Winter sport destinations: Villages

Nestled between the mighty Säntis massif and the seven Churfirsten peaks, the resorts of Alt St. Johann, Unterwasser and Wildhaus are among the highest-lying municipalities in Toggenburg. Eastern Switzerland's largest winter sports area is just one hour from the airport and Zurich.

Close to the capital of the canton, Schwyz, and the place of pilgrimage Einsiedeln, in an idyllic, wide open alpine foothill landscape at 900 to 2200 metres, lie the holiday and sports destination of Hoch-Ybrig and the sunny villages of Ober- and Unteriberg.

Sattel-Hochstuckli is in the foothills of the Alps in Schwyz, in the heart of Central Switzerland. Here you’ll find the first cable-car in the world to have revolving panoramic gondolas to take passengers up to the family mountain.

Situated at 1'100 m altitude, the peaceful village of Torgon overlooks the Rhône valley and Lake Geneva. Ideally located, the town is close to Montreux and Aigle and only 45 minutes from Lausanne and 75 minutes from Geneva.

Located at the foot of the Schilthorn, Mürren is considered one of the most beautiful mountain villages in Switzerland. The area around the car-free village boasts excellent hiking and winter sports opportunities, impressive waterfalls and an incomparable view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Bergün can be found on the UNESCO Albula railway line, which is also home to the world-famous Landwasser Viaduct. This destination will inspire you with its picturesque village centre, the railway museum, the beautiful Parc Ela nature park and the fast-paced toboggan runs.

The Blenio Valley in northern Ticino extends from the Lukmanier Pass (1914m) down the valley as far as Biasca. Leontica at the center of the valley is part of the municipality of Acquarossa. A popular excursion destination is the Romanesque church of San Carlo di Negrentino.

This family-oriented village at 1'668m altitude is the ideal jumping off point for anyone who wants to explore the Portes du Soleil.

Malbun is the main holiday resort in the little Principality of Liechtenstein. This small village is ideal for families in summer or winter. There are many cultural attractions to visit in the nearby capital, Vaduz.

Spiez is located in what is probably the most beautiful Swiss bay on the deep blue Lake Thun. Here you can stroll through the vineyards or on the beach path with a view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. You will visit the castle and enjoy excursions by steamboat or to the local mountain Niesen.

A community of ten villages close to Grand Saint Bernard, Liddes boasts a vast, mountainous landscape and a huge variety of hiking trails and sites.

The small resort villages of Wilderswil and Gsteigwiler are situated in the immediate vicinity of Interlaken. They are the ideal starting points for excursions to the highlights of the Bernese Oberland.

Elm is nestled in the Glarus Alps and offers pure nature – including the impressive Martinsloch. The car-free family ski area, versatile hiking opportunities and sustainable alpine tourism make Elm a real insider tip.

Villars-sur-Ollon offers you alpine ambience, outdoor sports and experiences in the heart of nature. From Lake Geneva, you can reach the friendly chalet village, which is situated 1,300 meters up, in no time at all. Have fun hiking, golfing, visiting thermal baths or enjoying the extensive winter sports area of Villars-Gryon-Les-Diablerets.

Riederalp – the car-free mountain village offers you direct access to the Aletsch Glacier and a fantastic view of the Valais four-thousand-metre peaks. Enjoy the peace and quiet in the village, experience first-class summer and winter sports in the Aletsch Arena and explore the fairytale Aletsch Forest.

Located on the northern slope of the Chasseral at the heart of the Jura region, the Les Bugnenets-Savagnières ski resort is known primarily as the birthplace of one of Switzerland’s most talented skiers, Didier Cuche!

Altstätten is situated in the Rhine Valley of St. Gallen, at the foot of the hills of the Appenzellerland. As a market town with a long tradition, it boasts one of the loveliest historical town centres in Eastern Switzerland.

The gate to the romantic Fex Valley is idyllically embedded between Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana. With only 700 inhabitants, Sils presents itself in an introspective, familiar and inviting manner. Besides the tremendous natural experience, the cultural offerings are also exquisite.

Carì is situated on the southern slope of the Leventina Valley above Faido at 1,650m above sea level: an ideal place for sports and nature enthusiasts.

The fine farming village and service centre of Erlenbach is nestled among the delightful Simmental landscape in the foothills of the Alps at the feet of the Stockhorn, from where you can enjoy an impressive view of 200 mountain peaks.

