OVRONNAZ SKI RESORT GUIDE
Ovronnaz ski resort, nestled in the Swiss Valais region, offers a distinctly authentic alpine experience away from the usual crowds found at the big name Swiss ski resorts. The village of Ovronnaz is known for its thermal baths and sunny terraces, but Ovronnaz ski resort is also worth the trip. The resort features mainly intermediate terrain however beginners and advanced skiers will also find pistes to suit suitable their ability. In total, 30km of empty slopes can be found with incredible views of the Swiss Alps. Unlike the larger, more commercialized resorts, Ovronnaz provides a peaceful change of pace, making it an great destination for skiers seeking quality snow, stunning views of the Rhone Valley, and a taste of traditional Swiss mountain hospitality.
OVRONNAZ FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I drove up to Ovronnaz from the valley and was immediately taken in by the beauty in this area. The village itself has a traditional charm however when arriving at the base area it was like there is nothing really there. The car park sits below the Jorasse chairlift and a lonely ticket office with no other real amenities. It is only once up the Jorasse chairlift where you see the resorts main restaurant and a small souvenir shop. This area is busy with skiers and snowboarders utilising the facilities and the beginners area. Once away from this area and around the resort there is a calmness to Ovronnaz.
OVRONNAZ SKI AREA
Ovronnaz ski area offers around 30km of mostly intermediate pistes, set against the stunning backdrop of the Valais Alps. With a vertical drop of approximately 1100m, the resort provides the opportunity to combine some pretty awesome pistes for a long run top to bottom. If you do not believe me check this video here. Ovronnaz is a particular favourite amongst the Magic Pass crowd for after a storm so if you hit it at the right time you could find yourself enjoying some incredible powder laps.
Intermediate skiers and snowboarders will love Ovronnaz for the abundance of beautiful groomed pistes which when avoiding weekend crowds are suitably quiet. Ovronnaz has enough to keep the able intermediate happy. Beginners have less to occupy them, although there is a beginners area near the Jorasse top station. This small learners area has its own drag lift and is an ok spot to learn your first turns. Away from the beginners area, a couple of gentle blues near the Petit Pré chair can keep advancing beginners entertained. Advanced terrain is limited however there are a couple of black routes in Ovronnaz. The real challenge for the more able skiers and snowboarders can be found in the freeride posibilities within the area.
WATCH THE FULL REVIEW
LIFTS AT OVRONNAZ
In Ovronnaz the lifts are not going to break any speed records, especially the Jorasse chairlift from the base area, however they do suitably handle the demands of the ski resort. The 4 chairlifts in Ovronnaz, include the new Petit Pré chairlift, which has been installed to replace an old draglift and improve the visitor experience. The lifts in Ovronnaz are fine, and during the week when it is quiet you wont be longing for bigger faster lifts. In addition to the four chairlifts, the Tsantonnaire drag lift accesses Ovronnaz highest lift accessible point at 2427m. The Tsantonnaire is an experience not to miss, its steepish climb, long duration and bend at the top is a badge of honour for any snowboarder who is successful in reaching the top. The only downside to the Tsantonnaire was the queue to ascend it… even on a quiet day.
Tsantonnaire Drag Lift Ovronnaz
WHERE TO SKI IN BAD WEATHER OVRONNAZ
This wasn’t an issue on my visit as I was blessed with bright bluebird skies for the duration of my visit. However, looking at the Ovronnaz ski area I can see with the lack of trees on the upper mountain it could be difficult to navigate in adverse weather. If I was in Ovronnaz during a storm, I would head to the area under the Col Express chairlift. This part of the resort may provide suitable context with the widely spaced trees in this area. Similarly the resort runs under the Jorasse chair are lined with trees so may provide a suitable option.
Trees under the Col-Express Chairlift
OVRONNAZ PISTE MAP
Ovronnaz Piste Map
OVRONNAZ GALLERY
OVRONNAZ SEASON DATES
Ovronnaz ski resort in Switzerland usually opens its winter season in early December and operates until late April. Thanks to its advantageous altitude and location, the resort offers consistent snow conditions throughout the winter months. The heaviest snowfall typically happens in January and February, making these months the best time to visit for excellent snow coverage. Visitors can enjoy Ovronnaz’s well-maintained pistes, often covered in a generous layer of fresh snow during this peak period. Ovronnaz ski resort receives an average annual snowfall total of approximately 450 cm ensuring its slopes are well-covered throughout the season.
TRAVEL TO OVRONNAZ
WHERE IS OVRONNAZ SKI RESORT?
Ovronnaz ski resort is situated in the Swiss canton of Valais, perched on a sunny terrace overlooking the Rhône Valley. It enjoys a strategic location approximately 1 hour and30 minutes by car from Geneva Airport, making it an accessible destination for international travelers seeking adventure. The resort lies close to the local towns of Sion and Martigny, both within a 30-minute drive; Sion serves as the regional capital with cultural attractions and amenities, while Martigny offers a gateway to the nearby vineyards and Roman history. Ovronnaz’s geographical setting provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and easy access to the broader Valais region, blending convenience with scenic mountain charm.
GETTING TO OVRONNAZ SKI RESORT
Getting to Ovronnaz ski resort in Switzerland can be achieved smoothly through various travel options. The nearest major airport is Geneva Airport, about 1.5 to 2 hours away by car or public transport, making it the preferred gateway for international travelers. From Geneva, visitors can take a train to Martigny, a hub on the Swiss rail network, and then transfer to a local train or bus towards Ovronnaz. The train journey offers scenic views and runs regularly, ensuring convenient connections. Alternatively, self-driving from Geneva allows flexibility and direct access to the resort, with well-maintained roads suitable for winter driving conditions. For those arriving by air further afield, Zurich Airport is another option though it involves a longer transfer time. Regardless of the mode chosen, early planning is recommended, especially during peak ski season, to secure transport and enjoy a seamless journey to Ovronnaz.
Flying is and will remain the easiest and quickest way to reach a ski resort however, it also has the largest impact on your Carbon footprint.
OVRONNAZ LIFT PASSES
At Ovronnaz, lift pass prices offer excellent options for both short visits and extended stays. A one-day lift pass costs CHF 55 for adults, providing full access to the ski area for a single day of skiing or snowboarding. For those planning to immerse themselves in the mountains, a six-day lift pass is available at CHF 275 for adults, offering great value over multiple days on the slopes. Additionally, visitors should consider the Magic Pass, which includes Ovronnaz among many other resorts. This pass represents exceptional value, granting access to a wide range of ski areas across Switzerland and neighbouring countries, making it an ideal choice for travellers looking to explore multiple destinations during their ski season.
OVRONNAZ PROS
Ovronnaz has varied ski terrain suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experts however is best suited to intermediate skiers.
Ovronnaz has reliable snow conditions due to high elevation and consistent snow record.
The lift system is suitable for the resorts needs with recent upgrades to the lifts including the introduction of the Petit Pré
Ovronnaz village has thermal spas which are perfect for unwinding after a days skiing.
Ovronnaz is included on the Magic Pass, the worlds best value ski pass. This means skiing in Ovronnaz can be linked with days at other nearby Swiss ski resorts.
OVRONNAZ CONS
Not much in the way of beginner friendly terrain can be found in Ovronnaz.
The slow Jorasse chairlift could do with updating to uplift visitors from the base area quicker.
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OVRONNAZ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is Ovronnaz ski resort located?
Ovronnaz is located in the Swiss Alps, in the canton of Valais. It sits on a sunny plateau overlooking the Rhone Valley.
What is the best time to visit Ovronnaz for skiing?
