Switzerland is largely known as ‘the home of skiing’, due to the British pioneer, Henry Lunn, introducing the world’s first package ski holiday to Wengen ski resort. A ski holiday in Switzerland is synonymous with luxury and sophistication. Swiss hospitality combined with efficient innovation secures the country’s spot as one of the best skiing destinations of all time. Many of the ski areas are typically Alpine and ‘chocolate box’ quaint. Some argue that Swiss resorts are among the most picturesque in the world.
Escape the masses and visit a small Swiss ski resort next winter. Be among the tranquil slopes, quiet mountain villages, and the traditional charm that surrounds smaller ski destinations. Experience short lift queues and peaceful slopes, the dream for those who are looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of a larger ski resort. Enjoy car-free villages, cobbled streets, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Engelberg
Just 90 minutes from Zurich, Engelberg is a stunning and historic ski resort that is bursting with character. It was first founded centuries ago by Benedictine monks and the monastery, which also functions as a school, and is still a large part of the town. The village offers a truly relaxing escape in the mountains. The ski area has 26 lifts, 90km of terrain, and plenty of off-piste to explore. The backcountry is so good in fact, one of our clients has told us not to tell anybody!
Engelberg’s slogan is ‘welcome to heaven’, which is appropriate enough for a ski resort that directly translates as ‘Mountain of Angels’. The ski resort is amongst impressive 3,000m high peaks and the Titlis glacier. Enjoy world-class panoramic views in this picturesque hidden gem location.
Stay At:
Hotel Kempinski Palace is a five-star luxury retreat in Engelberg. The beautiful architecture and excellent hospitality will make you feel royal.
Grimentz
Grimentz is popular with day-tripping Swiss visitors from nearby Sion. The sweet, relatively untouched destination, has less than 500 year-round inhabitants. The area is seen as a cultural jewel of unspoiled Swiss heritage. Travellers will marvel at the beautiful Alpine architecture and the dedication to Valais tradition.
On the mountain, skiers can explore more than 100km of piste in no time with the short lift queues. The skiing altitude reaches 3,000m ensuring good ski terrain during the season, which runs from December until late April. The area neighbours Val d’Anniviers ski resort, which is another stunning Swiss ski destination.
Stay At:
Hotel Bella Tola is a beautifully designed hotel and a welcoming escape off the mountain. The property oozes Swiss sophistication and luxury.
Les Crosets
Les Crosets is nestled in the Val d’Illiez region of the Portes du Soleil ski area and neighbours Champoussin. The ski resort is a satellite village, due to its smaller size. The resort is a great starting point for discovering the Franco-Swiss ski region. Uniquely, you can warm up in the morning with a Swiss hot chocolate, then head over to France for lunch and devour a well-earned croque monsieur.
Les Crosets is a ‘back door’ to one of the biggest winter playgrounds in the world, with more than 650km of ski terrain. For the more advanced skier, Les Crosets is home to the ‘Swiss Wall’, an almost vertical descent that isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you’re feeling brave, why not take on the challenge?
Stay At:
Mountain Lodge is a stunning hotel in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area. The friendly property is the perfect escape in Les Crosets.
Leukerbad
Leukerbad is an excellent choice for spa dwellers and keen skiers. The ski resort is the largest thermal spring in the Alps, lying well-protected in the Valais valley. It is the perfect destination for wellness and sports enthusiasts looking for a luxury ski getaway. Leukerbad town is a small Swiss ski resort that is bursting with character. The modest region is in the Rhone valley, at the foot of the Gemmi Pass at 1,411m. The skiing reaches an altitude of almost 3,000m and there are 55km of piste to explore.
The terrain is perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers, with most of the slopes being red and black. The Rinderhutte lies in the heart of the ski area, just above the tree-line and where seven lifts meet. From here, you can access several black trails, off-piste, or tree skiing opportunities. For those wanting a backcountry adventure, Leukerbad is an excellent place to start.
Stay At:
Hotel Sources Des Alpes is a traditional and regal hotel in Leukerbad. Unwind in the thermal springs as you marvel at the wonderful surrounding scenery.
Saas Fee
Nestled amongst some of the highest peaks in Switzerland, Saas Fee is a hidden gem in Europe. Nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Alps’, Saas Fee sits proudly on a high plateau of the Saas valley, showcasing some of the best views in the Alps. The dramatic scenery is not the only highlight, the location offers glacier skiing, ensuring a truly unforgettable ski experience. The resort has a great snow record thanks to its high altitude and the varied terrain will suit mixed-ability groups.
The town has many beautiful, charming, authentic wooden chalets dotted around the region and the centre is entirely car-free. With electric buses and hotel vehicles the only mode of transport, the atmosphere is extremely calm. Saas Fee prides itself on retaining the olde-world charm of its historic roots and is surrounded by a magnificent backdrop of dazzling glaciers. If you visit Saas Fee you will be guaranteed a picturesque, tranquil week with a family-friendly atmosphere.
Stay At:
Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa is a stunning property in the heart of Saas Fee. The cosy hotel has fabulous amenities including a wellness spa and gourmet restaurant.
To find out more about our small Swiss ski resorts, call our ski experts on 020 7471 7700.
