to make your way across the border with skis or a snowboard, but the cable car, new for winter 2023/24, will deliver some breathtaking views of the Alpes along the way.

Zermatt snowboarder with Matterhorn © Michael Portmann
Zermatt's crown jewel, the Matterhorn on a gorgeous bluebird day © Michael Portmann

The resort boasts over 360 km of pistes, catering to all skill levels. Advanced skiers can challenge themselves on the gravity-defying runs of the Theodul Glacier, while beginners can enjoy the gentle slopes of Sunnegga and Gornergrat. Zermatt is also a paradise for freestyle enthusiasts, with several well-maintained terrain parks.

Where to Stay In Zermatt

The best way to take in the staggering views of the Matterhorn is from the comfort of a luxurious hotel and the  4*+ Hotel Matterhorn Focus is named for good reason. Conveniently placed next to the Matterhorn Express Gondola, the ski-in ski-out hotel is decked out with modern amenities to use at the end of a successful day on the slopes including a pool and saltwater bath.

Hotel Matterhorn Focus Indoor Pool
The Matterhorn Focus provides a picturesque setting for an evening swim in Zermatt

What Our Customers Say About Zermatt

"Pretty but vibrant town. Matterhorn provided majestic views and a real feeling of being in a mountain resort. Focus hotel was great ... Adjacent to the gondola and ski rental. Great breakfast, spacious rooms. The pool and outdoor jacuzzi are fab. Great accessibility to all areas of the mountain for skiers of all abilities. Great to have a cruising red run from all the peaks. Even though there was no fresh snow skiing remained good all week. Good for families, ski school is excellent. Good choice of restaurants and excellent shopping. High-end feel without being exclusive." - Jane Sellman

St Moritz

Best for a Unique Transfer

Switzerland has a reputation for exceptional rail travel that always runs on time and it’s a popular way to get to your resort. A truly special experience is travelling on the Glacier Express from Zurich to St Moritz where you can expect epic landscapes, Swiss efficiency and comfortable seating.

Glacier Express Landwasser Viaduct © Swiss Image Christof Sonderegger
Every twist of the tracks presents a new and impressive mountain view © Swiss Image / Christof Sonderegger

The Glacier Express, renowned as one of the world's most scenic train journeys, presents an incredible opportunity to traverse the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland from St. Moritz to Zurich. This iconic train ride takes you on a mesmerising journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps, passing snow-capped peaks, cascading glaciers, and picturesque valleys, before arriving in St. Moritz, a town known for its elegance and prestigious charm.

You'll find some of the finest cross-country skiing in Europe here as well as a good variety of downhill runs across four mountains.

For this classic rail adventure to reach its full potential, we highly recommend the Glacier Express Ski Safari. A world-class skiing trip suitable for all abilities which combines Zermatt, St Moritz, Andermatt and a night in Zurich.

Where to Stay In St Moritz

Located in the traditional village of Surlej, overlooking Lake Silvaplana, is the 4*+ Nira Alpina. A modern accommodation connected to the Corvatsch cable car station via a private walkway, making for easy skiing access. As well as being close to the slopes, the hotel is home to a magnificent spa where you can book a treatment to soothe any aching muscles.

Nira Alpina Plunge Pool
A soak in the Nira Alpina Plunge Pool is an ideal way to wake up at the start of the day or relax after the four mountains

What Our Customers Say About St Moritz

"We visited Zermatt and St Moritz for our honeymoon and it was a truly magical trip - the Glacier Express was a real highlight." - Jessica Cartwright

Laax

Best for Families

Families seeking the perfect winter getaway will find Laax an ideal destination for a memorable ski holiday. Laax isn't just about adrenaline-pumping adventures; it's also incredibly family-friendly. The resort offers a range of facilities and activities tailored to the needs and interests of all family members. Children can have a blast at the Kids' Snow Wonderland, a dedicated area with gentle slopes, magic carpets, and experienced instructors to help them take their first steps on skis or snowboards.

Laax Happy Snowboarders © GaudenzDanuser.com
Laax has super snow conditions and the corduroy pistes are perfect for practising turns © GaudenzDanuser.com

For parents, Laax's well-organized ski schools provide a safe and fun environment for kids to learn, freeing up time for adults to explore the extensive ski terrain or enjoy some quality time together.

Laax is also the resort for budding snowboarders flourish with four snowparks to lap up. It's a great feeling finally nailing a new trick and the variety of park runs will certainly speed up that process.

Where to Stay In Laax

Self-catering apartments never looked so good. The gondola is a hop, skip and a jump from 4*+ Peaks Place for easy mountain access and the apartments come with complimentary access to the pool which has specific times for children swimming. Adults also have access to saunas which wouldn't look out of place in a luxury hotel.

Peaks Place Exterior
Further facilities at Peaks Place include ski and snowboard storage and underground parking

What Our Customers Say About Laax

"This was our second consecutive visit to Laax and we are already planning our third. We are a family of four, each with different interests and Laax fits the bill for all of us: freestyle and snow parks, great mountain restaurants, a good breadth of intermediate terrain, modern lifts, beautiful scenery and friendly locals." - Samantha Li-Fox

Speak to a Switzerland Ski Specialist

The best ski resorts in Switzerland have something to offer every snow lover, and each resort brings its unique character to the table. Whether you seek thrilling slopes, breathtaking vistas, luxury indulgence, or vibrant nightlife, you'll find it in Switzerland.

If you're dreaming of packing your ski gear and embarking on an unforgettable alpine adventure in the heart of Switzerland, speak to one of our specialists for personal advice or a tailor-made price by calling us on 01273 224060. Alternatively, you can enquire online.

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