Switzerland is considered one of the top countries to ski in Europe, so we decided to map out the best time to go skiing in Switzerland and which resort should be on your list. Whether you want an early-season getaway or a half-term family trip we have you covered. Take a look at our expert guide.
Skiing in Switzerland in December
If you’re looking for the perfect ski resort in December you will most likely be looking for a quaint, charming, and Christmassy town to get in the spirit. We recommend the stylish ski resort of St. Moritz.
St. Moritz is synonymous with sophistication and five-star service. The town during December time has that added sparkle, elevating your ski holiday to the next level. Christmas in St. Moritz is a magical experience, with fantastical Christmas markets, mulled wine stalls, and ice skating available on your doorstep.
Skiing in St. Moritz in December can also be magnificently memorable. The ski resort base sits at 1,770m reaching a ski elevation of 3,305m, making it a fantastic snow-sure resort for the beginning of the winter season.
There’s a reason why so many celebrities and societal elite flock to the Swiss ski resort. With the excellent combination of a picturesque town, outstanding restaurants, and world-class skiing it is definitely a ski resort you should consider this Christmas.
Stay At:
Club Med in St. Moritz is a fantastic all-inclusive ski hotel sitting at the foot of the Swiss Alps at 1,705m.
Skiing in Switzerland in January
January is the best time to go skiing in Switzerland, because of the snow conditions during this time. Villars ski resort sits gloriously above the Rhone Valley in a south-facing position. The ski resort of Villars also looks across to the far-reaching Portes du Soleil ski area. In January, the resort will finally be in full flow and conditions tend to be more reliable at this time of year. If you buy a full lift pass you can access 174km of slopes in the area.
The town itself is a lovely mountain village which has many shops, a good selection of accommodation and great restaurants to enjoy. There are over 50 restaurants to choose from in the village. Whether you want delicious chargrilled meats at the Hotel du Golf or a traditional raclette at Vieux-Villarsm, there’s something for everyone.
As for non-skiers, there are some fantastic activities to enjoy away from the slopes. You can enjoy paragliding, ice skating, curling, dog sledding and rock climbing. You can also unwind in the amazing Lavey-Les-Bains thermal spa, which is fed by the hottest spring in Switzerland.
The combination of incredible skiing and off-slope activities makes Villars a very appealing ski holiday destination. It is also very convenient to get to if you fly via Geneva, the transfer time is only just over an hour.
Stay At:
Villars Palace Hotel is a five-star luxury hotel occupying an emblematic building in the village of Villars, situated just moments away from the nearest ski lifts.
Skiing in Switzerland in February
February can be a very busy time for ski resorts with various half-term dates for schools. Leukerbad is a fantastic alternative because of its quiet and relaxed nature. Known as the largest thermal spa resort in the Alps, it’s the perfect place to unwind in the Swiss Alps.
The skiing itself is brilliant too, with 55km of slopes which are ideal for intermediate skiers. The altitude of 1,411m – 2,850m makes it a snow-sure ski resort throughout the winter. On or off the slopes the scenery is breath-taking with magical alpine views.
Leukerbad is a small and charming town at the foot of the Rhone Valley. There are five main mountain restaurants which serve mostly traditional alpine cuisine. There are 22 thermal pools available to take a dip in. It is a unique experience to enjoy with a stunning mountain backdrop. The Chinchilla bar is a lovely place to enjoy a drink or two. If you want a livelier night out the Courage Club stays open until the early morning.
Stay At:
Hotel Les Sources des Alpes offers wonderfully warm, health-giving springs in Leukerbad, on the southern slopes of the Swiss Alps.
Skiing in Switzerland in March
March is the best time to go skiing in Switzerland because it has the potential for great snowfall based on previous years. You’ll be safe with many ski resorts but Gstaad is a great option. This stylish ski resort has a glamorous atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Located in the Bernese Valley, Gstaad takes influences from the French and Germanic parts of Switzerland.
If you buy a full lift pass, you can explore an impressive 200km of slopes in the ski area. The terrain is perfect for any level of skier or snowboarder, with varied slopes on the piste map. There has been great investment in the slopes and lifts, making it easy to get around the ski area. It also has the only glacier in the Bernese Oberland, the Glacier 3000. Whether you’re an advanced skier or a beginner, you’ll love this ski area.
Off the slopes, there are excellent bars, shops and restaurants to enjoy. The Alpina Hotel has Michelin-starred restaurants ranging from delicious Japanese cuisine to local delicacies. If you want a lovely live music experience head to the Hostellerie Chesery Piano Bar, which has a relaxed atmosphere and fine wines.
Stay At:
The Gstaad Palace is a wonderful family run hotel combining classic, grand hotel glamour with an Alpine style.
Skiing in Switzerland in April
April is a time when the sun comes out and the winter ski season draws to a close. However, there’s still fantastic end-of-season skiing to enjoy. Zermatt is a fantastic choice in April because it’s one of the highest ski resorts in Switzerland. The altitude of the ski resort is an impressive 1,620m-3820m and it has the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise too. This makes it very snow-sure throughout the ski season.
You can explore up to 360km of slopes with a full lift pass, with access to slopes in the neighbouring Italian ski resort of Cervinia. The vast amount of slopes makes it a superb experience for any type of skier or snowboarder. All this with a beautiful backdrop of the iconic Matterhorn mountain. There’s also incredible freeride terrain if you decide to hire a mountain guide.
As for the town, it is one of the most picturesque in Switzerland. It has kept its traditional alpine look with modern twists. The village is car-free, making it easy to walk across the resort. There are free electric buses that connect to the various lift stations. If you’re a foodie you’re in for a treat, Zermatt has an excellent range of restaurants to choose from. As for the après, there’s a great combination of classy bars and party spots in the area.
Stay At:
Hotel Alex in Zermatt is one of our most popular ski hotels boasting a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
To find out more about the best time to go skiing in Switzerland call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
