Ski areas in Switzerland

Switzerland is not so much made of large ski areas but small, more village like, ski resorts. There is plenty of skiing to be discovered in resorts such as Verbier, Zermatt and Saas Fee.

A few of the best for resort charm are essentially traffic-free villages of Zermatt, Murren and Wengen. Zermatt has one of the best backdrops of any resort with spectacular views of the Matterhorn. Impressive slopes too - including some of the biggest, highest and toughest runs in the Alps, as well as a lot of good intermediate terrain.

Many people associate Switzerland with high prices. This is a myth, especially since the Euro has strengthened so much against the pound. Most Swiss resorts are now on a par or cheaper than the French resorts, although larger resorts such as Verbier, Zermatt and St Moritz do tend to be expensive. You do get what you pay for in Switzerland, standards are high in both chalets and restaurants alike.

Four Valleys Ski Area

Four Valleys is the largest ski area in Switzerland, consisting of the largest resort Verbier, smaller resorts of Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Thyon and La Tzoumaz. Famous for its extensive and easily accessible off-piste and itinerary routes (marked but not groomed off piste), one such challenge is Tortin, fantastic with fresh snow. The ski area spans over 400km mostly open piste but many tree lined tracks which take you on a journey round the mountains.

For those accustomed to the 3 Valleys and Paradiski (in France), you may find the 4 Valleys ski area slightly more sprawled with long links. For beginners it is best to stay in smaller resorts where many of the chalets are ski in / ski out and there are some good gentle slopes with easy access.

Verbier Ski Resort

Verbier is a world famous resort and richly deserving of its reputation. It is one of a select bunch of high altitude, yet aesthetically pleasing and a large ski area to boot. The resort itself has been very tastefully done; the majority of buildings are chocolate box typical. Verbier has become very cosmopolitan resort over the years thanks to a buzzing town centre with great shops and exciting nightlife.

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Swiss Ski Resorts in their own ski area

Zermatt Ski Resort

Zermatt is one of those resorts that you simply have to ski. One of the most charming villages in the Alps, combined with stunning scenery dominated by the iconic Matterhorn, makes for some of the best and most challenging skiing in Europe. Zermatt also has arguably the best mountain restaurants in the world with several Michelin stars on the mountain to choose from.

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Saas Fee Ski Resort

A rare breed. A high altitude resort that maintains its alpine charm and suitable for beginners. There are 100km of pistes, which is small when compared with many larger resorts but the pistes that ARE there are great fun and generally deserted by Swiss standards. The main advantage that Saas Fee holds over many of its compatriots is its snow; it is as close as you can get to guaranteed.

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Ski Holidays in Switzerland

Switzerland itself doesn’t carry enough of a cachet to attract skiers based on its own reputation. Its resorts do. Verbier and Zermatt are two of the most famous resorts in the world and they deserve their phenomenal reputation. These resorts themselves are the very best reason to visit the area.