The ultimate guide to Switzerland’s ski resorts

With Switzerland there is a tremendous choice of ski resorts, each of which displays the unique charms of the country but offers something a little different from the other. St. Mortiz is the classic resort offering glamour and fabulous sport. Zermatt is also hugely popular, being the highest resort in the Alps where the shadow of the Matterhorn overlooks some of the best trails in the world. Davis and Klosters offer plenty of variety and a choice between a traditional Alpine atmosphere or a buzzing party town. If you are looking for a pure swiss village experience then Grindelwald has the looks to enchant anyone. Despite all this choice, we have selected three of our favourites to suit different needs.

With an emphasis usually on black slopes and off-piste, finding Switzerland ski domains that cater towards beginners can be easier said than done. But with 37km of beginner trails, practice slopes and numerous ski-schools, it is hard to find a better place for a ski novice than Saas-Fee.

Located near the Italian border, the village sits at 1,800m above sea level and is known as the ‘Pearl of The Alps’. This should give an indication to how beautiful the surroundings are here. The traffic-free village features a number of unique experiences, from the Ice Pavillion - a huge grotto full of ice sculptures located in the heart of a glacier - to a spinning restaurant that sits at 3,500 metres above sea level, making it the world’s highest revolving eaterie.

As well as ideal facilities for first-timers, Saas-Fee also offers perfect opportunities to build on what you have learned, with 96km of intermediate slopes. Even the slopes marked red would be considered blue at more intense resorts.

If you’re looking to push your skiing abilities, Verbier is the perfect place. The Swiss resort is one part of the 4 Valleys ski area, which includes Val de Bagnas, Nendaz, Veysonnaz and La Tzoumaz. Out of all of these areas, Verbier is the biggest and most famous, and for good reason – the slopes here are known as some of the best in the world.

With 400km of runs and 80 ski-lifts, Verbier is a playground for skiiers of all abilities. However, this is a park that really caters to the more experienced skier, with 40% of the terrain being classed as advanced. Some of the most well-known runs are Gentianes and Tortin, both of which offer a terrifying steep descent which is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Mont Fort is also a huge part of visiting Verbier. Sitting at 3,330m, it’s the highest point of the ski area and is reached by cable car only. When you’re up there, you get unparalleled views of the area, including the Matterhorn, and when you’re ready to make your way down, the possibilities are endless. For thrill-seekers, it’s off-piste heaven.

Take a look at our selection of premium all-inclusive ski holidays in Switzerland.