The Best Ski Touring Resorts in Switzerland

Experiencing the exhilaration of climbing a mountain independently, only to subsequently revel in a thrilling descent, can be considered a unique and captivating experience. Ski touring, a sport that largely entails such adventure, has gained ever-growing popularity and accessibility. Numerous Swiss ski resorts now offer outlined and secured routes for this purpose.

In particular, novices and seasoned practitioners can enjoy these trails across various regions and destinations. A significant credit for this expansive enjoyment goes to the extensive training possibilities. Therefore, regardless of one’s skill level or expertise in skiing, Switzerland’s many ski resorts can create an unforgettable ski touring experience. Furthermore, due to their advanced facilities and professional approaches, these resorts have made ski touring an accessible and delightful outdoor activity for everyone.

Ski Touring Tracks and Off-Piste Opportunities in Verbier

Set in the majestic expanse of one of the largest ski areas in Europe, Verbier boasts a dual reputation as a premium ski resort and a vibrant cosmopolitan escape, enticing skiers and snowboarders of all proficiency levels. Its notorious off-piste ski area further amplifies its international appeal, with notable runs like the Back-Side of Mont Fort.

But Verbier’s offerings extend far beyond traditional skiing. Those who wish to partake in ski touring will find an impressive selection of routes in the encompassing region, Verbier – Val de Bagnes – La Tzoumaz. With seven secured tracks on offer, the routes vary significantly in length and difficulty, making this an ideal location for beginners and seasoned tourers.

The tracks range from modest ascents, taking around one and a half hours, to more challenging climbs of 1,000 metres, which can take up to three and a half hours. Some trails soar to lofty altitudes of over 2,200 metres, providing panoramic views of this remarkable landscape.

For ski tourers who enjoy a nocturnal foray into the glistening snowscape, the Savoleyres sector and the Savoleyres Restaurant extend their opening hours until 9 pm every Wednesday starting in January, offering an unmatched evening experience.

Morgins: Switzerland’s First Ski Touring Park

Switzerland’s first ski touring park was established on the far west end of the Swiss Alps, resulting from a groundbreaking project by Yannick Ecoeur. An established alpine skiing champion and triumphant in the esteemed Patrouille des Glaciers, Ecoeur designed seven ski routes varying in difficulty.

In Morgins, December 2016 marked unveiling the first-ever Valaisan “Rando-Park”. The mountain resort of Portes du Soleil, with a few hours of signposting and generous snowfall, was primed to welcome its earliest ski mountaineers. The unique “Touring Tracks” of Morgins aims to provide a singular experience and secure environment among a shared space between alpine skiers and touring enthusiasts.

The Rando-Park in Morgins is a training ground open to all proficiency levels. It also advocates for respecting the environment, the mountain, and its users. The path designed by Yannick Ecoeur has underpinned the continual development of the Rando-Park, enabling it to offer innovative features to its users constantly.

Four blue runs, four red, and one black make up the unique configuration of this touring park. The routes range from a brisk 35-minute jaunt to a more substantial 2.5-hour endeavour, with an average altitude difference of 600 metres. All practical information for visitors can be found at the starting point of the routes on the Place du 6 Août, where an installed signpost offers all the necessary details. A corresponding brochure is also available so everyone can keep all the important information and contact details handy.

Crans-Montana: One of Switzerland’s Premier Ski-Touring Destinations

With 15 diverse routes, Crans-Montana Ski Touring Park holds a reputation as one of the most significant in Switzerland. It offers secure and clearly marked trails over 40 kilometres, making it a dream realm for beginner and advanced ski tourers.

Crans-Montana features 16 ski touring routes, catering to all skill levels, spanning over 87 kilometres of marked and secure trails. This extensive touring park offers an impressive positive altitude difference of over 8,000 meters. Suited for beginners to advanced participants, it includes three introductory courses and a course called “La X’trème”, with a 2,620 positive altitude difference and three climbs. The ski touring courses have been developed in collaboration with Séverine Pont-Combe, a ski mountaineering champion.

It’s important to note that the Ski Touring Park operates only during the ski area’s opening hours. Hence, the trails are closed and unprotected outside the operational hours of the ski lifts. Any user needs to check the opening times of the planned route before commencing their journey.

Experience the Exhilarating Ski Touring Trails at Val d’Anniviers

Situated in the south, extending from Sierre to the Rhone Valley and expansively spanning over 25 kilometres, lies the Val d’Anniviers. This glorious destination is home to its celebrated winter resorts of Vercorin, Chandolin, St-Luc, and Zinal. Adding to their charm, Val d’Anniviers boasts 13 distinct ski touring tracks ranging from 2.4 to a whopping 7.3 kilometres. Remarkably, several of these exciting routes culminate at an impressive altitude of 2800 meters.

Sprinkled throughout Val d’Anniviers, nine captivating touring routes are treasured among skins-seekers that promise the freshness of clean air to accompany your journey. These courses unravel spectacular views and unique experiences for individuals who yearn for invigorating air and a thrilling adventure on snowy terrains.

In addition, the magnificent 4000-meter-high panoramas of Val d’Anniviers provide a fantastic backdrop for winter sports activities, giving an incomparable aesthetic appeal. Open-air playgrounds situated here serve as the favourite spot for ski touring enthusiasts. The nine courses, spread across the valley, are a must-visit for those passionate about ski touring, offering another dose of that pure air! With its impressive geographical features and extensive resort offerings, it’s understandable why Val d’Anniviers is recognized as one of the top locations for ski touring in Switzerland.

