Europe’s first winter sports destination offers luxurious palace hotels, towering peaks, stunning Alpine views, and the opportunity to ski year-round at its glacier-covered resorts.
Switzerland has long been the gold standard in skiing. It all started in 1864 when Johannes Badrutt, a hotelier in St. Moritz, invited British tourists who were visiting for the summer to return during winter. When they arrived over the Julier Pass, wrapped in fur coats and braving the winter chill, they were greeted by pristine snow, towering snow-capped peaks, and air so crisp it sparkled like Champagne. Word spread quickly, not just within the Swiss Alps, but internationally, marking the birth of ski tourism in the Alps.
From that moment on, skiers have been captivated by Switzerland’s stunning peaks, with the limestone and gneiss formations reaching for the heavens. While iconic mountains like the Jungfrau and the Matterhorn have remained largely unchanged, everything else about skiing in Switzerland has evolved in incredible ways. Today, skiing here comes with advanced amenities like world-first cogwheel railways, open-top revolving gondolas, and luxurious hotels perched on high, offering visitors a sense of escape like no other. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that when a ski resort around the world introduces something new, Switzerland seems to take it one step further.
This season, the news falls into two categories: updates that breathe new life into historic hotels and ski infrastructure, and brand-new additions that will offer a fresh experience for avid skiers and snowboarders alike.
For instance, Laax, Europe’s freestyle capital, has revamped its freestyle academy. It’s now better than ever, and with the 2025 FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships returning to the Swiss Alps after a 25-year hiatus, there’s plenty of excitement around this resort. You can visit St. Moritz between March 17 and 30, 2025, to watch the world’s top skiers and snowboarders take on the challenging slopes of Corvatsch and Corviglia.
New hotels are also making a splash this season. Wengen’s Grand Hôtel Belvédère, for example, will debut alongside the revamped Hotel Mürren Palace in Mürren, and the stylish Revier Hotel brings a fresh take on cabin chic to the glamorous Saas-Fee. Architect Mario Botta’s reimagined restaurant at Glacier 3000 near Les Diablerets is sure to be a hit as well. With all these constant transformations, even those who think they know the Swiss Alps might find the landscape unfamiliar and inspiring—perfect for falling in love with the country’s slopes all over again.
Here’s a guide to some of the best places to ski in Switzerland this season:
1. Gstaad
Best for Foodies
While Swiss cuisine is often associated with hearty comfort food like fondue, raclette, rösti, and spätzle, Gstaad offers a more refined experience for food lovers. The Alpina Gstaad hotel stands out in the region, offering exquisite Michelin-starred dining at two restaurants: Sommet by Martin Göschel and Megu, led by sushi master Tsutomu Kugota. The tasting menus feature seasonal delights like lake perch, quail, and Swiss shrimp, designed to give visitors a true taste of Switzerland’s culinary finesse.
Beyond the dining scene, Gstaad offers four distinct mountain areas for skiing. The Wasserngrat lift is especially popular for those seeking steep slopes and deep powder, making it the perfect spot for adrenaline junkies. Whether you’re here for the food or the slopes, Gstaad provides an elegant blend of both.
2. Jungfrau Region
Best for Trendsetters
With towering mountains like the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger as its backdrop, the Jungfrau Region offers some of Switzerland’s most breathtaking scenery. This season, the region is home to two newly updated resorts: Hotel Mürren Palace and Wengen’s Grand Hôtel Belvédère. Hotel Mürren Palace, a legendary VIP retreat, has been tastefully modernized, while the Grand Hôtel Belvédère, located in Wengen, is the first five-star hotel on the sunnier side of Lauterbrunnen Valley. This luxury hotel offers modern amenities such as saunas, a hammam, and both indoor and outdoor pools, ensuring guests experience the height of Swiss hospitality.
If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury and alpine style, these updated resorts offer a perfect combination of modern Swiss elegance and stunning alpine views.
3. Laax
Best for Snowboarders
For snowboarders, Laax is the ultimate destination this season. Known as the freestyle capital of Europe, Laax has undergone a major renovation of its freestyle academy, making it the perfect training ground for those wanting to perfect their tricks before hitting the slopes. The indoor campus now features a vertical ramp, a trampoline with 360-degree cameras for video analysis, and a giant skate bowl for practicing freestyle moves.
