Ski trips are one of the biggest appeals of travel to Switzerland. And when we think Swiss ski trips, the expensive Zermatt and St Moritz spring to the mind – but it doesn’t always have to be. The capital city of the eponymous canton of Zürich is an excellent destination for spending an exhilarating ski weekend. This bustling cultural city offers a wide variety of opportunities for skiing fanatics like us, and we were completely spoilt for choice during ski season. There are not one or two but multiple excellent ski resorts in Zurich that lie less than an hour from the city’s limits. So, we were able to hit the slopes in Switzerland without having to travel too far from the city.
What helped was that these ski resorts vary across skill levels, which will help you narrow down where you can go. But what is exceptional is that all these locations boast spectacular views of the sprawling Swiss countryside. Imagine indulging in world-class skiing amidst snowy expanses sprinkled with enchanted forest greens – that’s skiing in Zurich for you. To that end, here’s a detailed travel guide to skiing opportunities around the Swiss city.
Table of contents
Sattel-Hochstuckli
6
We begin the list with the low-profile but excellent Sattel-Hochstuckli, which is ideal for family skiing vacations in winter. What makes this skiing resort so great is that it’s centrally located, less than an hour from Zurich. But the main selling point for us was that the resort doesn’t have the usual extravagance of Swiss ski resorts. Instead, it’s reasonably priced, rustic, and cute in size!
What’s interesting is that the resort doesn’t offer just skiing. For one, it’s home to the world’s very first revolving cable car gondola lift. It rotated a complete 360 degrees whilst we ascended up the mountain. So, we were able to enjoy the best panoramic views of the entire region. If that wasn’t enough, there’s also the foot suspension bridge, Skywalk. We had real thrills walking along this bridge, which is 1,227 ft (374 m) long and is suspended 190 ft (58 m) above the ground!
The fun doesn’t stop at skiing, as there’s also a tubing run and a bouncy castle area perfect for younger kids. If that wasn’t enough, the slopes even have floodlit toboggan runs, allowing us to enjoy staying out there until late evening.
The Terrain. Sattel-Hochstuckli has 8 runs across 9 mi (14 km) of skiable area and 12 mi (20 km) of cross-country ski tracks. It has many blue runs (slopes with a maximum gradient of 25%) and a few red runs too (gradient 25-40%). So, it catered to both beginners like us too, allowing us to develop our skills on its uncrowded slopes.
The Town. Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, the village of Sattel is surrounded by rolling hills enveloped in winter snow. There are many taverns perfect for après-ski drinks and dinner, and there’s also a train station and supermarkets.
At a glance
- Known for: Low-profile skiing mountain less than an hour from Zurich.
- Opening: December last week
- Closing: Mid-March
- Elevation: 2,624 ft (800 m)
- Summit: 4,892 ft (1,491 m)
- Lifts: 6 (1 gondola, 1 t-bar/button, 1 rope tow, 1 magic carpet)
- Airport: Zurich Airport – 35 mi (57 km)
Pros
- This is the perfect low-profile skiing spot close to Zurich.
- The skiing area has a great mix of beginner and intermediate runs.
- It’s great for the whole family, including kids.
Cons
- There are no lodging options in the village.
Where to Stay: Since the village has no accommodation options, the Hotel Restaurant Eierhals at Lake Ägeri in Oberägeri, just north of Sattel, is perfect. This lakeside hotel boasts many rooms overlooking the glacial lake, and our room even had a lovely balcony with both lake and mountain views. Moreover, the hotel also has a full-service spa, which was a blessing after an entire day on the slopes. A garden, a restaurant with a terrace, and a breakfast room round up the amenities here.
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Flumserberg
5
Flumserberg is one skiing region we found on everyone’s list, so naturally, we wanted to check it out – and we were delighted. Tucked on the southern shore of the alpine Lake Walensee, Flumserberg is accessible from multiple villages, which is what makes it so popular. We loved this small, hidden gem of a skiing resort for its varied terrain, lack of crowds, and quiet pistes where we could practice our runs. Everyone can hit the slopes at this snowy mountain resort, which boasts 40 mi (65 km) of trails across 48 runs. In fact, there is even 12 mi (20 km) of prepared cross-country trails with trees and chutes for the more adventurous skiers. Furthermore, there are even snowshoe treks and ski tours for those who prefer pristine snow that’s away from the crowds.
