Ski in Switzerland

The Valais Alps and Graubünden are where Switzerland’s high-altitude ski resorts are found mainly. Switzerland Tourism says snow is guaranteed there, but visitors must not be sensitive to cold. The resorts have groomed slopes and powder slopes. Winter sports reports cover weather, piste and cross-country trail lengths, toboggan runs and winter hiking trails. The piste listing shows slope conditions and open lifts. Check local reports before setting out.

Val de Bagnes has marked touring routes, but they are not secured. Check the weather, assess ability and route difficulty before departure. Skiers should feel comfortable skiing red slopes, while some routes are accessible to beginners accompanied by a guide. The mountain hut guidance names Patrouille des Glaciers and Patrouille des Jeunes as challenges. Ski touring on closed slopes is not allowed, except between Verbier and Savoleyres on Wednesday evenings from January to March, depending on weather. Groomer cables are invisible at night, and a collision can be fatal.

Uster Märt and Winterland in Locarno appear in Switzerland Tourism’s winter event listings. A Verbier food listing includes fromage à raclette. Switzerland Tourism also highlights gastronomy, customs and traditions.

• Ski lessons across Switzerland

  Ski schools teach snow sports to learners of all ages in winter sports resorts and major cities.

• Rail links, winter road caution

  Trains and PostBus connect travellers with major ski resorts, while snow-covered mountain roads make driving less practical.

• Cold at high altitude

  High-altitude ski areas in the Valais Alps and Graubünden offer guaranteed snow, but visitors should be comfortable with the cold.

• Cross-country in Davos

  Davos pairs downhill skiing with cross-country skiing across the valley.

• Ski beside the Great Aletsch Glacier

  The UNESCO-listed Great Aletsch Glacier sits at the centre of the Aletsch Arena, where visitors can ski or join a glacier tour.

• December - April

Swiss ski areas generally run from December to April. Late January and February usually bring excellent snow across elevations and well-covered pistes, although February school holidays draw more crowds, with dates varying between cantons and UK schools. The first weeks of December and the weeks just after New Year tend to have thinner crowds.

March and April bring longer days, a more relaxed atmosphere and often excellent snow at altitude. Lower slopes can turn slushy in the afternoon, while early-season snow cover at lower elevations is less predictable. Many ski resorts rely on artificial snow, especially at lower elevations. High-altitude resorts tend to offer more reliable conditions at the season’s edges.