The Three Largest Ski Areas in Switzerland
Switzerland is synonymous with quality. From cheese and chocolate to watches and public transport, the country is known for doing things well. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that the same is true of its skiing. Impeccably-groomed pistes and top-notch mountain restaurants are linked together by one of the most modern lift systems in the world, making the Swiss Alps the wise choice for the discerning skier.
But what you may not realise, is the sheer quantity of skiing in Switzerland. The Swiss Alps are home to some of the largest skiing resorts in the world, meaning a ski holiday to Switzerland can provide you with an abundance of slopes to keep you entertained for days on end. For those who love getting the mileage in on their holiday, here are the three largest ski areas in Switzerland:
3. Zermatt (360km)
Coming in at third is Zermatt and the Matterhorn Ski Paradise. Together with the neighbouring resort of Cervinia, Zermat boasts a remarkable 360km of slopes, some of which are the highest in Europe. The ski area is well known for wide, well-groomed pistes set against the backdrop of the legendary Matterhorn. A skiing highlight is the route from Klein Matterhorn to Valtournenche. Starting at Europe’s highest lift station, you have an exhilarating 2,359m descent to Valtournenche on the Italian side of the border. With a length of 22km, this is Europe’s longest red run (with just one short chairlift required to complete the route). Once back on the Swiss side of the border, you can enjoy a lively apres scene in the famous, car-free village of Zermatt.
2. Les 4 Vallees (410km)
The largest ski area wholly on Swiss soil (or more appropriately, Swiss snow), Les 4 Vallees has a huge 410km of pistes linking together the mountain resorts of Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz and La Tzoumaz. This sprawling network of slopes offers huge variety for skiers and snowboarders - from the challenging mogul runs at Mont Fort and Gentianes, to the more gentle slopes at Tortin and La Chaux. But where this ski area really shines is in off-piste and freeride with seven challenging itinerary runs (or ‘Free Tracks’) to sink your teeth into. These runs, unique to Switzerland, are a level above black slopes and are essentially unpisted but avalanche controlled, allowing you to enjoy off-piste skiing with on-piste safety. This is the perfect area for the advanced skier or snowboarder looking to challenge themselves.
1. Les Portes du Soleil (650km)
Portes du Soleil is a unique ski area that spans the border of Switzerland and France, creating one of the most extensive ski areas in the world. Now, it's worth noting that there has been some confusion and debate about the actual size of this resort. The lift companies claim that it offers a whopping 650km of piste, making it one of the world's largest ski areas. However, an independent survey found the figure to be closer to 400 kilometers. Even going off the lower figure, it’s fair to say that Portes du Soleil is vast and has more than enough skiing to be getting on with! The area links 12 resorts across the two countries, including Avoriaz, Morzine, and, on the Swiss side, Champery. Whether you're seeking fun, family-friendly slopes or challenging runs for advanced skiers (such as the infamous ‘Swiss Wall’), Portes du Soleil has got the lot. It's a destination where the huge size of the ski area might be up for debate, but the fun on the slopes is undeniable.
So there you have it, the three largest ski areas in Switzerland. If you’re someone who likes to make the most of your skiing/snowboarding, these three destinations provide ample opportunity for you to maximise your time in the mountains. Head over to otp.co.uk for a huge range of accomodation in these resorts as well as airport transfers, lift passes and equipment rental. On top of this, Zermatt and Nendaz (a charming village in the heart of Les 4 Vallees) are OTP Premier Resorts, meaning you benefit from the services of our very own ski reps and guides. Alternatively, if you already have accommodation sorted, you can find discounted lift passes, equipment rental and airport transfers for all three of these resorts right here on SwissPasses.com