The Terrain. The terrain at Flumserberg is varied and divided into 21% beginner, 61% intermediate, and 18% expert runs. Besides the skiable area, there’s even a 1.9-mi-long (3 km) sled run. However, we’d also recommend the particularly memorable “Nightride,” where you can explore the floodlit slopes via skiing or a toboggan run. Do you want to cover a few good miles without a lift? The Leist-Oberterzen run (including the Terzaabfahrt route) is 6.2 mi (10 km) long.
The Town. Flumserberg has not one but three villages, Tannenheim, Flumserberg, and Tannenbodenalp. They all have a bit of après-ski options, but the vibe is thoroughly laidback as everyone here focuses on skiing. That said, the towns have a plethora of staying options, which meant that we didn’t have to venture out of the skiing area to stay.
At a glance
- Known for: Varied slopes catering to sports enthusiasts; also includes night skiing.
- Opening: Mid-December
- Closing: First week of April
- Elevation: 2,181 ft (665 m)
- Summit: 7,290 ft (2,222 m)
- Lifts: 17 (4 gondolas, 8 chairlifts, 4 t-bar button lifts, 1 rope tow)
- Airport: Zurich Airport – 66.5 mi (107 km)
Pros
- It’s one of the best skiing regions between Zurich and Chur.
- The villages and the skiing region are extremely accessible, and that too from various places around.
- There are lots of lodging options right in the village.
Cons
- There’s not much by way of nightlife.
Where to Stay: The family-run Hotel Tannenboden-Steinbock sits right in the heart of Flumserberg within walking distance of the nearest ski slopes. Aside from the fantastic location, we chose the hotel for its historical, since-1914 restaurant. It’s where we’d enjoy hearty breakfast buffets and dig into the region’s specialties. After a long day on the slopes, the sauna was a welcome change (it’s paid, though). The rooms are modern and comfortable, and the hotel also has free private parking, free Wi-Fi, and ski equipment storage. What more could we want?
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Hoch-Ybrig
4
Coolest skiing resort. If you’re looking for the perfect blend of skiing, sunbathing, and après-skiing, then Hoch-Ybrig is the place where you should be. An hour south of Zurich, this skiing resort in the Canton of Schwyz radiates cool, urban snowboard vibes and boasts a hip and young crowd. It didn’t take long for Hoch-Ybrig to enchant us, what with the widespread and varied slopes and the phenomenal views of the Swiss Alps. A modern cable car and ski lifts took us to the ski area, which offers magnificent views of the Twäriberg, Forstberg, and Drusberg peaks.
Aside from skiing, Hoch-Ybrig is a favorite destination for many other winter sports. For instance, Kinderland Roggen in Oberiberg is a favorite with families with kids, especially because of the carousel and the “magic carpet.” What’s more, there’s also an excellent snowpark right by the six-seater Hesisbol chairlift. Are you looking for some extra action? There’s even paragliding on offer here.
The Terrain. 31 mi (50 km) of slopes and 5 km (3 mi) of ski routes are divided into 30% beginner runs, 60% intermediate runs, and 10% difficult/expert ones. The perfectly groomed pistes also offer cross-country trails, which the intermediate skiers among us loved adventuring out on.
The Town. Hoch-Ybrig doesn’t have much by way of a base town; it’s more of a hamlet. The actual closest base towns are the villages of Oberiberg and Unteriberg, which lie 5 mi (8 km) and 5 mi (3 km) from the skiing area. It’s also where most of the lodging and eating options are. Additionally, both villages are known for their host of winter activities and sports.
At a glance
- Known for: Thrills for winter sports fans.
- Opening: Early December
- Closing: Mid-April
- Elevation: 3,412 ft (1,040 m)
- Summit: 6,007 ft (1,831 m)
- Lifts: 12 (1 aerial tramway, 5 chairlifts, 1 t-bar/button lift, 1 magic carpet)
- Airport: Zurich Airport – 41 mi (67 km)
Pros
- The landscape is one of the wildest and most beautiful in all of central Switzerland.
- There are a lot of winter activities on offer.
- Due to the two base towns, many drinking, dining, and lodging options exist.
Cons
- Pro skiers might find the skiing area smaller than others in Switzerland.
Where to Stay: The ski-to-door Roggenstock Lodge in Oberiberg is one of the best places one can stay while visiting Hoch-Ybrig. Besides ski-to-door access, the hotel has a ski pass sales point, allowing us an easy, breezy skiing experience. Amenities here include a restaurant with a terrace, a bar, a garden, and even a spa and wellness center, which was perfect after a day out on the slopes. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, besides the usual mod-cons, but the best ones, like ours, even come with balconies and views of the mountains. Finally, the continental breakfast spread would fuel us up for an entire day of skiing.