The peak ski season runs from December to April, with the best snow typically found from January through March.
How many ski runs does Ovronnaz have?
Ovronnaz offers around 30 kilometers of ski slopes, with runs suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers.
Is Ovronnaz good for beginners?
I wouldn’t say that Ovronnaz is great for beginner skiers and snowboarders. There is a small learners area and besides from that not too much suitable terrain for learning. I would recommend other Magic Pass ski resorts like Vercorin, Saas Fee or Les Diablerets over Ovronnaz as a beginners resort.
What types of lifts are available in Ovronnaz?
The resort has a mix of chairlifts and surface lifts to access various parts of the mountain. The lifts in Ovronnaz include the newer Petit Pré lift and the less new Tsantonnaire drag lift.
Are there activities besides skiing?
Yes, Ovronnaz offers snowshoeing, winter hiking trails, and a wellness center featuring thermal baths, making it a well-rounded destination.
How accessible is Ovronnaz?
The resort is about a 1.5-hour drive from Geneva Airport and easily reachable by train and bus connections from nearby towns.
What accommodations are available?
There is a range of lodging options including hotels, chalets, and apartments, many of which offer ski-in/ski-out convenience.
Is Ovronnaz suitable for families?
Absolutely, with kid-friendly slopes, ski schools, and various family-oriented activities, Ovronnaz is ideal for a family ski holiday.
Does Ovronnaz have après-ski options?
Although quieter than larger resorts, Ovronnaz offers cozy bars and restaurants where visitors can relax after a day on the slopes.
OVRONNAZ FINAL THOUGHTS
I am glad that I visited Ovronnaz and would certainly return to ski the odd day in the right conditions. In comparison to some other favourites on the Magic Pass, Ovronnaz pales in comparison, but the village and ski area are certainly worth the visit. I feel that to make the most of a visit to Ovronnaz I would like to revisit with my splitboard to explore some of the freeride terrain available.
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Glacier 3000 Ski Resort Guide
Glacier 3000 ski resort has one of the longest ski seasons in Switzerland, is home to epic freeride terrain and boasts an impressive terrain park. A major reason why I purchased a Magic Pass, Glacier 3000 is close to the linked ski resorts of Les Diablerets, Villars and Gryon.
The view from the Tissot Peak walk
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Glacier 3000 is accessed by a two-stage cable car and the journey to the top provides epic views of the resort. Glacier 3000 is big mountain skiing and snowboarding and is surrounded by some of the largest mountains in the Swiss Alps. One of my first experiences at Glacier 3000 was the Tissot Peak Walk which really puts the ski resort into perspective.
GLACIER 3000 SKI AREA
Glacier 3000 is a ski resort located in the Swiss Alps, offering skiers and snowboarders access to a wide range of terrain. The resort is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. With over 30 kilometres of ski slopes, Glacier 3000 is the perfect destination for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Glacier 3000 has all you’d expect from a Swiss Alps ski resort. Its size is epic and has the added speciality of being situated across 3 Swiss cantons.
The ski area at Glacier 3000 has 1800m of vertical drop leading down to the base area. The resort might not seem like it has much to offer if you judge it by the relatively small 30km of pistes but just sit on any lift and you will see what Glacier 3000 is all about, the freeride. The long run to the base of Reusch can offer a 7km run along perfectly groomed runs.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT GLACIER 3000
First-timers won’t find much of interest at Glacier 3000 but if you know the basics there are plenty of mellow blues that will help you to refine your turns. Never evers should head to nearby Villars which will have more suitable terrain to learn to ski or snowboard.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT GLACIER 3000
Those with a little more experience, Glacier 3000 has a range of intermediate terrain that is ideal for building confidence and improving skills. The runs are well-groomed and offer a good challenge for those looking to progress their skiing or snowboarding. The upper slopes at Dôme and the Quille du Diable have a number of decent blues. There are also two reds for those feeling more confident.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT GLACIER 3000
If you are looking for a real challenge, Glacier 3000 has a range of advanced terrain that will test even the most experienced skiers and snowboarders. The resort has a black run from Oldenhorn to Oldenalp which was stunning and quiet on my visit. The off-piste terrain at Glacier 3000 looks endless for those who want to explore the backcountry.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT GLACIER 3000
For those who love to hit the park, Glacier 3000 has a well-equipped freestyle area with a range of features including jumps, rails, and boxes. The park is regularly maintained and is perfect for those looking to try out some new tricks. Because of the long season, Glacier 3000 often hosts pros who are looking to refine their tricks on the high-quality of features.
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT PISTE MAP
Glacier 3000 Piste Map
LIFTS AT GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT
Glacier 3000 has a range of lifts that are designed to get skiers and snowboarders up the mountain quickly and efficiently. The lifts are well-maintained and run smoothly, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Initially, you will access Glacier 3000 by using cable cars from either Reusch or Col du Pillon. where you will find a number of surface lifts to access the blues on the glacier. The new surface tow (first i’ve used) made the connection to the black run simple.
Besides that the lifts that link the bottom of the black run at Oldenalp back to the Cabane are efficient if not slightly awkward. If you were looking to lap this epic run you would need to take two chairs, and go up the cable car to Scex Rouge, before traversing back towards the run. This can be frustrating but is the price you pay for skiing up on the glacier.
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT PROS
Glacier 3000 has a wide range of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities
The views from Glacier 3000 are beautiful and take in some of the most epic surrounding mountains and glaciers.
The long ski season at Glacier 3000 has a well-maintained freestyle area
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT CONS
Glacier 3000 can be crowded on weekends and during peak season
Can be expensive, especially for lift passes and accommodation
TRAVEL TO GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT
Glacier 3000 is located in the Swiss Alps and can be easily reached by car or train. The closest airport is Geneva, which is approximately two hours away by car. There are also regular shuttle buses that run from nearby towns and cities to the resort.
You can access Les Diablerets by train from Geneva connecting in Aigle. If staying in Les Diablerets I would recommend having access to a car as it gives you the freedom to drive to Glacier 3000 as well as Leysin.
If you don’t want to drive, locally, the resort has bus services that run between Glacier 3000 and the nearby Les Diablerets.
GLACIER 3000 LIFT PASS PRICES
The cost of a lift pass at Glacier 3000 varies depending on the time of year and the length of stay. Lift passes can be purchased online in advance, which can save money and ensure that they are available during busy times.
The Magic Pass makes great sense for visitors to Glacier 3000, especially if you are planning to ski for 2 or more weeks a winter. The Local Area lift pass also includes; Leysin-Les Mosses-La Lécherette, as well as Villars-Gryon-Diablerets. All of these resorts are included on the Magic Pass which makes better value for money.
GLACIER 3000 VIDEOS
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT
There is a range of accommodation options available at Glacier 3000, including hotels, apartments, and chalets. Accommodation can be expensive, especially during peak season, so it is recommended to book in advance to secure the best prices.
Staying in Les Diablerets made the most sense to me and will suit other Magic Pass users for its access to nearby ski resorts. If you would prefer to stay in Gstaad, this is also possible but doesn’t make the best use of the lift pass.
SEASON DATES GLACIER 3000
The ski season at Glacier 3000 typically runs from late November to late April, depending on the snow conditions. During this time, the resort is open daily and offers skiers and snowboarders access to a wide range of terrain. This is amongst the longest ski seasons in the Swiss Alps.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON GLACIER 3000
Glacier 3000 was one of my favourite stops on the Magic Pass. The views were epic and the terrain really enjoyable. I would love to revisit and explore more of the off-piste, including the run under the cable car back to the base.
