15 Top Things to Do in Winter in Switzerland
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Loading... - Seth Simon
- 23 Dec 2021
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There are plenty of things to do in Switzerland for non-skiers, too. The snow fun continues off the pistes, with trails for snowshoeing, ice-skating on frozen lakes, and great dining and shopping when you're ready for a break from the cold weather. Plus, unless you're staying at a ski resort, winter means smaller crowds at the most popular attractions and much better prices for flights and accommodations – a big plus in one of Europe's most expensive countries.
1. Discover World-Class Skiing
There's perhaps no better reason to visit Switzerland than the amazing skiing – no matter if you're a snow expert or just a beginner.
St. Moritz, home to 87 pistes and host to two Winter Olympic Games, is the place to visit for both skiing and snowboarding, while Zermatt offers 360 kilometers of runs at the highest ski area in Switzerland.
There's also Davos, one of Europe's largest winter sports areas, where multiple ski resorts interconnect to offer groomed runs, beginner slopes, and off-piste terrain for the advanced skiers.
If you're after a more relaxed vibe or gentler runs, Switzerland has plenty of smaller resorts that will satisfy you. Saas-Fee in the Valais region offers 37 kilometers of beginner trails plus areas for kids and learners, while the less-known Arosa Lenzerheide resort area offers lots of winter sunshine and plenty of groomed runs for intermediate skiers.
Even better, skiing in Switzerland is a social adventure, not just a sport. At the end of a day-long skiing session, head to a mountaintop restaurant for a cup of hot chocolate or a hot meal by a crackling fireplace.
2. Ride the Bernina Express
No other winter train ride in the world can beat the Glacier Express route between Zermatt and St. Moritz. The eight-hour-long ride takes you through the snow-covered Alps and over 291 bridges, as well as glacier lakes, and narrow valleys that seem to go on forever. It's one of the most stunning ways to enjoy the winter scenery while sipping a cup of hot chocolate.
Because this is Switzerland, your choice of stunning train rides doesn't end there. The Bernina Express between Chur and Tirano is another incredible route that goes through snow-covered fir trees and rolling mountainsides covered in clouds.
This particular Bernina Express even offers a full moon excursion on the line between St. Moritz and Alp Grüm, with classical music playing and lights out to enjoy the beauty of the sky in all its splendor.
3. Shop at Christmas Markets
One of the highlights of visiting Switzerland in winter is shopping at some of Europe's best Christmas markets.
Zurich is home to many holiday markets, including Christkindlimarkt, the largest indoor Christmas market in Europe, inside the main train station. In Basel, the main city square becomes home to almost 200 artisans selling their wares from inside tiny wooden chalets, while Bern's Waisenhausplatz Christmas market offers not only Christmas decorations and gifts, but also souvenirs.
Geneva has several Christmas markets known for their old-school carrousels, live caroling, and a focus on artisans' work. And in Montreux, you can visit an authentic-looking medieval market at the Chateau de Chillon Castle.
In addition to great shopping, Swiss Christmas markets are also a feast for your taste buds, offering things like cheese fondue and rösti (potato pancakes).
4. Ice-Skate on Natural Rinks
You'll find plenty of ice-skating rinks in Swiss cities, but the true experience here is to jump on a natural rink. Surrounded by forests, deep inside valleys, and sometimes only accessible via a chairlift ride, natural rinks are everywhere in Switzerland.
Europe's largest natural ice rink is in Switzerland, in the winter resort town of Davos. It covers 18,000 square meters, and it's used by professionals (ice hockey players and speed skater champions), as well as beginners just wanting to have some fun.
In the Jura area of Switzerland, a number of lakes freeze over in winter, transforming into giant ice rinks. Lac (lake) de Joux, sitting at an altitude of 1,004 meters, is a stunning icy display. Lac des Rousses and the Lac des Tailleres in La Brevine area are also popular destinations.
For those keeping their trip urban, Katzensee Lake just outside Zurich also attracts ice-skaters during winter. Read More…
