Winter lovers, however, are not all the same: for some, this season is synonymous with relaxation under the duvet, a hot chocolate or herbal tea drunk while reading a good book, warmed by the crackling of the fireplace; For others, it means adrenaline-pumping sports and activities in the snow, complete immersion in changing landscapes, dizzying heights and fast descents.

The latter category of people just has to find out which are the best ski resorts in Switzerland, to get in touch with the landscapes, heights and environments they dream of for the rest of the year.

Zermatt, Canton of Valais

At the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is located in the middle of a gigantic region famous for hiking and skiing. Its ski area boasts 54 ski lifts and ski lifts, as well as 360 kilometres of slopes in some very versatile regions: Sunnegga-Rothorn, Gornergrat-Stockhorn, Schwarzsee and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Snowboarders and freestyle enthusiasts can try the Snowpark Zermatt, where Olympic athletes also train, while those who want to try a different experience can devote themselves to heliskiing, going off the traditional slopes together with an expert mountain guide.

St. Moritz, Canton of Graubünden

Much more than a ski resort, St. Moritz is where the concept of a ski holiday was established in 1864, has hosted two Winter Olympics and can boast an average of 322 days of sunshine per year. Precisely for this reason, more than 150 years ago, hotelier Johannes Badrutt won a bet with his English summer guests, promising them warm sunshine in the middle of winter and making St. Moritz one of the most famous winter holiday resorts in the world. There are 350 kilometres of downhill trails in the surrounding area, including the steepest in Switzerland, and 200 kilometres of cross-country trails.

Davos, Canton of Graubünden

The largest winter sports centre in the Alps, Davos is a true paradise for mountain enthusiasts: between 1,124 and 2,844 metres above sea level, it offers 58 ski lifts, 300 kilometres of downhill ski slopes, 100 kilometres of Nordic ski slopes, over 150 kilometres of snowshoe hiking and snow walking trails. Two hockey and ice skating rinks, curling courts and 8 toboggan runs. Those who prefer to spend more relaxed days can also opt for a horse-drawn sleigh ride.

Crans-Montana, Canton of Valais

Picturesque mountain village or alpine town? Crans-Montana is both, and manages to combine the comforts of a modern holiday resort with the unspoilt nature of the beautiful setting of the Valais Alps. From the plateau, the ski area climbs up to the Plaine Morte Glacier at an altitude of 3,000 metres: the slopes here are wide and open, making them perfect not only for beginners, but also for those who decide to venture off-piste. In winter, the resort’s well-known golf courses are transformed into cross-country ski trails, including one specially reserved for those who practice the skating technique.

Verbier, Canton of Valais

Located on a high plateau, Verbier is the most cosmopolitan of the mountain resorts in Valais: in winter, its extraordinary ski lifts are ideal for beginners and professionals alike, for families, couples or groups of friends, and offer a wide range of snow activities. In fact, the Les Quatre Vallées ski area offers 410 kilometres of slopes and almost 90 lifts, and brings together the winter resorts of Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Thyon and La Tzoumaz: with a cable car you can reach the top of Mont-Fort, at 3,330 metres above sea level, and then descend from one of the best black slopes in the Alps.