Exploring Ski Touring in the Mountain Village of Arolla, Val d’Hérens

Nestled deep within the Val d’Hérens valley is the mountain village of Arolla, an area enveloped by stunning peaks towering between 3500 and 4000 meters high. This alpine locale is a beloved destination for ski touring, with two well-marked trails offering excellent practice for novice and advanced skiers. Absolute beginners particularly benefit from the third route at the valley’s entrance, where the 2.7 kilometres long Maya Nivo trail is dotted with stations designed to educate its outdoor commuters about snow safety.

Rando Parc’s new courses near the skiing areas allow beginners to test their skills in this increasingly popular sport. Specifically designed for those training for large races such as the Patrouille de la Maya or the Patrouille des Glaciers, Outdoor Experiences Val d’Hérens’ mobile app makes it easy for athletes to time their runs on these routes.

Brave adventurers can venture off the beaten path to discover countless routes immersed in natural beauty and dizzying powdery slopes. The valley’s knowledgeable mountain guides are readily available to lead skiers to the best spots safely.

In addition to skiing, the area’s snowshoe trails cater to walkers of all abilities, guiding them through the valley’s pristine and preserved nature.

Fribourg: Routes Designed by Champion Didier Moret

The enchanting region of Gruyère offers ski touring routes that are remarkably accessible from the urban hubs in western Switzerland.

Pioneering the Vitaski initiative, skiing enthusiasts can embark upon thrilling ski tours within Charmey. The mastermind behind these exercise routes is former champion Didier Moret, the celebrated winner of the 2008 Patrouille des Glaciers. His expert influence further lifts the already high calibre of these local ski tours, forging a must-try experience for anyone curious about skiing in the Swiss landscape.

Ski Touring in Braunwald, Switzerland: Night Skiing and Panoramic Trails

In Braunwald, ski touring enthusiasts often explore the trails of Grotzenbüel 1 and Ortstockhaus 9. These specially designated trails are primarily staked out for them on Friday evenings. The trails offer an adventurous experience and chances to take a breather and enjoy the cosy establishments of the same names. The linked downhill trails from these courses remain open until 21:30.

Braunwald also boasts the Panorama cross-country ski trail. Here, the journey weaves through pristine meadows and snow-laden forests. With a height difference of 200 meters, it provides a spectacular view of the mesmerizing Glarus mountain panorama. In ideal snow conditions, the trail boasts 10 kilometres of groomed paths. Novices and seasoned skiers will find this course challenging and enjoyable, making Braunwald an idyllic spot for ski touring in Switzerland.

Flumserberg: A Ski Touring Destination with Scenic Views and Extended Opening Hours

Perched 1500 meters above the Walensee, the ski resort boasts a striking panorama of the Prodkamm. Straight ahead lies the formidable Churfirsten mountain range, a sight that will take your breath away. Offering impressive ski touring opportunities, the resort welcomes enthusiasts to the ascent of Trail 1, which is open daily.

Enhancing the location’s allure, from Thursday through Saturday, skiers can descend from the Prodkamm restaurant as late as 9 p.m. This, combined with the sublime scenic views, makes ski touring in this resort a unique and unforgettable experience.

The Engadine: A Haven for Ski Touring in Switzerland

For ski touring enthusiasts, Switzerland presents itself as the ultimate destination. Engrossed Ski-tourers will not be disappointed with Diavolezza, where, for a small fee, mountain railways transport their spare outfits to the mountain hut at an altitude of 890 meters. Refreshing showers and gourmet delights await their arrival.

Away from the routine chores of everyday life, Graubünden is an exceptional choice for ski tour lovers. Imagine being surrounded by pristine snow as far as the eye can see, under the beaming, cobalt-blue skies. Engadine, in particular, boasts many snow-clad mountains and untouched slopes, creating ideal conditions for unforgettable ski tours.

Engadine’s sprawling ski resorts are home to three mountains offering superb terrain for freeriding. With slight effort and the convenience of a cable car, one can access the magnificent freeride areas of Diavolezza, Lagalb, and Corvatsch without much difficulty.

The mountains in and around Saint-Moritz are a hub for ski and snowboard tours. Starting points begin as high as 1,700 or 1,800 meters. The numerous three-thousand-meter peaks accessible from Saint-Moritz are well snow-laden and present diverse options with varied slopes and orientations. The great choice of different circuits facilitates the easy planning of a safe freeride excursion. Truly, ski touring in Switzerland leaves no room for monotony with its enticing options and exhilarating experiences.

Ski Touring at Nendaz Resort

Switzerland boasts an array of ski touring resorts featuring five distinct Tracks, each designed to provide a fulfilling balance between unspoilt powder snow trails and tranquil nature encounters. With levels designed to cater to diverse skill sets, each track enables skiers, whether newcomers or seasoned ski touring experts, to navigate at their chosen pace.

The uphill segments are diligently marked to ensure a seamless and stress-free ascent. At the apex, one finds respite close to a cosy mountain restaurant strategically positioned for skiers to refresh and refuel before embarking on an invigorating descent down a secure ski piste.

It should be noted, however, that for safety reasons, these ski runs remain accessible exclusively during the operational hours of the ski lifts. Outside these hours, the slopes are devoid of protection against potential hazards, including, but not limited to, avalanche triggers or encroaching snow grooming machinery equipped with winches. Hence, guests are advised to plan their ski tours accordingly to enjoy the Swiss ski touring experience fully.