You don’t have to go far from Zürich to reach excellent winter slopes. There are many fun and affordable ski resorts only about an hour drive from the city. This means you can easily ski for the day or even just an afternoon, instead of waiting for the ski holidays or a weekend getaway.
For this list, we’ve picked ski resorts that are particularly good for families, with features like good beginner hills, family discounts, fun features like fun parks and sledding hills. Remember that kids under 6 ski free most everywhere.
So here are our favorite ski resorts near Zürich, with links to detailed reviews of each resort.
Contents
- 1. Flumserberg – the most popular ski resort for Zürich families
- 2. Elm – locals only, not crowded
- 3. Brunni-Alpthal – good for families with beginners
- 4. Raten – first time on skis
- 5. Stoos – very close & classic Swiss scenery
- 6. Pizol – easy drive and affordable family pass
- 7. Hoch Ybrig – closest ski resort to Zürich
- 8. Amden Arbenbüel – ski and sled on the same hill
- 9. Chäserrugg
- 10. Wildhaus Toggenburg
- 11. Sattel – close to Zürich
- 12. Davos Klosters – large resort with wide open pistes
- Map of all Swiss ski resorts
- Video version
Note: Prices updated in Jan 2023 and may change without notice.
1. Flumserberg – the most popular ski resort for Zürich families
This ski resort is one of the most popular with Zürichers because it’s the closest “big” ski resort and easy to reach by both car and train. This is a good choice for kids and beginners with its free magic carpets, drop-in ski lessons, and easy beginner slopes. It also has nice intermediate and advanced terrain for parents, while the kids are busy in ski school.
Kids of all ages love the freestyle fun park and racing course, with all sorts of jumps and obstacles. The Zürich International Ski School offers ski lessons in English. We particularly like that you can drive up the mountain and park right at the beginner’s area, so non-skiing adults don’t have to buy a lift ticket and you can easily go back to your car for supplies.
Website: www.flumserberg.ch • current conditions • webcam
Location: Tannenalp
From Zürich: 1hr15 by car, 1hr30 by public transport
Price 2022/23: Adult CHF 69, Child CHF 34.50, less on weekdays
See our post about Skiing at Flumserberg
2. Elm – locals only, not crowded
Elm has been our family’s favorite ski resort for years. It’s a small resort, but the slopes are so nice that we have everything we need, from beginner to advanced levels. It’s very affordable and doesn’t have the crowds like at bigger popular resorts like Flumserberg or Laax.
We love it for powder days because it has great off-piste right next to wide groomed runs, so my husband and I can enjoy the powder while still monitoring our kids. The beginner’s area has two magic carpets at different steepness. It often has an jump with an air pillow, which my boys love. It has a 4km sled run that we like to do at the end of our day, but is also great for non-skiers that need a full day activity.
Website: www.sportbahnenelm.ch • current conditions • webcam
Location: Schiesserblock 24, 8767 Elm
From Zürich: 1hr15 mins by car, 1hr45 by train/bus
Price 2022/23: Adult CHF 53, Child CHF 27
See our post about Skiing at Elm
3. Brunni-Alpthal – good for families with beginners
Brunni-Alpthal has some good features for families, particularly their tiered pricing and half-day passes making it much more affordable for a family to learn to ski. The beginners lift was perfect for practicing after my son already knew how to use a drag-lift. They also have a magic carpet that services both a beginner’s ski run and sled hill, which is nice if you have non-skiers in your group.
The bigger runs are mostly served by steep extremely long T-bars, which doesn’t seem to bother a lot of people but was an absolute no-go for our family. So after we graduated from the beginner lifts, we started skiing elsewhere.
Website: www.brunnialpthal.ch • current conditions • webcams
Location: Brunnistrasse 21, 8849 Alpthal
From Zürich: 45 mins by car, 1hr30 by train/bus
Price 2022/23: Full resort day pass Adult CHF 41, Child CHF 28, discount for partial resort tickets and for families
See our post about Brunni-Alpthal
4. Raten – first time on skis
Raten is one tiny ski hill with one disc lift and a smaller tow rope. This is a good choice when your child is just learning and needs to practice for a couple hours. It’s very inexpensive, an easy hill and conveniently right next to the parking lot. There’s no reason to spend big bucks at a full resort when you can’t yet enjoy everything it has to offer.
Raten also has a no frills sledding hill (just walk back up), so non-skiers can also be entertained. It’s close enough to Zurich that you can even drive over on a Wednesday afternoon for just a couple hours. It also has a playground with a zip line, winter walks, a horse-drawn sleigh, and a full-service restaurant.
