Top 5: Best ski resorts in Switzerland
Are you planning your next ski trip to the Swiss Alps but can't decide where to go? Read on for Cirkel's top 5 ski resorts in Switzerland. We've weighed up the best ski runs, après ski spots and travel hacks — so you can make the best choice for your ultimate Swiss ski holiday.
And if you want to travel light? Cirkel Supply is a premium skiwear rental service that ships ski and snowboard clothing directly to your accommodation. Browse Cirkel's ski clothing rental collection and have your outfit waiting when you arrive.
Verbier
Best for: expert skiers, freeride enthusiasts, lively après ski
How to get there: For groups, Alps2Alps offers comfortable and reliable transfers. Or for a greener option, consider Tesla Transfers or the train. Driving time is approximately 2 hours from Geneva, while the train takes 2.5 hours.
What is Verbier’s best ski run?
Tortin is a world-famous Verbier ski itinerary that’s guaranteed to get the legs burning. Depending on the snow conditions, you can enjoy mogul skiing, or knee-deep powder. Tortin is the ultimate challenge for holiday skiers after they’ve had a few days to warm up.
As the home of the Freeride World Tour final, Verbier boasts kilometres of steep, technical terrain. While recognised as a freeride mecca, Verbier also offers gentler terrain for beginners and family skiing in La Chaux, Lac des Vaux, and Les Esserts.
Where is the best view in Verbier?
The stunning Combin massif is best viewed from Cabane Mont Fort, nestled next to the red piste that runs from Col de Gentianes to La Chaux. Perched across the valley, the Grand Combin is an impressive 4,314m, while the Petit Combin tops out at 3668m. The picturesque Cabane Mont Fort offers excellent snacks, drinks and lunch offerings to feast on while you take in the view.
Where is the best après ski bar in Verbier?
Le Farinet has a famous après ski bar with an unbeatable atmosphere. Throughout winter, the Farinet hosts live bands from 16:00 til 21:00 and is the après spot for anyone who loves loud music and free-flowing beer. When après ski enthusiasts raise the temperature with their dance-floor antics, the Farinet staff quite literally raise the roof - opening the venue to the stars.
Travel hacks for a Verbier ski trip:
Cirkel Supply's skiwear rental HQ is in Le Châble — just a short gondola ride from Verbier. We have partnered with accommodation providers in Verbier so that you can order your ski or snowboard outfit before you travel, and find it waiting at your hotel on arrival. No checked bags, no standing in a queue on day one of your holiday.
If your luggage is delayed or lost en route, same-day rental arrangements can be made via our last-minute rental page.
Further reading: Behind the scenes: a luxury Verbier vacation — insider tips from a Verbier concierge team. The best bars in Verbier: a nightlife guide — a full après ski and nightlife guide to the village. Mountain adventures with Les Guides de Verbier — for those keen to explore beyond the piste.
Zermatt
Best for: Iconic scenery, mixed-ability skiers, car-free resort experience
How to get there: Train direct to Zermatt via Visp (approx. 4 hrs from Geneva, 3.5 hrs from Zurich)
Where is the best skiing in Zermatt?
Schwarzsee Paradise is one of the best areas in the Swiss Alps for family ski trips. Explore bountiful options from beginner bunny slopes, to intermediate and advanced pistes.
For those looking for a challenge, ski to the Italian side of Zermatt and find the black run, Piste 59. Most of Piste 59 is extremely challenging, so make sure to do plenty of squats in advance of your trip!
What is the best view in Zermatt?
It’s hard to go past the stunning Matterhorn. The iconic peak — also known as the Cervin (French), Cervino (Italian), and the Hörnli (Swiss German) — dominates the skyline and is best appreciated from the Gornergrat ridge or from the Rothorn.
What is the best après-ski bar in Zermatt?
Dance, drink and be merry at Harry’s Bar for the ultimate après ski experience. Or if you prefer to live the high life with oysters, caviar, and fine wines head straight to Elsie's Wine & Champagne Bar.
Travel hacks for a relaxing alpine holiday in Zermatt:
Zermatt is a car-free resort, so arriving by train is the only option anyway — which makes travelling light especially worthwhile. Rent your ski and snowboard clothing with Cirkel Supply and have it delivered to your accommodation in Zermatt.
Further reading: Planning the ultimate ski trip to Zermatt — everything you need to plan your Zermatt holiday, from accommodation to transport. An eco-friendly family ski trip to Switzerland — tips for a sustainable family trip to Zermatt or Verbier.
Engelberg
Best for: Powder skiing, authentic alpine atmosphere, mixed groups
How to get there: Train to Engelberg direct from Lucerne (approx. 45 mins) or Zurich (approx. 2 hours)
What is the best ski run in Engelberg?
For those looking for a freeride challenge, our friends at Ski Lodge Engelberg recommend the Middle Sulz, accessed off the Jochpass system in Engelberg.
For families with young children just starting out, Engelberg's Globis Winterland and Yeti Park offer excellent beginner-friendly infrastructure.
