Switzerland offers a great choice of ski resorts, from the small village to the large station. Most of Switzerland's ski resorts are surrounded by impressive landscapes such as large ice fields and high mountains (48 four-thousanders are located in the swiss Alps).
Almost all winter resorts in Switzerland are frequented in summer by hikers, alpinists and tourists due to the many natural wonders and facilities.
History
Switzerland has a long tradition of winter sport tourism. St. Moritz is usually refered as one of the first winter resort in the world (1864).
Usually, Switzerland ski resorts are original mountain villages that have retained some of their charm, even if they have grown much larger with the development of tourism. Some villages in Bernese Highlands or in Valais are themselves considered as tourist attractions.
When to go
The ski season lasts from early December to April. In some areas it is possible to ski later or even all year (summer ski).
The best conditions for skiing are in mid-January, the coldest time of the year.
Late February is a good time for sun-seekers.
Choosing a ski resort
Price, Size and Location
As a general rule, the larger the ski resort and the higher the elevation above sea level, the
higher the price. Ski passes will consume a large proportion of your budget.
Large ski resorts such as Zermatt, St. Moritz, or Grindelwald are the best in the Alps, but also the most expensive ones. Many less known resorts can offer cheaper alternatives, but have of course smaller and lower ski areas. Which can mean that hey lack snow later or early in the season
Apres Ski
Ski resorts across the alps will always have a bar in the village, right at the bottom of the piste. This ranges from a loud glass temporary bars, perfect for a drink at 4 o'clock, to classy nightclubs great for spending the night.
Other Activities
Larger ski resorts will offer various other winter activities, such as cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and winter walking tracks. Telemark and ski touring equipment will generally be available.
Get in
By plane
By train
By bus
By car
Eat
Sleep
Practicalities
Avalanche danger
As with all ski resorts, avalanches are an underestimated hazard.
Off-piste skiing is available and there are often Itinerary Runs. Some ski areas offer a 'Free Ride' area. This is a 'safe' area to ski and board off piste.
Skiing off-piste is always an excellent activity but never be unprepared and ski safely!
Equipment
There are numerous ski and snowboard rental shops in every larger resort and in many smaller ones. The choice is normally best made by convenience to the slopes or to accommodation.
List of Ski Resorts
This is a non exhaustive list of mountain resorts in Switzerland. Many ski areas are situated well above 3000 meters (3900 m in Zermatt, 3600 m in Saas Fee for instance) and are snow sure until late in spring or even in summer.
As mentioned above these resorts are also great for summer vacations.
Verbier (ski until end of April)
Zermatt (summer ski, highest ski area in Europe)
Crans-Montana
Saas-Fee (summer ski, best summer ski area in the Alps)
Saas Grund
Leukerbad
Anzere
Nendaz
Ovronnaz
Vercorin
Evolene
Lotschental
Grachen
Blatten
Belalp
Riederalp
Bettmeralp
Fiesch
Chandolin
Zinal
Grimmentz
Champery
Morgins
Grindelwald
Murren
Wengen
Meiringen
Kandersteg
Adelboden
Lenk
Zweisimmen
Gstaad
St. Moritz (ski until end of April)
Sils
Samnaun
Scuol
Arosa
Davos
Klosters
Lenzerheide
Laax Flims Falera (The Alpenarena)
Brigels
Disentis
Sedrun
Obersaxen
Vals
Savognin
Bergun
Engelberg / Mount Titlis
Melchsee-Frutt
Andermatt
Stoos
Sorenberg
Eastern Switzerland
Flumserberg
Pizol / Bad Ragaz
Braunwald
Elm
Wildhaus
Airolo
Bosco Gurin
Les Diablerets (ski until end of April)
Leysin
Villars
Chateau-d'Oex