Winter sport destinations: Villages

Zermatt, the enchanting mountain village in Valais, is synonymous with the Matterhorn, probably the most famous mountain in the world. Zermatt will amaze you with its beauty in summer and winter. You will also be stunned by the idyllic charm that the village radiates.

St. Moritz is one thing above all thanks to its art, culture, shopping and the many events: it is diverse. The sun-drenched resort town will inspire you with its alpine ambience, its glamour and the outdoor activities in the beautiful Engadine nature.

Experience the fascinating mountains of Valais in Verbier, overlooking the Val de Bagnes: the region is world-famous as a ski holiday destination. Discover the outdoor arena of the “4 Vallées” winter sports area with Mont Fort and the magnificent mountain scenery and enjoy the wide variety of gastronomic and shopping delights on offer.

Laax, together with Flims and Falera, offers a fantastic hiking, biking and winter sports paradise – just an hour from Zurich. The sunny location and the magnificent mountain panorama make it an ideal destination for families, freestyle fans and nature lovers.

Grindelwald is considered to be one of Switzerland’s most popular travel destinations. The Gletscherdorf resort makes for an ideal starting point for excursions across the Jungfrau region as well as the entire Bernese Oberland. What’s more, from Grindelwald you’ll be able to enjoy direct views of the imposing Eiger north face.

Davos offers a wide range of sports in summer and winter. First and foremost are its hiking and bike trails and the most established ski resorts in Switzerland. Enjoy the fresh mountain air, picturesque side valleys and the sun terrace on the Schatzalp.

A car-free mountain village featuring wooden chalets and plenty of sun: this is Wengen, at the foot of the Jungfrau. It serves as the ideal starting point for your excursions to Grindelwald, the Kleine Scheidegg and the Jungfraujoch. The view of the Bernese Alps and Lauterbrunnen is sure to inspire you.

Engelberg and Titlis simply belong together. The Rotair revolving cable car, the cliff walk and the glacier attract visitors to the highest mountain in central Switzerland throughout the year. Engelberg-Titlis is one of the best ski regions in Switzerland thanks to sensational slopes measuring up to 3200 metres.

Andermatt impresses with its diversity. In summer, drives over the surrounding Alpine passes and hikes through the Schöllenen Gorge or along the Four Springs Trail beckon. In winter, you can ski from the Gemsstock all the way into Graubünden.

Adelboden, the chalet village on the Wildstrubel, inspires with panoramic hikes and the huge Adelboden-Lenk ski area. Experience adventures on the World Cup slope on the Chuenisbärgli or excursions to the Engstligen Falls and the Choleren Gorge.

Lenzerheide is located in the heart of Graubünden and is one of the most versatile holiday regions in Switzerland. The Heidsee, the Arosa Lenzerheide ski area, the Bike Kingdom and impressive peaks such as the Parpaner Rothorn await you.

Arosa – the natural paradise in Graubünden, which perfectly combines action and relaxation: In winter, skiing on the Weisshorn beckons, while the Squirrel Trail or the Bear Sanctuary are just waiting to be discovered in summer. What is more, you can also enjoy wonderful wellness opportunities together with views of the Alps.

Saas-Fee, the car-free village in the Saas Valley, is known for its excellent ski region at 3600 meters above sea level and also for its magnificent mountain scenery and glaciers. Here you can enjoy the Valais mountains while skiing and hiking or simply relax in one of the many spas and wellness baths.

A fascinating mix of outdoor adventure, relaxation, and luxury awaits you in Crans-Montana. The sunny Valais holiday resort high above the Rhone Valley offers sports activities for every taste, cable cars and mountain railways to the glacier and a panorama from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn.

Gstaad offers a mix of glamour, cosy charm and fun. Be enchanted by the chalet village with its car-free promenade and many shops. From Gstaad you can explore the idyllic side valleys and the mountains around the Sanetsch and Pillon Passes.

This Valaisan village, built in the architectural style typical of the Val d'Illiez, will enchant you with its rustic authenticity. The resort is situated at an altitude of 1'600 m in the shadow of the majestic Dents du Midi Mountains.