Zinal Ski Resort Guide
Like its neighbour Grimentz, Zinal ski resort is renowned for its epic freeride terrain. The traditional Swiss Village offers incredible charm and extensive off-piste terrain that will keep the most avid snowboarders in search of fresh lines.
ZINAL FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Accessing Zinal for the first time from Grimentz I took the Grimentz-Espace Weisshorn cable car. Not only does this cable car offer great views back over Grimentz village, it also gives you an incredible view down the Chamois off-piste run. The cable car ride was an eye-opener to everything that was possible in Zinal.
ZINAL SKI AREA
The combined Grimentz-ZInal ski area in the Val d’Anniviers region of Switzerland offers 115km of slopes, some insanely good freeride terrain and two authentic mountain villages. Popular with advanced skiers and snowboarders for high altitude skiing and an exceptional reputation for powder skiing. Getting between the two ski areas is easy via modern lifts.
In line with the freeride aspect of the resorts, you will find an avalanche training area to practice your beacon work that I hope you will never have to use for real.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT ZINAL
Zinal is less beginner-friendly than Grimentz although there are a couple of places for beginners to learn their turns. A magic carpet is situated near the base of the gondola next to the Swiss Peaks Resorts hotel. This area is small but well designed for your first ski or snowboard lesson. In the resort itself, there is no green graded terrain and all blues lead into reds. This can make Zinal a daunting place for beginners to learn.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT ZINAL
Intermediates will find plenty of fun blue and red graded pistes to enjoy in Zinal. L’arēte leads down from the Corne De Sorebois which has some great views across the valley. Intermediates looking to enjoy the off-piste should head to the Durand surface lift where options are aplenty either side of Crête and Durand pistes.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT ZINAL
Zinal has a couple of nice steep black runs with the best pitch perhaps being Col. The Chamois run and the Dam run can be considered exhilarating with the freeride area offering some great off-piste options.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT ZINAL
Freestyle isn’t really a reason to head to Zinal. There is a small park with some ride on boxes and features.
LIFTS AT ZINAL
In the Grimentz-Zinal combined area you will find a total of 21 lifts. Zinal has a mix of modern lifts combined with older surface lifts. The village of Zinal is linked to the resort by a modern 8 seater gondola whereas the ski area is linked to Zinal via cable car. Within Zinal the Durand surface lift is long but offers some of the best runs in the resort. Corne 4-seater takes you to the top of the resort at 2896m.
ZINAL PROS
The terrain at Zinal offers plenty of easy access off-piste.
The village of Zinal has everything you would expect from a ski town.
There were no lift queues in Zinal despite visiting during the holiday period.
Zinal is part of the Magic Pass giving you access to other great Swiss ski resorts.
POV riding through the Zinal freeride zone
ZINAL CONS
Beginners don’t really have good options for learning to ski in Zinal.
Getting from Zinal to Grimentz feels more work than getting from Grimentz to Zinal. I would choose Grimentz as my base to explore both resorts.
TRAVEL TO ZINAL SKI RESORT
ZINAL BY CAR
Travelling to Grimentz-Zinal by car is fairly easy. It is likely that you will have arrived at one of the main airports. Geneva would be the closest option at just over 2 hrs drive to the village. The mountain road is well-maintained but you will have to look out for local drivers. I wouldn’t define myself as a slow driver and yet there was some mad overtaking happening around blind corners. If you plan to visit Grimentz-Zinal by car be sure to carry chains with you as this is a requirement for some roads.
ZINAL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There are not many things in life more efficient than the Swiss transport system so why not try and reach Grimentz-Zinal by public transport. From Geneva to Sierre is the easy part, jump on the train and let it do the work for you. From Sierre, you will have to first take a bus to Vissoie before changing onto a bus to ZInal.
Honestly, although I am a big fan of Swiss public transport for me Grimentz-Zinal is a drive to resort.
ZINAL SNOW RECORD
The Grimentz-Zinal ski area is known for its freeride terrain and quality of snow. Surprisingly OnTheSnow list the average snowfall for Grimentz as 233cm per winter. 2m of snowfall in the area doesn’t seem like a realistic statistic so I would take that with a pinch of salt.
ZINAL LIFT PASS PRICES
In Zinal you have two main options in terms of lift passes. The first and my preferred option was to use The Magic Pass. The Magic Pass is a pretty sweet lift pass that combines 52 Swiss ski resorts on one lift pass. Buy it early enough and your Magic Pass could be available for as little as 399CHF.
Option number two is to purchase a local area pass for the Val d’Anniviers. The local area pass includes Grimentz-Zinal, as well as nearby St Luc and Vercorin. These local passes are available as 1 day, 2 days or multi-day options. A 6 day Val d’Anniviers pass will cost you 295CHF.
ZINAL SKI RESORT VIDEOS
ZINAL GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT GRIMENTZ-ZINAL
During my stay in Grimentz, I stayed in this pet-friendly rental apartment. It was a perfect location with a short walk to the Bendola gondola and the Zinal cable car. Located within walking distance of the supermarket, ski rentals and a great bakery it’s an ideal spot. Negatives… be careful not to get stung on paying for sheets etc which was added on at an additional cost. The village of Grimentz has lots of varied accommodation to choose from. Although I rented my apartment through Airbnb there are lots of locally run hotels that offer luxury stays or more budget-friendly options.
ZInal village has a Swiss Peaks Resorts hotel. Although I did not stay in Swiss Peaks in Zinal I did stay in their Vercorin location and was very impressed.
ZINAL SEASON DATES
The ski season in Grimentz-Zinal can begin as early as November with the season running through into mid-April. In the 2021-22 season, it is expected for the season to run until April 24th. In general, Grimentz-Zinal elevation at 1500m with skiing possible at near 3000m is a good guarantee of a suitable snow cover.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON ZINAL
I would love to revisit the Grimentz-Zinal ski area as I feel there is still lots of terrain left to ride. The terrain is more suited to advanced skiers and snowboarders with little in the way of beginner terrain. If I was to revisit the area I would probably opt to stay in Grimentz over Zinal. I feel a base in Grimentz gives you the best access to both resorts.
Grimentz Ski Resort Guide
The Val d’Anniviers in Switzerland popped onto my radar when a Twitter follower posted a photo of a beautiful sidecountry ski run in Grimentz. The reputation that Grimentz holds for freeride is exceptional and it seems like every lift here opens up a new possibility. Arguably some of the best lift-accessible freeride terrain on my Magic Pass trip.
GRIMENTZ FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Waking up in Grimentz to a bucket load of new snow was exactly what was needed to start the trip on a good note. The Val d’Anniviers had endured around 10 days without snowfall prior to arrival so it was a pleasant surprise.
The Bendola gondola from the base area to the main resort area at 2112m gives you plenty of time to survey the tree lines runs that lead back to the village. It was here that I spent the majority of the afternoon escaping the cloud and seemingly finding every treestump hidden under the fresh snow cover.
GRIMENTZ SKI AREA
The combined Grimentz-ZInal ski area in the Val d’Anniviers region of Switzerland offers 115km of slopes, some insanely good freeride terrain and two authentic mountain villages. Popular with advanced skiers and snowboarders for high altitude skiing and an exceptional reputation for powder skiing, Grimentz is a paradise in the Valais.
