Switzerland has been an Eldorado for winter sport lovers for centuries. The Swiss Alps comprise almost all the highest mountains of the Alps, such as Monte Rosa (4,634 m), the Dom (4,545 m), the Lyskamm (4,527 m), the Weisshorn (4,506 m) and the Matterhorn (4,478 m), so it’s no surprise that the cozy little towns and cities along the mountain range have transformed into attractive, wealthy and comfy ski resorts over the past decades.
In the beginning of the XIX century the traffic network in Switzerland was improved and extended, the Alpentunnel construction has been finalized and cableways were build. The snow paradise was ready to welcome tourist from all over the world. The Swiss ski resorts have become popular travel destination and a significant income for the locals.
During my stay in Switzerland I have asked Swiss many times for their favorite ski resort and here’s the insider tip:
1. ZERMATT
The ski resort at the foot of the mountain Matterhorn in canton Valais is considered as one of the most beautiful in the country. The town offers a lot of winter activities, including skiing, ski touring, and winter hiking and climbing. With the cable car you can reach “Klein Matterhorn” on 3883 meters. The longest ski route from here will lead you 21 km to the town.
Location: Valais, Switzerland
Language: German
Hotel recommendation: Hotel Firefly
Additional notes: Valais dialect is very difficult to understand, but everybody speaks German or English too; cars in the city center are not allowed.
More information on www.zermatt.ch
2. ST. MORITZ
When you plan a ski week in St. Moritz, than you should definitely take your credit card with you. This little town in canton Graubünden is famous for luxury, snow polo (see separate in blog) and popular among extremely wealthy people. Besides the luxury shops, exquisite restaurants and hotels and tourist wearing furs (including their dogs), this place is also offering fantastic skiing conditions. The long mountain ranges make in total 350 km of skiing adventures during 322 sunny days a year.
Location: Graubünden, Switzerland
Language: German and Italian
Hotel recommendation: Hotel San Gian
Additional information: in St. Moritz you will hear Romansh speakers as well
More information on http://www.stmoritz.ch
Picture: en.wikipedia.org
3. DAVOS
The ski resorts in Davos, canton Graubünden is very popular but unfortunately also a little bit overcrowded sometimes. You will find here one of the biggest winter sport regions of the Alps: on the six mountains you can pick any of the 85 downhills making a total length of 300 km.
Location: Graubünden, Switzerland
Language: German
Hotel recommendation: Hotel Restaurant Bellevue
More information on www.davos.ch
Pictute: http://www.cnbc.com
4. GSTAAD
Gstaad is still on my “to-do-list” as I didn’t have the chance to be in that Swiss town yet. Gstaad is known for its luxury side but it offers also to tourist an “every-day-snow”-guaranty. The ski area on 3000 meter is extending on the Plateau des Tsanfleruongletscher and therefore covered with snow 365 days a year.
Location: canton Bern, Switzerland
Language: German
Hotel recommendation: The Alpina Gstaad
More information on www.gstaad.ch
Picture: eurotravelogue.com
5. GRINDELWALD
One of my personal favorites, not only because of the fact that Grindelwald is located in Berner Oberland, my favorite canton in Switzerland, but also because I have experienced my first Swiss Älpler Makkaroni here on the top of the mountains. 1908 the first cable car in Wetterhorn has been built for tourist, giving them access to 215 km of skiing routes. Enjoy the stunning view on imposing mountain backdrops Mönch, Eiger and Jungfrau.
Location: canton Bern, Switzerland
Language: German
Hotel recommendation: Hotel Gletschergarten
More information on http://www.grindelwald.ch
Picture: grindelwald.sunstar.ch
6. SAAS-FEE
Saas-Fee in canton Valais, is often called “The pearl of the Alps” as it’s surrounded by 13 Viertausender (mountains above 4000 m). Less popular than Davos or Zermatt, Saas-Fee gives a typical Swiss comfy feeling when you’re in town. You can enjoy your winter sports on 145 km before the Après-ski in the evening.
Location: Valais, Switzerland.
Language: German
Hotel recommendation: Hotel du Glacier
Additional notes: Valais dialect is very difficult to understand, but everybody speaks German or English; cars in the city center are not allowed.
More information on www.saas-fee.ch