Website: www.skilift-raten.ch • webcam
Location: Holderbachweg 9, 6315 Oberägeri
From Zürich: 40 mins by car, 1hr20 by train/bus
Price 2022/23: Adult CHF 14, Child under age 16 CHF 9, Family CHF 27 (cash only)
See our post about Skiing at Raten
5. Stoos – very close & classic Swiss scenery
We ski at Stoos in Central Switzerland for the jaw-dropping views and the steepest funicular in the world, but the slopes are pretty great too. Plus the adorable car-free village nestled between the peaks makes you feel like you really are in Switzerland.
For families, we love that they offer a very affordable family ski pass and cheaper beginner tickets that cover the practice hills. Stoos has a bunny hill for beginners with magic carpets and two practice hills with T-bars. But we like it best for advanced beginner and intermediate skiers that are looking for more of a challenge. You’ll find plenty of vertical but most of the pistes are quite wide, which is great for those that need to make turns to control their speed. For non-skiers, there is an exciting long sled run and winter walks.
Website: stoos-muotatal.ch • current conditions • webcams
Location: Grundstrasse 234, 6430 Schwyz, Lake Lucerne region
From Zürich: 45 mins by car, 1hr30 by train/bus
Price 2022/23: Adult CHF 52, Child CHF 28, Family pass CHF 130 (2 adults, all kids under 16)
See our post about Skiing at Stoos
6. Pizol – easy drive and affordable family pass
We fell in love with Pizol after a couple amazing powder days there, exploring the slightly off-piste areas with our kids. But it has a lot more going for it, including the affordable family pass.
I also love that the cable car is right off the freeway, so no mountain driving. It’s a smaller resort but has plenty of variety to keep both the kids and adults happy. Last year, our kids discovered the race course and spent the whole morning repeating that. Because it’s rather exposed at the top, not great for windy or bad weather days.
Website: www.pizol.com • current conditions • webcams
Location: Loisstrasse 50, Bad Ragaz, Eastern Switzerland
From Zürich: 1hr10 mins by car, 1hr30 by train/bus
Price 2022/23: Adult CHF 60, Teen CHF 39, Child CHF 30, Family pass CHF 159 (weekend prices, less in Webshop)
See our post about Skiing at Pizol
7. Hoch Ybrig – closest ski resort to Zürich
When the snow is fresh and we want to carve the first runs, we always choose Hoch Ybrig because it’s the closest and doesn’t require driving up a winding mountain road. Our kids love the “racing track” which is a little trail with turns and jumps. As parents, we love the wide open slopes with ungroomed powder fields between the groomed pistes.
While the kids stay on the groomed intermediate slopes, us parents can snowboard right next to them on untracked powder. It’s not our favorite place for beginners because even the blue runs are quite steep, giving both me and my 6 year old a lot of stress. But once you have some basic skills, it’s full of possibilities.
Website: www.hoch-ybrig.ch • current conditions • webcams
Location: Waagtalstrasse 126, 8842 Unteriberg
From Zürich: 50 mins by car, 1hr30 by train/bus
Price 2022/23: Adult CHF 57, Child CHF 30, family discount
See our post about Skiing at Hoch Ybrig
8. Amden Arbenbüel – ski and sled on the same hill
When my kids were little, I was so happy when I found this little ski hill that worked for both my skiing 6yr old and my sledding 3yr old. My 6yr old was a beginning skier and I needed a small hill where he could ski “by himself” while I sled with my 3 yr old. Since we were on the same hill, I could still see my 6 yr old and rescue him if needed.
I’ve tried a few other places but usually the hill was too big so I couldn’t see him as he came down and there was no place near the ski hill for me to sled with my little one. This slope was just what I needed at the time. This is a small operation and a small hill, but a good option for families with a both beginning skiers and non-skiers to entertain.
Website: www.amden-weesen.ch • current conditions • webcam
Location: Föhrenstrasse 4, 8873 Amden
From Zürich: 45 mins by car, 1hr30 by train/bus
Price 2022/23: Adult CHF 38, Child CHF 24
See our post about Skiing at Amden
9. Chäserrugg
This medium sized ski area in Eastern Switzerland has spectacular views and exciting terrain best suited for intermediate skiers. We particularly like the extra long runs and spectacular views over the cliffs. We also loved that its northern exposure meant most of the resort was lit by the late afternoon sun instead of icy over in the shade.
At the Iltios middle station, there is a nice snow garden with drop-in classes for little children learning to ski. But other beginners may find this part of the ski resort a little too challenging as most slopes quite narrow and steep. Instead, beginners may prefer the adjacent Wildhaus ski area, which has a discounted beginner’s ticket and more blue runs.
For non-skiers, there is a gorgeous winter walk along the cliffs at the top, nice snowshoeing areas, and a long sled run.
The resort uses a dynamic pricing model, so the ski pass price varies depending on demand and how far in advance you book. If you book far in advance, you can pay as little as CHF 45/adult.
