Switzerland skiing must be on the bucket-list for skiers the world over, but with so many amazing resorts, where to start? We’ve summed up the sweetest slopes for families.
When it comes to embarking upon a ski trip to Switzerland, the biggest hurdle is ploughing through the multitude of high quality ski resorts Switzerland has to offer. Situated in the heart of Europe, Switzerland has managed to preserve its unique culture, resulting in endless activities families can enjoy off the snow. On the slopes however is where this winter wonderland comes alive, providing some of the best experiences for families to enjoy.
St Moritz consists of four incredible skiing and boarding areas: Corviglia, Corvatsch, Diavolezza and Zuoz. The most family-friendly terrain is found at Samedan and Pontresina. While the resort boasts beautiful ski slopes, there are other ways to see the scenery, whether it’s via horse-drawn carriage, sledding, ice skating or cross-country skiing. There really is something for everyone.
Nestled in the Jungfrau region in central Switzerland, Wengen ensures fun for every family all year round. Ski and snowboard lessons are available for all levels of experience, both privately and in groups, giving families the opportunity to learn together at the Swiss Ski and Snowboard School Wengen.
Zermatt is the highest ski resort in Europe, reaching an atltitude of 3883 metres beside the Matterhorn. Zermatt caters for every skill level and offers a comprehensive ski school. Children under nine ski for free and a Swiss Family Card is available for easy travel. Off the slopes, enjoy the postcard-pretty village of Zermatt, with its charming, vehicle-free streets.
Located just off the French border, the small size of this resort makes it the perfect setting for a family ski holiday. Centred in the Portes du Soleil, Les Crosets acts as the ideal launch pad for exploring the surrounding areas in both France and Switzerland.
Covering 410 kilometres and offering 93 lifts, Verbier is just one resort of the six that make up Les 4 Vallées. Verbier, perhaps the best known, offers ski school for young adventurers, and kids under eight ski for free. There is also a snow park, snow gardens for toddlers, snow carousel, baby ski lifts and sledding on the lower nursery slopes for kids over seven.
The family focused and luxurious Gstaad resort boasts that it is one of the safest ski and snowboard resorts in Switzerland, making it the dream skiing destination for families from around the world. Beginners can choose from a range of learners’ parks as well as specialised family mountains, but if its adrenaline you’re after rest assured that Gstaad also offers a ski cross course riddled with jumps and banked curves to satisfy your need for adventure.
This first-timer-friendly resort dedicates 49 per cent of its runs to beginners. Little adventurers can enjoy the toboggan run and ‘Bärenhöhle’ indoor playground. Arosa has plenty of options for family-friendly restaurants and child care.
Not only do the slopes of Grindelwald provide superb skiing, but the view of surrounding mountains Eiger, Mönch and Joungfrau make the experience even more spectacular. With ski schools available to get you up and running on your skis, Grindelwald is destined make this a long lasting memory for your family.
As the sun-soaked family mountain of Davos-Klosters, Madrisa is a must for little ones. Madrisa-Land is a huge adventure park boasting tubing, a giant slalom and children’s lifts. A ski kindergarten, ski school and nursery are also offered.
Families at Saas-Fee have their every need catered for. The day care provides fun for the kids and peace of mind for the adults, while the kids enjoy a range of off the snow fun including dance parties and craft activities. Sledging and snowboarding also provide opportunities for thrill seeking children and adults alike.
This article appeared in volume 10 of Ski & Snowboard with Kids magazine. To subscribe to the latest issue, click here.
All images courtesy of Switzerland Tourism.
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