Ski Holiday in the Swiss Alps: Zermatt, Crans-Montana and Verbier Ski Resorts

Switzerland is a true dream destination for skiing enthusiasts, offering breathtaking Alpine scenery and expansive ski resorts that guarantee an unforgettable skiing experience. While Switzerland is generally known for its relatively high cost of living—something to be prepared for when planning your trip—there are ways to save on travel expenses.

If you’re planning a ski vacation in Switzerland, one cost-effective and flexible option is to fly to Italy, for example to Milan or Turin, and rent a car from there. Flights to Italy are often more affordable than directly to Swiss airports, and there are frequently excellent deals on flights to Milan in particular. Additionally, rental cars in Italy can be significantly cheaper, and the driving distance from both Turin and Milan to Switzerland’s popular ski resorts is between 2.5 and 4 hours, which is comparable to driving from Geneva or Zurich. When renting a car, it’s essential to ensure that crossing borders is permitted and to account for any potential additional fees. Also, make sure the car is equipped with snow chains for winter conditions. Affordable car rentals can be found on platforms like rentalcars.com.

For our own Swiss ski trip, we flew from Helsinki to Milan, where we spent a few days enjoying a city break. Afterward, we rented a car and drove through Lago Maggiore into Switzerland.

Now, let’s get to the main point: a quick overview of three top-tier ski resorts in the Valais region of Switzerland—Zermatt, Crans-Montana, and Verbier. All three ski resorts are located in the same area, relatively close to each other, making it easy to visit them all. The distance from Zermatt to Verbier is just over 120 kilometers, with Crans-Montana situated midway along the route.

Zermatt – Skiing at the Foot of the Matterhorn

Zermatt is a renowned ski resort located at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, offering around 200 kilometers of ski slopes. The resort boasts an international atmosphere, as it connects with the Cervinia ski area on the Italian side, allowing skiing in two countries and expanding the total skiable terrain to 360 kilometers. The village of Zermatt is a car-free zone, adding to its peaceful and idyllic charm.

The Matterhorn, rising to an altitude of 4,478 meters, dominates the views in Zermatt, and its breathtaking scenery has undoubtedly contributed to the village’s immense popularity—it left an unforgettable impression on us as well. However, Zermatt is not just about admiring the views; as a ski resort and holiday destination, it is truly world-class.

Zermatt is the highest ski resort in Europe, with lifts reaching up to an impressive altitude of 3,883 meters at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Be sure to dress warmly for this excursion, as the weather can be extremely windy, as it was during our visit, making the experience quite chilly. While the stunning views warmed our hearts and souls, the harsh winds somewhat diminished our ability to fully enjoy the site. After spending some time admiring the scenery and braving the cold, we eventually made a swift descent to find shelter from the wind. Despite the challenging weather, it was an absolutely spectacular place!

Another must-visit peak is Testa Grigia, located right on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Here, you can literally stand with one foot in Switzerland and the other in Italy—a unique experience worth having.

Keep in mind that if you want to ski on the Italian side, you’ll need to purchase a separate pass that grants access across the border. Additionally, be aware of weather conditions, as high winds may lead to lift closures. On unstable weather days, there’s a risk of being stranded on the wrong side of the border if the lifts shut down.

The Zermatt ski area is divided into three sections, each with peaks soaring over 3,000 meters. By carefully combining runs, the longest descent on the Zermatt side can stretch up to an incredible 25 kilometers! Beyond skiing, Zermatt offers a wide range of activities, ensuring plenty to see and do even on rest days.

Accommodation options in Zermatt primarily focus on higher-end hotels. However, if you’re looking for more budget-friendly alternatives, these are more easily found in nearby villages or in the town of Visp, which is just 30 kilometers away.

How to get there?

Zermatt is a car-free village, preserving its peaceful and authentic alpine atmosphere. Notably, if you’re traveling to Zermatt from Milan, you can take a route via Lago Maggiore that includes an auto train – an experience in itself. You drive your car onto the train, which transports you through the mountains from Italy to Switzerland. You remain in the car during the journey. The driving time from Milan to Zermatt is approximately 3.5 hours, while from Geneva, it’s about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

To reach the village of Zermatt itself, you’ll typically need to take a train from nearby villages or parking areas. Here’s a practical guide:

Arriving by Car

• Last Stop by Car: You can drive as far as Täsch, a village located about 5 kilometers from Zermatt. Täsch has several parking garages and lots where you can leave your car. Many of these offer 24/7 parking and shuttle services.
• Transportation to Zermatt: From Täsch and other nearby villages along the same road, there are regular train connections to Zermatt. For instance, the train ride from Täsch to Zermatt takes just over 10 minutes, with trains departing every 20 minutes from morning until late evening.

Traveling by Train

• From Major Cities: Switzerland’s rail network is extensive and efficient. Popular routes to Zermatt originate from Geneva, Zurich, or Milan, with travel times ranging from approximately 3 to 4 hours.
• Glacier Express Scenic Train: From Zermatt, you can also board the Glacier Express, a scenic train route to St. Moritz, offering breathtaking views across the Alps.