Welcome to the mountain herb village of Albinen, which offers 300 days of sunshine and fantastic views over the Rhône Valley. The Pfyn-Finges Nature Park and the thermal baths in nearby Leukerbad promise the ultimate in relaxation. Experience the Gemmi or Torrent mountains – or take a trip to the Matterhorn.

Habkern, a small, pretty mountain village, is situated seven kilometers from the international resort town of Interlaken. A stress-free sojourn in a traditional atmosphere and in the midst of a breath-taking natural world is guaranteed here.

Bosco Gurin is the highest village in Ticino and still preserves its whaling tradition today. Nestled in an alpine landscape, the village attracts sports enthusiasts, families and nature lovers in search of scenic beauty, nature and the tranquillity of the mountains.

Wellness, nature and tradition can all be found in Charmey: allow yourself a spot of pampering in “Les Bains de la Gruyère”, explore the La Montsalvens man-made lake or the Vounetz leisure mountain, and marvel at living customs – from alpine descents to the production of the famous Gruyère cheese.

Saas-Almagell is the “Mountain Village Pearl”. Up high where the air is clear, it offers cosy hospitality and breathtaking mountain scenery. A holiday here will get you away from the hustle and bustle but you won’t be bored for a second.

Appenzell is synonymous with the most beautiful Swiss traditions, such as yodelling, cheese, seasonal cattle processions and traditional dances. Marvel at magnificently decorated houses and living craftsmanship. Conquer the Alpstein massif, with the Säntis, Lake Seealpsee and the Berggasthaus Äscher mountain inn.

Champex-Lac is idyllically located on the lake of the same name in the Lower Valais. The charming mountain village at 1,470 metres above sea level inspires with peace and nature, hiking routes to the Mont Blanc massif and the botanical alpine garden. Perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities in the mountains.

The Valais holiday resort of Zinal is situated at an altitude of 1670 m at the end of the Val d'Anniviers (Eifischtal) where it becomes the Zinal Valley. It nestles amidst this majestic mountain landscape crowned by the 4000-metre-peaks of the Weisshorn,Bishorn, Zinalrothorn, Obergabelhorn, Matterhorn and Dent Blanche.

Lauterbrunnen has pretty much everything that makes Switzerland special, all in one place. Marvel at natural spectacles against an alpine backdrop. Stroll through picture-postcard villages. Take Switzerland’s most beautiful hiking and winter sports areas by storm. And experience the UNESCO World Heritage Jungfrau-Aletsch from up close.

The vital Upper Engadine’s main city is not only a political center but also the cradle of Engadine’s way of life. Samedan is important thanks to its location in the heart of the Upper Engadine: the village is the turning point and pivot of the Rhaetian Railway and the home of the small international airport.

An ideal mix of bathing culture and mountain scenery – this is Leukerbad. At the largest thermal spa resort in the Alps, you can enjoy fresh air, impressive views and a wide range of sporting facilities. Revitalise yourself in the mineral-rich thermal water after a day spent out in nature.

Flims has everything you could possibly need for a perfect mountain holiday: a varied landscape for hiking and biking and one of the best winter sports areas in all of Switzerland. In addition, there are natural wonders such as the Rhine Gorge, the Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona, Lake Cauma and Lake Cresta.

Gimmelwald is one of the most unspoilt mountain villages in Switzerland. The car-free village is located at 1367 meters in the Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Bernese Oberland and can only be reached by cable car. It is the starting point for hikes into the Sefinental valley and the surrounding mountains.

Vercorin's position on a plateau high above Sierre in the Rhone valley reminds you of an eagle's eyrie. This holiday resort in the Valais, between the conservation area of the Vallon de Réchy and the entrance to the Val d'Anniviers, is famous for its climate, so mild that you can even see cherry trees in bloom.

Ringgenberg-Goldswil (located near Interlaken) offers vacation visitors a special attraction overlooking Lake Brienz - a lovely lido, the "Burg-seeli". It enjoys a sheltered setting with pleasantly warm water tem-perature, and is popular among swimmers and sunbathers from early summer.

Perfect hiking and winter sports opportunities await you around the holiday resort of Lenk. Explore the area around the Wildstrubel with its glaciers, mountain lakes and the rushing Simmen Falls. Enjoy the hospitality in the alpine farms as you wander.