33 ideas for a great winter trip in Switzerland

My list of 99 beautiful excursion destinations in Switzerland is one of the evergreens. At the same time, the tips there focus on the summer half year and there was therefore a lack of an equal list of ideas with beautiful winter excursion destinations. Finally, I would like to fill this gap with this post. Here you will find a concentrated load of ideas on where your next winter trip could take you. From smooth ice trails to panoramic winter hiking trails to high-altitude flights over the Aletsch Glacier – from hidden side valleys to well-known winter sports resorts – and from short and crisp half-day excursions to sporty day tours, everything is there.

So that you can quickly filter out those excursion destinations that are in your catchment area, the following map gives an overview of the geographical location of the individual tips.

And if you know of a great destination for the winter that is not yet on this list – then write me your tip in the comment field at the end of the post. I’m always happy to receive new inspiration.

The most beautiful excursion destinations in winter at a glance

#1 Ice Trail Sur En – Winter excursion to the Lower Engadine

Not far from Scuol in the Lower Engadine, a “smooth” thing literally awaits you. In the winter months, a forest path on the valley floor in Sur En is transformed into a three-kilometre-long ice trail. Ice skates and helmets can be rented on site. It takes a bit of courage for the first two or three moves, but then the magic of gliding through the wonderfully wintry forest landscape of the Lower Engadine prevails on this circuit. The Sur En Ice Trail is open daily during the winter months and is also suitable as a family outing with children.

#2 Winter break in St. Antönien im Prättigau

The small Walser settlement of St. Antönien in Prättigau is not only a great starting point for a variety of winter hikes and snowshoe tours far away from the hustle and bustle, but also a great destination for a short winter break. In the middle of the village centre of St. Antönien, the Hotel Madrisajoch scores with comfortably furnished hotel rooms and a small, fine wellness area including hot tub. The perfect place to warm up after an active day in the snow (e.g. on the panoramic winter hike from Pany via the Bodähütte to St. Antönien).

#3 Winter idyll on the Fürenalp near Engelberg

At the far end of the Engelberg Valley, a short cable car ride takes you to the Fürenalp at 1,850 metres above sea level. Up here, a sunny high plateau awaits you with a remarkable panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. Now you could lie down in the first deck chair you come across or go snowshoeing on one of the two marked trails that zigzag through the alpine landscape. Less strenuous, but no less impressive, is a short winter walk on the 2.5-kilometre-long Fürenalp panorama trail.

#4 Wintergenuss in Siat

A foehn storm “eats away” the fresh snow in no time at all or is it simply predicted to be otherwise nasty winter weather? Then maybe it’s time for a detour to Siat. In the middle of this pretty mountain village on the sunny side of the Surselva is an architectural highlight by the Graubünden architect Gion A. Caminada. The Ustria Steila stands for enjoyment, culture and encounters – and with its cosy wooden rooms, it is perfect for cosy afternoons of reading. If the weather is better than expected, then the leisurely winter hike from Ruschein to Siat is tempting – including a detour to the restaurant of the Ustria Steila (provided that the restaurants are allowed to open their doors again – of course).

#5 Wintery Arnisee

The Arnisee high above the Reuss Valley is an idyllic winter destination for families and all those who like it cosy. The car-free sun terrace of Uri can be reached by a short cable car ride from Amsteg or Intschi (although the one from Intschi is closer to the lake). The winter offer includes both a marked winter hiking trail of three kilometres in length and the seven-kilometre-long Arnisee Trail – a snowshoe hike that is also suitable for beginners. Snowshoes can be rented at the Amsteg-Arnisee mountain station if required.

#6 Bachtel Lookout Tower – Winter in the Zurich Oberland

The days with snow down to the lowlands have unfortunately become rare. If a cold spell does bring the white splendour to the Swiss Plateau, then the opportunity will be used for a winter adventure on the doorstep. I can recommend a detour to the Zurich Oberland for such days. In addition to an extensive network of cross-country ski trails, there are also beautiful route options for winter hikes. An adventurous – and physically challenging winter hike in fresh snow – leads in just over three hours from Gibswil over the panoramic Bachtel to Wald.

#7 Winter excursion destination Sattel-Hochstuckli

Another beautiful winter excursion destination in the vicinity of Zurich can be found in the Schwyz ski resort Sattel-Hochstuckli. Among other things, we recommend the BrückenRUNDweg from the Mostelberg mountain station over the 374 m long suspension bridge. An easy winter hike of just under 45 minutes, which is also suitable for families with small children (as long as there is no fear of heights). More challenging is the 10-kilometre-long Biberegg-Herrenboden snowshoe trail; a top snowshoe hike for sunny fresh snow days.

