Swiss Resort Overviews

With one of the most peculiar seasons now over, it felt like a good time to have a quick overview of our main Swiss resorts. Below is a short summary to give you our one or two line impression of each, along with some scores on property prices (bargain or wallet buster), the overall ski experience (amount/quality of slopes, snow-surety, etc), resort appeal (charming village or sprawling resort) and nightlife (partying all night or calling it early).

If you like the sound of any of the below, make sure to get in touch and we’d be happy to discuss further as well as suggest some suitable properties.

Canton Valais



Crans-Montana
Prices: $$$$
Ski Experience: 3/5
Resort 4/5

A real dual season location, offering a professional golf course in the summer to complement its skiing in the winter. A south-facing exposure means the slopes can get a bit slushy, but the resort itself is filled with high-end shops and restaurants.



Grimentz-Zinal
Prices: $$$
Ski Experience: 4/5
Village Appeal: 5/5
Nightlife: 1/5

A hidden gem and often considered the lost valley, Grimentz combines a surprisingly varied ski area with one of the most beautiful and historic villages in the Alps. Too quiet and small for some, but simply perfect for others.



La Tzoumaz
Prices: $$
Ski Experience: 4/5
Village Appeal: 3/5
Nightlife: 1/5

A quiet village and north-facing aspect might put some off, but very well-priced chalets and almost immediate access to Verbier’s outstanding slopes make La Tzoumaz well worth considering.
 


Les Collons
Prices: $$
Ski Experience: 4/5
Village Appeal: 3/5
Nightlife: 2/5

The furthest of Verbier’s satellite villages, but still part of its huge 400km of slopes, Les Collons has its own decent ski area and provides the best sun and views in the 4 Valleys. The centre isn’t the most exciting but does have a few bars and restaurants.



Leukerbad
Prices: $
Ski Experience: 2/5
Village Appeal: 3/5
Nightlife: 1/5

Another dual season location with slightly limited skiing and a laid-back village feel. Leukerbad is stronger in summer that it is in winter and is famous for its impressive hot springs.



Nendaz
Prices: $$$
Ski Experience: 3/5
Village Appeal: 2/5
Nightlife: 4/5

Nendaz is also part of the 4 Valleys ski area, but long lift queues and difficult access to the main circuit loses them a mark. The resort is the liveliest in the region outside Verbier with plenty of restaurants and bars. It just maybe lacks the character of a charming Alpine village.
 


Saas Fee
Prices: $$$
Ski Experience: 4/5
Village Appeal: 5/5
Nightlife: 4/5

Without a doubt our number one resort in the Alps. A year round and charming Swiss village, Saas Fee has a lively centre, high altitude slopes and plenty of off-piste skiing that keeps visitors coming back year after year.



Verbier
Prices: $$$$$
Ski Experience: 5/5
Village Appeal: 5/5
Nightlife: 5/5

There’s no question Verbier has it all: a huge, high altitude, high-quality ski area along with a glamourous centre full of restaurants, shops and bars. The price of perfection is high however, so if you want to buy here, you better be ready to pay top dollar!
 


Veysonnaz
Prices: $$$
Ski Experience: 4/5
Village Appeal: 3/5
Nightlife: 1/5

A small satellite village of the 4 Valleys with the same access to its huge ski area. The resort itself is quiet, but there are plenty of ski in, ski out properties providing uninterrupted views down the Rhone valley.



Zermatt
Prices: $$$$$
Ski Experience: 5/5
Village Appeal: 5/5
Nightlife: 4/5

One of the world’s great destinations, it comes as a shock to the many looking to buy here that it is only possible for Swiss residents and permit holders. If you are lucky enough to fall into that category (along with a sizeable bank account), you can enjoy the outstanding array of restaurants and epic slopes, all while the iconic Matterhorn towers above. 

Canton Bern



Gstaad
Prices: $$$$$
Ski Experience: 3/5
Village Appeal: 4/5
Nightlife: 4/5

Exclusive properties and even more exclusive price tags mean Gstaad itself is off-limits to almost everyone. Best to look in one of the satellite villages where the cute town of Rougemont would be our top pick. Skiing is extensive but relatively low.



Grindelwald
Prices: $$$$
Ski Experience: 4/5
Village Appeal: 5/5
Nightlife: 3/5

With the majestic Eiger ever looming, Grindelwald is a popular resort known for its spectacular scenery and vibrant centre. The skiing includes both its own sector and one shared with Wengen, combining to make a large and highly impressive region ideal for intermediates.
 


Wengen
Prices: $$$
Ski Experience: 4/5
Village Appeal: 5/5
Nightlife: 3/5

A magical mountain haven tucked away on a plateau and only accessible by an old cog-railway. Combine this with the breath-taking mountain and valley views along with the extensive ski area and you have one of Switzerland’s most sought after and coveted locations.
 
Canton Vaud
 


Villars
Prices: $$$
Ski Experience: 4/5
Village Appeal: 4/5
Nightlife: 4/5

A resort that is doing a great job of re-inventing itself, Villars’ centre has done nothing but improve over the last few years and now boasts plenty of impressive hotels, restaurants and new developments. The ski area is also highly underrated with access to a glacier, there is just as much to do in the summer and Geneva airport is only 90 minutes away.
 
Canton Uri



Andermatt
Prices: $$$$
Ski Experience: 4/5
Village Appeal: 4/5
Nightlife: 4/5

The most up and coming location in the Alps, Andermatt has undergone a huge redevelopment project over the last few years, transforming it from a quiet village to an exciting and modern destination. Some great, snow-sure skiing and close proximity to Zurich are turning the resort into an emerging powerhouse.