The Ultimate Skiing Experience in Valais, Switzerland

Switzerland might appear small on paper, but it truly expands when you look up. Welcome to one of Europe’s most mountainous countries, where the Alps ripple across 60% of its territory. With a whole lot of vertical, peak performance is the mantra here – the Swiss seem practically born with skis on their feet, and even four-year-olds will whizz by you on the slopes. The thrill is never greater than where the glacier-capped Alps reach their pinnacle: Valais, a stunning canton tucked away in the south of Switzerland and straddling the Italian border.

When the first snowflakes fall in winter, the land of the iconic Matterhorn and the towering Dufourspitze (Switzerland’s highest peak at 4634m) experiences a surge of skiing enthusiasts ready to attack the pistes or carve fresh tracks in the backcountry. Whether you’re a black-run thrill-seeker, a lover of cruisy blues with expansive views, or an absolute beginner, there’s a run awaiting your discovery.

Zermatt

Best for Riveting Matterhorn Views and Skiing into Italy

Let’s kickstart our adventure in Zermatt, where you will never forget your first sight of the majestic Matterhorn. This perfect pyramid-shaped peak embodies Switzerland like no other. Most probably, you will catch a fleeting glimpse from the little red train heading from Visp to Zermatt. Upon arrival, breathtaking vistas await on the slopes, which are the highest in the country, peaking with the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car station, where you can feast your eyes on 14 glaciers and 38 mountain peaks soaring above 4000m.

The car-free Zermatt serves as an exceptional base for skiing, with a total of 360km of pistes accessible when combined with the over-the-mountain Cervinia in Italy. The cruisy slopes around Rothorn, Stockhorn, and the Klein Matterhorn cater well to confident intermediates, while numerous off-piste areas promise adrenaline for powder hounds (it’s wise to hire a guide). Furthermore, family-friendly skiing is available at Wolli Park Sunnegga, alongside a snowpark featuring rails, boxes, jumps, and kickers for boarders. A significant perk for families is that kids under nine ski free.

Arolla

Best for Quiet, Uncrowded Slopes and Heavenly Off-Piste

Nestled in the traditional Val d’Hérens, the serene hamlet of Arolla (population 200) serves as a picturesque setting, offering stunning views of glacier-encrusted 4000m peaks. Positioned at an altitude of 1998m, Arolla boasts an impeccable snow record and a selection of 47km of primarily blue and red runs ideal for beginners and intermediates. Moreover, it’s relatively economical by Swiss standards.

The remoteness also grants access to splendid off-piste terrain for ski touring, best attempted with a knowledgeable guide. Additionally, Arolla forms a vital leg of the legendary Haute Route, connecting Zermatt to Chamonix, which passes through the enchanting Mont Blanc massif and is tailored exclusively for expert ski tourers.

Verbier

Best for Challenging Slopes and Celeb Spotting

Set within a south-facing bowl, glamorous Verbier is the epitome of Swiss cool, featuring a remarkable skiing environment from 1500m (the village) to 3330m (Mont Fort). The heart-racing black runs, glorious off-piste trails, narrow couloirs, and mogul-spotted itineraries present serious challenges even for adventurous skiers—and the infamous freeride Tortin awaits those brave enough to take it on. Freeriders and boarders thrive at the La Chaux snowpark, located at 2250m, right in the heart of the expansive Les 4 Vallées ski area.

Crans-Montana

Best for Sun and Sparkle

On a high plateau above the Rhône Valley lies the elegant ski resort of Crans-Montana, where 160km of primarily south-facing slopes link seamlessly via ultra-modern cable cars, making it perfect for confident beginners and cruisy intermediates. Stunning 360-degree views encompass towering giants like the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.

Bettmeralp-Aletsch

Best for Serene Slopes and Glacier Gazing

Imagine the quintessential Swiss Alpine village, only magnified significantly—Bettmeralp is snowbound, mountain-rimmed, and sprinkled with charming dark-timber chalets, perched at 1970m. The picturesque landscape offers not just scenic beauty but also 104km of pistes within the renowned Aletsch Arena. Most runs primarily cater to intermediates, making it an easily accessible skiing experience for various skill levels.

Champéry

Vast Slopes and Skiing to France

Bordering France, Champéry is part of the magnificent Les Portes du Soleil ski area—home to a staggering 600km of pistes spread across two countries and 12 resorts. This singular pass accommodates all your skiing desires.

Saas Fee

Best for Freeriders and Boarders

Encircled by an amphitheater of 13 towering peaks above 4000m, Saas Fee sits at the base of the 4546m Dom—the second-highest mountain in Switzerland. This resort offers fantastic powder skiing opportunities, accommodating all levels from beginners to advanced.

Make It Happen

Geneva Airport (GVA) serves as the gateway to the Valais region, boasting fast, frequent, and scenic rail connections to major ski resorts. Opting for the train is often better than driving, as many resorts maintain car-free environments, complemented by buses and cable cars for easy transport between towns and ski regions.

The ski season typically runs from December to April. For optimal deals and availability, it’s recommended to avoid the peak season during Christmas and Easter. To save time and money, consider purchasing ski passes and renting equipment online. For group lessons, look into reputable ski schools in the region.