Located in the heart of Europe in magnificent Switzerland, Zurich is a cosmopolitan metropolis and one of the most beautiful cities on the continent. Known as the central financial and cultural hub of the country, Zurich is a fascinating place to visit. There you will find many attractions, countless events and vibrant nightlife. Switzerland’s biggest city has a high standard of living and a tradition of liberal thinking. Many intellectuals lived here like Albert Einstein, Johanna Spyri, Vladimir Lenin, Thomas Mann and Gottfried Keller who helped shape Zurich and its history. Zurich is close to some excellent ski resorts, so if you want to rest and relax or you are up for some winter activities, you can quickly go to the mountains. The ski areas are less than an hour and a half from Zurich, and almost all ski resorts in Europe are reachable by trains. Here are some of the best Ski Resort near Zurich and how you can reach them.
One of the Most Famous Ski Resorts Flumserberg
Flumserberg is very close to Zurich, and because of that, it is one of the most popular. It is an excellent choice for everyone, no matter if you are a beginner or a pro skier. For kids, it has beginner slopes and magic carpets that are free. The resort has 65km of pistes and includes 18 mountain transport facilities, one family fun park, one fun park for all levels of difficulty, one toboggan run and three cross-country ski trails that are 18 km long.
You can access the resort by bus, train or private transfer. Flumserberg is the only winter region in the country that can be reached by urban railway (S-Bahn). On weekends and public holidays, line S2 runs every hour from Zurich Airport to Unterterzen. Booking a private airport transfer to Flumserberg is the best option because it will take you directly to your destination.
The Charming Elm
Elm is a small and family-favourite resort. It doesn’t have crowds like Flumserberg, and it is very affordable. The resort has terrain for both beginner and advanced levels, but it is also great for non-skiers because it offers other activities as well. It is near Glarnerland, Eastern Switzerland, and you can reach it from Zurich by car (1hr15 mins), train and bus (1hr45).
The Affordable Stoos
Located in Central Switzerland, Stoos is a snow-covered winter wonderland, known for its breathtaking views and slopes. It is a family-friendly resort with very affordable ski passes and cheap beginner tickets. The resort has a hill for beginners that includes magic carpets and T-bars. Stoos is excellent for intermediate skiers that are looking for more of a challenge. You will also find terrain for hiking, cross-country skiing, tobogganing and air boarding.
The resort also includes five mountain transport facilities, seven ski pistes and two cross-country ski trails. You can reach the resort from Zurich by bus, train or private airport transfer. Travel time from Zurich Main Train Station is 80 minutes by public transportation and 50 minutes by car.
Easily Reachable Hoch-Ybrig
Hoch-Ybrig is another favourite destination for relaxation in the Swiss mountains. The resort has 50km (30 miles) of pistes with 12 mountain transport facilities, 22 ski pistes, one fun park, one ski cross park, three toboggan runs, three cross-country ski trails and ski cross park. You can also enjoy extensive hikes and ski tours. From Zurich, you reach the resort by car in just under an hour and 1hr30 by train/bus.
The Most Challenging of the Ski Resorts St. Anton am Arlberg
St. Anton am Arlberg is a ski resort in Austria but it is only two hours away from Zurich. So if you are looking for the most challenging runs in the Alps, this is the place to be. In St. Anton you can also enjoy other activities like hiking and climbing. From Zurich, you can reach St. Anton by train or by booking a private transfer.