Ski areas in Switzerland

Best ski areas in Switzerland

Switzerland is considered the jewel of skiing destinations. Host to the iconic Matterhorn mountain, Switzerland is the perfect location for a short ski break to escape the everyday.

Enjoy the morning on the slopes with unbeatable views. An afternoon rubbing shoulders with celebrities as you shop at the local boutiques. Spend the evenings warm by a fire, enjoying fondue of the cheese or chocolate kind.

Why would Switzerland not be at the top of your list for your next skiing destination?

Best Swiss ski areas

Four Valleys ski area - best for snowboarders

• Ski area - Four Valleys 410km
• Resorts - Nendaz
• Length of blue runs - 107km
• Length of red runs - 202km
• Length of black runs - 103km
• Snowparks - 3

Inghams top tip - Try the Ethérolla run. This is a scenic and varied run, perfect for intermediates to advanced and snowboarders looking for beautiful views and enjoyable slopes.

The area:

The 4 Valleys ski area sits within a natural reserve so is a very beautiful area to spend a week. The area is so large, at the highest point you reach a summit of 3330m and at the lowest, you are only at 1250m in elevation.

You will find some charming mountain side bars and restaurants as you explore this area that are worth stopping in for lunch or a drink.

The skiing:

Though 4 Valleys has only the 3 snow parks, the thing that makes this ski area so great for snowboarders is that they have really thought about a snowboarder's needs, and at all levels. From boxes, waverides to kickers for the more confident. There are also beginner lines, fun slopes and a relaxation zone with music.

Otherwise, the 4 Valleys ski area is generally best for intermediate skiers, with the majority of the area being red runs. However, 400km of ski area is still vast so there is plenty of space for everyone. The total area (covering 6 resorts) can be explored using 1 lift pass.

Highlighted resort of Four Valleys:

Nendaz is the perfect location, right in the middle of the 4 Valleys ski area. Its own Swiss gem - a peaceful but welcoming resort but next door to the lively, bustling Verbier for a visit. Due to its neighbour, Nendaz actually offers the more wallet friendly restaurants and bars to Verbier and plenty of them too.

Stay at the Hôtel Nendaz 4 Vallées & Spa, equally offering great access to the slopes and the resort centre, as well as cosy bedrooms and a modern wellness area.

Graubünden ski area - best for intermediate to advanced

• Ski area - Graubunden ski area 850km
• Resorts - Davos, Klosters and St Moritz
• Length of blue runs - 109km
• Length of red runs - 129km
• Length of black runs - 31km
• Snowparks - 9

Inghams top tip - Ski the Olympic Piste, the run follows the original olympic route. A challenging descent but based on the edge of the ski area, so usually uncrowded.

The area:

Known as the first ‘Winter Alpine holiday’ destination in Europe, Graubünden ski area hosted its first British guests in 1864 and the area hasn’t looked back since.

Quickly developing into ski resorts, but retaining its history - this area is worth exploring on and off skis. Enjoy a train ride between resorts as a relaxing way to take in the stunning surroundings of Graubünden. Because you can’t not, give the longest toboggan run in Switzerland a try that runs right through the middle of this ski area.

The skiing:

Night skiing in this area is popular and definitely worth doing, with plenty of floodlit runs close to resorts. The majority of the large ski area is covered by red runs but there are enough black and off-piste runs to keep even the most keenly challenged busy.

They are big on competitions and events here, so you’ll find plenty of slalom runs or mogul fields. The whole ski area is well-connected, so don’t be afraid to explore as much as possible.

Highlighted resort of Graubünden:

St Moritz is probably the crowning resort of the Graubünden ski area, made up of 3 villages overlooking a frozen lake and known for its days of winter sunshine.

Shopping is a big secondary past time here (after skiing of course), with high-end brands to unique boutiques, it's worth wandering past the shop windows. For an extra special stay, select Hotel Monopol - with resort views, rooftop bar and adult only spa, it provides that extra special feeling to your holiday.

Jungfrau ski area - best for beginners

• Ski area - Jungfrau ski area 206km
• Resorts - Grindelwald, Wengen and Murren
• Length of blue runs - 83km
• Length of red runs - 90km
• Length of black runs - 33km
• Snowparks - 4

Inghams top tip - Männlichen kids' paradise is based at the top of the Männlichen Gondola and is the perfect practice area with platter, rope and conveyer belt lifts to build confidence.

The area:

The area is known for its natural beauty all year round, meaning the local tourism board has ensured that you can ski but also walk here in the winter, with an impressive 100km of trails available.

Being the centre of Switzerland's stunning scenery, it is easy to believe that Jungfrau ski area sits within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This includes the famous revolving restaurant Schilthorn, as seen on a Bond film and sitting at almost 3,000m - its a must on your to do list.

The skiing:

The steady slopes in Kleine Scheidegg & Männlichen area are an ideal beginners starting point. Located between the resorts of Grindelwald and Wengen, they are easy areas to reach due to frequent transport / lifts.

The Snowgarden in Wengen is set up for children’s ski lessons specifically and is home to the friendly ski mascot Snowli!
The ski area is well maintained and known for its state of the art ski infrastructure, with 6 person gondolas the main lift option.

Overall, there are plenty of runs for every type of skier and snowboarder, with such a large area to explore for the week, you'll be busy.

Highlighted resort of Jungfrau:

Grindelwald has it all from the Sportzentrum centre with a dedicated baby-zone in the swimming pool, a curling centre for those wanting to expand their winter sports to the Avocado Bar for a busy atmosphere with a live DJ. The accommodation here also reflects this ‘all rounded’ offering. We suggest staying at the Sunstar Hotel which offers quality service, excellent dining, various room types and a wellness area.