Website: www.chaeserrugg.ch • current conditions • webcams
Location: Unterwasser-Iltios funicular – Früeweidstrasse 8, 9657 Unterwasser
From Zürich: 1h30 mins by car, 2hr by train/bus
Price: dynamic pricing starting at CHF 45/day
See our post about Chäserrugg Ski Resort
10. Wildhaus Toggenburg
This small ski area in the Toggenburg region is particularly suited to beginners and families as it has a variety of learning slopes and discounted beginner tickets that only cover the easier lifts. They also offer attractive family discounts and partial day ski tickets.
We like this area with slightly older kids that want a little more independence, because a non-skiing parent can see their kids on the bigger ski hill while managing smaller children in a snow play area. We also appreciated that the intermediate and a couple advanced runs conveniently end at the beginning areas, so families can meet up for breaks and lunch.
Much of the Wildhaus-Oberdorf ski area is a bit lower elevation than other resorts, so be sure to check snow conditions beforehand, especially in early or late season skiing.
For non-skiers, they have a couple long sled runs and a beautiful panorama winter walk at the very top.
Website: wildhaus.ch • current conditions • webcams
Location: Schönenbodenstrasse 13 9658 Wildhaus
From Zürich: 1h30 mins by car, 2hr by train/bus
Price 2023/24: Adult CHF 58, Teen CHF 49, Child 6-15 CHF 29
See our post about Wildhaus Ski Resort
11. Sattel – close to Zürich
Many families love Sattel Hochstuckli because designed for families and is super close to Zurich and Zug. They do have a nice snow garden for absolute beginners, shown in the pic above. But you have to ride a cable car up to reach the beginner’s area, which mean adults have to buy a ticket even if you aren’t skiing and only managing your child.
I prefer to go to Flumserberg where I can park right by the magic carpets for free. Also, they only have T-bar lifts which I find exhausting and difficult when accompanying small children. That said, it is a beautiful area and very popular. So if you live close by, definitely give it try.
Website: www.sattel-hochstuckli.ch • current conditions & webcam
Location: Eumatt, 6417 Sattel, SZ-CH, Central Switzerland
From Zürich: 40 mins by car, 1hr15 by train/bus
Price 2022/23: Adult CHF 42, Students CHF 36, Child CHF 19, snow garden (ages 3-6) CHF 10
12. Davos Klosters – large resort with wide open pistes
If you are looking for a larger, destination resort, we recommend Davos/Klosters, which is an enormous ski resort encompassing multiple mountains. Davos Klosters close enough for a day trip from Zürich, but so big that you’ll have plenty to explore for a week long holiday.
We loved the Klosters Parsenn area, with easy wide open pistes and a wide variety of terrain. Many of my friends love the snow garden and beginner’s area at Madrisa, but I haven’t tried it myself. One downside is that the ski school happens on different mountains depending on your child’s ability. The drop-off/pickup point is at the same train station for everyone. But it could be inconvenient if you want to meet up with your child to ski after their lessons.
Website: www.davos.ch • current conditions
Location:
From Zürich: 1hr35 by car, 1hr50 by train
Price 2022/23: Adult CHF 74, Student CHF 54, Child CHF 31 (cheaper online)
See our post about Skiing at Klosters Parsenn
Map of all Swiss ski resorts
Here is a map showing lots of Swiss ski areas, including our favorites that we detail in this post.
Did we skip any of your favorites? Let us know where you like to ski.
See also all our Swiss ski resort reviews for bigger, destination resorts like Davos/Klosters
Video version
I also made a video of this post in case you prefer to listen than read.
14 responses
Hi Tanya
Thank you so much for these recommendations and reviews, very helpful! I saw your recommendation for engelberg, we went to Zermatt before but on a summer and we are planning to visit around April, we want our kids ages 11, 7 and 2 to experience a snow (living in the desert!), we are torn to come back to Zermatt or experience something else.
Our kids are not skiers, we just want them to have fun in snow, appreciate your recommendation.
You might check my Spring post that lists which ski resorts are scheduled to be open in April. https://swissfamilyfun.com/spring-switzerland/#20_Spring_Skiing
My recommendations for ski resorts for kids:
Toddlers (3-4): Raten
Little Kids (4-5): Airolo (Bowl with long magic carpet, next to a big lodge with cafeteria)
Bigger Little Kids (6-7): Arosa (middle mountain beginner area with two t-bars and a run through the forest to the base; limited tickets for that area, even for adults, available)
Big Kids and Teenagers (8+): Laax (lots of snowparks and huge choice of terrain)
Hi Joe, thanks for sharing your tips for skiing with kids near Zürich. Very helpful.
Hi Tanya,
Loved reading your blog, thank you for the extensive details and info. I have 2 boys – 7 and 3 years old – and I am taking them to see snow for the first time. I would like to take them sledding, snow tubing (if possible) and just to make snowman and snow angels. We will be traveling from Zurich (by train would probably be easiest) just for the day.
