Skiing for the first time doesn’t have to be daunting. Finding the right resort is key, which is why our experts have selected the best ski resorts for skiing in Switzerland. We have factored in the location of nursery slopes, the number of easy pistes and the quality of ski schools. All the resorts we have picked have top instructors that will help you in the mountains. Take a look at our top picks for skiing in Switzerland for beginners.
Arosa
Down the road from the famous St. Moritz ski resort, Arosa has a lot to offer for beginners. There are nursery slopes and kids areas for first-time skiers to learn near the village. Once you’ve mastered the beginner areas there is 111km of blue pistes to explore. The Swiss ski resort attracts just as many non-skiers as skiers, because of its easy access and the beautiful town. It has a mixture of understated luxury, local traditions, and fantastic skiing.
Champéry
Champéry is one of the oldest but prettiest resorts in Switzerland. There are plenty of beginner areas to start learning on near the main village. As part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, you can progress on 320km blue slopes with a full lift pass. You can also admire the stunning views of the spectacular Dents du Midi mountain range.
Crans Montana
The amount of beginner ski areas and 55km of blue runs in Crans Montana is a welcoming combination for first-time skiers. It’s one of the rare resorts where you can see the iconic Mont Blanc and Matterhorn mountains whilst you’re skiing. Truly stunning views. Pack the sun cream as there are a lot of blue sky days in the south-facing resort. If you’re a foodie you’re in for a treat as there are over 90 restaurants in the village and mountains.
Davos
On and off the slopes, Davos is an easy ride and a great place to relax. Beginners can start on the nursery slopes at the foot of the Jakobshorn. There are 11km of green runs and 60km of blue slopes to progress on once you move up the mountain. The small town still has a traditional alpine charm but offers fantastic luxury options. You can also admire the fantastic mountain views that surround the ski resort.
Grindelwald
The Bodmia beginners area in Grindelwald is an ideal place to learn. Once you progress from here you can ski on 86km of easy blue runs on the piste map. Located in the Jungfrau region, you can admire stunning mountain views of the iconic Eiger and other peaks. The village is a picturesque mountain town with luxury ski options. You can even ride the mountain railway for a day to visit neighbouring mountain towns.
Klosters
Klosters is a glamourous ski resort that is regularly visited by members of the royal family. It’s also one of the top places for skiing in Switzerland for beginners. Three short nursery slopes are easily accessed near the village. On top of this, once you’ve progressed from the beginner slopes you can enjoy 11km of green pistes and 60km of blue slopes. Off the slopes, you can enjoy a wide range of restaurants and bars.
Nendaz
There has been a recent investment in the beginner’s area in Nendaz. This area is located at the top of the Tracout bubble and is a fantastic place to learn. There are new drag lifts and magic carpets on the wide easy slopes. Once you’ve progressed from the beginner’s area, there’s 107km of gentle blue runs to enjoy. Part of the 4 Valleys ski area, Nendaz is the more affordable resort compared to neighbouring Verbier.
Saas-Fee
The nursery area in Saas-Fee is a great place to learn because it’s completely separate from the main piste map. It gives first-time skiers a safe space to learn. There are also plenty of British ski schools in the area if you’re looking for a fluent English speaking instructor to hire. The village itself is car-free so it’s easy to get around safely. You can admire the glorious blue glaciers and the stunning mountain range that surround Saas-Fee. There’s also top-class restaurants and bars to visit too.
Villars
Villars has a great short nursery run next to the village, that’s perfect for beginner skiers. Once you’ve progressed your skills you can head over to the 94km of easy blues in the area. Despite being a small mountain village, it has a lot to offer. There’s an impressive range of shopping, restaurants and bars. There’s also a great selection of accommodation to book in the area too. Its located on the sunny south-facing plateau of the Rhone Valley, which means you get beautiful views of the Portes du Soleil mountain range.
Zermatt
What’s better than learning how to ski under the iconic view of the Matterhorn mountain? Zermatt has a state-of-the-art beginner park in the Sunnegga area, perfect for first-time skiers and children. Once you’ve progressed from the nearby beginner park, you can explore 72km of pistes on the mountain. When you’re off the slopes, there’s fantastic restaurants and bars to visit in the village. A ski resort that will give you the ski bug for sure.
To find out more about skiing in Switzerland for beginners, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
