By Sarah Chin A Sen - 
Skiing in Switzerland is no doubt a dream for most skiers and snowboarders.
The beautiful nature of the country and its 7,120 km of picturesque slopes make it a paradise for those who love winter sports. Switzerland also has a few of the world’s greatest mountains, including the great Matterhorn. Moreover, the après-ski entertainment is great, and you will easily find a nice place to cozy up in after a day on the slopes to taste delicious Swiss dishes.
For all these reasons, Switzerland offers an overwhelming number of options in terms of ski resorts, and it can be very difficult to choose amongst them. In this blog post, I’ll try to help you make your choice by presenting 4 of them that I know will meet all your winter holiday needs!
⚠️ Switzerland is a quite pricey country… Therefore, skiing in Switzerland requires a certain budget, but it is well worth saving for!
Skiing in Switzerland – Davos
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Famous for hosting the World Economic Forum, Davos is also known for its many sports and leisure options. Skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, tobogganing… you name it ?.
Davos is full of holiday apartments and homes, and you can even experience the local farm life ? by staying at one of the welcoming barns of the region to help to care for the animals there. There are also countless hotels that offer a great choice for all tastes: romantic, luxurious, historic… You’ll always find a sleeping option that suits you in Davos!
At the top of list, the Chesa Grischuna hotel is my favorite! The atmosphere there is really special. You immediately feel at home in the wooden building furnished with simple furniture in a kind of old romantic style. I just love this place!
In the same cozy, chalet style, the Alte Post Hotel is also a great option to consider. You’ll feel very comfortable in this place, with its rustic traditional Swiss atmosphere.
If you’re looking for something grander and more modern, the InterContinental is the place for you. Located above Lake Davos, this hotel impresses by its size and striking architecture. It is often compared to a pinecone or a golden egg. It’s a breathtaking place that will cater to your every need!
Another luxurious option, the Seehof Hotel Davos, is one of the most renowned hotels in the region. With very modern facilities, décor and architecture, the place transports you to a world where perfection is the standard. The several restaurants of the hotel are also amazing spots to have a good lunch or dinner.
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Skiing in Switzerland wouldn’t be the same without the après-ski entertainment. Once you have spent the whole day sliding down slopes, it is time to think about well-deserved food and parties! And people in Davos know how to do it the right way. The town has some of the best nightlife places you can find in Swiss ski resorts!
Check out Bolgenschanze, one of the most famous snowboard bars in Switzerland. The atmosphere is young and dynamic, and you’ll be sure to find a party there every day. Casa Antica is another great place for an après-ski. The place has a history of welcoming famous international and local guests, including British princes Harry and William!
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As far as restaurants are concerned, Totalp is a recent addition to the food scene of Davos. The restaurant has a glass roof and glass walls which allow you to admire the beautiful mountain landscape surrounding the place! A cute spot to get a delicious Swiss fondue is the Grandhotel Belvédère’s restaurant, Romeo & Julia Fondue Tavern. It’s a beautiful place with a rustic atmosphere that will make your night. The Montana Stube is another great cozy place to have a bite. The restaurant is over a hundred years old and the food is excellent, highlighted by the warm and comforting atmosphere of the place.
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Last but not least, it must be mentioned that, as one of the highest towns in Europe, Davos originally became famous for the rejuvenating properties of its climate. The high mountain air is known for healing illnesses. Therefore, it is an ideal destination for a spa trip, with tons of facilities to choose from. Many hotels will offer spa and wellness facilities for guests and non-guests. The Piz Buin for instance has stunning pools and wellness areas to relax in, including saunas, steam bath and massage rooms! The Hotel Waldhuus is also a great reference in terms of a spa hotel combining simplicity and fanciness.
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Skiing in Switzerland – Nendaz
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Nendaz is another great place for skiing in Switzerland. It’s a commune consisting of about 15 villages and hamlets where a little over 6000 inhabitants live. In addition to the stunning mountains welcoming skiers and snowboarders from all over the world each year, the region has a magnificent forest that protects it from the devastating effects of erosion and avalanches.
