Hit the slopes: 7 ski resorts in Switzerland
We present seven of Switzerland's most beautiful ski resorts with outstanding snow conditions.
Everything you need to know at a glance
Swiss ski resorts are among the most diverse winter sports regions in Europe, with their first-class slopes, modern lifts, and impressive Alpine panoramas. From large ski regions, such as Zermatt or Laax, with several hundred kilometers of slopes, to smaller, quieter areas such as Stoos, you will find offers for every skiing level.
Many ski resorts in Switzerland also score highly with their guaranteed snow, glacier ski areas, and year-round skiing. The repertoire is complemented by family-friendly offers, freestyle parks, World Cup slopes, and ski-in ski-out accommodation in the middle of the mountains.
Verbier: Switzerland's largest ski resort
The Valais mountains are home to the largest ski region located entirely within Switzerland. The ski resort of Verbier above the Val de Bagnes is called "Verbier 4Vallées" and offers 410 kilometers of slopes and 90 mountain railways. Each of the varied runs also offers fantastic views.
For example, on the challenging high-alpine slope at Mont Fort at 2,220 meters, which marks the highest point of the ski area. You ski down the Tortin Glacier, which usually has the best snow conditions thanks to its high altitude. Away from the groomed slopes, there are also excellent freeride areas.
Interesting fact: During your skiing vacation in Verbier, you and your loved ones are well covered thanks to the comprehensive insurance package included with the Platinum Card and Gold Card. You also benefit from many other travel advantages with these credit cards, such as when booking hotels and rental cars.
Laax: Winter sports paradise in eastern Switzerland
Together with Flims and Falera, Laax in the canton of Graubünden forms one of the best ski areas in Switzerland. The large ski region is located on a sunny plateau in the middle of the mountains. Numerous ski lifts take you uphill and back down again on 200 kilometers of slopes with guaranteed snow. The Galaaxy mountain station serves as the starting point.
The slopes are perfect for skiing, and freestyle fans are also in for a treat. Laax has several snow parks, the world's largest halfpipe, and an Olympic-sized pro kicker line. Winter sports novices can let off steam in the beginner's snow park with freeskiing or snowboarding.
Zermatt: Downhill skiing with a view of the Matterhorn
At the foot of the Matterhorn, one of Switzerland's highest mountains, lies the village of Zermatt with its ski areas Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Sunnegga-Rothorn, Gornergrat-Stockhorn, and Schwarzsee. The area also extends into Italy and is one of the highest winter sports areas in Switzerland, located at around 4,000 meters.
54 lifts take you up to the groomed slopes. There are 360 kilometers of slopes with difficulty levels for every skill level. Some slopes offer particularly impressive views of the Matterhorn, such as the Rothorn-Sunnegga section or the Hirli area.
And if you're looking for that special adrenaline rush, take a helicopter to one of the mountain landing sites for heliskiing during the winter months. On your descent, you'll traverse beautiful, untouched slopes.
After an exciting day on the slopes, relax in a luxurious hotel such as the Mont Cervin Palace, which is part of American Express' Fine Hotels + Resorts. As a Platinum Card holder, you will receive attractive benefits such as a hotel credit worth USD 100 and free breakfast for two people every day.
Aletsch: Skiing in a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Aletsch Arena offers perfect slope conditions with guaranteed snow. In the Jungfrau-Aletsch region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can enjoy fantastic views of the glacier as you ski down the slopes. Over 100 kilometers of slopes provide a playground for skiing, snowboarding, and freeriding. Six cable cars take you directly to the skiing fun.
Interesting fact: In the Aletsch ski area, you can stay in the car-free villages of Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp in the middle of the ski area, with the slopes right outside the door of your chalet. A perfect ski-in-ski-out experience for your winter vacation.
Arosa Lenzerheide: family-friendly ski resort
The Arosa Lenzerheide ski resort is located in the canton of Graubünden on the Weisshorn, offering plenty of downhill runs with its 225 kilometers of slopes – from blue to red to black. The region is also considered particularly family-friendly. Your little ones can learn to ski in a playful way in various children's areas.
If you haven't had enough of skiing during the day, you can let off steam with night skiing in Lenzerheide. This special experience is offered there on Fridays from the end of December to mid-March: from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the ski lift takes you to the 3.5-kilometer-long slope.
St. Moritz: Downhill skiing on World Cup slopes
The beautiful Swiss town of St. Moritz in the Engadin is surrounded by the Corvatsch, Corviglia, and Diavolezza ski resorts. The traditional ski resort of Corviglia regularly hosts World Cup races in alpine skiing. The varied downhill runs are also open to amateur skiers.
During a break from skiing, you can also enjoy extensive shopping in St. Moritz, where you will find numerous exclusive boutiques and shops. Be sure to always have your American Express Platinum Card or Gold Card with you. With these cards, you can pay easily and securely at many acceptance points in St. Moritz and throughout Switzerland, while collecting bonus points.
Stoos: a small but beautiful ski resort
If you would prefer to spend your winter vacation away from the busy slopes of the most popular winter sports regions, you should head for the smaller ski resorts in Switzerland. For example, in the Stoos ski resort in the canton of Schwyz, you can enjoy the view of Lake Lucerne, one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland, as you ski down the slopes.
The small ski resort is located on a sunny high plateau and has 35 kilometers of slopes, three chairlifts, and three T-bar lifts. The slopes vary in difficulty from easy to difficult. Alternatively, you can experience the winter idyll on a snowshoe hike with panoramic views. And thanks to the car-free zone, the village is also quiet.
Interesting fact: Every Sunday in March, Stoos offers morning skiing. You can be the first to leave your tracks in the snow on freshly groomed slopes at sunrise, with views of the Swiss Alps.
Gold Card or Platinum Card: Which American Express Card will accompany you on your skiing vacation?
Swiss ski resorts: Ideal conditions for wonderful skiing holidays
Swiss ski resorts offer a wide variety of slopes, guaranteed snow, and impressive panoramic views. From large ski regions to small, quiet winter sports resorts, there is something for every level and every requirement.
Whether you're on a skiing vacation or just going about your everyday life, an American Express Gold Card or Platinum Card is the ideal companion. With these credit cards, you can enjoy many attractive benefits, such as comprehensive insurance benefits, dining benefits, and hotel perks.
Frequently asked questions and answers
The Verbier 4Vallées ski resort is the largest ski resort located entirely on Swiss soil. The ski regions around Zermatt, Arosa Lenzerheide, and Laax with Flims and Falera are also very large.
The Swiss ski resorts at high altitudes in particular guarantee snow, such as Arosa Lenzerheide, Verbier, Zermatt, and Aletsch.
The Arosa Lenzerheide ski resort is particularly family-friendly and offers many facilities for children as well as courses and slopes for beginners. The Laax ski resort with Flims and Falera also has a snow park for beginners.