#8 Eiger-Mönch-Jungfrau view in Mürren

The homely and car-free Mürren is idyllically located on a sunny plateau high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley in the middle of one of the highest ski areas in the Bernese Oberland. A particularly beautiful panoramic view of the famous triumvirate of the Bernese Alps is offered by the four-kilometre-long Chänelegg Trail. In addition to the attractive companions called Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, the snowshoe trail, which is set out as a round trip, convinces with a beautiful mix of wooded sections and open plateaus.

#9 Winter trip to Braunwald

Car-free Swiss winter sports resorts can be found not only in Valais and the Bernese Oberland, but also in Glarus. Here, the family-friendly Braunwald with a colourful bouquet of winter activities can meet almost all requirements. If you want to spend an active day in the snow, I can recommend a detour on the Braunwald Panorama Trail. Depending on the snow conditions, sturdy winter shoes are sufficient and snowshoes are not necessarily required. A special highlight of the eight-kilometre-long circular hike is the ever-present Vordere Eggstock, which rivals the Matterhorn with its angular shape.

#10 Alp Garfiun near Klosters

The Graubünden resort of Klosters is surrounded by a dense network of winter hiking trails and cross-country ski trails. The options are varied and accordingly the people are well distributed in the area. The circular hike to Alp Garfiun promises a lot of peace and quiet. To do this, follow the leisurely ascending winter hiking trail from the Klosters sports centre along the cheerfully bubbling Landquart into the valley with a view of the Silvretta massif via Monbiel to the mountain pub of Alp Garfiun, about 7.5 kilometres away (with take-away option). Alternatively, the route can also be tackled on cross-country skis (there is a groomed trail leading to Alp Garfiun).

#11 Winterparadies Glaubenberg

The Glaubenberg moorland between the Entlebuch and Lake Lungern and Lake Sarnen is considered an Eldorado for cross-country skiers in winter. The high valley (around 1,450 metres above sea level) is criss-crossed by a good 40 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails. But here you can not only glide wonderfully through the freshly snow-covered landscape on narrow slats, but also trudge along charming paths with snowshoes and climb the “Jänzi”. A (physically demanding) round trip leads in 12 kilometres from the Glaubenberg to the beautifully situated panoramic summit at 1,738 m above sea level and then back to the starting point.

#12 Winter excursion to Lake Lauenen

Lake Lauenen near Gstaad is not only a worthwhile destination in summer, but also worth a visit in winter. From the Geltenhorn post bus stop, follow the pavement into the valley until the signposted winter hiking trail branches off to the right at the Hotel Alpenland and leads with a gentle, steady incline to Lake Lauenen. To ensure that you don’t miss out on this excursion (especially when the restaurants are closed), you can equip yourself with a fondue backpack at the Gstaad dairy. This must be ordered no later than the day before the planned tour and contains all the ingredients for an unforgettable outdoor experience in the midst of the wintry backdrop of Lake Lauenen.

#13 Lauchernalp – Lötschental in winter

Versatile, sun-drenched and snow-sure until well into spring – the Lauchernalp in the Lötschental combines many a positive attribute of a ski area. In addition to varied slopes, there is also a wide range of winter hiking trails. Perfect for exploring the impressive scenery of the surrounding four-thousand-metre peaks at a more deliberate pace. A highlight in the truest sense of the word is the Lauchernalp high-altitude panorama trail. This starts at the mountain station of the Hockhorn gondola lift at 3,111 m above sea level, making it the highest winter hiking trail in Europe.

#14 Winter hiking on the Chäserrugg

Since the opening of the summit restaurant built by Herzog & de Meuron on the Chäserrugg, Toggenburg has gained another attraction. But the trip to the easternmost of the seven Churfirsten is not only worthwhile for those interested in architecture. In winter, a perfectly groomed winter hiking trail awaits you on the Chäserrugg (Panorama Circular Trail Rosenboden) including phenomenal panoramic views from Lake Walen over the Glarus Alps to the Säntis.

#15 Winter Insider Tip: Bargis near Flims

The buzzword “insider tip” should always be chosen with caution – but for the high valley of Bargis near Flims, this term seems to me quite adequate. The snow-sure high valley lies behind a rock ridge formed by the Flims landslide at around 1,550 metres above sea level and can be reached either on foot or by post bus from Flims (access road closed to private traffic). Up here there are beautiful cross-country ski trails (including the possibility to rent cross-country skis directly on site) and a leisurely winter hiking trail that leads past rustic mountain pastures around the plateau.

