Skiing Adventures near Zurich: Top Destinations for an Alpine Getaway

What comes to mind when you think of Zurich? The picturesque Old Town, Bahnhofstrasse with its luxury boutiques, or some major banks? Perhaps all of the above. But did you also know that Switzerland's largest city is only a short drive away from some world-class skiing opportunities? With such easy access to several of the country's most popular ski resorts, Zurich is a great base for skiers, and it caters for all levels and preferences.

Whether you've booked your accommodation at Mercure Zurich City or Novotel Zurich City-West, trading the Old Town's narrow cobblestone streets for some pristine snow in the mountains is a cinch – there are plenty of wonderful places for skiing near Zurich.

With 65 km of slopes and 17 ski lifts, Flumserberg is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a winter skiing getaway near Zurich. Upon arrival after a pleasant drive along the A3 motorway, you'll find that the ski resort offers a wealth of options. Easy, medium and difficult pistes await ski lovers of all skills and there are family-friendly offers too, such as the Häxäwäldli adventure slope, which takes kids through the forest and on an adventure into the world of fairy tales. Take advantage of the free practice areas if you're new to skiing, or try the freestyle park for a free-spirited ski ride. Prefer cross-country skiing? A trail of 20 km, groomed and signposted, gives you the chance to indulge in your favourite hobby while you marvel at the astonishing scenery. You're likely to feel famished after all that skiing, so find sustenance in one of the dozens of restaurants waiting to treat you to Swiss culinary delights.

Insider tip: Get the gourmet voucher, which you can redeem at a wide range of hotels and restaurants.

• Flumserbergstrasse 196, 8898 Flumserberg
• 70-minute drive via A3
• Day tickets for adults at CHF 68 (€73) Mon-Fri, CHF 72 (€77) Sat-Sun

An hour's drive from Zurich is the village of Elm in the canton of Glarus, where you'll find a small paradise for winter sports lovers. You can ski on 40 km of beautifully groomed pistes, sliding down from an altitude of over 2,000 m. In the Ämpächli hiking area, there's a children's arena set up for the little ones eager to learn their first turns, and two skiing schools will teach you to glide the way only penguins can – except you'll do it on your skis, not your belly. In addition to providing excellent service for families, friends or individuals, Elm is also the ideal ski resort for school trips or a day of skiing for your company. Wondering how to sort out catering? There's no need to: the ski resort's team is happy to help you whether it's just snacks or an après-ski party that needs organising.
 

Insider tip: The car parks at the station of the gondola lift are free and there are charging stations for your electric car.

• Obmoos, 8767 Elm
• 60-minute drive via A3
• Five-day tickets (five days of your choice) for adults at CHF 234 (€250)

If you're after cosy, family-friendly skiing near Zurich, Raten is the perfect destination for you. Located right next to Lake Zurich, it takes less than an hour to reach by car, and though it may have only three pistes and three ski lifts, the experience is every bit as enjoyable as at other, bigger resorts. Slope names like Pinocchio suggest that children are at the centre of all the fun and the action, and you're unlikely to meet any seasoned veterans – indeed, Raten's services are specifically targeted at beginners – but rest assured that the resort offers the ideal terrain for newcomers of all ages. Need to catch your breath after skiing down from Ratengütsch, the 1,119-metre-high summit? Just grab a deckchair and take a break in the sheltered lounge. Better still, stop by Raten Kiosk for a hot dog roll or try some schnapps from the nearby Hintertann farm. Just remember to always enjoy your drink responsibly.
 

Insider tip: "Sirup Bar" at the kiosk provides free beverages for children.

• Ratenstrasse 1, 6315 Oberägeri
• 45-minute drive via A3, 60-minute drive via Route 3
• Day tickets for adults at CHF 14 (€15) for the 2023-24 winter season

Where do you go if you're looking to get a wonderful view of the eastern Swiss Alps, the mountains of Vorarlberg and, on a glorious winter's day, maybe even Lake Constance? The answer is Pizol, a ski resort where you can enjoy 28 pistes spread over 50 km, served by 12 lifts that take you up the mountain in state-of-the-art eight-person gondolas. An hour's drive from Zurich on the A3, this winter wonderland makes every ski lover's heart leap with joy. Speaking of love, a descent on a full moon night or at sunrise as the mountain wakes from its peaceful sleep is perfect for couples seeking a romantic winter escape. And if you're with family and friends, looking for trails that lead you downhill over wave tracks, turns and jumps, Pizol will give you just that.

Insider tip: Trade your skis for a seat in the cockpit of a snow groomer and find out how those perfect pistes are created.

• Loisstrasse 50, 7310 Bad Ragaz
• 60-minute drive via A3
• Day tickets for adults at CHF 67 (€72) Mon-Fri, CHF 69 (€74) Sat-Sun

Once again, it's the ever reliable A3 that will take you to the Hoch-Ybrig ski resort, near the city of Schwyz, in about an hour. You can spend a day or two having terrific skiing fun there, but definitely make sure you save three hours for the "Skisafari", a round trip from Illgau to Spirstock, with four stops as well as several cable car and ski lift rides in between. It's 14 km of downhill skiing at an altitude of 1,450 metres, with many restaurants along the piste – do yourself a favour and have some home-made pizza at Bärghus. If you're a fan of cross-country skiing, you can expect a treat too: a total of 27 km of trails await you, and the Nordic Hus, a mountain hut run by the Studen cross-country skiing club, gives you the opportunity to wax your skis and have a quick snack before continuing your journey through the magnificent winter scenery.

Insider tip: Be sure to have some cash on you as several of the restaurants along the way prefer cash payments.

• Waagtalstrasse 127, 8842 Unteriberg
• 60-minute drive via A3, 70-minute drive via Route 3
• Day tickets for adults at CHF 59 (€63)

Nestled between the Lucerne, Zug and Lauer lakes, Mount Rigi, also known as the Queen of the Mountains, is a prominent massif in Central Switzerland, about an hour's drive from Zurich. A natural wonder with stunning views, Rigi is a small, laid-back ski resort with a special charm you're unlikely to find anywhere else. With hardly any waiting time at the ski lifts, you're at the top of the mountain – and on top of the world – in a flash, ready to glide down one of the many perfectly groomed pistes that add up to 20 km. You don't need to worry about your little ones getting bored either: the children's ski area on Rigi Staffel guarantees they end up having just as much fun on the slopes as you. Looking to become a better skier? A small, motivated team is on hand with professional advice in both group and private lessons.

Insider tip: A valid day ticket for the cogwheel and aerial cableways entitles you to ski on Mount Rigi for free.

• Bahnhofstrasse 7, 6354 Vitznau
• 60-minute drive via A4
• Day tickets for adults at CHF 78 (€83)

While the ski resorts around Zurich may not be able to compete with the towering summits of Switzerland such as Matterhorn or Dufourspitze in terms of elevation, you can reach them in about an hour and they offer a wide range of options and experiences for all levels. Whatever you're looking for – pistes ideal for your preschool kids learning to ski or high-altitude runs that give you the perfect opportunity to show what a true alpine skiing pro you are – the skiing opportunities near Zurich will satisfy your every need.