The 10 Best Ski Resorts in Switzerland

Impressive landscapes, commendable service and snow safety - that’s what skiing in Switzerland is all about. This Alpine country has a huge amount to offer when it comes to winter sports. It’s not only Zermatt, crowned the world’s best ski resort, that stands out, but especially the canton of Graubünden, which is represented no fewer than five times in the top 10 Swiss ski resorts.

Today, we present you the best ski resorts in Switzerland. The ranking is based on an overall evaluation of snow reliability, variety of slopes, quality of infrastructure, service, and offers tailored to different target groups.

Zermatt, located at the foot of the world-famous Matterhorn, is a ski resort of true superlatives and therefore the clear winner of the ranking. With a total of 360 kilometers of slopes and more than 60 lift systems – extending across the border into Italy – it is the second-largest ski area in Switzerland. Zermatt consistently receives top marks for snow reliability and advanced skiers, and the Valais resort also offers excellent options for freeriders. Best of all, training on the glacier is possible year-round, with 20 kilometers of slopes open even in summer.

“If you can’t get enough of skiing, Zermatt is the perfect choice in more ways than one. Thanks to the glacier, you can carve your way down an almost endless number of slopes here all year long,” enthuses Florian Weis, long-time ski resort tester at SnowOnline.

Our result: Zermatt impresses not only with its breathtaking scenery, but above all with its sheer size and exceptional snow reliability. Those who enjoy long, challenging days on the slopes will find a seamlessly connected ski area with outstanding variety.

Ranked second is the Engadin St. Moritz ski region in Graubünden. The individual ski areas within this region could hardly be more different: Corviglia is the sun-drenched skiing mountain, known for perfectly groomed slopes and wide carving runs. Diavolezza and Piz Lagalb offer the best views of Piz Bernina, while Corvatsch is a hotspot for freeriders and athletic skiers. In addition, there are five smaller ski areas down in the valley.

With more than 350 kilometers of slopes, excellent service, reliable snow conditions, and strong offerings for advanced winter sports enthusiasts, the region impressed the testers.

Our result: Few regions are as diverse as this one. Engadin brings together a variety of ski areas, ranging from relaxed cruising slopes to demanding, sporty challenges.

Saas-Fee in Valais stands out particularly in the categories of advanced skiers and freestyle, as well as for its excellent snow reliability. No surprise, really: ranked third overall, the ski area spans around 100 kilometers of slopes, stretching from 1,800 meters up to the glacier at 3,600 meters. Freeride options are also very good here – all set against the spectacular backdrop of 18 four-thousand-metre peaks.

Open from mid-July to the end of April, the ski area offers a wide selection of runs across all three difficulty levels, but truly excels with its large number of challenging, wide descents. For those who simply can’t get enough of skiing, the Saas Valley also offers an additional 50 kilometers of slopes in smaller resorts such as Saas-Grund and Saas-Almagell.

Our result: Thanks to its high-alpine setting, Saas-Fee has a particularly authentic feel. Challenging slopes, reliable snow conditions, and a wide range of options define the character of this ski resort.

Graubünden adds another top ski resort to the list, impressing with a large number of slopes and lift systems. Samnaun takes fourth place in our ranking with around 239 kilometers of runs.

The duty-free Swiss enclave is linked to Austria’s party hotspot Ischgl as part of the Silvretta Arena. As a result, visitors benefit not only from a vast and varied range of slopes and excellent snow conditions, but also from lively après-ski options.

Our result: Cross-border skiing adds plenty of variety here. Samnaun stands out with its extensive network of slopes and gains an extra edge from its proximity to vibrant Ischgl.

The Jungfrau Ski Region, with its three ski areas Grindelwald-Wengen, Grindelwald-First, and Mürren-Schilthorn  is the only resort from the Bernese Oberland to make our ranking, taking fifth place. Around 211 kilometers of slopes offer a truly unique atmosphere, with spectacular views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The Jungfrau Ski Region is particularly worthwhile for advanced skiers, but beginners and returning skiers will also find plenty to enjoy. Snow and fun parks, race courses, and powder routes round out the offer.

