Winter activities in Switzerland
Here are some practical facts and tips to keep in mind if you plan on skiing or ski touring in Switzerland:
Equipment: You can rent ski and snowboard equipment from most ski resorts, either on-site or in nearby towns. It's also possible to rent ski touring equipment, but availability may be limited. If you're bringing your own equipment, make sure it's in good condition and appropriate for the terrain. I highly recommend the brands Arcteryx, Patagonia, and Hestra. Despite being pricey, they are very durable and good quality and, most importantly, make you enjoy your day despite a bad weather forecast.
Lift Passes: Lift passes can be purchased at the base of the mountain or online. Some ski resorts also offer discounted multi-day passes or packages.
Weather: The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so it's important to check the forecast and be prepared for varying conditions. Always bring extra layers, a waterproof jacket and pants, gloves, a hat, and sunglasses or goggles.
Safety: Before heading out on the slopes or trails, make sure you're familiar with the area and terrain, and always let someone know your plans. If you're ski touring, make sure you have the proper equipment and training for avalanches, as they can be a serious danger in Switzerland. If you're unsure, go with a guide or do a proper training and I recommend always using an avalanche transceiver.
South-Western region
February 2023
Skiing in Villars-Gryon-Diablerets
Villars-Gryon-Diablerets is a ski area that with one ticket combines three popular ski resorts: Villars, Gryon, and Diablerets, which offer a total of 225km of ski runs and 72 lifts. The ski area is suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, with a good mix of blue, red, and black runs. Villars has a family-friendly atmosphere and a long blue ski track that I absolutely love, for the more experienced skiers to be able to ski down a summit, Gryon offers a quieter area, while Diablerets is the highest resort in the area, offering challenging tracks and stunning view of Glacier 3000 (ski resort over 3,000m). The ski lift from Diablerets to Villars is absolutely stunning, with a pristine mountain landscape.
Skiing in Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana offers 25km of ski runs and 10 lifts, suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The resort has a variety of runs, including gentle slopes for beginners and more challenging ones for advanced skiers. There's also a snow park with jumps and rails for freestyle enthusiasts.
Montana is facing southwest, which means that the sun exposure lasts until the end of the skiing day! There is also a bar in the middle of a ski track which I enjoyed quite a lot. For beginners, there is a long and wide blue track that will help you improve and is ideal. The other tracks which were narrower I found were too busy when I went. Overall, with its beautiful scenery and relaxed atmosphere, Montana is a very good option for a ski day.
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February 2022
February 2019
Skiing / Ski country skiing in Paccots
Paccots is a small, family-friendly ski resort in the Fribourg region (25 min from Lausanne), with 20km of ski runs and 5 lifts. My most cherished memories of when I started skiing are here. I recommend it for beginners and families, as it has gentle slopes and dedicated learning areas, and a ski school. However, there are also several red and black runs for advanced skiers. Moreover, the ski resort is quite affordable in Switzerland, you can check the prices here. Paccots also has cozy restaurants and bars to relax and warm up after a day on the slopes.
In Paccots the ski country tracks are also worth checking, find more info here (in German). Additionally, you can also ski tour up to Paccots mountain which has wonderful views of the lake, but I recommend doing this only when there's plenty of snow (as its highest elevation is almost 1,500m). Alternatively, you could go in warmer months for an easy hike up, see more here!
Ski-touring in Pont-de-Nant
Pont-de-Nant offers excellent opportunities for ski touring in Switzerland with its wide range of ski routes and stunning panoramic views. There are several routes with different difficulties. Park your car in the town Le Plans-sur-Bex and start ski touring towards the Auberge communale de Pont-de-Nant (very little elevation gain). I highly recommend staying in the Auberge, it offers accommodation in bunk beds and a very cozy atmosphere. We stayed there one night and had fondue for dinner - a perfect end of the day for a ski-touring day.
One of the ski touring route continues east, going straight passing and leaving the Auberge at your right. The route starts off easily and is considered ideal for most skiers. After around 1/2h, you reach a beautiful plateau, where you'll be surrounded by stunning views of the surrounding peaks. More experienced skiers can choose to continue climbing towards the summit of Tête à Pierre Grept, although it is recommended for those with advanced skills.
January 2023
February 2022
Ski-touring in Pic Chaussy
The ascent to Pic de Chaussy from Les Mosses in Switzerland is a popular ski touring route, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The route starts at Les Mosses and follows the marked trail towards Pic Chaussy. As you ascend, you'll pass through alpine meadows and forests before reaching the Col de Chaussy. From here, the route gets steeper as you make your way up to the summit of Pic de Chaussy. The ascent requires a good level of fitness and ski touring experience, as there are some challenging sections along the way. However, the effort is worth it for the incredible views from the summit. It's important to check avalanche conditions before attempting this route and to carry all necessary safety equipment.
Central region
Ski-touring Amden
Amden, located approximately 50 minutes away by car and 1 hour and 10 minutes by public transport from Zurich, is an ideal destination for ski touring. Once you reach the town, begin your ascent towards Mattstock. The route takes you through a village with a few scattered houses and then a forest. After the forest, continue upwards for breathtaking views of the valley. While we began the day with plenty of sun and warmth, we became extremely cold and I suffered frostbite in both my hands and feet when we reached the top. Therefore, I strongly recommend wearing good socks and gloves if you plan to visit during winter. On the way down, we were treated to a dramatic view from the top, making the trip even more unforgettable.
January 2020
Winter 2019 - my first ski touring!
Ski-touring St. Stephen
The ski touring route from St. Stephan to Chirschbüel summit spans small villages and snow-covered forests, offering stunning views of the Swiss Alps. With almost 800 meters of elevation gain, the tour takes around 2-4 hours, depending on the weather conditions, skiing ability, and physical fitness. However, you can stop and descend the same path whenever you want.
Snowshoeing in Aletschgletcher
In spring 2018, I did a snowshoeing route to Aletschgletscher (the largest glacier in the Alps) that starts by taking the cable car from Fiesch to Fiescheralp. From there, you have a relatively flat and wide path full of snow towards the Aletschgletscher (Aletsch glacier). In the Bettmeralp, the trail then opens up to a breathtaking view of the Aletsch Glacier (shown in the photo). The route is suitable for beginners and takes about 3-4 hours round trip. From Bettmeralp, you can descend to the valley (in winter you would go through skiing tracks).
Spring 2018