Withmellow, low-altitude mountains, sky-high peaks with near-vertical drops (hello, Matterhorn and Gemsstock), powder-covered glaciers, and gently rolling Alpine forests, it's no wonder skiing in Switzerland tops most winter sports enthusiasts' travel wish lists. Plus, the country is home to some of Europe's largest winter resorts, with new panoramic cable cars, high-speed chair lifts, and scenic trains offering easy connectivity between mountains. When it comes time to unbuckle your boots and click out of your skis, a whole aprs-ski world awaits, from slopeside cocktail bars to sprawling, tranquil spas.
And then there's the food. Whether you want to munch on Michelin-star sushi at a luxury resort, feast on a fireside meal of modern French fare, or down mounds of melty raclette while the kids run around, there's a spot in Switzerland where you can make it happen.
Where to stay: Make yourself at home off the slopes at The Omnia, the sprawling Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, the splurge-worthy Mont Cervin Palace, or cozy Backstage. All are located just steps from the Glacier Express train, which connects St. Moritz and Zermatt. Conscious travelers will want to check out Cervo, a contemporary, Alpine resort whose operations and offerings center around sustainability and social responsibility.
Where to stay: A Davos mainstay, the AlpenGold Hotel (formerly the InterContinental Davos) offers spacious rooms, alpine-inspired interiors, and unbelievable views of the Grison Alps. Grischa Das Hotel Davos is situated directly outside the Jakobshorn cable car station, and its services include assistance with ski rentals and ski school reservations.
Where to stay: Relax at Chalet RoyAlp Htel & Spa, where rooms are decorated with wood, fireplaces, and cushy furniture. Villars Alpine Resort is a something-for-everyone hotel complex. It comprises a Lodge, a four-star hotel slated to open this month, and the five-star Villars Palace, which was renovated this past summer. Other amenities at the eco-conscious, Swisstainable-designated resort include seven restaurants and bars, plus two swimming pools and fitness facilities.
Where to eat and drink nearby: Nesti's Ski Bar is the classic place to grab a pint at the bottom of the slopes. And if you want to go out, Poison nightclub will keep you dancing until 4 a.m. To replenish all of those burned calories, order some of the best cuisine in Switzerland from Waldhotel Fletschhorn, which features black truffle poached in Marsanne blanche, hand-dived scallops, and some 45,000 bottles of wine in its wine cellar.
Where to stay: In 2019, the Ferienart Resort and Spa underwent a complete renovation and emerged as Walliserhof Grand-Hotel SPA. The Relais & Chateaux-member hotel is home to 73 modern, Alpine-style rooms, as well as three restaurants and a sprawling spa complex.
German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe first drew attention to Andermatt's tourism appeal when he wrote about its mountain villages in the 18th century. Today, just 40 miles from Lucerne in the Urserntal Valley, Andermatt is a storybook base for accessing SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun, the largest ski area in the heart of Switzerland. It's where you'll find Gemsstock, a 10,000-foot paradise for expert, off-piste skiers, and the more beginner- and intermediate-friendly Ntschen-Gtsch and Sedrun-Oberalp Pass areas. A long day on the slopes is well rewarded with a ride from Andermatt to Disentis aboard the Aprs Ski Train, which serves up food, drinks, music, and plenty of mountain views.
Stats: A dynamic pricing model, used increasingly at resorts around the country, dictates what you'll pay to play at SkiArena, but expect to hand over $77 to $87 for a peak-season day pass. It'll get you access to 33 lifts and more than 40 runs that span 110-plus miles. Note that the Epic Pass is valid in Andermatt-Sedrun.
Where to eat and drink nearby: Five- to 10-course Kaiseki menus are the specialty at The Japanese Restaurant. It's located inside The Chedi Andermatt and has sported a Michelin star since 2017. Locals and visitors satisfy more casual cravings at Spycher, a pizzeria and bar with an impressive menu of pies and pasta, plus a couple of classic Swiss dishes.
Where to eat and drink nearby: Overlooking the Dents-du-Midi, Le 42 strikes a just-right balance of cozy and refined thanks to its timber interiors, crackling fireplace, and modern, French-inspired fare. Prefer to refuel with some gooey raclette? The chalet-style Cantine des Rives has been melting cheese over a wood fire since 1949.
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Twists, turns, rises and descents will thrill skaters as they navigate a winding ice course surrounded by snowy scenery with a Northwest feel. In order to create a winter wonderland, Riverfront Park unveils its Numerica Skate Ribbon when the temperature drops. This Washington ice rink comprises an expansive pathway leading to a 3,500-sq.-ft. connected pond. In addition, comfortable fire pits are where spectators and skaters can gather to socialize and drink hot cocoa. At the same time, the Sky Ribbon Caf will feature a variety of delicious food and a large windowed dining area. Admission is $9.95 for adults, $6.95 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for guests younger than 3 years of age. Skate rentals cost $6.95. For more information, visit
spokanecity.org.
Downtown Port Angeles is the place to be this winter season as it brings on the festivities with its one-of-a-kind Winter Ice Village, through Jan. 2. Although the indoor/outdoor ice skating rink may be the main attraction, there will also be lots of opportunities for holiday shopping and delicious dining throughout the surrounding downtown. Guests can rent a skating seal to learn the ropes of the rink while skating underneath shiny string lights and other festive decorations. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for guests ages 3 to 12. For more information, visit
wintericevillage.org.
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