In line with the freeride aspect of the resorts, you will find an avalanche training area to practice your beacon work that I hope you will never have to use for real.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT GRIMENTZ
This is where Grimentz doesn’t shine. There is a learners area at the top of the Bendola gondola but there is little in the way of suitable terrain to progress onto. A short run is accessible via the Marenda button lift and you also have the winding run from the top of Grands Plans chair.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT GRIMENTZ
Intermediate skiers and snowboarders will love Grimentz with plenty of long blue and red pistes. From the top of Orzival the Panorama run is popular along with Becs and Tsarva from the Becs De Bosson chair.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT GRIMENTZ
Although the majority of challenging posted terrain is across in Zinal the advanced skiers will love Grimentz for its freeride opportunity. Lona is perhaps the most popular and famous option here, starting in the shadow of Becs De Bosson and running down to the village in the right conditions.
The Itinerary run, Abondance, is enjoyable in the right conditions with a number of chutes to drop into. This area is caked in sunshine and has been known to slide.
Also, consider Crēts a steep but short black piste that leads back to the top of the Bendola gondola.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT GRIMENTZ
Grimentz has a small terrain park accessible by the Orzival button lift. The larger features were still being constructed during my visit but the lower park was really nice with a couple of small jumps and some ride on rail features.
LIFTS AT GRIMENTZ
In the Grimentz-Zinal combined area you will find a total of 21 lifts. The Grimentz area is a mix of modern with some old surface lifts in place. The Bendola gondola is sufficient for ensuring there are no queues leaving the village. From the top of Bendola, the new Col Du Pouce chair is fantastic a large 6-person bubble lift that is modern and comfortable. From here you have the option to ride the Lona 2 surface lift but this is long and steep in places. Two further chairs Tsarva and Grand Plans link the area well, however replacing the Orzival surface lift could improve access to the Roc d’Orzival.
GRIMENTZ PROS
The terrain at Grimentz is exceptional with plenty of challenges to be found close to all the lifts.
Off-piste options in Grimentz seem endless!
The village of Grimentz is exactly what comes to mind when you think Swiss mountain village.
There were no lift queues in Grimentz despite visiting during the holiday period.
Lifts in Grimentz are modern and fast with further upgrades currently being planned.
Powder days in Grimentz were epic
GRIMENTZ CONS
Beginners are the ones that really miss out at Grimentz with a lack of real beginners terrain.
There are a number of long surface lifts that can feel arduous.
TRAVEL TO GRIMENTZ SKI RESORT
GRIMENTZ BY CAR
Travelling to Grimentz by car is fairly easy. It is likely that you will have arrived at one of the main airports. Geneva would be the closest option at just over 2 hrs drive to the village. The mountain road is well-maintained but you will have to look out for local drivers. I wouldn’t define myself as a slow driver and yet there was some mad overtaking happening around blind corners. If you plan to visit Grimentz by car be sure to carry chains with you as this is a requirement for some roads.
GRIMENTZ BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There are not many things in life more efficient than the Swiss transport system so why not try and reach Grimentz by public transport. From Geneva to Sierre is the easy part, jump on the train and let it do the work for you. From Sierre, you will have to first take a bus to Vissoie before changing onto a bus to Grimentz.
Honestly, although I am a big fan of Swiss public transport for me Grimentz is a drive to resort.
GRIMENTZ SNOW RECORD
Grimentz-Zinal ski area is known for its freeride terrain and quality of snow. Surprisingly OnTheSnow list the average snowfall for Grimentz as 233cm per winter. 2m of snowfall in the area doesn’t seem like a realistic statistic so I would take that with a pinch of salt.
Powder Day In Grimentz
GRIMENTZ LIFT PASS PRICES
In Grimentz you have two main options in terms of lift passes. The first and my preferred option was to use The Magic Pass. The Magic Pass is a pretty sweet lift pass that combines 40 Swiss ski resorts on one lift pass. Buy it early enough and your Magic Pass could be available for as little at 399CHF.
Option number two is to purchase a local area pass for the Val d’Anniviers. The local area pass includes Grimentz-Zinal, as well as nearby St Luc and Vercorin. These local passes are available as 1 day, 2 days or multi day options. A 6 day Val d’Anniviers pass will cost you 295CHF.
GRIMENTZ SKI RESORT VIDEOS
GRIMENTZ GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT GRIMENTZ
During my stay in Grimentz, I stayed in this pet-friendly rental apartment. It was a perfect location with a short walk to the Bendola gondola and the Zinal cable car. Located within walking distance of the supermarket, ski rentals and a great bakery it’s an ideal spot. Negatives… be careful not to get stung on paying for sheets etc which was added on at an additional cost. The village of Grimentz has lots of varied accommodation to choose from. Although I rented my apartment through AirBnb there are lots of locally run hotels that offer luxury stays or more budget-friendly options.
GRIMENTZ SEASON DATES
The ski season in Grimentz can begin as early as November with the season running through into mid-April. In the 2021-22 season it is expected for the season to run until April 24th. In general, Grimentz elevation at 1500m with skiing possible at near 3000m is a good guarantee of suitable snowcover.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON GRIMENTZ
As someone who prides themself on exploring new resorts around the world the biggest compliment I could offer Grimentz is that I would visit again and would happily look for an apartment here. The combined area of Grimentz-Zinal offers everything that I would want from a ski resort. The off-piste terrain here can be challenging, but even if you are considering your first forays into freeride then there are places you can explore. Perhaps the only people who miss out here are the true beginners with a lack of mellow runs.
Anzere Ski Resort Guide
Overlooking the Rhone Valley, Anzere ski resort not only offers incredible views but some great snowboarding that often gets overlooked for bigger-name resorts nearby. Seemingly next door to Crans Montana and across the valley from the 4 Vallees it is fair to say that Anzere can be the forgotten child. This is a bit unfair on Anzere, a ski resort that has plenty to offer both local and international skiers and snowboarders alike.
Duez - La Baté chair emerging from the clouds
ANZERE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Anzere was having a dry spell during my visit with not much in the way of new snow over the course of the 10 days I was based there. This coupled with the south-facing aspect had left Anzere looking a little weathered. It made me think about the possibilities of this ski resort. There are plenty of peaks that would grab the interest of anyone freeride orientated, all that was needed was the right conditions.
From prior reading about Anzere, it had been mentioned that the slopes are often empty. This however was not my experience. The slopes were busy with sizeable lift queues but you have to accept this is going to be the case during major holiday periods.
ANZERE SKI AREA
In a beautiful setting a short drive from Sion, Anzere offers 60km of slopes that are suitable for all abilities. The village at 1500m provides access to 920m of vertical drop. with the highest point Le Bâte standing at 2420. The ski area is easy to navigate using the 12 available lifts. The majority of skiable terrain in Anzere is suited towards advanced intermediates with some great long red runs. The combination of pistes 20 (Combe d'Hérémence) and 21 (Les Rousses) makes for one of the longest runs in the resort.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT ANZERE
The beginner’s plateau is found at the top of the gondola at Pas De Maimbre. The area is serviced by magic carpets and has a decent gradient for learning those first turns. The is another beginner’s area in the village with another small magic carpet and rope tow. When beginners feel ready to leave the learners area and try some blue graded runs, their best option is to take the gondola to the mid-station, where they will find blue terrain.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT ANZERE
Anzere is best suited for intermediates with nice long blue and red graded runs across the whole mountain. Heading to any of the lifts in Anzere will give you the possibility to ski a nice long groomer! The lower section of Les Rousses run (Piste 21) was a particular favourite with the route lined by trees.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT ANZERE
There is enough to keep the advanced skier or snowboarder entertained at Anzere. On piste, the pick is the long Les Masques run (Piste 1 & Piste 5) which takes you from Pas De Maimbre back down to the village. Elsewhere there are a number of itineraries if you prefer ungroomed terrain.
