Switzerland ski resorts guide 2026

Switzerland boasts some of the best ski resorts in the world, so it can be tricky to narrow down your options if you’re planning a ski holiday here. We’ve highlighted some of the best Swiss ski resorts to visit in 2026 and beyond, according to the type of break you’re looking for – from the child-friendly facilities of Zermatt, to the beginner-ready slopes of Saas-Fee and exclusive hotels of St Moritz. And once you’ve settled on your destination, you can buy Swiss francs online – ready to spend on your trip.

Family ski resorts Switzerland

While most ski resorts in Switzerland are great for families, some resorts go the extra mile – whether that’s with comprehensive ski schools for all ages, or childcare facilities for babies and toddlers. We’ve pulled out two great Swiss ski resorts for families to get you started.

Zermatt is by no means a family-exclusive destination, but it’s got lots of features that make it ideal for a family break – so much so that it’s held the ‘Family Destination’ title from the Swiss Tourism Association since 2013. That’s partly because children up to the age of nine can get free use of ski lifts, trains, and even discounts on accommodation with the Wolli Card – named after the resort’s mascot.

Zermatt

The resort itself is in southern Switzerland at the foot of the Matterhorn – one of Europe’s most-photographed mountains. It’s completely car-free, so it’s worth bringing some cash for public transport and taxi fares around the resort and from the airport. Zermatt also has a range of runs for all abilities and a Children’s Paradise area where little ones aged 3 months and upwards can be looked after while their parents spend some time on the slopes.

Wengen

Another Swiss resort that’s great for families, Wengen is in Switzerland’s scenic Jungfrau region. The resort’s car-free status gives it a laid-back feel, particularly in the pedestrianised centre – where you’ll find plenty of child-friendly cafes and restaurants to pick from. Bring some Swiss francs to tip your server – in Switzerland it’s customary to leave some change when you’ve received great service, even when the service charge is included in the bill.

As for the skiing, there are slopes for all abilities, several ski schools, and family lift pass deals for children under 16. Factor in outdoor ice rinks and lots of free sledging areas (you can rent a sledge from the resort’s sports shops if you don’t have one with you), and there’s lots to keep families entertained.

Switzerland ski resorts for beginners

Taking older children, or new to skiing? The Swiss Alps are well set up for beginner and intermediate skiers thanks to wide, high-altitude runs and reliable snow. Below are two of the best resorts to start with – but there are plenty more.

Saas-Fee

Set in the canton of Valais in southwestern Switzerland, Saas-Fee is ideal for beginner skiers for several reasons. For starters, it’s got one of the best snow records in the Alps thanks to its location, so you can book a holiday from December all the way into mid-April and still have a high chance of finding snowy slopes.

Plus, the resort has a brilliant area for beginners – Kalbermatten – that’s separated from the more advanced skiers, so you don’t feel like you’re squeezed in or getting in the way. 

Saas-Fee’s non-ski activities are also some of the best in the Alps, with everything from snowboarding to sledging and snowshoeing on the Fee Glacier – perfect if you’re travelling with teens or just fancy a break from skiing.

Arosa

Almost half of Arosa’s runs are suitable for beginner skiers, which makes it a top choice for anyone wanting to learn the ropes on the slopes. And as it’s part of the wider Arosa Lenzerheide ski area, you essentially get two linked ski resorts in one – ideal if you’re travelling as a group of mixed abilities as you can access runs for all levels.

There are several ski schools close to Arosa’s main cable car, and lots of activities to get involved with off the slopes. That includes more than 60 kilometres of winter hiking trails that are groomed – so you can access them without snowshoes.

Luxury ski resorts Switzerland

Planning a luxury stay? You’ll find no shortage of premium ski resorts to pick from, with five-star hotels, designer shops and fine-dining restaurants. We’ve picked out two as a taster.

St Moritz

St Moritz is synonymous with luxury. This Alpine ski resort is known for its upscale hotels – including Badrutt’s Palace and Kulm Hotel, to name a few. Wherever you’re staying, it’s worth bringing some cash in the local currency as it’s customary to leave a small tip for the room attendants.

Paired with multiple Michelin-starred restaurants and designer shopping opportunities along streets like Via Serlas, St Moritz is one of Switzerland’s premier ski destinations. And it has such stellar skiing credentials that it’s hosted the winter Olympics twice, and is famously known as ‘the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism’ – with more than 350 kilometres of ski slopes and the oldest bobsleigh track in the world.

Verbier

Another ski resort that’s well-known for luxury ski holidays, Verbier teams world-class skiing conditions and luxury accommodation options with a lively apres-ski scene. It’s this combination that won Verbier the title of the World’s Best Ski Resort in the World Ski Awards 2021 and 2022, and it’s been named Switzerland’s best ski resort an impressive six times.

The resort itself is particularly popular with advanced skiers thanks to its challenging terrain and sheer scale – it’s part of the wider 4 Vallees ski area, which is Switzerland's biggest, and packs in more than 400 kilometres of slopes. Its off-piste terrain also makes it a must-visit for freeriders – find out why in our guide to the best ski resorts in Europe.

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