Visp is a “pocket-size Valais”: It is ideally situated between Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Leukerbad and the Aletsch Glacier. Discover the old town and the pedestrian zone with their many shops. Nestled at the foot of the vineyards, Visp looks almost Mediterranean, thanks to the abundant sunshine it enjoys throughout the year.

Located at the foot of the pyramid-shaped Sosto mountain (2221 meters), Olivone is the starting point for excursions and hiking tours to the impressive Greina Plateau, to the untouched Val di Campo or to the Luzzone Reservoir Lake.

Bettmeralp is an idyllic holiday resort high above the Valais Rhone Valley: No car far and wide, but a far-reaching view from the Aletsch Glacier to the Matterhorn. The Aletsch Arena offers you winter sports from October to April and a variety of activities for families.

From Leysin, you can look out over the Vaud and Valais Alps to Lake Geneva. The holiday resort spoils visitors with ample sun and attractive outdoor adventures. Enjoy the excursions on the mountain of Berneuse, with its half pipe, snow tubing and bike parks.

The town of Willisau has been in existence for over 700 years. Noteworthy sights include the town hall, the city layout with the gates, the heptagonal fountain or the governor's castle. An international jazz festival has been taking place here every year since 1970.

The idyllic mountain village of Ernen lies on the left side of the valley of Goms, above Fiesch. The village is part of Binntal Nature Park and is also well-known as a musical village, acting as the venue for an annual musical festival with international artists.

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.

San Bernardino – the alpine holiday resort below Piz Uccello and in the middle of forests and moors. On a tour to Lake Doss or to the top of the pass, you will be amazed at the beauty of this original mountain landscape. The big plus is the year-round outdoor activities.

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.

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.

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.

Morgins is located in the Val de Morgins on the border with France and is part of the huge Portes du Soleil ski area. Whether on the slopes in winter or on hiking and biking trails in summer - the charming mountain village offers nature, relaxation and sporting experiences for everyone.

The former smugglers’ paradise of Samnaun located in the Swiss, Austrian and Italian triangle has developed into a holiday resort for hiking enthusiasts and mountain bike riders. In winter the cross-border winter sports region of Samnaun and Ischgl (Austria) caters for the most discerning of visitors. All year round shrewd shoppers reap the benefits of the only tax-free resort in Switzerland.

The neighboring village of St. Moritz is by no means in its shadow: Celerina delights visitors with its charm, a variety of offerings and plenty of sunshine. San Gian, a church dating back to the 14th century, is perched just outside Celerina. It is the symbol of the village.

The Valais mountain villages of Unterbäch, Bürchen and Eischoll are situated on a sun-drenched terrace high above the Rhone Valley. These small family resorts in the region of Augsbord are a walker’s paradise from spring to autumn, and a favourite family winter sports’ region in winter.

The Sörenberg holiday resort lies in the Entlebuch Unesco biosphere at an altitude of 1165 meters. With its unique plant and animal life, this fantastic moor landscape earned the region the distinction as one of a mere 400-biosphere reserves in the world. A true highlight for nature lovers and families.

Veysonnaz is a mountain village typical of the Valais canton, situated on a slope above Sion, with beautiful views over the Rhone valley and to the Bernese Alps. The hiking area extends right up to the high peaks of the Valais Alps. In winter, Veysonnaz forms part of the "Four Valleys" skiing area, with over 400 km of prepared slopes.

Scuol is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Switzerland. The sweeping Inn Valley with its Engadin villages, Swiss pine and larch forests, Alpine meadows and mountain peaks will inspire you – whether you are visiting for winter sports, hiking, or biking. Enjoy deep relaxation in the mineral bath of Scuol.

Saas-Balen, the “Pearl of Serenity”, is perfect for hiking, relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet, while Mother Nature treats you to the most breathtaking views. Time seems to stand still up here - and yet there are plenty of opportunities to recharge your batteries by being active.

Whether you are looking for peace and quiet or adventure – in Pontresina you will find both in a unique environment: Watch ibexes above the village, marvel at the Morteratsch glacier and the Piz Bernina on the Diavolezza and enjoy excursions to Lake Staz or Val Roseg.