Our result: The Jungfrau Region combines varied skiing with a distinctive alpine backdrop. Advanced skiers in particular benefit from the diversity of the individual areas and the impressive panoramic views.

The Laax ski area, with the resort villages of Flims, Laax, and Falera, is one of the largest interconnected winter sports regions in Graubünden, offering 216 kilometers of slopes – a clear recommendation for every winter sports enthusiast.

With a total of five fun parks and two halfpipes, the region is the undisputed number one destination for snowboarders and freestylers in Switzerland. “Every snowboarder should visit Laax at least once. The offerings here are superior to those of any other ski resort,” says SnowOnline tester Martin Bauer. World Cup events are also held here on a regular basis.

Our result: Modern, creative, and clearly focused on freestyle, Laax stands out from the crowd. Snowboarders and park riders in particular will find ideal conditions and a vibrant atmosphere.

Variety, reliable snow conditions, top-quality slope grooming, and excellent service – these are the hallmarks of the six ski areas of  Davos Klosters in Graubünden. With 293 kilometers of slopes catering to all ability levels, there’s certainly no risk of boredom on the mountains of Parsenn, Jakobshorn, Madrisa, Rinerhorn, Pischa, and Schatzalp. Each area targets a different audience, ranging from terrain for athletic skiers to beginner-friendly mountains and true freeride paradises. Snowboarders are also well catered for, with two fun parks on offer.

Our result: Variety clearly takes center stage in Davos Klosters. Well-groomed slopes, reliable snow conditions, and attractive options for a wide range of needs make this ski region extremely versatile.

Anyone who values an exceptionally large selection of slopes and enjoys skiing plenty of red and black runs will feel right at home in Verbier/Les 4 Vallées, Switzerland’s largest ski area. Centered around the resorts of Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Thyon, and La Tzoumaz, this seamlessly connected area stretches across an impressive 410 kilometers of slopes, with a ski season running from November through the end of April.

Variety is guaranteed here, as is reliable snow coverage all the way up to the highest point at 3,330 meters. By the way, unlike all other ski areas in this ranking, French is the primary language spoken here.

Our result: Vastness and diversity define 4 Vallées around the renowned resort of Verbier. The expansive ski area impresses with a wide range of challenging slopes, high service quality, excellent slope grooming, and plenty of space for different skiing styles.

The Graubünden ski region of Arosa Lenzerheide ranks ninth overall and offers one of the best family-friendly packages among the ski areas tested. Across five dedicated children’s parks, young beginners can try on their first pair of skis and discover a love for winter sports in a fun, playful way. At the same time, the resort also impressed in the categories of advanced skiing, freeriding, and mountain restaurants, with a total of 225 kilometers of slopes. A special highlight awaits winter sports enthusiasts as well: Switzerland’s largest outdoor escape room.

Our result: Families in particular will feel very well looked after here. At the same time, Arosa Lenzerheide offers a well-balanced overall package beyond its children’s facilities, catering to a wide range of needs.

Engelberg in Central Switzerland offers around 82 kilometers of slopes and performed particularly well in the test in the categories of advanced skiers, freeriding, and snow reliability, securing tenth place overall. One undeniable highlight is the 12-kilometer-long valley run from the Titlis Glacier at 3,215 meters down to Engelberg – one of the longest descents in the Alps. Freeriders will also find one of the best offerings in Switzerland here.

Our result: Challenging descents and excellent freeride opportunities define Engelberg’s character. The combination of high altitude, reliable snow conditions, and long runs makes this ski area especially appealing.

When testing Switzerland’s ski resorts, it’s not the differences but the shared strengths that stand out: outstanding slopes, excellent service, and reliable snow conditions. This summary highlights the top 10 ski resorts in Switzerland as ranked by the German winter sports portal SnowOnline. What truly sets the country apart, however, is its breathtaking mountain scenery, unmatched in any other Alpine nation.

>> Overview: All ski resorts in Switzerland