My question is: which slope do you recommend for beginners and which is closest to Zurich by car or train for a day trip?
Also, do you reckon there would be snow last week of November/first week of December?
Thanks so much!
Naz
Hi Naz, sorry for the late reply. Most ski resorts will not be open by the first week of December. You might find this post helpful: https://swissfamilyfun.com/ski-switzerland-november/ Probably none of the sled runs will be open by then. The place I would monitor would be Engelberg Titlis. You can definitely ride up to the glacier to play in the snow. If we happen to get a lot of snow between now and your visit, they may open the sledding hill at the Trübsee middle station, which would be ideal for your wishes. Check their website for current status: https://www.titlis.ch/en You can reach Engelberg quite easily by train from Zürich.
Hi Tanya,
Thank you for all the time and trouble you take to keep us updated with the latest information. We live in Zurich (gold coast) and I’m looking for a weekend ski place we can take our beginner kids (5 and 3 years), the same place each weekend so they get comfortable. Somewhere within 1-1.5 hours’ drive of Meilen, good kiddy slopes and weekend lessons, more or less “guaranteed” snow, not crazy expensive or crowded, and the cherry on top (but not necessary) would be slopes for adults too. We tried Flumserberg last year and found it crowded, but this year many low-key slopes like Amden, Raten, etc. don’t have snow yet. What would you recommend? I know, lots of demands, but I figured, if anyone knows it would be you! TIA.
Good question! Low elevation resorts are having a hard time right now. I have four recommendations. I checked that all have beginners area that are open.
Pizol https://swissfamilyfun.com/pizol-family-ski/
Elm https://swissfamilyfun.com/skiing-with-kids-elm/
Stoos https://swissfamilyfun.com/stoos-family-skiing/
Grüsch (on the way to Klosters, their website is confusing!) https://www.gruesch-danusa.ch/berg/pisten
I just did a live story on Instagram explaining my choices, check it out: https://www.instagram.com/swissfamilyfun/
Hi Tanya, just wanted to leave a comment here that, three years (and a lifetime in pandemic time!) later, we are dedicated visitors to Elm, and even sprung for a season pass. Thanks again so much for your recommendations. We built such a good relationship with the ski school at Elm, they were super accommodating through all the ups & downs of pandemic, lack of snow, and everything else. Nothing but great vibes from this resort, and our now 8 and 6 year olds are confident skiers thanks to our frequent visits here. Thank you so much!
So glad you are enjoying Elm! We love it too and always plan to go there first after every snow storm.
Hi Tanya, your post in incredibly helpful. I would love your recommendation:
1. I don’t like to ski. I occasion snowboard but I love sledging.
2. Our 8 year old girls love sledging — we like long runs with turns if possible
3. My husband is a good skier but is happy to take the kids around skiing so no need for black runs.
4. My kids have skied before but as they have only gone twice, they could do with intermediate level lessons plus some wide gentle slopes.
5. We will be flying in from London so looking for an easy to get to location.
6. I would love something else to do other than just skiing but if close to Zurich I could stay in Zurich.
7. We were not planning on renting a car but could if it makes it much easier.
Based on the above, which places would you recommend? Do you recommend we stay in Zurich or closer to the ski place? Also would there be places nearby to rent equipment?
Thank you SO much.
Hi Jennifer, I’m so sorry your comment got lost and I wasn’t able to respond in a timely manner. I hope you have figured out your ski holiday and had a nice time in Switzerland. For future reference, I think Klosters would have been a great choice for the scenario you describe above. https://swissfamilyfun.com/ski-klosters-parsenn/ If you are primarily doing a ski holiday, it makes sense to stay near the resort. There are lots of activities for non-skiers, like winter walks and sleddings. You could also take the train to Zürich for some city amusements and museums. Every ski resorts has sport stores onsite that provide rentals. Good luck!
Hi Tanya your blog is quite impressive, the number of details are amazing and very useful for families who never visited Switzerland before.
I am flying to Zurich on Dec, 15th with husband and 2 boys (10 and 8 years old). Is the post about ski with families updated? In middle of December is possible to ski near Zurich or no snow yet?
Thank you
It’s very hard to say if we will have enough snow to ski on in December. Sometimes we get a good storm in December, enough to open the resorts, but it doesn’t always keep snowing enough to make the conditions great. Prime ski time usually starts late January. But that doesn’t mean you can’t ski. Just plan to go to the highest elevation possible, where they can make snow if necessary. Some higher elevation resorts include Engelberg, Andermatt, Lenzerheide, Davos, and of course Zermatt and anywhere you can ski on a glacier. I hope this helps. When it gets closer to your trip, check the winter ski report on Search.ch to see which resorts are open and how many lifts & runs are open. Good luck!