Mountains calling – we present our favourite places in the Swiss mountains

The Swiss mountains are home to more than 300 ski resorts. What a privilege we have to be able to choose from so many different snow sports resorts. Are you one of those people who always tears up the trails in familiar terrain or are you more adventurous and prefer to try something new? No matter – you shouldn’t miss out on our tips either way!

Hip, diverse, young: Ski resort Flims Laax

There’s something special about Laax! And that’s not just thanks to our fantastic wellnessHostel3000, where you can relax in the sauna after an action-packed day. Although, of course, that’s pretty cool. 😉 The 224 kilometres of slopes offer glacier runs with fabulous views as well as more leisurely tours. 70% of the slopes are over 2,000 metres above sea level, making the resort one of the most snow-sure throughout Switzerland.

For après-ski, stop by the Galaaxy, where you can dance to techno music before heading back down to the valley at the golden sunset – get ready to be wowed! And if you still haven’t danced enough, you can turn night into day at the Riders Club and meet cool people.

Particularly practical: If you don’t have your own ski gear like me, you can hire it for a fair price directly from Meini Sport & Mode at the valley station and return it after your descent. If you book online in advance, it takes less than 5 minutes to collect.

And one more tip: Make sure to book your mountain railway ticket online in advance to save some money.

Nina, PR Specialist

High-altitude thrill and alpine fun in the Saas-Fee ski resort

Anyone who knows me knows that Valais has been «carved into my heart» for a long time. From an early age, I traveled to Saas-Fee every year with my parents and spent my winter holidays there. Back then, I wasn’t interested in skiing or snowboarding. It wasn’t until about six years ago: Then I caught «slope fever». Back then, I learned to ski again in the Saas Valley and ever since, I can’t imagine my life without my new hobby. In the colder months of the year, the winter sports Mecca with its high-alpine skiing resort scores points thanks to its brilliant snow conditions. So why not hit the slopes: 150 kilometres of pistes await you at an altitude of 1,800-3,600 metres above sea level. And what’s more, it’s surrounded by 18 four-thousand-metre peaks. It really has the wow factor!

After having your fun in the snow, you can store your skis in one of the many ski cellars close to the cableways and venture into the «Après-Ski Mile». It’s so cool strolling from one pub to the next, i.e. from the High Life Après-Ski Club to the Old Cinema Pub. Depending how long you can last. 😉 You’ll find the coolest après-ski huts in the village here.

Practical: wellnessHostel4000 in Saas-Fee is almost right in the middle of it, with the cableways and numerous restaurants and bars within walking distance.

Evelyn, Marketing Specialist

360 km of skiing fun in the highest ski resort in the Alps

Even if the journey to Zermatt may take a little longer depending on where you live, it’s definitely worth it. After all, when you board the train in Täsch (Zermatt is car-free), you’ll arrive in holiday mode. The ski resort in Valais not only impresses with a variety of ski slopes to suit every taste, but also with the two longest groomed runs in Europe. And what’s also important: When it comes to food, there’s something for everyone. 😊 Be it a tasty lunch in a somewhat hidden paradise in the Findeln area (with a perfect view of the Matterhorn, of course). Or perhaps over a simple soup on the Tufternalp (also with a view of the Matterhorn and often even with the opportunity to watch deer coming to the nearby feeder🦌). And without exaggerating, the Little Bar truly is a small bar. All the more exciting, because everyone here knows each other in no time at all.

Fun fact: Some of the employees at the restaurants in the Findeln resort sledge to the valley after work – because the cable cars close before they finish cleaning up. If you want to enjoy the impressive mountain panorama again in the evening, take advantage of the last trips on the Gornergrat Railway and enjoy the mountains before dark (without your skis or snowboard, as the ski slopes are already closed and the snow groomers are already running).

By the way: You can also enjoy an unobstructed view of the world-famous Matterhorn from the Zermatt Youth Hostel. Take in the magnificent view during your morning breakfast.

And one more tip: The earlier you book your ski pass, the more attractive the price. And if the weather is bad (which it usually isn’t), simply use your ski pass to take a trip on the Gornergrat Railway. This trip alone would normally cost around CHF 90!

Nicole, Sales Manager

From your bed straight onto your board: Ski in – ski out in Lenzerheide

I also liked the Valbella-Lenzerheide Youth Hostel. Snow sports fans can get their equipment ready right in the hostel’s own ski cellar and head out to the slopes at the hostel’s doorstep. The slopes are only a few seconds from the hostel, and after just a few turns you reach the t-bar lift, which takes you to the largest ski resort in Switzerland: Arosa Lenzerheide. The fun begins here on more than 225 kilometres of slopes. The choice of runs is huge, so you’ll never get bored.

For a pit stop near the youth hostel, I recommend the Kuhstall Schamuela. Featuring furs, the loungers are great for relaxing. The former cattle barn is also a hotspot for music lovers. In winter, there are occasional concerts outside where bands and DJs perform their coolest hits.

Speaking of cows: If you’re still hanging around in Arosa after skiing, you should definitely head to one of the most legendary après-ski bars in Graubünden: The KuhBar Arosa is the place to be in the Arosa Lenzerheide snow sports area. Maybe even better without skis.

Evelyn, Marketing Specialist

Grindelwald: The gateway to the Alps

My favourite tip is the mountain destination of Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland. This small town is truly oozing with charm. It’s a place that enchants and transports you to another world. Especially in winter, when you stroll through the streets and admire the snow-covered chalets made of dark wood.

Grindelwald offers breathtaking views of the majestic mountains – including the famous trio: Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch. These imposing peaks are world-famous and impressive. Grindelwald is the gateway to the Alps and a paradise for winter activities: Skiing, sledging, snowshoeing or trail running – there’s something for everyone here.

I’ve already explored the Männlichen ski area. It’s ideal for snow sports enthusiasts of all levels. Descending leisurely blue slopes or challenging black slopes you can enjoy the impressive view of the Jungfraujoch, the «Top of Europe». You can conveniently buy a ski pass for the Männlichen resort online.

Next up on my list? A trail run in the snow! I think that sounds like an exciting adventure, especially for me as a novice jogger. The «Dorfrunde» village round route is almost 8 kilometres long, suitable for beginners and takes you back to the starting point as a circular route. Perfect for exploring the snowy landscape and getting in your exercise!

After a hard round of training, treat yourself to a delicious dinner in the village centre at Barrys Restaurant, Bar and Lounge. They serve delicious vegetarian dishes as well as Swiss classics such as rösti, cheese and meat fondue.

You can stay overnight at our Grindelwald Youth Hostel. It is located just above the village, which is sure to give you one of the most beautiful views of this winter wonderland.

My personal tip: If there are four of you, be sure to book the youth hostel’s charming Waldhüsli. When it’s snowy, it looks like a little hut from a fairytale book. Who doesn’t want to live like a fairytale?

Nina, Content and Social Media Specialist 

Skiing isn’t your cup of tea?

You can also look forward to plenty of adventures off the slopes.