Where are the best après ski vibes in Engelberg?
Ski Lodge Engelberg has a relaxed but buoyant après ski vibe, complemented by fantastic beers, wine and incredible food. It’s a gathering place for the local community and a mix of Swedish and other international guests.
This famous lodge is also a hotspot for professional skiers and snowboarders, so you’ll be sure to hear some tall tales of high alpine hijinks from amazing athletes riding awe-inspiring terrain.
Travel hacks for a Engelberg ski trip:
Book your stay at Ski Lodge Engelberg for the best food, drink, sauna and atmosphere in the village. Order your skiwear rental from Cirkel Supply before you travel — it will be waiting at your accommodation on arrival. For ski and boot rentals, Arena Sport and Okay Shop are the local go-to.
Further reading: Ski Lodge Engelberg's resident pro skier — interviews Sanne Mona, Pro-Skier & Marketing Manager at Ski Lodge Engelberg, check it out to discover her insider tips on Engelberg.
St. Moritz
Best for: Luxury travellers, prestige resort experience, varied skiing
How to get there: Train via the Glacier Express or Bernina Express routes, or directly from Zurich via Chur (approx. 3 hrs)
Where is the best skiing in St. Moritz?
The Corviglia ski area above St. Moritz offers a broad mix of well-groomed reds and blues suited to intermediate and advanced skiers, with sweeping views over the frozen Engadin lakes.
For a more challenging descent, the Hahnensee run from Piz Nair drops all the way down to the village of Celerina — a long, satisfying line with great variety. Advanced skiers looking for off-piste should explore the Diavolezza area on the other side of the valley.
Best view in St. Moritz?
From the top of Piz Nair (3,057m), the panorama across the Upper Engadin valley — with the frozen Lake St. Moritz, Lake Silvaplana, and Lake Sils spread below — is one of the most photographed alpine views in the world. Reach it by cable car from Corviglia.
What is the most famous après ski in St. Moritz?
The King's Club at Badrutt's Palace Hotel is the storied choice — a basement bar with a long history of hosting Europe's winter jet set. For a more accessible option, Camelot at Hotel Crystal has a lively après ski crowd without the velvet-rope formality. On a sunny afternoon, the outdoor terrace at Sunny Bar on Corviglia is a classic mid-mountain stop.
Travel hacks for St. Moritz:
St. Moritz attracts guests travelling from across Europe and beyond, many arriving by plane or train. Cirkel Supply delivers premium ski and snowboard clothing to hotels, chalets and apartments in St. Moritz — making it easy to fly in with only hand luggage and still arrive dressed for the mountain. Our rental catalogue includes technical and fashion-forward skiwear brands well suited to the resort's style-conscious crowd.
Browse the full Cirkel Supply rental collection and order in advance of your trip.
Andermatt
Best for: Advanced terrain, modern resort development
How to get there: Train from Zurich or Lucerne to Göschenen or Andermatt, approx. 2–3hrs
What are Andermatt’s best ski runs?
Advanced and expert skiers can take on the Gemsstock. This high altitude, north-facing mountain has notorious runs such as the Russi Run (named after Olympic champion Bernhard Russi) - guaranteed to get the blood pumping.
For those looking for a gentler challenge, the Nätschen area has lots to offer for families with beginner and intermediate skiers.
What is the best après ski spot in Andermatt?
The panorama train offers snacks, drinks, and après ski entertainment on your ride from Andermatt to Disentis. Stay tuned on Andermatt channels to book ticketed events such as the Daylight Techno Train – these sell out quickly.
Travel hacks for Andermatt:
Andermatt Tourism actively incentivises sustainable travel by offering discounted ski passes when arriving by public transport (only available during winter). Take the train, skip the motorway, and save on your lift pass.
You can further reduce the environmental impact of your ski trip by renting your ski clothing from Cirkel Supply rather than buying gear you'll wear only a few weeks each year. Rental is one of the easiest ways to make skiing more sustainable — and your outfit will be delivered to your accommodation ready for day one.
Quick comparison of Switzerland's top 5 ski resorts
| Resort | Best for | Size | Difficulty | Lift pass price* |
| Verbier | Freeride, expert skiers | 410km | 17% blue, 41% red, 42% black | CHF 75–90 |
| Zermatt | Iconic scenery, mixed ability skiers | 360km | 26% blue, 54% red, 20% black | CHF 75–90 |
| St. Moritz | Luxury resort, advanced skiers | 350km | 30% blue, 50% red, 20% black | CHF 55–95 |
| Andermatt | Modern resort, beginner & expert skiers | 180km | 32% blue, 40% red, 28% black | CHF 60–99 |
| Engelberg | Powder skiing, mixed ability skiers | 82km | 33% blue, 42% red, 25% black | CHF 50–102 |
*Lift pass prices are approximate ranges for a single adult day pass and vary by season, age, and booking method. Always check the resort's official website for current pricing.