Short excerpts

• International Atmosphere: The connection to the Cervinia ski resort on the Italian side expands the skiable area.
• Scenery: Zermatt is located at the foot of the Toblerone Mountain, also known as the Matterhorn, creating an unforgettable and unique landscape.
• Activities Beyond Skiing: The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise area offers plenty to do on rest days, such as visiting the ice cave, enjoying various observation decks, and soaking in the charm of the village itself.

Crans-Montana – Alpine Glamour and Diverse Skiing

Crans-Montana is a well-known ski resort in the Valais region, which has grown over time by merging two villages, Crans and Montana. The resort is famous for its sunny days, stunning views, and a diverse selection of slopes, which are especially suitable for intermediate skiers. With over 140 kilometers of slopes, the area offers everything from wide, gentle runs to more challenging black runs. The highest peak, Glacier Plaine Morte (2,927 m), ensures snow reliability and offers extensive off-piste opportunities for more experienced skiers. The resort also has excellent après-ski restaurants and bars that complement the skiing experience. It’s worth visiting Cry d’Er for the atmosphere.

The slope selection in Crans-Montana is quite broad, with options for skiers of all levels: gentle and quieter slopes for families and beginners, while more experienced skiers can find steeper and more demanding areas, including off-piste routes. At the resort’s highest point, on the Plaine Morte glacier, it’s even possible to ski during the summer.

It’s important to note that the resort’s slopes mainly face south, which means the sun softens the snow by the afternoon, making skiing less enjoyable, in our opinion, compared to the other two resorts.

The village is particularly appreciated for its high level of service. Crans-Montana boasts several high-quality wellness centers, restaurants, and boutiques, allowing guests to enjoy excellent accommodations, food, and shopping, from Louis Vuitton to Hermès.

Short excerpts

• Snowpark: Crans-Montana features a popular snowpark, offering challenges for those interested in jumps and tricks.
• Events: Crans-Montana hosts events such as World Cup alpine ski races, allowing visitors to watch major competitions.
• How to Get There: Crans-Montana is about a 2-hour drive from Geneva and 3-4 hours from Milan. There is also a train connection from Geneva Airport to Sierre, followed by a short train or bus ride to Crans-Montana.

Verbier – Modern classic

Verbier is the gem of the Swiss Alps and one of the country’s most famous ski resorts. Known as a haven for off-piste skiing, it is part of the vast 4 Vallées ski network, which offers a total of 410 kilometers of slopes. The resort is especially popular among experienced skiers due to its extensive off-piste opportunities, but it also provides excellent skiing for beginners and intermediate skiers. Verbier is also famous for its lively après-ski culture and top-tier accommodations.

Located in the Valais region near the French border, Verbier is only 60 kilometers from Chamonix, France. During our visit, we took a short trip to Chamonix to explore the village.

The highest point in the area, Mont Fort, rises to 3,330 meters, offering stunning views of the Alpine peaks, including Mont Blanc on the French side and the Matterhorn.

Verbier’s ski areas are known for their challenging terrain, attracting freeriders who appreciate the expansive off-piste options. The legendary Mont Gelé peak offers a wide range of unmarked slopes for experienced skiers.

While Verbier’s reputation is largely based on its challenging runs, beginners and families will also find suitable slopes. Around the village, there are several gentler and easier runs, offering a variety of terrain for all skill levels.

However, Verbier is not just a ski destination—it’s also famous for its vibrant village life. The town blends the charm of an Alpine village with its popularity among celebrities, so you might encounter both famous faces and top freeriders.

The après-ski scene in Verbier is particularly lively, with well-known spots like La Luge and Farinet filling up day after day. On the slopes, it’s worth stopping at Les Ruinettes for a drink and enjoying the stunning panoramic views from a deckchair.

Getting to Verbier

By car, the village is accessible in about two hours from Geneva and about three hours from Milan. Alternatively, arriving by train is also easy, with trains reaching the nearby town of Martigny, from where a connecting service takes you towards Verbier.

Verbier is the perfect destination for those who appreciate a diverse range of slopes, excellent service, and varied entertainment options. Whether you’re interested in challenging runs, lively après-ski, or simply relaxing amidst Alpine scenery, Verbier offers all of this and much more.

Short excerpts

• Panoramic views: Mont Fort (3,300m) is the highest peak in the resort, but the slightly lower Mont Gelé is the only spot where you can see the entire 4 Vallées ski area from one location. The view is truly breathtaking.
• Vast area: Verbier is connected to other villages, such as Nendaz and Veysonnaz, greatly expanding the ski area. There’s plenty to ski and explore for even extended stays.
• Freeride World Tour: The resort hosts the annual Freeride World Championship competitions.

Practical Tips for a Ski Holiday to Switzerland

• Travel: Flying to places like Milan and renting a car can be the most cost-effective way to travel to Swiss destinations. Remember to reserve snow chains for winter conditions.
• Ski equipment: Some airlines, like Lufthansa, offer free transport for sports equipment, which can significantly save on costs. It’s worth comparing airlines for the best deal.
• Accommodations: In Alpine villages, the number of accommodations is limited, which can lead to higher prices. It’s a good idea to look for accommodations in nearby cities, which usually have good connections to the resorts.

No matter which of these Swiss ski resorts you choose—or even if you visit them all—rest assured that a ski holiday in Switzerland will leave a lasting impression!