Switzerland offers awe-inspiring Alps and fabulous mountain ranges. While the scenes are at their brightest and outdoor activities in summer are in full bloom, winter is when some other kind of magic is beheld. Landscapes draped with snow, villages with dangling lights, and winter sports add to the charm of this season.
From skiing down world-class slopes to experiencing unique dog sledding, low temperatures turn Switzerland into a winter wonderland where any of its hidden treasures are worth exploring. Thus, the revealing of its hidden treasures in this season is just, all in all, a unique, enchanting contrast to the summer appeal, which makes Switzerland worth visiting any time of the year.
The following article outlines some of the thrilling winter sports one can enjoy in Switzerland during the cold season. From active sports to charming local loveable activities, find out how one can be enchanted with this magical winter in this pretty alpine country.
1. Skiing
Switzerland is truly a land of real snow paradise. Unlimited slopes, magnificent mountains, and innumerable mountain huts in which one can warm up, make this winter wonderland worth seeing. The ideal descent awaits you in all difficulty categories, from the beginner to the accomplished skier.
The skiing hotspots of Zermatt, Verbier, St. Moritz, and Davos guarantee class skiing, whereas Saas-Fee and Crans-Montana mean unobstructed views with great variety in terrain. For a rustic alpine atmosphere, picturesque villages like Wengen and Gstaad are perfect; Laax and Grindelwald, however, suit the thrill-seeker with top snow parks and stunning mountain scenery. Feel the heartbeat of winter in Switzerland and make lifelong memories in these ski fields!
2. Snowboarding
Even in perfectionist Switzerland, the best snowboarding resorts are not always those topping the lists of skiers' favorites. So, what makes a Swiss mountain a snowboarder's paradise? Well, for starters, great snow parks - in an ideal world, more than one - are a requisite, as is a decent complement of modern lifts to keep the button and drag lift slog to a minimum. Easy off-piste access is another key ingredient. This naturally includes a lively après-ski scene for many snowboarders in any perfect resort.
Verbier, Davos, and Laax are thoroughly renowned for their perfect snowboarding facilities. Flims features some gorgeous terrain, while St. Moritz combines luxury with brilliant slopes. Nendaz and Zermatt both offer outstanding scenery and plenty of adventure opportunities. Crans-Montana and Leysin have brilliant snow parks, while Mürren has a lovely laid-back atmosphere with its breathtaking mountain backdrop. The list goes on about what constitutes a truly brilliant snowboarding resort, the difference one will find on the slopes.
3. Snowshoeing
How about visiting a great yet somewhat off-the-beaten-path winter wonderland? Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to get outdoors and start connecting with nature for some serene beauty. You can plan a snowshoeing outing on your own or go guided to enhance your experience. Whatever way you go, you will be able to revel in the silence of the snow and enjoy the most breathtaking views.
Snowshoeing in Switzerland means choosing among various such trails that promise very different experiences: the breathtaking Morteratsch Glacier via Morteratsch, the amazing scenery along Van d'en Haut to Lac de Salanfe, or the peaceful escape on the trail to Joncs Lake. On the other hand, the route from Lac de Bretaye to Lac Noir and Lac des Chavonnes offers magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. For a nice loop, try the Jöriseen Rundweg from Davos Wägerhus. Other notables include Le Petit Mology to Le Vuipay via Les Paccots, Zermatt to Fluhalp, and the pretty Les Pléiades route. Don't overlook the trail from Semsales to Niremont or Chemin des Ponts du Vallon de They, as well as from Morgins to Étang de Sassey. Each of these routes is an invitation to the magic that Switzerland develops in wintertime.
You may even want to combine snowshoeing with a traditional fondue meal in a snow igloo to complete the Swiss winter experience.
4. Sledding
Sledding is one of the best action-packed adventures in Switzerland. Each of the sledding runs is truly unforgettable, offering spectacular alpine scenery. The longest sledding run in Europe is the Big Pintenfritz, which offers unforgettable adventures.
Some perfect destinations for sledding are Grindelwald, with its picturesque trails, and Davos, with its well-groomed runs. The one and only, visually striking Engelberg; Klosters-Serneus, poised in its charm; the slopes of Saas-Fee to thrill you; family fun served at its best at Adelboden; and Kandersteg, with its beautiful settings rounding this list of some fantastic sledding spots. Slide down the slopes and view breathtaking sceneries.
5. Winter hiking
Ready for winter? Let the magic begin with winter hiking in Switzerland. Go for casual strolls through snowy forests, enjoy the jolly crunch of fresh snow beneath your feet, and then warm up in a mountain restaurant. Bring your hiking boots, and the brilliant winter landscape will do the rest for you.
Enticing winter hiking routes: a round trail on the Engstligenalp in Adelboden; the panoramic path from Männlichen to Wengen in the Jungfrau Region; an attractive, light circular hike from Schönried via Rellerli in Gstaad-Saanenland, and a tour from Rigi Kulm over Staffelhöhe to Rigi Kaltbad in Rigi.