It is less frequented than the bigger and more famous ski resorts in Switzerland, but it is just as beautiful, and the smaller crowd makes it a perfect place to learn how to ski and snowboard. Therefore, I especially recommend considering this place if you’re traveling with people that have minimal experience in winter sports. The snow-covered landscape of Nendaz also offers many alternative activities, such as snowshoe hiking, sledge running and cross-country skiing.
To stay in Nendaz, one of the best options you have is the Hôtel Nendaz 4 Vallées & Spa. The hotel has direct access to the ski lifts by funicular. It’s a beautiful chic and contemporary place that has multiple chalets with amazing rooms with a view. Their 2,200-square-meter spa is heaven-on-earth. Their outdoor pool will make you feel like you’re in a dream! Small tip: they often have great offers during the low season and their rates become much more affordable.
If you’re looking for a less pricey option, the hotel Les Étagnes is a very good establishment that will make you feel like you’re wrapped in comfort and warmth. Other bed & breakfast options such as the Chalet Bonvin or La Belle Echappée are also available if you want the authentic local experience.
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For a little après-ski fun, the Edelweiss Bar is my favorite one! They have happy hour, DJs and even live concerts sometimes. The bar belongs to the hotel-restaurant located in the same building, so you can also get a bite there after your après-ski.
Another good venue for après-ski entertainment is the Cabanon Chil and Rum Factory. The atmosphere is great at the end of the day, and you can have a few drinks with fellow skiers and snowboarders.
And to keep the party going for even longer, head to Club NYX where mountain style and trendy modern are perfectly combined. Their amazing DJs will help you party until the break of dawn!
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Let’s not forget about the great restaurants you can find in Nendaz! With its rustic wood chalet, La Cabane is one of them. There, you’ll have a great selection of traditional local dishes and mountain specialties such as raclette and cheese fondue. Do not to mess up with your stove if you have a fondue, though. The waiter might kindly make fun of you 😉
To taste the typical food of the Valais region of Switzerland, don’t hesitate to visit Chez Edith. This place will welcome you with a warm atmosphere that will make you feel at home. A little isolated, you will not find a more authentic place to experience the Swiss mountains like a local!
And finally, to end our list of recommendations in Nendaz, I advise you to have dinner at the Carnotzet l’Aigle, the restaurant of the Hôtel Nendaz 4 Vallées previously mentioned. It’s a beautiful place with great service, delicious food and a warm, romantic atmosphere. Every Swiss dish you’d ever want to taste can be ordered there.
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Skiing in Switzerland – Verbier
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The Alpine village of Verbier has been expanding since the mid-20th century into the holiday destination we know today. It is part of the 4 Vallées ski area, with 100 lifts and 400 km of slopes. This resort is very famous for skiing in Switzerland and has many free-riding options for advanced skiers and snowboarders. Some areas of Verbier are even covered in snow all year long! It’s a resort suitable for riders of all levels and experience, so everyone will find a slope to slide down. Located in the same ski area as Nendaz, you can go from one village to the other by ski! Verbier is a bit fancier and more expensive than Nendaz, so you have two great options to enjoy the same ski area with different budgets.
If you choose to stay in Verbier for the ski season, La Cordée des Alpes is one of the most stunning hotels of the ski resort. Located at 1,500 m high, it is luxurious, welcoming and comfortable. The staff promises to give you a perfect stay!
Another fine establishment is Le Vanessa, a family hotel in the heart of Verbier. The impressive chalet of the hotel was built in the 70s, and includes a great restaurant, an amazing spa and a great bar to enjoy at the end of the day. Le Vanessa was even ranked among the 100 most welcoming hotels in Switzerland.
If you’re looking for something more intimate and home-like, No.14 Verbier is a 13-bedroom chalet with spa, swimming pool and private staff that are there to help you enjoy a dreamy holiday. The modern and contemporary interior fits so well with the mountainous landscape of Verbier.
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With great slopes some great après-ski! Verbier has one of the best après-ski scenes of Switzerland. The Farinet Arès-Ski is just one example of that. The place has been voted the Best Après-Ski Bar Worldwide, and organizes events with live bands every night of the season! It is a favorite of locals and tourists that you must not miss when in Verbier.
