Picking the correct resorts to ride as a snowboarder is key. A mixture of slopes and modern lifts can enhance the snowboarding experience. For more advanced snowboarders, the off-piste and snow conditions are also high on the list. In Switzerland, there are some fantastic places to enjoy snowboarding. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced rider there’s something for you. Our experts have created a guide for the best snowboarding in Switzerland.
Adelboden
Adelboden is ideal for intermediate and advanced snowboarders with its diverse terrain. If you buy a full lift pass you can access 204km of slopes. Beginners should be aware of the long flat pistes which can be trouble for riders. In addition, there are excellent off-piste opportunities in the area, ideal for powder hounds. If you’re keen on your freestyle, there’s an excellent snow park with different levels of jumps and rails.
Andermatt
Andermatt is ideal for all levels of snowboarders. You can explore 120km of slopes in the area. Beginner snowboarders will enjoy the use of the Natschen area, which has a more gradual but not completely flat terrain. The Gemsstock area provides an appealing range of challenging black runs, a fun park and a half-pipe, for more advanced riders. In addition, there are brilliant off-piste opportunities in the area.
Crans Montana
Located on the North side of the Rhone Valley, Crans Montana is one of the best places for snowboarding in Switzerland. You can explore up to 140km of slopes, making it one of the biggest snowsport destinations in Switzerland. The area also has a brilliant reputation for freestyle with great snow parks in the area. It is also ideal for those searching for a powder thrill, with excellent off-piste terrain in the area.
Engelberg
The short transfer times from Zürich airport, make Engelberg the ideal place for a weekend trip. It has 89km of varied slopes, ideal for any level of snowboarder. Approximately 30% of the pistes are said to be gentle terrain, which will suit beginner boarders looking for some flatter paths on the Brunni side of the valley. More advanced riders will love the steep descents of the Laub area and the snow park in the Jochpass area.
Flims Laax
Home to the best freestyle snowboarding in Switzerland, Flims Laax is a mecca for those wanting to do tricks. It has some of the best snow parks in Europe with state-of-the-art features and excellent teams working on the jumps and rails. No wonder professionals spend a lot of time training here. In addition, it has great slopes with 235km of slopes to enjoy. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced rider there’s something for everyone.
Gstaad
Gstaad is renowned for its luxury accommodation and glamorous atmosphere. It also has superb snowboarding terrain in the area. Beginners who are still mastering the basics can take on the wide, flat runs on the Saanenmöser slopes to practice turns and easy cruising. There’s notable off-piste territory which is in the Saanen area and on the Les Diablerets glacier; which is best explored with a mountain guide.
Saas Fee
Saas Fee delivers on and off the slopes. It is a fantastic destination for all levels of snowboarders. There is 100km of pistes to enjoy in the area and there are brilliant off-piste opportunities too. Advanced snowboarders will enjoy the off-piste tree runs around Platjen; whilst intermediates will be delighted with a wide range of cruising reds and blues across the whole resort. Beginners have plenty of nursery slopes to learn on too.
Verbier
The Verbier area is very snowboarder friendly and is perfect for all levels of riders. Beginner boarders can make use of the resort’s nursery run at Les Esserts. You can explore an impressive 412km of slopes in the area. The freeride opportunities are excellent with the Freeride World Tour regularly held in Verbier. The world’s best snowboarders compete to win in a freeride competition. If you love freestyle there are great snowparks too.
Wengen
Part of the Jungfrau area, Wengen is a unique destination. Enter the resort by train and admire the incredible alpine scenery. It has a quiet atmosphere for most of the season, which means lift queues are small. You can access 224km of slopes with a full lift pass. Kleine Scheidegg offers plenty of wide-open red runs which are excellent territory for snowboarders looking to build up technique and practice their carving.
Zermatt
Home of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt offers terrific snowboarding. There is 360km of slopes to explore with great access to neighbouring Cervinia. The terrain best suited to beginners can be found in the Gornergrat area, which has a nice run leading back to the village. The more advanced riders will enjoy the excellent freeride opportunities in the Stockhorn or Schwarzsee areas. If you want to try a bit of freestyle there are great snowparks on the Klein Matterhorn.
To find out more about snowboarding in Switzerland, please call our ski experts on 020 3944 7213.
