Affordable Skiing In Switzerland
Switzerland and cheap doesn't quite roll off the tongue, however, skiing in Switzerland can be much more affordable than you may think.
With the strength of the Swiss currency and the countries prices in general, British ski tourist numbers have declined in Switzerland over recent years as it has been deemed 'unaffordable' to most. Yes, Switzerland does have the highest density of millionaires in the world as well as the worlds most expensive Big Mac but it also has world-class ski resorts in stunning mountain settings, historic towns and incredibly efficient lift systems.
The likes of Verbier and Zermatt have created the assumption that Switzerland is for the elite at truely elitest prices. Yet take a step off the beaten track and there are some spectacular resorts to explore at more affordable prices than you might think.
Ready to rediscover Switzerland?
For a few years now, Switzerland had been all but dismissed by the English market. But take a look behind the big names and Swiss skiing has far too much to simply disregard. The resorts are generally beautiful traditional villages - from mountain hamlets to towns founded around Benedictine Monasteries to fit for royalty resorts.
The skiing is world-class from glacial off-piste havens to miles of intermediate cruising through some truly spectacular scenery. It's an undeniably beautiful country and one where the reputation is far worse than the reality. We're not saying it's cheap, just that it's not just for those with a trust fund.
How much does skiing in Switzerland cost?
Less than you might think. On-mountain prices are generally in line with most French resorts so there shouldn't be any nasty surprises when the bill comes. And there are always cheaper eating options off the mountain. Accommodation is generally well priced and with the ease of the train system, getting to resort can be a lot less expensive than most French and even Austrian resorts.
For example - a 4 night ski break to Engelberg including flights, transfers, 3* accommodation on a half board basis and 4 day lift passes would set you back £773 per person. All you'd have to pay on top of that is for your ski hire and a few drinks around town. Or you could snag a 3 night break for under £500pp in Klosters.
Here are four stunning alpine ski resorts for affordable prices in Switzerland:
Wengen
The stunning resort of Wengen is up on the mountain, only accessible by train (the train up is included on your lift pass or a nominal fee if you don't have one). Prices are great value for a large ski area, historic car-free town and fantastic views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau from the village.
- 3 night ski break from £460 per person
- Including flights and transfers
- Staying at the 3* Hotel Belvedere
- Ski area - 170km
- Best for - intermediates and spectacular scenery
- Transfer time - 2.75 hours by train from Zurich (1.5 hours from Bern)
- 3 day lift pass - £136
Grindelwald
Grindelwald is the only resort in the Jungfrau region accessible by car so you could save some money by driving out to the atmospheric old town. There's 170km of skiing on your doorstep as well as 60km of toboggan trails, a lively après scene and striking views of the North face of the Eiger (you must have seen the Clint Eastwood film?!)
- 3 night ski break from £642 per person
- Including flights and transfers
- Staying at the 4* Hotel Eiger
- Ski area - 170km
- Transfer time - 2.75 hours by train from Zurich (1.5 hours from Bern)
- 3 day lift pass - £136
Engelberg
Arguably Switzerland's best kept secret. The town was founded with the Monastery in this dramatic valley including a 12km peak to town run. The upper reaches are glacial and the lower slopes wooded. An off-piste mecca with a lively après scene in town, especially over the weekends.
- 3 night ski break from £460 per person
- Including flights, transfers and lift pass
- Staying at the 3* Hotel Terrace
- Ski area - 82km
- Best for - off-piste skiers but all levels are well catered for
- Transfer time - 1.5 hours by train from Zurich
- 3 day lift pass - included in the hotel price (£134 if you book a different hotel)
Klosters
Klosters is perhaps most famous for being the glitzy resort of the Royals, however, the stunning scenery and huge ski area is the same no matter which hotel you stay in and there are some absolute bargains around town. Seamlessly linked by gondola to the extensive Parsen area you get the slopes on your doorstep and a traditional alpine atmosphere packed with beautiful buildings to come back to.
- 3 night ski break from £436 per person
- Including flights and transfers
- Staying at the 4* Silvretta Parkhotel
- Ski area - 320km
- Best for - off-piste skiers but all levels are well catered for
- Transfer time - 2.25 hours from Zurich
- 3 day lift pass - £162
Take a look at our offers and guide pricing if you're looking for further options or give our sales team a ring on 01962 587777 and they'd be happy to chat through all things Switzerland with you or simply look at a few photos on Instagram. Whatever floats your boat.