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Stoos-Fronalpstock
3
We were looking for out-of-the-way ski resorts in Zurich, Switzerland, when we stumbled upon Stoos-Fronalpstock. With the clean mountain air, the glittering landscape, and the crunchy snow, Stoos is a hidden gem with a range of winter activities. There’s every skiing type on offer here, ranging from traditional downhill to cross-country skiing, making the region a delight for beginners and experts.
But the activities don’t end there, for there’s also snowshoeing, ski touring, airboarding, tobogganing, and snowboarding! Moreover, there were even winter hiking opportunities, which allowed us to explore the spectacular panorama in detail. And since fresh air is known to make one particularly hungry, don’t forget to dig into delicious fare at the Summit restaurant.
“We loved Stoos for its location, activities, and its slopes. Honestly, it was worth coming here all the way just for the skiing and the views!”
WOW Travel
The Terrain. With 3% beginner trails, Stoos might not seem like it, but it’s perfect for beginners due to the very same size and the wide, long, and beautifully open pistes. The slopes are an absolute thrill for intermediate (68%) and expert (29%) skiers. In fact, there’s even a cross-country track that goes all around the resort, making it a great way to explore for peeps who want to dabble in cross-country.
The Town. The quaint alpine village of Stoos is special because it’s completely car-free! A funicular transported us from the main Stoos-Muotatal Tourism station to the village, which radiates a rustic and relaxed vibe. Hence, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in the traditional Swiss culture without any hassles. The village is gorgeous and has many drinking, dining, and staying options.
At a glance
- Known for: It’s a great place for both nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
- Opening: Mid-December
- Closing: First week of April
- Elevation: 4,265 ft (1,300 m)
- Summit: 6,348 ft (1,935 m)
- Lifts: 8 (1 funicular, 1 aerial tramway, 3 chairlifts, 3 t-bar/button lifts), 2 kids’ moving carpets
- Airport: Zurich Airport – 50 mi (80 km)
Pros
- The views are simply spectacular.
- Stoos is one of the more affordable ski resorts.
- Families love the simplicity and ease of the skiing region for developing skills.
Cons
- It’s a long journey to get to Stoos, and you can’t just come here directly in a car.
Where to Stay: Sitting right next to the funicular station in the village is Stoos Lodge, which makes for an excellent ski-to-door stay in Stoos. Obviously, it offers terrific mountain views, but the hotel is much more than that. The rooms are contemporary and comfy, along with mesmerizing views. The rest of the hotel is equally impressive, with a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar. The highlight is the spa area, complete with steam rooms, a sauna, and a relaxation lounge.
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Mythen Region
2
Most versatile. The boutique Mythen Region in the Canton of Schwyz is its biggest ski resort and home to Mount Grosser Mythen. With 31 mi (50 km) of piste, 36% blue and 62% red runs, respectively, pro skiers are sure to have a ball. But that’s not all. The region also boasts a cross-country ski trail, a kids’ ski cross-piste, and a Swiss Ski School for learning the sport. We loved Mythen Region’s versatility; it offers more than just skiing opportunities. Firstly, it boasts 22 mi (36 km) of south-facing winter walking trails, snowshoe trails, paragliding, and snowboarding. There’s even a snow park, Mythenpark, for freestyles. And for those who want to simply have fun, there are multiple toboggan runs!
Are you more of a sit-back-and-après-ski person? Simply head to the sun terrace of one of the many restaurants and sprawl out on a comfy deckchair. With a drink in your hand, you can view the magnificent panoramas.
The Terrain. The terrain in Mythen Region, as mentioned earlier, is varied. We found everything from sunny beginner slopes to enchanted forest pistes on the intermediate runs. There was even the option for a challenging ski safari! Advanced skiers have the largest selection of slopes. One of the highlights is Run 55, which is also one of the area’s longest pistes. As for experts, the Mythen region has just one black downhill run. It’s a diverse terrain for winter sports enthusiasts of all skill levels and ages.
The Town. The town itself is very small and laidback, making it perfect for making the most of the mountain air. While lodging options are limited, they’re all excellent. Moreover, the town is completely equipped and has a hospital, grocery stores, and lots of restaurants for getting a bite.
At a glance
- Known for: Low-profile, uncrowded skiing region for advanced skiers.
- Opening: Mid-December
- Closing: Mid-March
- Elevation: 3,510 ft (1,070 m)
- Summit: 5,226 ft (1,593 m)
- Lifts: 18 (6 aerial tramways, 1 gondola, 11 t-bar/button lifts, 1 magic carpet)
- Airport: Zurich Airport – 48 mi (77 km)
Pros
- The slopes are primed for intermediate skiers to practice and better their skills.