Don't miss panoramic views on the Engelstock trail in Sattel-Hochstuckli and the Braunwald Panorama trail in Glarnerland. Hike in Unterengadin from Ftan over Prui to Sent or choose a trail from St. Antönien to Pany in Prättigau. Further, there is Zermatt, which provides beautiful scenery right from Blauherd to Fluhalp; Aletschgebiet invites you for a hike right from Moosfluh to Riederalp. You have many options to choose from to enjoy the Swiss winter wonderland.
6. Snowmobiling
With a snowmobile, you can simply glide over the sparkling snow in areas designated safe but that show you enchanting scenery. A fantastic option is the Titlis SnowXPark, where you'll have loads of fun playing amidst towering peaks and picturebook valleys on specially marked terrain.
These snowmobiles offer a thrilling ride with their two steering skids and wide track to ensure stable, effortless handling in all kinds of snow conditions. Carve through powder or cruise down scenic trails - either way, it's an unforgettable experience.
7. Dog sledding
Live this unique experience on a sled pulled by polar dogs in the breathtaking setting of the Alps. Sit cozily in your sled, while enthusiastic dogs will take you across the snowy slopes, allowing any animal lover, any nature enthusiast, or any kind of adventurer to live an unforgettable experience. Surrounded by stunning winter landscapes, these polar dogs are in their favorite element and will be happy to pull you along the immaculate trails.
Without a sled, the ride with the Siberian huskies across snow-laden landscapes is another way to experience this magic firsthand, as one gets to interact with these marvelous dogs straight from cold-weather regions.
Enjoy the thrill of sliding over the snow while drinking in the splendor of the alpine surroundings. You will even have the chance to learn the art of sled driving from professional mushers themselves, who are more than happy to share their abilities and passion for this incredible sport. Understand how a sled works and learn about the amazing job; it will enrich your experience. Don't miss creating memories that will be truly special in the heart of the mountains.
8. Ice skating
Though Switzerland has both artificial and natural open-air ice rinks, this place is in a class of its own due to its untouched beauty in its prime state. This is, in fact, a completely natural rink, unlike the artificial ice rinks that are made by technical processes with much resource investment. Each natural rink has its particular beauty: taking the form set by the surroundings, a picturesque backdrop framing every visit into an experience singular and different in the heart of winter's splendor.
During winter, the frozen lakes allow for all forms of winter sports on ice, from skating to ice sailing. For example, when Lac de Joux freezes solid, it turns into a hive of activity as thousands throng the haunt to feel the thrill of sliding on its icy surface. Besides Lac de Joux, there are indeed several other breathtakingly beautiful natural ice rinks around Switzerland that are just perfect for ice skating. Some of these beautiful rinks are located in Schwarzsee, Senseland, and at the natural-ice rink Glandenstein.
Other great places are Weissbad, Skateline Albula, and Albula, as well as the Natural Ice Rink Alp Raguta in Feldis. For really picturesque skating, take a look at Champex-Lac in Orsières or Bettmeralp in the Aletsch Arena. Oeschinensee and Kandersteg also provide great settings to make this a memorable experience.
9. Tobogganing
Tobogganing is a softer experience both for winter and summer. Whether flying down a slope or enjoying the brilliant views from a cozy mountain hut, this activity has something to suit all tastes. The toboggan runs offer exciting adventures with a beautiful view of the landscape in white attire. Add a little magic, and night-time tobogganing is an absolute delight. The result is a very special winter's night, swooping down the lighted track, full of unforgettable moments.
Switzerland has several mind-blowing venues for all the tobogganing lovers out there. Flumserberg has nice views and clean pistes, and Elm has good pistes for families. Alpine thrill seekers will love Chäserrugg or Pizol, where magnificent mountain views follow the tobogganing. Braunwald also offers beautiful scenery that can suit a day of playful activity as you maneuver the slopes. These spots offer visitors a thrilling outdoor adventure along with the mesmerizing alpine styles of the destinations.
10. Paragliding
This is an ideal activity for any adrenaline fan! Paragliding in the summertime in Switzerland is already one of the favorite activities of true adventure lovers, but flying over the Alps in the wintertime surely means having unforgettable moments with friends or family. Equally, it could be great for solo travelers in the company.
From above, you will have an unparalleled glimpse of the imposing Alps. You can try paragliding in Interlaken and enjoy the magnificent views of the Bernese Oberland region. Paragliding in Switzerland is extremely safe since it has been highly developed over the years. Just make sure you heed all the instructions your expert guide will provide, and everything should be smooth and well. Afterall, it is an adventure of a lifetime.
Adventure skiing or skating on beautiful outdoor skating rinks, dog sledding through beautiful sceneries, or going for a peaceful winter walk - there is something for every activity lover in this winter wonderland. AlpExcursion would love to introduce you to Switzerland’s magical winter activities giving you memories that will be everlasting in the wonderful nature covered by high mountain peaks.