Short transfer times can maximise your ski holiday experience. More time on the slopes and less cost on booking a taxi can enrich your experience in a ski resort. There are many brilliant ski resorts in Switzerland and Austria near Zurich Airport. Our ski experts have created a guide to the best ski resorts near Zurich, Switzerland.
Andermatt, Switzerland (Transfer Time: 1hr 30 mins)
Part of the Gemsstock ski area, Andermatt is one of the best ski resorts near Zurich, Switzerland. You can explore 120km of pistes that has something for all levels of skier. Snow conditions are typically reliable due to the high altitude and unique location. Expect great snow throughout the season. There is also a great link to neighbouring ski resort Sedrun to enjoy even more ski terrain.
On top of this, Andermatt has a great reputation for its wellness facilities and has championed this for many years. There are a great variety of spas and activities you can do off the slopes to unwind. If you’re a foodie we highly recommend the chic Chedi Hotel Andermatt restaurant, which specialises in Japanese cuisine. The nightlife is centre around a relaxed social atmosphere.
Arosa, Switzerland (Transfer Time: 2hrs 20mins)
Arosa has a great combination of natural beauty and an impressive amount of ski terrain. It has access to an impressive 225km of pistes in the Arosa – Lenzerheide ski area. Its high altitude of 1,229m-2,865m means it has reliable snow throughout the season. If you’re a beginner or an intermediate the slopes are ideal for you, but there are some great challenging pistes for more advanced skiers.
The village itself is small but has a real traditional alpine charm. A little gem within the Swiss Alps. If you’re a family it is ideal because of its relaxed atmosphere. There are some great understated luxury accommodation options to book. There are some great restaurants to choose from, especially on the slopes with 40 mountain huts to choose from.
Engelberg, Switzerland (Transfer Time: 1hr 30mins)
Considered a hidden gem of the Swiss Alps, Engelberg delivers in many areas. One is its short transfer time from Zurich airport. It has some of the most spectacular views from the great heights of the Titlis glacier. The high altitude of 1,050m-3,020m guarantees great conditions throughout the winter season. No wonder it’s an off-piste haven for advanced skiers around the world.
Engelberg roughly translates to “Mountain of the Angels”, which is apt for its beautiful scenery and lovely village. Founded by Benedictine monks centuries ago, the ski resort still has a monastery/school that dominates the town. If you’re a foodie you’re in for a treat, there are 55 restaurants you can visit during your stay.
Flims Laax, Switzerland (Transfer Time: 2hrs 30mins)
Known as the mecca of freestyle snowsports, Flims Laax has a big reputation around the world. Don’t worry if you’re not into jumps and rails, this resort delivers in so many ways. There’s 325km of pistes to explore in the area. On top of that, there’s a high altitude of 1,100m-3,018m that guarantees good snow conditions throughout the season.
Flims Laax has a lively apres ski scene with lots of bars and clubs to enjoy. Whether you’re partying at Riders Club or enjoying a social at II Pup, you’re going to have great fun. There’s also a great choice of restaurants with over 90 establishments in the area. For the best Pan-Asian cuisine, head to the Nooba restaurant. Something different in the Swiss Alps.
Grindelwald, Switzerland (Transfer Time: 2 Hours)
Located in the Jungfrau ski area, Grindelwald is one of the best ski resorts near Zurich, Switzerland. Only a 2-hour transfer, the Swiss ski resort has 224km of pistes to enjoy. There are incredible views of the iconic Eiger mountain to admire on and off the slopes. Its snow record is reliable due to its high altitude of 1,034m-2,970m.
The village itself is steeped in history and has a traditional alpine charm. You can also experience the charming railway that goes through the beautiful Jungfrau mountain landscape. In town, you have a choice of over 50 restaurants to visit. For the best raclette, head to the Cava Cellar in the Hotel Derby. If you want to dance the night away, there are two main nightclubs, Mescalero at the Hotel Spinne and the Plaza at Hotel Sunstar.
Ischgl, Austria (Transfer Time: 2hrs 40mins)
One of the best Austrian ski resorts near Zurich, Switzerland is Ischgl. It has some fantastic skiing on offer with 240km of pistes to explore. The terrain is suitable for different levels of skiers. Due to its high altitude, there’s a good snow record and reliability throughout the season.
Ischgl’s main reputation is its lively nightlife. There are many great bars and clubs for people to enjoy whilst in the ski resort. Elisabeth and Kitzloch are lively bars with a good selection of drinks. One of the best nightclubs in the Alps is Pacha which has regular international DJs visit. For some great food, Paznauner-Stube serves fantastic pizza, pasta, meats and vegetarian options.
Klosters, Switzerland (Transfer Time: 2hrs 15mins)
Klosters is internationally known due to regular visits from British Royal Family members. It has a great combination of a traditional mountain village mixed with great luxury accommodation options. You can explore 251km of pistes with great diverse terrain. The ski resort is also regarded as great for families due to its welcoming nature and facilities.
If you’re a foodie you’re in for a treat. Klosters’ most well-known restaurants are in the Schwendi, where you will find a collection of rustic wooden huts. We recommend trying the Conterser Schwendi which serves incredible barbecue on the terrace. If you want fine-dining the Michelin starred fayre at the Walserhof hotel is fantastic.
St. Anton, Austria (Transfer Time: 2hrs 15mins)
Part of the Arlberg ski area, St. Anton is one of the most popular ski destinations in the world. It’s no wonder it’s frequently visited with so much on offer. It has an incredible 305km of pistes to enjoy and fantastic off-piste terrain to match. Whether you’re learning to ski or an advanced skier hunting for powder there’s something for everyone.
In the village, there’s a great range of accommodation for different price points. If you’re looking for fun apres ski, look no further than the famous Krazy Kanguruh bar. We also recommend visiting The Museum restaurant to eat. It serves a great range of food in a beautiful elegant villa. A brilliant resort on and off the slopes.
St Moritz, Switzerland (Transfer Time: 3hrs 45mins)
St Moritz may have the longest transfer time from Zurich airport on our list but is worth the travel. It is considered one of the most beautiful and luxurious ski resorts in Switzerland. Not only this but the skiing is incredible too. Enjoy 326km of superbly groomed pistes with brilliant snow conditions throughout the season.
The village itself has many designer shops, classy bars and top-class restaurants. No wonder celebrities and high profile business people visit regularly. On the mountain, there’s one of the best restaurants in the Alps with equally impressive views. La Marmite specialises in caviar, truffles and Bellinis with panoramic views. A great bar to enjoy a drink is Roo Bar which is known for having a selection of great Australian beers.
Wengen, Switzerland (Transfer Time: 2hrs 15mins)
Steeped in history, Wengen is a unique place to go skiing. The incredible views of the Jungfrau ski region and the fantastic skiing are a great combination. It is also home to one of the most challenging Downhill ski race tracks called the Lauberhorn. A ski race that challenges the best skiers in the world each year on the World Cup circuit. You can explore 224km of pistes during your visit.
Wengen’s village has a traditional alpine charm that perfectly matches the picturesque views. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience we recommend the brilliant Chez Meyer in Hotel Regina. For those who want a late-night drink Hasenstall bar is open until the early hours of the morning. On and off the slopes Wengen is a great place to visit.
To find out more about the best ski resort near Zurich Switzerland, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
