Ski holidays Switzerland

Skiing holidays in Switzerland

Swiss ski resorts come in all shapes and sizes and in many different styles too – from chocolate box charming to modern, purpose-built functional. Swiss ski resorts vary from small, mountain villages such as Villars-sur-Ollon and Zinal to the large, internationally-renowned ski meccas such as Zermatt and St. Moritz. This means whatever your ski holiday requirements may be, from quiet, family oriented ski resort to lively, glamorous ski resorts, you can be sure that you will find the perfect ski holiday destination in Switzerland. Swiss ski resorts are often thought to be expensive and in the past this was generally the case. Until recent years, because of its rather conservative reputation, Switzerland’s skiing clientele was a rather older crowd looking for a sophisticated ski holiday and the prices matched the average holiday budget. However, in recent years, Swiss ski resorts such as Verbier and Saas-Fee Saastal have seen a change in attitude and are now attracting a much younger, trendier crowd looking for good skiing, classy resorts and great après-ski. The good news is that the prices have become more affordable and competitive with neighbouring alpine countries such as France and Austria.

Snow is practically guaranteed in Swiss ski resorts

Après-ski in Swiss ski resorts used to be a rather conservative affair – a little like everything in Switzerland! However, in recent years, après-ski bars such as the hugely popular Hennu Stall in Zermatt and Le Rouge Restaurant & Club in Verbier have been changing the way we see Swiss après-ski and Swiss ski resorts can now compete with its European mountain neighbours! Swiss ski resorts are generally situated at very high altitudes meaning that snow is practically guaranteed in all ski resorts throughout the winter season. Ski lifts are, in line with most Swiss infrastructure, modern, fast and efficient and the slopes meticulously maintained. More and more British skiers make the choice of spending their ski holiday in Switzerland each year and it’s not hard to see why!

Childcare in Swiss ski resorts

If you’re planning your first family ski holiday and you’re looking for childcare options in Swiss ski resorts, then read on… Many ski holiday companies now offer specially adapted childcare programmes as part of the ski holiday package and it’s good to look around to find the one that suits you and your family best. If you have not booked a package holiday, however, there are also places available in locally run kindergartens (nurseries) which are used to looking after British children and have staff who speak good English. Check when booking if you are looking for childcare for a very young baby – you need to bare in mind that some kindergartens won’t take babies younger than six months. Kindergarten’s in Swiss ski resorts often operate non-skiing childcare for children from 4 years old which is handy if you have a reluctant little skier in your family! As you would expect in Switzerland, the standards are very high in these establishments and the staff professional and well-trained so you really can go off up the slopes for the day knowing that your little ones are in good hands.

Après-ski and nightlife in Swiss ski resorts

In the past, après-ski in Switzerland suffered from a bad reputation as being rather dull and unexciting. However, over recent years, Swiss resorts such as Verbier and Saas-Fee Saastal have started to catch up with their European mountain equivalents such as Ischgl, Val d’Isere and Meribel. Don’t worry, you can still find quiet, traditional après-ski if you’re not up to table dancing and going to bed at sunrise! So where are the hottest après-ski spots in the Swiss Alps? Verbier, in the huge 4 Valleys ski area, is a chic, trendy ski resort and has the nightlife to match. Verbier is large enough to cope with the heaving crowds of thirsty skiers and snowboarders at the end of the day. Up by the main gondola lift, you will find a choice of après-ski bars waiting to lure you in with tasty cocktails and lively music – up here you can appreciate the late afternoon views while quenching your thirst! One bar which is largely responsible for the change in après-ski tempo in Verbier is the Le Rouge Restaurant and Club which was opened in 2008. This venue and has quickly earned a legendary reputation on the European après-ski circuit. If 400 square metres of sunny terrace, seating with sheepskin throws and 360 degree panoramic views sound tempting, then stop off at Le Rouge for either a tasty lunch or some Ibiza-style après-ski!

Low-key après-ski in Swiss ski resorts

Zermatt has to be featured here too for having a great variety of après-ski life from cosy bars and lively local discos to classy nightclubs. There's something to suit all tastes and budgets and après-ski stamina levels too. You can start off at Elsie's Bar at the end of your day on the slopes and sip some champagne while eating oysters as an aperitif! If you’re looking for unpretentious nightlife then try the Broken Bar and if jazz is your thing, then move onto The Pink. The Mont Cervin is where the chic and trendy crowd hang out… If you’re looking for more low-key après-ski, there are regular torchlight skiing descents, folklore evenings and ice hockey events organised in Swiss ski resorts.