With a wealth of glaciers and gnarly steep runs, Swiss resorts have a lot to offer intermediate and advanced skiers. Mile upon mile of spectacular off-piste make these areas great for backcountry skiing as well as ski touring, and recent changes to ski areas have meant that there is generally now enough to keep beginners happy as well.
Down in the valleys Switzerland excels by offering enchanting resorts that retain a feel of the original Alpine farming villages that they once were. The scenery is often stunning too, with imposing mountains such as the Matterhorn. The more well-known Swiss ski resorts are associated with high society and money but many of them are in reality more concerned with skiing and hiking in the mountains than posing in fur coats. Swiss ski resorts are also much more welcoming to British tourists than many other European ski resorts.
The Swiss have been working long and hard at ways of attracting skiers and snowboarders back to their mountains since the Swiss Franc split from the Euro. There are deals to be had on lift passes and occasionally on dining out and it is well worth contacting local tourist offices to see what their latest incentives can offer you as a British skier visiting with your English pound.
Travel booked in advance through the UK based Switzerland Tourism offices can save you a good deal on train travel and sometimes on lift passes too.
Swiss airlines also still offers FREE ski carriage.
So whilst not being in the Eurozone there are still good deals to be had in Switzerland this season.
Resorts
A historic village in breathtaking scenery, best for intermediates
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High, open and extensive ski area with several base villages – Flims for the traditional Swiss visitor, and Laax for the freestyle crowd
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From the chocolate-box village at 1800m to the north-facing, snowsure, top-of-the-world altitude on the glacier, Saas-Fee charms on every level
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The historic site of British upper-class winter tourism; the mountain scenery and extensive skiing mean there’s substance as well as style
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A smart, big resort with energetic nightlife, swanky clientele, and lots on offer for expert skiers
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A vintage skiing experience, from the cog railway to the Victorian hotels, and all in the breathtaking shadow of the mighty mountains
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World-class, high-altitude, snowsure skiing beneath the iconic Matterhorn, and a charming Swiss town with deep mountaineering roots
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