Touring within the resort is a possibility with dedicated routes marked on the Anzere piste map. You have to be fairly motivated to ski tour around Anzere with all of the paths easily accessible by lift. Exploring further away from the slopes remains a possibility.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT ANZERE
Anzere has a mini family park call FlyPark Anzere. The mini-park has some entry-level features perfect for your first foray into freestyle but little in the way of progressive features. Consider Leysin or Saas-Fee if you are more interested in Freestyle.
ANZERE PISTE MAP
Piste Map Anzere Ski Resort
LIFTS AT RESORT ANZERE
Anzere has 12 lifts, the majority of which are fast and modern. The main access to the resort is from the village via the gondola, although there is also parking at Les Rousses on the far side of the resort. Once in the resort, there are a number of modern quad chairs, a slow three-person and the interesting two-person Duez-Le Bâte lift which forms a crossroads with the Grillesses quad. The major bottlenecks and queues during my visit were found at the bottom of Les Rousses where the three-person chair also provides access for the toboggan run.
Anzere ski lifts
ANZERE PROS
Anzere ski resort gets plenty of bluebird days
The ski resort of Anzere is well-suited to intermediates skiers and snowboarders
The town of Anzere is well stocked with everything you would require.
Anzere has 60 km of slopes which is more than enough to keep most people entertained.
Getting to Anzere is easy via car or public transport.
The Wellness Centre in Anzere is great for soaking those muscles after a long day on the slopes.
ANZERE CONS
The close proximity to Sion can be a bit of a curse for lift queues on the weekend or during peak periods.
The sunny south-facing aspect can mean that snow quality deteriorates quickly if there is no regular snowfall.
TRAVEL TO ANZERE SKI RESORT
Anzere is a mere 20 minutes from Sion, although it is likely that you will fly into Geneva. Getting to Sion is no hassle at all using the Swiss rail network. From Sion there is public transport that runs up to the mountain village.
During my trip, I was driving so arrived in Anzere via car. Driving to Anzere is easy enough with some decent connecting roads. Be careful to avoid the sat navs requests to take you the back routes through the vineyards if you are of a nervous disposition. There are free car parks in the village that are connected to the ski resort by a complimentary bus service.
ANZERE SNOW RECORD
According to OntheSnow Anzere ski resort received an average of 4.49m of snowfall annually. More recently, there have been some bumper years with both 2019-20 and 2020-21 receiving over 6m of snowfall.
ANZERE PASS PRICES
Anzere is included on the Magic Pass. The Magic Pass makes for an affordable way to ski in Switzerland with 40 ski resorts included for 399CHF. To discover more about the Magic Pass click here
Anzere lift pass prices 2022
The Anzere lift pass prices for the 2021/22 season are detailed above. If you want to see the latest lift pass prices click here
ANZERE VIDEOS
ANZERE GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION IN ANZERE
During my stay in Anzere I stayed in this AirBnB. The Airbnb was perfect for a few days’ stay within a short 20-minute drive of the free car parking. If you would prefer to be in the village amidst all the amenities then Anzere offers plenty of accommodation from luxury hotels through to charming apartments. Search for your perfect Anzere ski resort accommodation by using the link below.
SEASON DATES ANZERE
Anzere ski resort opens in mid-December and closes in mid-April. In the 2021-22 season the ski resort of Anzere opened on the 17th December.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON ANZERE
Anzere is a picturesque ski resort perfect for a one-week trip or short weekend break. I need to revisit Anzere as I had a combination of ill health and bad snow during my trip.
Saas Fee Ski Resort Guide
Saas-Fee ski resort delivers a high-altitude snowsure resort partnered with a buzzing Swiss mountain village. The ski resort of Saas-Fee in the Valais region of Switzerland is world-renowned for skiing possible at 3500m and a long season that gets extended through the summer months. If you are looking for guaranteed snow then maybe Saas-Fee is the perfect destination for your next ski trip.
Saas-Fee Glacier early in the morning
SAAS-FEE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving in Saas-Fee at the bus station it doesn’t take long to notice that one thing is missing from Saas-Fee, cars! The pedestrian village is great and there are electric taxi’s if you don’t want to lug your ski gear around. In terms of the ski resort itself, the first thing that stood out was the size. There is nearly 1800m of vertical drop at Saas-Fee with the Pearl of the Alps also home to one of Europes largest glacier ski areas.
Looking back to the village from the Langfluh lift stations
SAAS-FEE SKI AREA
The ski area in Saas-Fee extends from 1800m at the village to 3600m up on the glacier. The resort feels fairly narrow all funnelling back down the village but there is more than enough terrain to keep you occupied for a longer trip. When you consider that nearby Saas-Grund and Saas-Almagell can be accessed fairly easily, this extends the possible skiing further. There is a good mixture of terrain at Saas-Fee with a dedicated beginner area near the base and some nice long runs around the rest of the mountain. It is possible to ski top-to-bottom at Saas-Fee in one run.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT SAAS-FEE
At the base of the slopes, there is a large beginners area. The area has a few different pistes for learning and is serviced by button lifts. At Saas-Fee, it is possible to find progression around the mountain with some nice blue terrain. Taking the Alpin Express to 3000m at Felskin will be the best area for this progression.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT SAAS-FEE
The Plattjen area is perfect for those intermediates looking for a longer red run. The lap from top-to-bottom of the Plattjen gondola allows you the choice to combine the red with either blue or black depending on your confidence level. The slopes on Plattjen tend to be quieter than in other parts of the resort.
Intermediates can’t ignore the great terrain on the glacier with snowsure pistes offering the perfect opportunity to practice that carving. Perhaps my favourite combination of runs in Saas-Fee is the combination of pistes 11, 11a, and 11b combines red and black pistes to make a long run under the Längfluh lift.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT SAAS-FEE
With regards to the piste map, there isn’t much for advanced skiers and snowboarders at Saas-Fee. A few black runs are dotted about the mountain in addition to some marked itinerary routes. The layout of Saas-Fee and its position upon the glacier limits the off-piste options here.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT SAAS-FEE
Saas-Fee has a terrain park on the glacier. During my visit, the terrain park was not open as the jumps were still being built. The terrain park at Saas-Fee attracts professional skiers and snowboarders from around the world and is well known for it’s quality.
SAAS-FEE PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT RESORT SAAS-FEE
The lift infrastructure at Saas-Fee was my biggest downside to skiing in the resort. The lifts here are mainly gondolas or cable cars. This is a necessity for the resort, especially when you consider that the lifts travel large distances. For me though, I found it detrimental to my snowboarding experience as every lift it seemed required you to take your snowboard/skis off.
Despite my reservation about the number of gondolas and cable cars you are required to take the actual infrastructure is pretty good. The lifts are fast with options to depart at the mid-station or ride all the way to the top. Taking the positives from the gondola/cable car situation, they at least provide an opportunity to warm up on those colder days.
To access the glacier you will either take the Panorama T-bar from near the Längfluh lift or you will need to take the Metro Alpin. The Saas-Fee Metro Alpin is a funicular train that runs underground to the glacier. Actually, this was a pretty cool experience and something new for me. On the glacier, you will find only t-bars but that is perfect for the conditions up there. The use of surface lifts on the Saas-Fee glacier ensures this area can remain open even when the conditions are windy.
SAAS-FEE PROS
Saas-Fee is a snowsure ski resort
Saas-Fee is well suited to intermediate skiers and beginners
The car-free village of Saas-Fee is a great base for a ski holiday
Saas-Fee has plenty of other activities around the village, skating and curling are just some examples.
Saas-Fee has incredible scenery, surrounded by multiple 4000m peaks the views from Saas-Fee are great.
