I believe I can safely say that neither Benoit nor I remember our first days on skis. According to old family photo albums, we were between 2 and a half and 3 and a half years old when we first strapped on skis. Growing up at the foot of the mountains, skiing has almost always been a part of our lives—about five months a year.
Child, we didn’t know each other, but unknowingly, we were both skiing on the same mountain every weekend and throughout every winter vacation. Once we became adults, we started to travel quite a bit—four years living in Zurich, two years in Vienna, and nearly six years wandering around the world and Europe. Needless to say, skiing took a bit of a back seat during that time. Well, yes, our priorities were elsewhere (just like our budget).
But for the past five years, we’ve been settled back in the mountains, and it was only natural that we resumed this winter sport. Although we have to admit that we’re no longer just into alpine skiing. 😉 Over the years, ski touring, snowshoeing, and even cross-country skiing have found their way into our winter activities.
At Alpiness coliving, winter is undoubtedly our “peak season,” and we regularly get questions about skiing in Switzerland.
Where to go? What are the best resorts for families, beginners, freeriders, and more? What’s the best gear to buy? Can we rent it instead?
Far from us claiming to know everything about the subject, we’ve still gained some solid knowledge, and we thought that a comprehensive, in-depth guide to skiing in Switzerland would definitely have a place on Novo-Monde.
P.S.: If you’re not into skiing but instead into winter in Switzerland more broadly, I’m also preparing a complete guide on that topic, coming soon!
Switzerland’s most famous resorts
When you think of “Ski in Switzerland,” you very often think of major resorts like Verbier, Crans Montana, St. Moritz, the Portes du Soleil, Zermatt, or Andermatt. I have no intention of discouraging you from exploring them. We lived for a long time in the Portes du Soleil area and absolutely LOVED this region. The playground is vast, and the quality of the slopes is truly top-notch!
But let’s just say that the most well-known resorts will also be far and away the most expensive (whether it’s the ski pass, equipment rental, accommodation, or even the meals and drinks on-site). 😉 In Zermatt, I almost choked when I was asked for 7 CHF for a simple Rivella… There are plenty of other resorts where I promise the prices are much more “reasonable.” Les Portes du Soleil, in fact, is a bit of a middle ground… it’s a huge area (650 km of pistes between Switzerland and France), with a still fairly family-friendly atmosphere and “reasonable” prices when you consider the size of the domain.
In short, there’s no need for me to go into more detail about the major resorts; in this article, I will instead focus on those you haven’t automatically heard of or those I find offer good value for families / are easily accessible from Swiss cities.
Ski resorts near Zürich
It’s funny because when you think of skiing, Zurich isn’t usually the first city that comes to mind. Well, yeah… we’re not really in the Alps (or even really next to them). But thanks to its central location and excellent transportation network, several ski resorts are easily accessible, whether by car or train. Here are the top destinations to visit based on your available time and your style of skiing.
Just a one-hour drive or train ride away, Flumserberg is the favorite resort of Zurich residents. Its direct train access to Unterterzen makes it an ideal getaway for young professionals or families looking to enjoy a day of skiing without complicated preparations. The train drops you off right near the cable car, and it literally takes only one hour from the moment you board the train at Zurich HB to the moment you step onto the cable car. With its wide slopes and stunning views of Lake Walenstadt, it’s the perfect balance between convenience and enjoyment.
A little further along, at 1:20, Engelberg-Titlis appeals to intermediate and advanced skiers. The glacier ensures excellent snow conditions, and the resort is very accessible by direct trains from Zurich. Freeride enthusiasts and groups of young adults will find an exceptional playground there.
For snowboarders, the Hoch-Ybrig resort is also really great (about 1 hour and 25 minutes by public transportation from Zurich HB).
For those looking for a full weekend, Arosa-Lenzerheide and Laax (about 1 hour 40–50 minutes by car or train + bus) offer extensive modern resorts. Arosa is perfect for families with its varied slopes, while Laax attracts a younger, more active crowd, especially snowboarders, thanks to its renowned snowparks.
