Zurich has a lot to offer the sports enthusiast. Not only is there a large ski resort – known for its snow-capped peak, Rigi Zuisee – but there are also several smaller ones, accessible only by local Swiss residents. You may be wondering where exactly you can go for a ski trip near Zurich; here are our top 5 recommended skiing locations.
Rigi Zuisee
Just a couple of hours from the city, you will find the largest ski resort in the area, with more than 300 kilometers of slopes and 31 panoramic terraces. These terraces are lined with sunnyside chairs and come with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The snow conditions are reliable, with the resort getting its fair share of snowfall each year. You will enjoy exploring the extensive network of hiking trails, with many signposts and maps available at local mountain huts. If you are a fan of thrills, you may opt for the infamous ski-tubes that enable you to plunge down the mountains without the aid of a ski instructor.
Wangen
Wangen is yet another large ski resort, with more than 300 kilometers of slopes and 27 ski-in/ski-out trails, making it one of the biggest in the area. The resort gets a good deal of snowfall each year, so you may find fresh snow even in the late summer. In addition, there are also several smaller ski areas in the vicinity, such as Wildgans, which also have attractive scenery and plenty of freeride terrain. If you are a beginner, you may want to head to Wangen or Wildgans to get some practice in before tackling a challenging ski trip to Rigi Zuisee, the largest and most popular ski resort in the area.
Argentina: The Mecca Of Ski-in/ski-out Skiing
A quick flight from Zurich and you will be welcomed by dry snow and blazing sunshine at Las Leñas – the “Crown of the Andes”, offering some of the most exhilarating single-day skiing you could ever dream of. This is especially handy for those seeking a less-developed country experience, where you can throw off the shackles of standard resort life. With around 600 kilometers of slopes, there is something for everyone. If you have limited time, you may want to prioritize the Las Leñas Express, a gondola that takes you from the top of the resort to the bottom in just 7 minutes, making it perfect for those seeking a full day of skiing.
St. Moritz
If you want to combine high-altitude adventure with nightlife, then you should visit St. Moritz. The city in Switzerland’s western extremity is world-famous for its luxury hotels, elegant shops and beautiful gardens. Even if you aren’t a guest there, you may be able to spend a night or two in a luxury hotel, putting you in direct contact with the city’s beautiful people and culture. It is a hub for winter sports, with the slopes being used for skiing and boarding as well as by famous expats for skiing in the summer. Those looking for a less-developed country experience will enjoy the combination of unique architecture, galleries, bars and music clubs that draw visitors from around the world. Between its elegant cobbled streets and bright sunshine, there are no problems for a city boy or girl to become a hermit for a day, getting away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world – perfect for a romantic weekend.
Gimmelwald
Gimmelwald is another Swiss resort, located in the mountains not far from the French border. The resort is popular with families, hosting the International Children’s Winter School each winter. The area is covered in forest and offers plenty of opportunities for hikes and sledging. In the summer, you can go on bike rides, visit bars and restaurants or just lounge around the swimming pool with a drink in hand.
Grütli
In the north of the country, near the border with Germany, you will find Grütli, yet another major Swiss ski resort. The slopes are classified as medium, with around 200 kilometers of trails and 25 huts scattered around the forest. In the winter, the resort is beautiful, covered in thick snow and glittering with the sunshine, making for some breathtaking photos. In the summer, you can engage in some chilling with the locals at one of the resort’s many bars or restaurants. It is a destination for snow junkies who want a quieter life away from the crowds and the hustle and bustle of the everyday world.
Saanen
Saanen is one of the oldest ski resorts in the world, with the first ski runs being constructed in 1899, attracting tourists from around the world. The resort continues to grow, with plans for an expansion due to be completed in 2018. In the summer, you may want to visit the charming little town of Saanen, with its narrow cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and churches. It is a hub for hiking, with lots of trails surrounding the town and beyond. If you want a romantic getaway or just want to recharge your batteries after a busy day on the slopes, you could always stay at one of the resort’s luxurious hotels. The bread and cheese tarts are absolutely stunning, so do treat yourselves!
There are so many great places to go for a ski trip near Zurich, Switzerland. The above are just a small selection of the country’s best. If you have your heart set on a European skiing trip, then consider these resorts. They are all within a day’s drive from Zurich, making it easy for anyone to visit them.