Saas-Fee is home to the worlds highest rotating restaurant which is a great dining experience
The Magic Pass combines Saas-Fee with Saas Almagell and the local pass also adds Saas-Grund ensuring there is plenty of skiing to keep most occupied.
SAAS-FEE CONS
Saas-Fee can be quite cold and spends a lot of the day in the shade. This is not one for the sun worshipers.
Due to the cold conditions, some of the main runs down to the village can get pretty icy in the afternoons.
The lift connections can feel clunky, it takes an hour to reach the glacier via the Alpin Express and the Metro Alpin, although this does open up 1700m of vertical drop.
Me sliding down an icy run in the afternoon
SNOWBOARDING IN THE SAASTAL VALLEY
Locally there are three resorts included on a single lift pass; Saas-Fee, Saas Almagell and Saas Grund. The ski areas are connected by bus routes which are free to use. Saas Almagell is the lowest of the three resorts but offers some fantastic intermediate terrain. The run from Heidbodme to the base is fantastic. Saas Grund offers further guaranteed snow with snowboarding possible between 3200m and 1570m. Saas Grund has some longer runs that are great for stretching those legs.
TRAVEL TO SAAS-FEE SKI RESORT
Saas-Fee is in the Saastal or Saas Valley in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. Reaching Saas-Fee will require either car hire or a combination of trains and buses. Most likely you will fly into Geneva although it is also possible to fly into Zurich.
When in Switzerland it is always worth travelling via train to your end destination. From Geneva, it is possible to travel to Visp by train where regular buses run between Visp and the towns of Saas Grund, Saas Almagell and Saas Fee. The 511 bus will take you to Saas Grund where you may need to change to the 513 to connect to Saas Almagell.
I was road tripping through Switzerland so arrived in the Saas Valley by car. The journey was simple and the roads were in great condition despite heavy snowfall. It is essential to carry snow chains, especially if not driving a 4wd car. It is worth noting that although cars are permitted in Saas Grund and Saas Almagell, they are not permitted in Saas-Fee. If staying in Saas-Fee you will need to park in the multi-storey and get to your accommodation either on foot or via electric taxi/hotel shuttle.
SAAS-FEE SNOW RECORD
According to OntheSnow the ski resorts around Saas-Fee receive an average of 5m of snow per winter. Saas Almagell has a much lower base elevation than Saas-Fee and Saas Grund so the quality of snow on the lower mountain can suffer.
SAAS-FEE LIFT PASS PRICES
Saas-Fee is included on the Magic Pass. The Magic Pass makes for an affordable way to ski in Switzerland with 40 ski resorts included for 399CHF. To discover more about the Magic Pass click here
A 7 day Saas-Fee Almagell lift ticket is 419CHF so that puts into perspective the value of the Magic Pass. For the latest ski pass prices check here.
SAAS-FEE VIDEOS
SAAS-FEE GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT SAAS FEE
During my stay in the Saas Valley, I stayed at the Montela Apartments in Saas Grund. The apartments were great with a fully functional kitchen, great facilities and a luxury feel. You can find the Montela Apartments here. There is also a great selection of luxury chalets in Saas Fee with The Luxury Chalet Company, they have a wide selection of rental properties for all types of groups and all types of holidays.
SEASON DATES SAAS-FEE
Saas-Fee ski resort has one of the longest ski seasons in Europe. The glacier opens in July for summer skiing. before the resort opens fully in November. The ski season in Saas-Fee lasts into late April with a short break in May and June before doing it all again.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SAAS-FEE
I can see the appeal of Saas-Fee as a winter destination. The snowsure nature of the resort will appeal to most, especially those planning early or later season trips. On a personal note, I didn’t like the flow of the resort and for me I would opt to ski elsewhere in the future. I do think that Saas-Fee has a lot to offer and will be a great destination for most skiers and snowboarders.
Saas Almagell Ski Resort Guide
Saas Almagell ski resort, in the Valais region of Switzerland, is a small ski area that is linked to the larger Saas-Fee ski resort. Saas Almagell is a quiet escape from the world-renowned Saas-Fee with some pretty decent terrain of its own. You can ski top to bottom on a combination of red runs to descend over 700m to the base of the resort.
SAAS ALMAGELL FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Getting the local bus to Saas Almagell you are dropped a few minutes walk from the ski resorts base. The area surrounding the lowest lift has lots of hotels and chalets style accommodations. Saas Almagell is a quiet village with everything you need but no fuss or loud bars.
You load the two-man chair near the ticket office which takes you to mid-mountain. This chair is slow and indicative of the lift infrastructure at Saas Almagell. That is ok though as the slow lifts are probably what keep the crowds away. The terrain here is excellent and my first laps had me buzzing to ski more empty groomers throughout the day.
SAAS ALMAGELL SKI AREA
The Saas Almagell ski area is a small one with 14km of pistes. The ski area can be considered considerably bigger when you consider that the local lift pass also allows you to access Saas-Fee and Saas Grund. The Saas Almagell ski area is mainly suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders with mostly red graded terrain. There is also a decent beginners area which has lots to keep young beginners happy.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT SAAS ALMAGELL
At mid-mountain, there is a small beginners area serviced by the Furggstolden button lift. This area has a nice gradient piste for learning to ski and snowboard at Saas Almagell. In addition to the beginner’s piste, there is an Adventureland to keep young learners entertained. The Adventureland has an Iglue, a tubing area and some mini skidoo’s.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT SAAS ALMAGELL
The whole mountain at Saas Almagell is well suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The top to bottom run is excellent and allows for over 700m descent on red graded terrain. The red runs under Furggstalden chair running to the base can become icy in the afternoon due to being in the shade. There is also a long winding blue to the bottom from just below the mid-mountain however this is far less enjoyable than the reds.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT SAAS ALMAGELL
There is little in the way of advanced terrain at Saas Almagell, a short black is available but the majority of the terrain is better suited to intermediates. If you are looking for a higher proportion of more advanced terrain then the larger Saas-Fee ski area might be of interest.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT SAAS ALMAGELL
There is no freestyle terrain at Saas Almagell. If you are interested in terrain parks then the Saas-Fee glacier is the place to go.
SAAS ALMAGELL PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT RESORT SAAS ALMAGELL
The lift infrastructure at Saas Almagell is sufficient for the terrain that is on offer, however, it cannot be considered modern. There are two main chairlifts at Saas Almagell both two-person chairs that run at fairly modest speeds. The Heidbodme chair takes 9.5 minutes to travel between mid-mountain and the top of the resort at 2400m.
In addition to the chairlifts, a few surface lifts are in operation. The Furggstalden button lift provides access to the beginner’s area. Whereas the Mittelwald button lift is fairly pointless and not entirely pleasant.
SAAS ALMAGELL PROS
Saas Almagell is much quieter than better known Saas-Fee
Saas Almagell has some exceptionally groomed pistes that are fun to bomb
The beginner's area at Saas Almagell is well-suited to young learners
The restaurant at the top of Saas Almagell has some incredible views of the surrounding valley
Transport between Saas-Almagell and neighbouring Saas-Fee and Saas Grund ski resorts is very good.
SAAS ALMAGELL CONS
Saas Almagell is over 1000m lower than Saas Fee and Saas Grund at their highest points. This can mean that snow quality is better in the over Saas valley resorts.
Limited terrain at Saas Almagell could mean you get bored after a few days of skiing there.
TRAVEL TO SAAS ALMAGELL SKI RESORT
Saas Almagell in the canton of Valais in Switzerland is part of the Saas Valley with ski resorts; Saas Fee, Saas Grund and small Saas Balen. Travelling to Saas Almagell by air is most likely going to be via Geneva airport where international flights are possible from London and other major airports.
