The classic winter sport has been thriving in the alpine nation for 150 years
There are about 200 reasons that Switzerland is Europe’s best ski destination. That is the number of individual, pristine ski regions filled with broad pistes, thrilling half-pipes and legendary hospitality.
Swiss dominance in skiing is hardly surprising: the sport has been going strong here for almost 150 years. The original winter sports destination, Switzerland has lured Britons since the late 19th century for the crisp, dry air, wholesome food and superb sporting conditions.
From Mürren, looking out over Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in the Bernese Highlands, the British Ski Federation organised the first Alpine World Championships in slalom and downhill in 1931; 38 years later, 007 swung by in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, with his nemesis Blofeld installed in a hideout at the top of Piz Gloria.
This compact nation has a disproportionately high share of stunning scenery and hotels that combine wooden alpine cosiness with contemporary standards of luxury, cutting-edge design and modern food – not to mention world-class spas.
Whether you are a learner or a pro, family group or friends on a sporty weekend, Switzerland has a wealth of suitable resorts: the alps comprise 58 per cent of the country’s overall area, and 48 mountains reach higher than 4,000m.
Transport is a breeze, too: SWISS offers multiple daily flights from several airports in the UK to Geneva and Zurich, transporting your first set of skis or snowboard and boots free of charge, in addition to your standard free baggage allowance (subject to availability and excluding hand luggage only fares). Most major ski resorts are reachable by Switzerland’s admirable train system, allowing you to take in some spectacular views en route. Stick to the trains and you will also be supporting the country’s strong commitment to sustainability: with many ski resorts car-free, and with a strong emphasis on local, ethically sourced products, a trip to Switzerland offers up-close exposure to what most countries ought to be doing.
Sticking with sustainability, St Moritz – one of the world’s oldest centres for winter sports, with 350 kilometres of pistes crossing the Engadin valley in south-eastern Switzerland – is breaking new ground by pledging to be the first ski resort in the world to use exclusively reclaimed water in its snow makers by 2025. Here you will be amply rewarded with the Corviglia (2,486m), on the eastern slopes of Piz Nair, which played host to the alpine skiing events at the 1948 Olympic Games, as well as the World Ski Championships in 1974, 2003 and 2017.
St Moritz has been a hit with the British ever since the 1860s when hotelier Johannes Badrutt made a bet with some British guests that, even in the winter, they would be able to enjoy the sun on his terrace without wearing a jacket. The following year the British group crossed the Julier Pass and arrived covered in fur coats. But they were met in glorious sunshine by a jacket-less Badrutt. Some say it was the moment winter tourism was born.
Stay
Art Boutique Hotel Monopol: grand views from the heart of pedestrianised St Moritz, this stylish snow sports hotel offers the only rooftop bar in town.
Feeling competitive? Head to Davos for the Parsenn Derby, an amateur downhill race that has been held since 1924. The largest resort in the alps, Davos offers 58 ski lifts, 300 km of slopes, 100 km of cross-country ski trails, more than 150km snowshoe and winter hiking paths, and two ice skating rinks. With its neighbour, Klosters, beloved destination of the Prince of Wales, this area has been a winter destination since 1865. The creator of Sherlock Holmes is at least in part to thank for the popularity of this region: a humorous report of his own skiing adventure in 1894 by Sir Arthur Canon Doyle – he tore his trousers – proved popular in Britain. With 100 days of winter skiing, Davos offers ample chances for contemporary Brits to revel in winter sports.
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Precise Tale Seehof Davos: this classic palace hosts the only Michelin-starred restaurant in town, along with a 400m2 spa.
The breathtaking 360° panorama from the top of the Schilthorn, above the cosy village of Mürren, takes in the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, imposing on even the zippiest of skiers a moment to pause and reflect in the face of such stunning natural magnificence. It was here that Sir Arnold Lunn, the legendary British skier, mountaineer and writer, flagged the first ever slalom race in the history of alpine skiing. And life remains in the fast lane here: on top of the 53 km of ski and snowboard pistes, guests in Mürren can also access a further 160km of pistes around the Jungfrau region, making this a destination of rural charm with an extensive network of ski trails to explore.
Stay
Hotel Eiger: set in the middle of this car-free village, this fourth-generation family run hotel offers the very best of traditional Swiss hospitality, with spa, raclette, and gorgeous views.
Snow is guaranteed in the region of Arosa Lenzerheide, whose 225 km of pistes are the largest interconnected skiing region of Graubündenreach, reaching a maximum altitude of 2,865m . The two sides of the valley have sun either in the morning or in the afternoon, making for a 360 degree sunshine experience for winter sport guests.
And, located lower down the mountain, the sun-shiney Arosa is an excellent base. A health destination for more than 140 years, Arosa is sheltered from strong winds and connects by cable car to Lenzerheide Urdenfürggli in just 3 minutes.
Stay
Sunstar Hotel Arosa: Excellent for families, this hotel features the town’s largest indoor pool, plus the only bowling alley in Arosa. With separate hangout rooms for toddlers and teens, it is also worth checking out the hotel’s all-inclusive ski lessons rentals and pass deals.
And if you like a heavy dose of spa with your skiing, head to the Bern region, where the hotels, restaurants, and exquisite chalets in the traffic-free village of Gstaad have drawn well-heeled Britons for generations.
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Gstaad Palace: Looming over the village at 1,050m, this hotel is well-connected by 47 lifts and 200km of slopes, and hosts a spa with myriad treatments.
For further inspiration, check out these two categories of accommodation:
Snow Sport Hotels – choose one of these for plenty of special ski offers and on-site options to have your equipment serviced each night while you relax.
Swiss Deluxe Hotels – if hospitality is as much on your agenda as piste conditions, book into one of Switzerland’s grand palaces, which are places of character, charm and impeccable service.
Switzerland’s unique mountain scenery is as iconic as its watches, cheese and chocolate.
Connecting with its natural beauty on skis or snowshoes is as rewarding as experiencing the urban flair and quality of life synonymous with Swiss cities.
For more information on ski and snowboard season in Switzerland, visit myswitzerland.com. For daily updates on ski conditions, weather and ticket prices, visit the Piste Report.
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