Thinking of a ski vacation in Switzerland this year? The key to having a successful Swiss getaway is to find the resort that best matches the kind of atmosphere and challenges for your party. If you are a novice skier you don't want to wind up at a mountain that is geared for intermediate and advanced skiers and vice versa. Another consideration for picking the perfect Swiss ski resort is the overall atmosphere since some are more suited for young couples and singles with a swinging nightlife while others specialize in accommodating families and groups. When you compare the amenities and services avaialbe at the various ski resorts in Switzerland you can quickly see which ones best suit your circumstances so that your adventure to the Alps has all the elements for success.
Since there are hundreds of excellent ski resorts dotting the mountainsides in Switzerland, selecting the right one is a challenge, so we have identified some of the most popular resorts by skill level and family oriented atmosphere. Keep in mind that there is a huge network of ski lifts and trails that connect many of these resorts, so you are not limited to just the ski runs bordering on the resort you choose. This brief guide will help you identify which Swiss ski resorts have a reputation for catering to specific types of tourists to help you establish the types that will work best for your circumstances. For more information on the many ski resorts in Switzerland and reviews from travelers, the On the Snow website offers interactive charts with ratings and details on each resort.
Beginner SkiersVillars is a quaint village in the Lake of Geneva region that has become a popular ski destination for beginners, especially English speaking vacationers, that not only has 77 ski lifts available but offers lots of activities for non-skiers.
Wengen is a beautiful ski village that accommodates all levels of skiers from beginners to advanced and is also a favorite of English speakers. The town has a car-free environment and is full of restaurants and shops that cater to families and even offer a number of daycare facilities and classes for children at the Sports Pavillion in town.
Intermediate SkiersGstaad is a popular resort for the jet set and features ski runs that are challenging but not too tricky. The prices are high but the accommodations are top class with an exciting night life that attracts young couples and avid partiers.
Zermatt is one of the favorite resorts in Switzerland for families who have skiing experience with runs that climb up the Matterhorn which sits just outside of this traffic-free village. Along with nurseries and day care centers, there are non-ski activities like tennis and squash available year round.
Advanced to ExpertSt. Moritz is the destination of experienced skiers who want a luxury experience in the Alps. The fine restaurants and accommodations are matched only by the stunning view of the frozen lake in the winter.
Lenzerheide offers very challenging runs in the prime winter season and remains a favorite destination for families who want to sharpen their skills while enjoying a quiet environment and reasonable rates on rooms and meals.
When making
Canadian travel plans to ski the slopes of Switzerland, carefully consider what type of atmosphere will best suit your party. If you want a fun family vacation, winding up in a swinging high-end ski resort would be counterproductive. By the same token, if you're ready for an action-packed romantic getaway, the worst Swiss ski resort you can choose is one of the quaint little Swiss village resorts that cater to families. Though there are no bad ski resorts in Switzerland, there are many more appropriate for certain tastes, so choose your destination wisely.