Finally, for a more alpine experience, Andermatt remains a safe choice within less than 2 hours. Accessible by train via Göschenen, it’s the ideal destination for experienced skiers and enthusiasts of challenging slopes.
To go skiing, we strongly recommend using public transportation from Zurich. The resorts are easily accessible and you won’t have to worry about traffic or parking (which can be complicated during peak season). If you plan to take the train several times, we recommend checking whether a half-fare card would be worth it. It costs CHF 120 for one month and entitles you to a 50% discount on all public transport.
If you have never skied before and would like to learn, we recommend taking a lesson! Each resort has its own ski school, so the easiest thing to do is to contact them in advance.
If you are visiting Switzerland and don’t have any equipment or experience, there are “all-inclusive” introductory days that can be booked on Civitatis. It costs €350 per day and includes transportation, a day on the slopes, a ski instructor for 2-3 hours, and all equipment. I won’t lie to you, it’s expensive, but if you do everything individually, it would cost even more. See this day trip on Civitatis.
Ski resorts near Bern
Yes, the capital isn’t perched high in the mountains, but it’s just a stone’s throw from the Bernese Oberland, with an incredibly efficient train and bus network. As a result, some of the most beautiful Swiss resorts are accessible in the blink of an eye, sometimes even faster than you might expect.
Just over an hour by car or train away, you’ll find Adelboden-Lenk, a vast area perfectly suited for families and intermediate skiers. The slopes are diverse, the landscapes are typical of the Bernese Oberland, and the village’s atmosphere is cozy. It’s a reliable, no-fuss day trip from Bern.
Just a little bit closer, Meiringen-Hasliberg is an excellent option for a simple and efficient day trip. It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car or train. The slopes are long, well-exposed, and it’s an ideal area for active families, with beautiful beginner zones.
But the true gem accessible from Bern is the Jungfrau Region: Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. By train, you can reach Grindelwald in about 1 hour and 20 to 30 minutes, and there… a postcard-perfect panorama is guaranteed. Intermediate and advanced skiers love the diversity of the area, while visitors seeking spectacular scenery always leave amazed.
For a more exclusive vibe, Gstaad (which is part of the Magic Pass) is about 1 hour and 25 minutes from Bern. Perfect for a quieter, more upscale weekend. Just a heads-up, Gstaad is kind of our local St-Tropez. 😉 You’re more likely to find a Louis Vuitton than a Decathlon on the village’s main street haha.
From Bern, the Alps almost feel like home. Just choose the resort that matches your mood of the day: sporty, family-friendly, or contemplative.
Ski resorts close to Geneva / Lausanne
If snow is on the ground in the Vaudois or Neuchâtel Jura, it’s the perfect time to enjoy La Dôle, Les Rousses (just across the border), or St-Cergue. It’s roughly a 45-minute to 1 hour and 20-minute drive from Geneva or Lausanne, and you’ll find quiet slopes, ideal for families, beginners, and quick outings. The atmosphere is friendly, and the views of Lake Geneva add a unique charm.
For a bit more adventure and elevation change, head to the Vaud Alps resorts such as Villars-Gryon, Les Diablerets, or Leysin, about 1 to 1.5 hours by car. Also accessible by train + bus from Lausanne, these resorts offer a variety of slopes for all skill levels, from beginner zones to more technical runs, all with an authentic and warm village atmosphere.
Finally, for enthusiasts of vast terrains and downhill skiing, the Portes du Soleil (Morgins, Champéry, Les Crosets) can be reached in about 1 to 1.5 hours from Lausanne, and 1.5 to 2 hours from Geneva. This is the kingdom of experienced skiers and snowboarders, with miles of interconnected slopes, renowned snowparks, and spectacular Alpine views. For those traveling by public transport, the easiest resort to reach is definitely Champéry. You take a train to Aigle, then transfer to the AOMC which takes you directly to the foot of the slopes.
From Lausanne or Geneva, there’s no need to travel far to enjoy the snow: the Jura for a quick trip, Vaud for a manageable weekend, and Portes du Soleil for the full alpine experience. Everyone can choose their favorite type of resort according to their style and timing!