- The skiing resort offers more than just skiing activities.
- It’s not plagued by crowds.
Cons
- Lodging options, although excellent, are limited.
Where to Stay: Sitting a stone’s throw from the Rotenfluebahn cable car going up Grosser Mythen is Studio Mythen, a bright and spacious studio apartment. Despite being a studio, the place offers free Wi-Fi, wooden floors, a kitchen to cook meals, and even a living room with a flat-screen cable TV. However, its winning feature is that it has a garden and offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains from just about everywhere. Did you know they even provided us with breakfast and packed lunches at our request? Yep.
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Rigi
1
Best overall. When a skiing region is called “Queen of the Mountains,” it’s pretty hard to ignore, isn’t it? Welcome to Rigi in the Canton of Lucerne, which is a testament to the adage, “Big things come in small packages.” The cold, fresh air, the radiating sun, and the glistening snow make for a heady combination. Bettering that is the 32 mi 920 km) of pistes across 2 runs, which both beginners and intermediate skiers can enjoy. What’s more, Rigi is more than just skiing, as it also offers snowboarding, snowshoe treks, and toboggan runs. Of course, it also allowed us to enjoy the unbelievable views of the Oberbauen mountains, Nieder, and Lake Lucerne, with Uri-Rotstock in the background.
What we loved about Mount Rigi is that we never stood in any lines. This is thanks to the historical cogwheel trains from Vitznau and Goldau departing hourly to the summit. Moreover, any Rigi day pass includes free access to all five ski lifts. Wrapping up the Rigi scene is the mineral spa of Rigi Kaltbad, a pilgrimage place for more than 600 years. Here, we relaxed in the mineral-rich water in the heart of a dreamlike mountain world.
The Terrain. The well-groomed pistes are naturally quiet, especially on weekdays. What’s more, the skiing region also has 5 toboggan runs, 3 cross-country trails with trees and chutes, and 3 snowshoe trails, besides 10 ski pistes.
The Town. Mount Rigi is not your classic apres-ski place, but it does have an incredibly cozy feel with cozy restaurants and hotels and an amazing food scene. If you want to explore Rigi, why not check out this 2-Day Wellness Experience from Zurich? It offers a well-rounded experience and includes the famous mineral baths and spa of Rigi Kaltbad.
At a glance
- Known for: Skiers and non-skiers both, thanks to the unmissable mountain railway.
- Opening: Mid-December
- Closing: Early March
- Elevation: 4,314 ft (1,315 m)
- Summit: 5,748 ft (1,752 m)
- Lifts: 7 (2 cog railways, 1 aerial tramway, 4 t-bar/button lifts)
- Airport: Zurich Airport – 41 mi (67 km)
Pros
- It offers the closest opportunity for skiing with altitude near Zurich.
- The views from the top are stunning and not to be missed.
- There’s a winter activity for everyone at Mount Rigi.
Cons
- It’s not a classic apres-ski destination like Zermatt or St. Moritz, but that’s the beauty of it.
Where to Stay: There’s only one place we wanted to stay in Rigi, the Kräuterhotel Edelweiss, with a ski slope right outside. This luxurious, family-run generational hotel offers sweeping views over Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps, which is what makes it so popular. The rooms are plush and flush with mod-cons, and ours even had a balcony overlooking the mountains. This hotel is specially primed for après-ski and features a Michelin-star restaurant. We also loved the other restaurant with a sun terrace and mountain views, which offers delicious traditional Swiss specialties and regional cuisine. The best bit? We could rent snow sleds and shoes right at the hotel.
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Our Verdict!
While we loved exploring all the skiing resorts close to Zurich, here’s a more specialized list to help you zero in on one that’s of your choice.
- Best overall: Rigi
- Most versatile: Mythen Region
- Coolest skiing resort: Hoch-Ybrig
What is the closest skiing resort to Zurich?
Sattel-Hochstuckli, which lies just 35 mi (57 km) from Zurich Airport, is one of the closest skiing resorts to Zurich.
What months can you ski in Zurich?
The skiing season in Zurich usually runs from the first week of December to March, while some stay open till the end of April.
Is it expensive to ski in Switzerland?
It’s not necessarily expensive, as the country’s skiing prices vary quite a bit. If you want a short and budgeted skiing vacation, then these skiing resorts close to Zurich make for a great alternative to more expensive ones like St. Moritz or Zermatt.