When in Switzerland it is always worth travelling via train to your end destination. From Geneva, it is possible to travel to Visp by train where regular buses run between Visp and the towns of Saas Grund, Saas Almagell and Saas Fee. The 511 bus will take you to Saas Grund where you may need to change to the 513 to connect to Saas Almagell.
I was road tripping through Switzerland so arrived in the Saas Valley by car. The journey was simple and the roads in great condition despite heavy snowfall. It is essential to carry snow chains, especially if not driving a 4wd car. It is worth noting that although cars are permitted in Saas Grund and Saas Almagell, they are not permitted in Saas-Fee. If staying in Saas-Fee you will need to park in the multi-storey and get to your accommodation either on foot or via electric taxi/hotel shuttle.
SAAS ALMAGELL SNOW RECORD
According to OntheSnow the ski resorts around Saas-Fee receive an average of 5m of snow per winter. Saas Almagell has a much lower base elevation than Saas-Fee and Saas Grund so the quality of snow on the lower mountain can suffer.
SAAS ALMAGELL LIFT PASS PRICES
Saas Almagell is included on the Magic Pass. The Magic Pass makes for an affordable way to ski in Switzerland with 40 ski resorts included for 399CHF. To discover more about the Magic Pass click here
Below is a list of Saas Almagell lift pass prices for the 2021/22 season. For updated prices check this link
SAAS ALMAGELL VIDEOS
SAAS ALMAGELL GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT SAAS ALMAGELL
During my stay in the Saas Valley, I stayed at the Montela Apartments in Saas Grund. The apartments were great with a fully functional kitchen, great facilities and a luxury feel. You can find the Montela Apartments here.
SEASON DATES SAAS ALMAGELL
Saas Almagell ski resort is open between mid December and mid April snow dependent. In 2021/2022 season the predicted open and close dates are 18th December - 18th April.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SAAS ALMAGELL
Saas Almagell is a nice alternative to the larger Saas-Fee. I actually really enjoyed the runs at Saas Almagell with the top to bottom run allowing for over 700m of vertical drop. The groomed terrain was exceptional despite a lack of early-season snow. If you are wanting to visit a Swiss mega-resort then Saas Almagell isn’t it. Saas Almagell has enough terrain to keep most people happy for a day or two but you will want to combine it with other resorts if you are staying for a week or more. Luckily, the bus service from Saas Almagell is brilliant and it is easy to combine your trip with ski days in Saas-Fee and Saas Grund.
Leysin Ski Resort Guide
Leysin ski resort combines with nearby Les Mosses and La Lécherette to make a fairly sizeable ski area. The 60km (local area) and 100km combined ski area are enough to keep most skiers and snowboarders happy for the duration of their ski holiday. Les Mosses is close to Geneva making it a great resort for hassle-free transfers.
LEYSIN FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Leysin has a famous revolving restaurant, Le Kuklos, that sits prominently at La Berneuse. Le Kuklos is one of the first things you will notice as you leave the gondola. Assuming you are heading straight to the slopes rather than the restaurant you will walk around 40 steps from the gondola to be met with a view across to Tour d’Ai. Under Tour d’Ai you will see the Leysin Park which is impressive.
One of the things that stands out at Leysin is the number of quality pistes for intermediates skiers and snowboarders. Pretty much from all lifts you can access a really cruise blue, so the whole resort has an accessible to everyone kind of feel.
View across to Leysin Park under Tour d’Ai
LEYSIN SKI AREA
Leysin ski resort has 100km of pistes if you include the combined ski area with Les Mosses and La Lécherette. Locally the 60km of pistes are well suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. There are plenty of well-groomed trails in Leysin to keep intermediates exploring the mountain. With the addition of terrain parks and boardercross tracks, Leysin would be a great place to progress your riding.
The Leysin ski resort is linked to Les Mosses and La Lécherette by ski bus, the journey takes 9 minutes and the service runs every 30minutes.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT LEYSIN
Beginners have two main options for taking their first turns in Leysin. Near La Berneuse gondola station at the bottom of the mountain is the Vallee Blanche beginners area. Serviced by a magic carpet this is probably the best spot in Leysin ski resort to have your first ski lessons. The pitch of the Vallee Blanche area is perfect for learning and the magic carpet makes it fairly hassle-free. The other beginner’s slope is found at the top of La Bernuese gondola and beside Le Kuklos restaurant. This area is convenient for use of nearby facilities but it is fairly small with only a rope tow to transport for back up the hill.
Around the rest of the mountain there are a number of nice blue runs for beginners to progress onto. However, proceed with caution and be sure to check the piste map before heading off as blues tend to merge into red runs in Leysin. I helped one poor lady down from a red after she had ended up their by mistake!
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT LEYSIN
Leysin ski resort is really well geared up for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The majority of the trails are either blue or red with plenty of long runs meaning you don’t need to keep stopping. The combination of runs that form a complete trail from La Berneuse top gondola station all the way to the bottom station is a leg burner. Although shorter, some of my favourite trails were found in Les Mosses with the Artet T-Bar accessing some nice runs. Within Leysin the red under the Solepraz chair is excellent, although the chair is slow and tedious.
There are two boardercross tracks within the ski area with the Leysin boardercross being fairly mellow.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT LEYSIN
There is little in the way of advanced terrain with a singular black trail above the terrain park. The terrain park itself does have a large jump line and a half-pipe which should offer enough challenge for most. I mean if it’s good enough for Candide Thovex it is probably good enough for you and me.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT LEYSIN
The freestyle set-up in Leysin seems pretty good. Although my visit was early season there were a number of jumps and rails already set up and the construction of the large jump line and half-pipe was well underway.
LEYSIN PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT LEYSIN
The lift infrastructure at Leysin is pretty good with a majority of lifts being fast and modern. The notable exceptions are Solepraz and the terrain park chair, both slower two-person chairs. The chairs in place connect the ski area smoothly and ensure that it is easy to navigate Leysin.
Nearby Les Mosses and La Lécherette are linked to Leysin by ski bus. Be aware that when in Les Mosses and La Lécherette there are no chairlifts only surface lifts.
LEYSIN PROS
Leysin is a sunny resort with plenty of bluebird days
Intermediate terrain is aplenty at Leysin with some stunning red runs.
The terrain park at Leysin is renowned for its quality and is the best in the Vaudois valley.
Good lift infrastructure makes Leysin easy to navigate
LEYSIN CONS
Leysin has little in the way of advanced terrain and advanced skiers could get bored.
The link to nearby Les Mosses is via a ski bus that runs every half an hour, missing it can add a long wait to your day.
TRAVEL TO LEYSIN SKI RESORT
Leysin village is near the town of Aigle which is accessible by public transport from Geneva. The route by road is simple, a short 1hr 40min drive around Lac Léman leads you up to the village of Leysin via Aigle. Train routes are possible from Geneva airport with a change in Aigle before heading up to Leysin village.
LEYSIN SNOW RECORD
Leysin has an average yearly snowfall of 401cm according to OnTheSnow although this amount can fluctuate greatly.
LEYSIN LIFT PASS PRICES
If you are going to ski and snowboard in Leysin or any of the other Magic Pass resorts for more than a week, it makes sense to buy the Magic Pass at early bird prices. Below is a list of the Leysin ski pass prices in the 2021-2022 season.
LEYSIN VIDEOS
LEYSIN GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT LEYSIN
Leysin village is split across the mountainside with the majority of accommodation below the gondola in the main village. Some accommodation is available above the gondola in quieter areas of the village. In Leysin you can find everything from plush hotels, self-catering apartments to catered chalets.