Skiing in Valais : the best resorts
Welcome to our home! 🙂 Honestly, living in Valais is a bit like hitting the jackpot for snow lovers. Here, the Alps are right there—majestic—and no matter which way you turn, you’ll find a glacier or a mountain to conquer. No need to travel far : the best skiing is right at your fingertips.
But once you’re in the area or visiting, you can choose between renowned large resorts and hidden secret spots to vary the pleasures. Here’s our selection:
If we’re talking about the classic must-see, you can’t miss Zermatt. The Matterhorn in the background, endless ski slopes, and a glacier that allows for skiing almost year-round… it’s THE spot that impresses every time. Next to it, Verbier attracts those who love challenging descents and a bit of “alpine party” vibes. But personally, when I’m craving a “big” resort, I also very gladly head to Saas Fee / Saas Almagell (great infrastructure and a lively après-ski scene), although it’s definitely a bit less flashy. The resorts of Anzères, Ovronnaz, and Leuk (Leukerbad for German speakers) are also really charming! And, an important detail—these resorts are part of the Magic Pass we mention below (more info in a few lines). 😉
But the real pleasure is discovering the secret little spots. For example, Arolla, a true gem for freeriding, away from the crowds and with almost endless powder options. However, forget about the chairlifts and other super-modern facilities… Getting to the 3000-meter bar is done by a chain of ski lifts also known as button lifts). Living here, we’re 300% convinced by the charm of the experience, but I’d better warn you. 😉
Our other “home” ski resort is Evolène! We definitely have a chairlift there, but it’s not exactly the most modern haha. Still, we love this resort for the variety of slopes and, above all, the breathtaking view! No need to go to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn while skiing; we have it right here in Evolène. 😉
Grimentz and Saint-Luc are also among our favorites for a day of skiing! Riederalp or Bettmeralp have that “mountain village” charm, perfect for peaceful runs and views of the Aletsch, Europe’s longest glacier.
The Magic Pass: a little revolution in the world of small resorts
If you live in Switzerland, it’s safe to say I don’t need to introduce the Magic Pass… Its name is everywhere, and it has become increasingly well-known. However, if you’re just passing through our beloved little country or planning to come ski here, this information could be very helpful to you.
The Magic Pass is kind of the ultimate key for mountain enthusiasts who no longer want to choose between 2 or 3 resorts: since its launch in 2017, this cooperative has created an all-you-can-ski subscription that changed the game. Back then, they started with 25 Swiss resorts (Valais, Vaud, Fribourg, Neuchâtel, Bern) who said, “Let’s go, let’s join forces!” to make the mountains more accessible. The basic idea was simple: one pass to explore many ski areas, without breaking the bank or the hassle of buying a separate ticket for each resort. From the start, it was mainly smaller resorts uniting to offer an option that could compete with the larger ones. But pretty quickly, some bigger resorts joined the pass as they saw the success and, most importantly, how it attracted a new audience.
Since then, the Magic Pass has grown significantly: for the 2025-2026 season, it will cover nearly 100 resorts, including 48 open in the summer. They added 17 new resorts this year (Gstaad, Meiringen-Hasliberg, Belalp, Melchsee-Frutt, and others). Resorts in France and Italy have also joined the pass! In short, it’s no longer just a small “local” pass; it’s a true mountain passport, for summer and winter alike.
The Magic Pass concept – Prices and practical information
But what really makes the Magic Pass clever is its pricing model: no quotas of “super cheap” subscriptions, no, but tiers that increase over time. When it launched (in spring), the pass cost very little: during the early bird sale, the price was 419 CHF this year. Then, the price gradually rises as the sale deadline approaches. There isn’t a limited number of “early passes,” but rather cutoff dates to take advantage of the best rates. This system encourages early commitment while still leaving some room for those who decide a bit later.
For your information, the price increases throughout the year, reaching 944 CHF for last minute.
When you buy the pass, it’s possible to add extensions such as Glacier 3000 or “Thermal Baths” option, which also grant access to the thermal baths at partner resorts. For our part, we’ve always gone with just the basic pass, and that’s always been more than enough.