But it’s not all about training—Laax also boasts one of the largest superpipes in the world. Snowboarders can take their skills from the indoor facilities straight to the slopes for an exhilarating experience. The freestyle scene in Laax is buzzing with excitement this year, making it the go-to spot for snowboarders of all levels.
4. Crans-Montana
Best for Beginners
While Vail Resorts is a recent addition to the Swiss resort scene, it’s already bringing exciting changes to Crans-Montana. This all-rounder mountain town offers something for everyone, and this season, it’s expecting new developments to enhance the experience. For beginners, Crans-Montana is ideal due to its gentle, sunny south-facing slopes.
But there’s more to do than just skiing. February will bring the Men’s Alpine Ski World Cup, and visitors can also enjoy ice skating, tubing, and dog sled rides. Crans-Montana is perfect for those looking for a variety of activities, whether you’re a skier or just looking for some fun in the snow.
5. Verbier
Best for Late-Season Skiers
With its high-altitude slopes and extensive ski area, Verbier is one of Switzerland’s snow-sure resorts, making it a perfect destination for late-season skiing. The resort offers excellent skiing conditions well into spring, and next April, Verbier will host a month-long festival that combines skiing with art, music, and culture. The street festival on Rue de Medran, art exhibits, and sporting events add an extra level of excitement to the spring ski season.
Verbier’s wide-open slopes and festive atmosphere make it a great choice for those looking to ski in spring with fewer crowds. Just remember to pack some sunscreen, as the sun can be intense at this altitude.
6. Engelberg
Best for Big Changes
The Titlis Project is set to transform Engelberg over the next few years, with a new viewing tower designed by Herzog & de Meuron, a top station upgrade, and a new cable car from Stand to Titlis opening by the start of next season. These changes will not only improve accessibility but also give visitors new perspectives on the resort’s iconic peak.
Engelberg is one of Switzerland’s classic resorts, but with the Titlis Project, it’s becoming an even more exciting place to visit. Skiers can look forward to cutting-edge experiences as the resort modernizes and elevates its status as a top-tier Swiss destination.
7. Flumserberg
Best for City Breakers
If you’re based in Zurich, Flumserberg is an easy, accessible resort just 70 minutes away by train. It’s a great option for a day trip or a quick weekend getaway. With its well-groomed slopes and impressive snow coverage, Flumserberg offers a great skiing experience without the crowds of larger resorts. It’s an ideal place for city dwellers looking for a quick ski fix without venturing too far from Zurich’s lakeside beauty and historic charm.
8. Glacier 3000
Best for High-Altitude Thrills
At Glacier 3000, skiers can take in breathtaking views of the Col du Pillon mountain pass while dining in a two-story restaurant designed by architect Mario Botta. This stunning venue is powered by 600 solar panels, making it one of the most sustainable buildings in the Alps. From Glacier 3000, skiers can tackle the Black Wall, Europe’s newest and steepest groomed run, or enjoy easier blue and red runs with incredible views.
With its high-altitude thrills and cutting-edge architecture, Glacier 3000 is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience skiing in a truly unique setting.
9. Saas Fee
Best for Off-Pisters
Saas Fee is famous for its challenging off-piste terrain, and this season, new lifts are making it even more exciting. The world’s highest metro has been rebuilt to help skiers reach the high-altitude glaciers beneath the Allalinhorn, and a new cableway opens up more off-piste touring routes. The resort also offers 62 miles of well-maintained ski slopes, making it an excellent choice for intermediate skiers and anyone looking for a scenic backdrop of 13,000-foot peaks.
Saas Fee is perfect for off-pisters, but it also offers options for skiers of all levels, making it a versatile choice for any skier.
10. Pizol
Best for Spa Lovers
For a quieter alternative to the more crowded resorts like Zermatt and St. Moritz, consider Pizol, located in the serene Rhine Valley. The nearby Bad Ragaz village is famous for its mineral-rich thermal springs, and you can enjoy world-class spa treatments after a day on the slopes. Pizol offers over 30 miles of tranquil slopes, a freeride park, and lift tickets that let you combine skiing with spa relaxation. It’s the ultimate destination for those looking to unwind in style.
Whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, or spa lover, Switzerland offers a wide range of options for a memorable winter vacation. With constant innovation, breathtaking views, and a wealth of activities, the Swiss Alps remain the ultimate destination for winter sports enthusiasts.