#16 Sun-drenched even in winter: St-Luc / Chandolin

No, the Val d’Anniviers is probably not just around the corner from you – nevertheless, the Lower Valais side valley is one of my “all time favourites” when someone asks me for a tip for a worthwhile winter destination. Far-sightedness, lots of sunshine and nostalgia are guaranteed by the five-kilometre-long winter hike from the Tignousa mountain station (near St. Luc) along the Planet Trail to the time-honoured Hôtel Weisshorn at over 2,300 m above sea level.

#17 A wide range of winter activities in Sörenberg

Sörenberg is the pioneer destination when it comes to the introduction of innovative product ideas. And so the range of winter sports activities here includes much more than classic skiing, winter hiking and tobogganing. In Sörenberg, for example, you can now go on a ski scavenger hunt through the ski area or immerse yourself in the world of photography on the photo trail – this has its charms even in dense snow flurries. For a sunny winter’s day, however, I don’t want to withhold the following tip from you: During the winter season, pedestrians can travel from Sörenberg to the Brienzer Rothorn and back for only 10 CHF – a bargain! And when the restaurants have reopened, then of course the Gastronomic Circular Hike is also an enjoyable option for a winter trip.

#18 Winter excursion destination Schatzalp-Strela near Davos

After the Schatzalp-Strela ski area remained closed for 7 years, the lifts are running again. As slowly as in the old days and quite deliberately. Slow skiers and children should feel at home here, and the renunciation of artificial snowmaking is a further deliberate counterpoint to the race to “upgrade” many ski resorts. But up here you are in good hands even without skis. Be it on a short winter hike to the Strela Alp mountain restaurant (with take-away offer) or on the 2.8-kilometre-long toboggan run down to Davos. The toboggans can be rented directly at the valley station for 10 CHF and the toboggan run is open daily until 23:00.

#19 a winter excursion to the side valleys of Langwies

From the Schanfigger mountain village of Langwies (not far from Arosa) you can explore two beautiful side valleys; on the one hand the Sapün, which stretches up to the Strela Pass, and on the other hand the Fondei, which leads to the Parsennfurgga. With the Heimeli (Sapün) and the mountain inn Casanna (Fondei), both high valleys attract visitors with worthwhile destinations for a day trip (on reservation with take-away option) – or even for a short break in the middle of the untouched mountain world. At both excursion destinations, after the hike into the valley, there is the possibility of tobogganing on the return route to Langwies.

#20 Schlittelplausch Faulhorn

To enjoy the “longest toboggan run in the world” from the Faulhorn to Grindelwald, you need your own muscle power. The starting point for the toboggan hike to the Faulhorn is the First mountain station. If you don’t bring your own toboggan from home, you can rent a toboggan from the Intersport shop at the mountain station (via Click & Collect). Immediately behind the sports shop, the approximately two-hour, signposted ascent to the Faulhorn starts – and yes, you have to pull the sledge behind you yourself. The effort is rewarded at the latest on the summit of the Faulhorn with a phenomenal panorama and then with a 15-kilometre-long rapid descent.

#21 Winter rest in the Kiental

The Kiental, with its tranquil winter sports facilities and casual toboggan run, was considered an insider tip in the Bernese Oberland – but that was not enough to financially secure the continued existence of the Kiental-Ramslauenen chairlift. In June 2020, the company filed for bankruptcy. Accordingly, this winter season the cable car operation is at a standstill and the toboggan run remains closed. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to keep an eye on the Kiental. On the one hand, the lifts now have a new owner (with plans) and on the other hand, there are over 30 kilometres of marked snowshoe trails in the Kiental, which lead through the federal hunting ban area.

#22 Sonnenaufgangsskifahren Parsenn

Be the first to ski down the freshly groomed slopes and at the same time enjoy the ski area all to yourself – this can be experienced during early-bird skiing in the Parsenn (Davos/Klosters) ski area, among other things. On selected days, you can take the cable car up to the ski area at 7 a.m. A special experience that is best combined with an overnight stay in Davos.

#23 Oeschinensee Ice Walk

A day trip to Lake Oeschinen is a good idea in summer and winter. The starting point for the winter experiences is the mountain station of the Kandersteg – Oeschinen gondola. Alternatively, a challenging, steep snowshoe trail leads from the valley station up to the mountain station. Once at the top, you are guided on marked winter hiking trails through the manageable ski area to the shores of Lake Oeschinen. As soon as the ice layer is thick enough, the Ice Walk opens – the circular hike across the frozen lake opens up completely new perspectives on the impressive mountain scenery around Lake Oeschinen. If you have patience and resistance to the cold, you can also try ice fishing at Lake Oeschineen.