Some strategies to buy it “smart” :
- If you are sure you will be skiing “a lot” or going on several weekend trips, buy the pass as soon as it goes on sale (or before the earliest deadline), as this will save you a lot of money. But be careful, I am deliberately using quotation marks, because “a lot” is relative. At CHF 419, it generally pays off after 8 to 10 days (depending on the resorts you choose).
- If you’re unsure but still thinking about getting one, keep an eye on the “price brackets”: sometimes it’s worth waiting a little longer if the next bracket isn’t much more expensive, but prices can rise quickly.
- Please note that the subscription is almost non-refundable… Insurance is available, but the refund conditions are very strict (changing your mind is not sufficient; you must provide a medical certificate).
- The “Baths” option may be of interest if you enjoy that sort of thing: it can make the membership really versatile (skiing + relaxation).
The best resorts in the Magic Pass
Oh la la… it’s really tough to answer this question! Basically, the Magic Pass is a true mix of some of the bigger resorts and lots of smaller ones. Personally, I really enjoy mixing it up! Because no, the Magic Pass isn’t “magic” in every way. Since the subscription has become very popular (over 200,000 sold each year), let’s be honest, some resorts—especially those considered relatively large and close to the big cities of the Lake Geneva region—are often packed on weekends. That’s totally normal, you might say, but personally, I get just as much pleasure from discovering a smaller resort that will be much more peaceful.
Then, we live in the mountains. We’ve never bothered counting, but I think we go skiing more than 40 or 50 days each season. But be careful—when I say “days,” I should probably say “outings.” Since we’re not far away, we go very regularly for first tracks around 8:30 or 9 a.m., depending on the resort, and we “wrap up” our day around 11 or 11:30 a.m. Then we go home, shower, and get back to work until the evening. Clearly, our current lifestyle is not the “norm.” I think a small resort like Arolla might seem boring if someone came to spend an entire week there and planned to ski 6 hours a day… For us, this place is simply paradise because in just two hours in the morning, we get our dose of exercise and Vitamin D, and we’re set for the rest of the day. 😉
So personally, I’d say that if your goal is to target small resorts, it might be interesting to base yourself in a small city (around Sion, for example) and choose a different one each day.
Swiss ski resorts : full map
Below, I’ve prepared a map for you featuring the main ski resorts in Switzerland. I did my best to include as many as possible, but of course, I may have missed some. Feel free to leave me a comment so I can update the map in the future.
Note: In blue, you’ll find the stations that are part of the Magic Pass.
Skiing for less: a few tips to help you save money
Before finishing this article, I wanted to briefly discuss the “ski” budget. Yes, I won’t lie to you—skiing is expensive, very expensive even! However, there are several points that might be worth considering:
Seasonal passes
I’m including this point because last winter I had a pretty interesting conversation with a lady from the Netherlands on the Arolla slopes. We were chatting in the ski lift line when she said, “Oh, you live here? That’s great—you get the season pass, it’s worth it! My husband and I come here every year: one week at Christmas and 10 days in March. The daily pass is only 48 CHF or 300 CHF for the week, which isn’t expensive for Switzerland.”
Her comment caught my attention, and I asked her why they didn’t get the Magic Pass. She replied that for just two weeks a year, it wasn’t worth it.
The truth is, she had never really looked into it because, when purchased in advance, the Magic Pass costs 419 CHF. So, it’s safe to say that after 9 days of skiing, it’s already paid off!
In places like the Great Saint Bernard, for example, there’s the Pass St-Bernard, which only costs 169 CHF per year and provides unlimited access to the Vichères-Liddes, La Fouly-Champex-Lac, and Bourg-St-Pierre areas (as well as many other regional activities like ice skating, swimming, etc.). Considering that a day of skiing in these areas costs around 46 CHF, the math adds up quickly. In just 3 days, it’s paid off!
But, if you go to larger resorts, it’s obviously more difficult to save money. 😉 Even though some offer cheaper pre-sale packages online or bundle deals with transportation options (like the Snow&Rail page on the SBB website, for example, where you can find deals with up to 30% off).
