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In late October, the Alps were hit by an unusually early—and unusually large—winter storm, prompting many ski resorts to open their slopes far sooner than expected. It’s helping to kick off some serious stoke levels for skiers and snowboarders who have their sights set on a European mountain getaway this winter. But where, exactly, should they go? According to the pros, there’s no better place to go this year than the mountains sprinkled across Switzerland.
“Switzerland is a standout,” Dean Van Es, the founder and CEO of Fast Cover Travel Insurance, astutely told Travel + Leisure. There’s no shortage of options for how you want to ride here, from rugged backcountry to groomed pistes, and even plentiful après-ski bars for all the snowbunnies in your travel party.
Here’s exactly where you can go this season to experience the best that Switzerland has to offer, according to travel insiders.
Zermatt
For Van Es, there is one place that defines Swiss skiing: Zermatt. “Its car-free village is peaceful and calm,” Van Es said, adding it offers “an amazing mix of skiing, food, and views.”
Cameron Temple from The Luxury Chalet Company agreed on Zermatt, adding that it’s particularly special thanks to its iconic peaks. “Zermatt has the Matterhorn, of course, but what makes it memorable is the atmosphere on and off the slopes,” Temple told T+L. “Everything feels calmer, and the mix of traditional chalets, old hotels, and tucked-away bars makes it more than just another ski resort.”
Davos Klosters
Vanessa Gordon, founder of East End Taste, said Davos Klosters, located in eastern Switzerland, is “an ideal mix of world-class skiing and down-to-earth Alpine charm.”
“What makes it so special is how seamlessly it blends world-class skiing with an abundance of activities for all ages and interests without the sense of feeling overwhelming,” Gordon shared about the ski town, which is located about a 2.5-hour train ride from Zurich. “Davos has a vibrant and down-to-earth energy with great shopping, cafés, and even a full grocery store in the town center, while Klosters offers that idyllic, storybook alpine charm.”
Andermatt
“Andermatt has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting new names on the ski map,” Raphael Arnold, CEO at Peak Experience, shared. “Tucked away in the heart of the Swiss Alps, it combines the charm of a centuries-old mountain village with cutting-edge, top-modern infrastructure that rivals the world-famous resorts.”
Arnold explained that the resort’s 111 miles of slopes “offer something for every skier,” including wide, gentle runs for beginners to thrilling off-piste opportunities for experts. But, he added, “What makes Andermatt truly special is its unique blend of authentic Swiss charm and modern alpine living.”
Verbier
Temple also praised Verbier as a top spot for skiers and riders this winter. And though it “might be known for its glamour,” at its heart, “it’s still all about the mountains.”
“The off-piste here is legendary—some of the best in the Alps—and the itineraries keep even the most seasoned skiers coming back year after year,” Temple shared. There’s also plenty of balance here for the skiers and riders, with “wild descents and big mountain lines, and a village that feels alive, with a real mix of locals, long-time expats, and travelers dropping in for the season.”
Crans-Montana
Renee Hahnel, a travel expert with Vail Resorts, is particularly fond of Crans-Montana. (Though she may be a little bit biased, as Vail Resorts also purchased the mountain in 2024, but we agree it’s worthy of praise just the same.)
“The views are absolutely out of this world. Especially from the top (Plaine Morte), you can see all the way over to the famous Matterhorn,” Hahnel said. “There’s also a lot of other things to do in the area besides skiing, including dog sledding, curling, amazing shopping, and more.”
St. Moritz
Want even more glitz with your Swiss skiing? Van Es says there’s nowhere better for just that than in St. Moritz. “It has a glamorous edge and plenty of options for skiers of all levels,” Van Es explained, noting it offers the right mix of skiing, food, and views. “St. Moritz delivers a luxury ski experience. You can ski in the morning, then relax at world-class spas or enjoy high-end dining at night.”