#24 Ski safari Rinderberg Ronda

If you like varied runs, you will get your money’s worth in the Bernese ski area Zweisimmen – Saanenmöser – Schönried. With the Rinderberg Ronda, advanced skiers are offered an entertaining ski safari that connects three mountains and valleys without using a slope or mountain railway twice. The boarding location can be chosen flexibly – the Ronda can be started from Zweisimmen (Rinderberg), St. Stephan, Saanenmöser and Schönried. Around two to four hours should be planned for the entire round.

#25 Flights of fancy on the Belalp

A winter wonderland par excellence awaits you on the Belalp. The Blatten – Belalp – Naters holiday region is the little sister of the neighbouring Aletsch Arena. The ski area is more familiar and clearer in a cross-country comparison – at the same time there are some really wonderful downhill slopes here that make the heart of winter sports enthusiasts beat faster. And if you want to experience real flights of fancy, treat yourself (or your loved ones as a gift) to a tandem flight. Take off on your skis and glide over the Aletsch Glacier – a guaranteed unforgettable experience.

#26 Ride over the wintry Bernina Pass

You don’t feel like active days outside in the snow, but still want to treat yourself to a change of scenery from the midlands winter grey with a view of the sunny winter backdrop? Then a trip with the Bernina Express from Chur over the Bernina Pass to Alp Grüm and back might be just the thing for you. You can marvel at the passing winter landscape from the warm train compartment and, depending on your mood, spontaneously make a stopover including one or two steps through the snow.

#27 Muottas Muragl Lookout Mountain

There are several reasons why Muottas Muragl stands out from the crowd of excursion destinations in the Engadine. On the one hand, the excursion mountain is one of the first vantage points in the Upper Engadine to be developed for tourism. Logically, the pearls were already picked out back then and so the funicular has been rattling up and down the steep route for over 100 years. Secondly, there are no ski lifts at the top. The mountain is reserved for pedestrians, who will find a nice selection of groomed and marked winter hiking trails. And thirdly, the more than 4-kilometre-long toboggan run into the valley guarantees fast-paced driving pleasure.

#28 Winter excursion to the Gurnigel – Gantrisch Nature Park

On some winter weekends, the Gurnigel (Gantrisch Nature Park) suffers from its proximity to the Bern agglomeration – or from its good accessibility for motorised private transport. It is a popular destination for all those who want to “take a short trip to the snow”. However, this hustle and bustle can usually be avoided well. Be it by being on the road early or deliberately avoiding the Splendour Sundays. With its wooded hills and panoramic views of the Bernese Alps, the Gurnigel is a Mecca for snowshoe hikers with a wide range of marked routes. One of my favorites is the Selibüel Panorama Trail.

#29 A snowshoe paradise – Wirzweli

The hamlet of Wirzweli is located above Dallenwil in the Engelberg Valley. With a small, fine range of winter sports between 1,200 and 1,570 m above sea level, the Wirzweli appeals above all to families and those seeking peace and quiet. If you like to go snowshoeing, you should definitely take a look at the trail map on the website – the offer is surprisingly diverse. There are easy and short routes as well as more challenging circular tours that lead from the Wirzweli up to the Gummenalp.

#30 Lantern Trail Falera-Laax

A romantic winter experience is promised by the Falera – Laax lantern trail. On Friday and Saturday evenings between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., more than 300 lanterns (solar lamps) discreetly illuminate the groomed 3-kilometer winter hiking trail from the village center of Falera down to Laax. The hike through the nocturnal winter landscape takes just under an hour and is perfect for getting some distance from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at the start of the weekend.

#31 Villars – Gryon – Les Diablerets

Dog sledding, skijoring, fat bike slopes or simply a leisurely snowshoe hike through the winter silence at Lac des Chavonnes? I like how diverse the winter sports destination Villars – Gryon – Les Diablerets in the Vaud Alps presents itself and also how many pretty corners it has to offer away from the slopes. Definitely a destination that is worth a day trip – and not only in bright sunshine.

#32 Winter hiking on the Niederhorn

A magnificent view of Lake Thun and the Stockhorn chain and wide, well-groomed winter hiking trails await you on the Niederhorn (above the holiday resort of Beatenberg near Interlaken). The route options varied from one to around three hours of walking time, and on some routes there is the possibility of tobogganing – let’s call it “tobogganing“. The winter trip to the Niederhorn is worthwhile – the following picture speaks for itself – especially when the weather is nice and visibility is good.

#33 Sensorium Rüttihubelbad

And after so many outdoor tips, a dry alternative for rainy days should not be missing. At this point, I have chosen the Sensorium Rüttihubelbad on behalf of numerous other exciting and interactive museums. On an area of over 1,500^m2, 80 stations invite you to try out, test and “experience” all the senses – an experience for young and old.