Finding a place to stay / hotel in a ski resort
Ouch, the accommodations… Living in the mountains, we know very well how sometimes it’s just mind-blowing! Apartments that normally rent for 1,000 CHF per month when rented annually are taken off the market and rent for 1,500 CHF a week (or more) during peak season. Honestly, when it comes to lodging, the key word is anticipation! Besides using platforms like Booking, we also recommend doing research with local real estate agencies. Direct rentals are also an option, but they come with fewer guarantees. The more touristy and popular a place is, the more you’ll find shady operators and scams.
To find accommodation, you can use the map below by zooming in on the area of your choice. You’ll find hotels, guesthouses, as well as apartments and chalets.
A solution that isn’t often mentioned but that I personally recommend quite frequently to people eager to explore many different areas: stay in the plains! For example, in our region, you can easily find a 3-star hotel in Sion and nearby for less than 120 CHF per night (and even less in hostels or vacation apartments). In the resorts, this amount is virtually impossible to find during the high season.
Being in the city, of course, means losing some of the charm of the mountains, but it also offers more options for restaurants, outings, movies, and more. And in the case of Sion, there are nearly 10 resorts accessible within a 30-minute drive / bus ride (Veysonnaz, Thyon, Ovronnaz, Evolène, Anzère, Crans Montana, Nax, Vercorin, Nendaz, and less than an hour away, St-Luc, Chandolin, Grimentz, Arolla, Leukerbad, Champéry, Morgins, Villars, Leysin, and many more!). Bonus: most of these resorts are also accessible by public transportation!
Transportation / Slope access
For transportation, I strongly encourage you to consider public transit options. In Switzerland, a lot of efforts are made to facilitate mobility around ski resorts. Whether it’s free shuttle buses or combined transportation and pass offers, there are plenty of options! Skiing is an activity that has a significant impact when it comes to CO2 emissions, but what many people don’t realize is that over 50% of these emissions actually come from transporting skiers to the slopes. It’s not always possible to eliminate this completely, but any reduction in this area is beneficial (especially since parking is often expensive and a hassle!).
And if you plan to use trains and buses a lot, it might also be worth looking into the half-fare subscription. It costs 120 CHF for one month and offers 50% off all public transportation. If you’re moving around a lot, it will quickly pay for itself!
Buying and renting ski gear in Switzerland
If you already have all the equipment, then this point obviously isn’t relevant… But if, like many, you don’t have the full setup, here are a few tips that might help you:
- Resort shops: the most popular and, of course, the most convenient option, but also often the most expensive.
- Buy online. We almost always buy our new gear from Snowleader. They regularly have sales (especially during Black Friday before the season opens—they call it White Week).
- Borrow from friends before you leave. It’s silly, but it’s not something you necessarily think of, and yet many people will be happy to lend you their equipment if they’re not using it.
- Rent from a store “down the valley”. That’s right, ski equipment is also available for rent in sports stores down in the Valley or, for example, at Decathlon. Weekly rental prices are often very competitive!
- Consider second-hand options! Whether it’s Facebook Marketplace, Le Bon Coin before you leave, or second-hand stores at your vacation destination. In Sion, for example, you can find a lot of ski equipment at Emaus, and honestly, you can get some great deals. Some Colivers have found sets including boots, skis, and poles for less than CHF 150 (needless to say, this is cheaper than any rental). At the end of your stay, you can either keep them or donate them back to the store to give them a new life (and support Emaus a little more).
Meals on the slopes
The last point may seem a bit trivial, but in reality, it can quickly make a big difference. Meals on the slopes are usually very expensive. Of course, having fondue on a terrace can be an integral part of the experience, but know that, in the vast majority of resorts, there are also designated picnic areas. For our part, we very rarely eat on the slopes. Either we bring something with us or we simply take advantage of continuing to ski during the midday hours (usually less crowded times) and then head back a little earlier.
Well, I think that’s everything for me today! Feel free to leave us a comment if you have any questions or if you think we missed covering an important aspect! 🙂 See you very soon with new articles.
Please note: This article contains affiliate links to partner sites. This means that if you book accommodation through one of our links, you won’t pay any more, but we will receive a small commission. 😉 Thank you for your support!
Join the discussion