Switzerland’s best winter experiences

From an igloo hotel to llama treks and skiing in the light of a full moon, winter magic abounds in the Swiss Alps, writes Andrew Conway

On my first visit to Switzerland in 2001, I skied on the perfectly groomed slopes of Grindelwald, drank Gluehwein at a mountainside apres-ski bar at sunset, dined on raclette and fondue, and rode on a horse-drawn sleigh under the light of a waxing moon. It was magical – Switzerland at its best – or so I thought.

Fast-forward 20 years and what was ‘best’ then has become even better. This wonderful landlocked nation, blessed beyond measure by nature, has taken the concept of the traditional winter ski holiday and turbo-charged it, both for the first-time visitor and active travellers looking for exciting and memorable first-time experiences.

Ski or snowboard

It goes without saying you’re likely to ski or snowboard during a winter vacation in Switzerland. With over 330 ski resorts and countless kilometres of groomed and off-piste mountain trails, the Swiss Alps is a veritable playground for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Mürren-Schilthorn

Switzerland’s legendary winter playground, the Mürren-Schilthorn region rises spectacularly above the Lauterbrunnen Valley near Interlaken, in the Bernese Alps.

The Schilthorn is a spectacularly jagged Swiss peak that juts 2,970 metres into the clouds with the Piz Gloria the mountains crown. Piz Gloria is a 360-degree revolving restaurant offering Swiss treats and ridiculously ravishing views over the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, in addition to some 200 other snow-dappled peaks.

Mürren is at the base of Schilthorn. The alpine gateway village is home to the Thrill Walk: a 200-metre walkway that clings to the rocks and culminates at the Skyline Walk, a glass-bottomed platform jutting over a precipitous cliff.

Tackle the ‘Inferno Slopes’ for 15 kilometres of pure powder. The run takes you all the way from the Schilthorn to Lauterbrunnen. It is among the longest runs in Switzerland. Visit in January to witness a jaw-dropping ski race that will have you clutching for your poles.

Jungfrau Region

The monumental Jungfrau Region sits at the foot of the Bernese Alps and is home to the two valleys of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen.

Interlaken is the gateway to the Jungfrau Region. This historic Swiss town is surrounded by some of the country’s most epic alpine adventures.

Explore via the Jungfrau Railway, the highest railway in Europe. Trains run from Interlaken all the way to The Top of Europe and the whole Jungfrau Region.

Stay at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa for a heavenly cocoon with perfumed hallways filled with antique chandeliers and elaborate flower arrangements. The hotel’s 5,500-square-metre Spa Nescens has a jacuzzi, sauna and alfresco saltwater pool with dreamy mountain views. This centre for wellbeing primarily revolves around the lauded Nescens antiageing skincare range and treatment portfolio, based on the latest science to deliver immediate results.

Eiger Express Cable Car

Nothing quite prepares you for the vertiginous drama of riding the Eiger Express Cable Car. The glossy landscapes below are glacial valleys and end-of-the-Earth peaks. When the mercury drops, snow and ice create a winter wonderland – the kind you see on postcards. In warmer months, waterfalls tumble from vast limestone cliffs, misting the view of hikers tramping across fields so green you’d swear they were painted on.

Embark on the Engadin Snow Safari

One of Switzerland’s finest ‘snow safaris’, this unique ski trip crosses through the Engadin: from Corvatsch via St. Moritz to Piz Nair, then down to Celerina.

The Engadin is the place to go for all those who love winter: this birthplace of winter holidays entices visitors with its almost-guaranteed sunshine – boasting the highest number of hours of sunshine across Switzerland – and an endless array of pistes.

Anyone who comes to the Engadin for skiing or snowboarding will be overwhelmed with seemingly endless activities and variety on offer. Many visitors to St. Moritz choose to spend a day either on Corvatsch or on Corviglia on the other side of the valley but with the Snow Safari both mountains can be included in one route.

Unique winter experiences

Switzerland also has a host of unique winter experiences. You could learn ski touring and spend the night in a remote mountain hut or revel in an igloo hotel, perhaps the coolest adventure of all.

You can downhill ski in the light of the full moon from Morteratsch-Bernina-Diavolezza before enjoying a romantic dinner at the summit restaurant; or take a ski touring course from Morgins to explore the peace and solitude of Valais.

Slip on a pair of snow shoes and hike through a wintry forest before bathing open-air in a heated wooden tub. Andermatt is the location for the fire-and-ice winter forest experience, a half-day guided hike on snow shoes through a crystalline forest. Then the hike is followed by an open-air bath in a heated wooden tub with beautiful views of Damma Glacier and a heart-warming fondue in a quaint alpine stable.

Embark on a unique llama trek (yes, there are llamas in Switzerland). Traverse through the snow-covered meadows and forests overlooking Lake Brienz. Llama farmer Oxi Flück helps guests to bond with and groom these gentle animals before setting off on a trek with spectacular views of the lake and ending with an outdoor fondue feast, cooked over an open fire.

Winter Magic Tour

The Winter Magic Tour is an eight-day itinerary featuring Interlaken, Zermatt and St. Moritz. It includes accommodations, ski tickets and rentals, train tickets and even seat reservations. You’ll have the makings of the perfect Swiss winter holiday.

Horse-drawn skiing

The ancient sport of skijoring – said to be more than 4,000 years old – is offered from Chateau-d’Oex. Step into ski or snowboard bindings, hold onto a leash and allow a single horse to pull you across rolling countryside. Think skiing with 1 horsepower and you’ll get the picture.

Gourmet winter experiences

All this activity will surely whet your appetite. Food lovers are well catered for with a full-day winter gourmet hike from Flims Laax Falera; a mouthwatering ‘Rolling Raclette’ experience from Engelberg; and an array of outstanding dining and accommodation options such as Boutique Hotel Romantica Val Tuoi in Guarda and the incomparable Chamonna Tuoi, one of just a few Swiss mountain huts that stay open throughout winter. Nestled at the foot of Piz Buin, about 50 kilometres northeast of St. Moritz, this secluded retreat is the perfect place for skiing, hiking and stargazing.

For the ultimate, chilled-out, bucket-list experience, head for Schangnau im Emmental and its eye-catching igloo hotel, complete with a sauna, a cosy igloo restaurant and sheepskin blankets.

And if you happen to go back and repeat any of these unique experiences, remember this. In Switzerland, it’s always as good as the first time.

Read: The Swiss Alps delivers one of Europe’s peak holiday experiences

Switzerland adopts strict health and safety protocols

Switzerland has long been considered a paragon of wellbeing and its legion of tourism operators are taking special measures to protect all citizens and visitors during the global pandemic.

Supported by Switzerland Tourism, the Clean & Safe campaign has implemented advanced health and safety protocols across the country, especially in the accommodation and transport sectors.

The wearing of face masks is currently mandatory across the entire Swiss public transport system. All travellers are asked to adopt required social distancing measures and, where possible, all paid services during a journey should be cashless.

Read: Switzerland’s mountains, lakes and forests put on a spectacular display in autumn