The Big Ben Pub is another amazing spot for après-ski entertainment. The bar is a great place to enjoy some drinks and snacks, and play pool, table football, video games and just relax at the end of a ski day!
Last but not least of my après-ski recommendations in Verbier, the Tbar is a very popular spot known for its delicious food, cocktails, great music and après-ski fun! It’s one of the best hangouts in town if you ask me, and it has an unbeatable central location.
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To end your day on a high note, what better than a delicious dinner at one of the many great restaurants in Verbier? Aux Vieux Verbier is a family restaurant that is very popular amongst locals. The food is delicious and the décor is cozy and warm. It’s a great place to have a taste of the Swiss cuisine.
Another beautiful setting to have a nice dinner is at La Table d’Adrien, a Michelin-starred restaurant, that will fill your evening with splendid flavors. It is, for sure, one of the best restaurants in Verbier!
If your goal is to enjoy the mountains and the nature a little longer after the lifts close, I highly recommend having dinner at Cabane FXB Panossière or Cabane Brunet. These mountain huts serve local food to visitors who can admire the surrounding nature and enjoy the calm of the wilderness. You can also rent a room and start magnificent hikes from there.
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Skiing in Switzerland – Zermatt
Zermatt is a magnet for all winter sport enthusiasts. This Swiss ski resort is a favorite of skiers and snowboarders, and offers unique experiences such as heliski tours (check out this video of the trip of our previous Zermatt contest winners who went on such a tour). Zermatt has about 360 km of slopes to enjoy, with 52 lifts, but it’s also a great place for other mountain activities. Beautiful hikes start from the village and you will not be able to keep your eyes off the famous Matterhorn that majestically stands over Zermatt.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Zermatt, look no further! The CERVO Mountain Boutique Resort gathers 6 luxury chalets with stunning views of the Matterhorn. Each chalet has its own spa for more intimacy, so here’s your excuse to have some personal, relaxing time!
The Hotel Matterhorn Lodge is equally charming. The place mixes simplicity and authenticity to provide its guests with a calming atmosphere enhanced by the beautiful surrounding nature and mountains. The hotel also has its own stunning spa facilities for guests to enjoy after a day on skis!
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Talking about après-ski activities, the Hotel Matterhorn Lodge also owns the amazing Harry’s Bar where the party takes place when the lifts close. It’s a great bar to have some drinks to start off the evening.
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And let’s not forget about the food! Located very close to Zermatt, the hamlet of Findeln is nowadays known for its delicious and refined mountain cuisine. Chez Vrony is a great example of it! This place radiates such coziness that it is hard to pass by without stopping to check out the menu of this warm, rustic and welcoming chalet. It’s a great restaurant to spend a quiet moment eating great food with a magnificent view of the Matterhorn. Findlerhof is another gem of Findeln. The place serves a mix of really good Italian and Swiss dishes.
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If you’re more interested in having lunch or dinner in Zermatt itself, I highly recommend trying out Le Gitan Grill for the perfect romantic atmosphere. You’ll savor high-quality meat and fish cooked over wood fire. Little piece of advice: book in advance if you want to be sure to get a table when you arrive at the restaurant!
For a completely different experience, the Bergrestaurant Blatten is another great place. Built in the 19th century, it has kept its authenticity and will make you feel welcome and at home for a delicious traditional Swiss meal.
Last but not least, the Bergrestaurant Simi serves perfect comfort food for the winter season. It’s a cute chalet that serves all kinds of Swiss and Austrian specialties, ideal for a lunch break before heading back to the slopes!
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Check out our related article to know more about the beautiful destination of Zermatt: Things to do in Zermatt. Besides being an amazing place for skiing in Switzerland, it’s also a very nice village that highlights the local culture.
Hopefully, this blog post will have helped you figure out where you want to enjoy the beauty and the fun of the Swiss slopes. Skiing in Switzerland is a truly great experience! The country is so beautiful and is truly the best place for your ski holidays! (Living there myself though, my opinion might not be completely objective ?).