SEASON DATES LEYSIN
Leysin opens in late November or early December and the season can last into mid-April. In 2021 its opening date was 4th December. The early and late season snow quality can suffer due to Leysin having a lower elevation.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON LEYSIN
Leysin is a popular resort with families with the location making it easily accessible by road or public transport. The 60km local area is enough for most people but the extended area that encompasses Les Mosses and La Lécherette will provide more terrain for those who really want to explore. Leysin receives an abundance of sunshine due to its orientation so a Leysin ski holiday should ensure a couple of bluebird ski days.
A Guide To Snowboarding In Switzerland
Snowboarding in the Swiss Alps offers you the opportunity to ski at some of the worlds best ski resorts within sight of the worlds most iconic mountains. Whether it is the Eiger or the Matterhorn there are resorts to suit all abilities. Welcoming of skiers and snowboarders alike, Swiss ski resorts have invested heavily in infrastructure to ensure they have not only some of the best lifts and terrain parks but also ease of access and resort accommodation is high quality as well.
Switzerland offers the convenience and grandeur of well-run mega-resorts alongside the charm of traditional chalets that throwback to simpler times. Of course, all of this comes at a cost with Switzerland being renowned for being an expensive place to ski. The luxury resorts of Verbier and Crans Montana are far from my comfort zone or my budget but visits to them have left me astounded as to the quality of snowboarding available in Switzerland.
Switzerland is home to some pretty impressive mountains. World-renowned Matterhorn and the Eiger particular highlights but with a large number of 4000m peaks, there is plenty of choices. With mountains running throughout central Switzerland the Swiss Alps also comes with a large choice of ski resorts.
Switzerland can offer a variety of ski experiences from small resorts in local villages up to the large Aprés towns with mega facilities. Here are some of my favourites that offer the best snowboarding in Switzerland.
THE 4 VALLEES
Combining together the resorts of Thyon, Veysonnaz, Nendaz, La Tzoumaz and of course Verbier the 4 Vallees is a sizeable ski area! Over 400km of pistes make the 4 Vallees the largest combined ski area in Switzerland and one of the largest European ski areas, behind the Three Valleys across the border in France. The 4 Vallees has some of Switzerland’s best freeride terrain and hosts the Freeride World Tour. The 4 Vallees is considered amongst the best snowboarding in the world.
GRINDELWALD
Grindelwald has to be amongst the most scenic mountain villages in the world. Its location in the shadow of the Eiger is awe-inspiring and taking the train to the resort adds a really cool element. Part of the linked Jungrau ski region Mürren, Grindelwald and Wenger are all included on one ski pass.
TRAVELLING TO SWISS SKI RESORTS
Travel to Swiss ski resorts is generally quite simple. Switzerland as a country is efficient and the transport is no exception. Most visitors will enter via the international airport in Geneva although flying to Zurich, Basel or Sion are also possible options. From Geneva, you will have your choice of options from; luxury private or shared transfers, self-drive or the world-famous rail network. Not only a sustainable choice but incredibly well run, the Swiss rail network will get you to resort quickly but also allow you to take in some of the worlds most scenic train journeys. You can search for train tickets at Rail Europe.
Geneva airport is conveniently located with easy access to; Verbier, Grimentz, Anzere, Leysin, Crans Montana, Grindelwald and many more.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is snowboarding allowed in Switzerland?
Switzerland welcomes all disciplines to its ski resorts so whether you are skiing, snowboarding, telemarking or yes… snowblading you will be welcome in Switzerland. Come on… this isn’t Deer Valley or Alta!
Is skiing in Switzerland Expensive?
Switzerland is an expensive country to visit in my experience but that doesn’t mean that you can not plan an affordable Swiss ski trip. When considering how much snowboarding in Switzerland costs you should keep an open mind to your ski destination. If planning your Swiss ski trip on a budget consider which resort you will visit carefully. Some of the mega-resorts will have higher prices for lift passes and accommodation but deals can be found when avoiding these larger ski areas. You can also save money on lift passes by booking them pre-season for discounts or using the Magic Pass which offers incredible value.
Can you ski year-round in Switzerland?
Switzerland is home to many high-altitude ski resorts that offer skiing and snowboarding in pristine conditions throughout the winter. Luckily though the fun doesn't need to stop when the winter ends as Switzerland is home to glacier skiing at some of its best-known ski resorts. Zermatt’s glacier is open 365 days a year and Saas-Fee operates from July right through until April.
Where should I ski in Switzerland?
Switzerland has plenty of choice when it comes to ski resorts. The big players in terms of name are of course Zermatt, St Moritz, Davos-Klosters, Verbier, Grindelwald, Wengen, Saas-Fee, Andermatt, Grimentz and many more! Why not check out some of the resort reviews below to find your perfect resort.
RESORT REVIEWS
WHY SKI OR SNOWBOARD IN SWITZERLAND
Switzerland is high on most skiers list of destinations they would like to ski but what is it that makes Switzerland such a fabulous winter destination.
Switzerland is an incredibly organised country and this means fewer headaches when it comes to exploring the country by public transport. From arrival airports, the transport links are great with efficient trains being a fantastic way to see the country.
The ski resorts themselves are abundant with beautiful mountain villages that maintain their rustic charm despite being modernised for lift infrastructure.
Swiss ski resorts have world-class facilities and encourage athletes to train year-round in their mountains. You too can have access to the fast lifts, the huge terrain parks but best of all some incredible mountain scenery.
SWISS SKI RESORT SNOW RECORD
Switzerland has enough snow for you to be able to ski year-round but that is more due to the altitude of the resorts than the magnitude of the snow. Verbier receives an annual average of 5.5m whereas Zermatt receives 3m according to sno.co.uk. When you compare these snow statistics to the resorts of Japan or even the likes of Kirkwood in the US there is no comparison. The Swiss resorts however do have altitude on their side which protects and maintains the quality of the snow for longer periods.
MULTI RESORT PASSES
Making a Swiss snowboard trip affordable can be helped massively by finding a good deal on a ski pass. Here are some of the best multi-resort passes to get you access to some of Switzerland’s best ski resorts.
MAGIC PASS
Not many ski passes have got me as excited to purchase them as the Magic Pass. Available on the early bird deal for as little as 399CHF the Magic pass provides access to 40 Swiss ski areas. Saas-Fee, Grimentz and Les Diablerets are a few on offer with this expansive pass. The Magic Pass does have some interesting add ons as well with Crans Montana, Glacier 3000 and a Spa Pools pass available to order.
SNOWPASS GRAUBÜNDEN
Laax, Davos and St Moritz are big pulls on the Snowpass Graubünden but with 40 resorts across Switzerland, there are plenty more that could pull your attention. Sadly, this pass fails to come in at anywhere near the same value as Magic Pass with a cost of over 1000CHF. Some may feel this is good value with resorts such as Ischgl also listed.
TOP 4 SKI PASS
Also available at a reasonable early bird price the Top 4 Ski Pass offers the best skiing in the Bernese Oberland. Ski and snowboard at the famous Jungfrau ski region, Gstaad and more with over 600km of slopes all for under 700CHF early bird price.
THE SWISS SKI SEASON
It is possible to have lift-assisted skiing 365 days a year in Switzerland but the main season runs alongside other European resorts. If you discount the glacier access at resorts like Zermatt and Saas-Fee the Swiss alps snowboarding season runs between November and April. The peak periods are as you would expect in the school holidays especially around Christmas and New Years weeks. February is also a busy time to ski in Switzerland.
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