So you’re planning a trip to Switzerland in winter as a non-skier? If you’re not a fan of skiing but still want to experience the beauty of the Swiss Alps, you’re in for a treat. From scenic train rides to adrenaline-pumping activities to snowy landscapes, here’s a guide to the top things to do in Switzerland in winter for non-skiers.
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Embark on a scenic journey through the Swiss Alps aboard the Glacier Express, a panoramic train ride taking you between Zermatt and St Moritz. Marvel at snow-covered peaks, quaint villages, and deep valleys as you relax in the comfort of the luxurious panoramic cars.
Renowned as one of the world’s most scenic train rides, it’s one of the top things to do in Switzerland in winter (and all year round!), and a great way to experience the winter wonderland whilst staying cozy and warm!
Tickets start from around 40 CHF, with the price differing depending on the length of your journey and if you ride in 2nd class, 1st class or Excellence class. There is only one train a day in both directions and it’s very popular so please make sure to book in advance directly via their website! When purchasing your ticket you will also need to reserve a seat; this fee depends on the season and can vary between 23 and 43 CHF for long journeys and between 13 and 33 CHF for short journeys. You can save money on your journey with an Interrail pass (as you only need to pay for the seat reservation).
I decided to go all out and purchased an Excellence class ticket. These start from 470 CHF and includes a 5 course meal with wine, afternoon tea service and unlimited soft drinks. Plus you are guaranteed a window seat!
If you are looking for a more affordable scenic train in Switzerland, then I recommend checking out the Bernina Express leaving from St. Moritz towards Milan. I caught it to Ospizio Bernina then back to St Moritz.
Where to stay in St Moritz:
I stayed at the Hotel Reine Victoria as it was the best value for money. The rooms are spacious, you have access to a spa with an outdoor heated pool and they also have a free transfer to/from the train station.
Where to stay in Zermatt:
If you’re on a budget I recommend the Hotel Bahnhof which is right next to the train station and offers low cost private rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchen.
If you’re looking for incredible views of the Matterhorn I recommend staying at this apartment. It is a bit of a walk uphill however it’s worth it for the views! Plus you have a well equipped kitchen so you can save money by not eating out.
This needs to be on your winter in Switzerland bucket list! You can ice skate on an actual frozen lake! You don’t need to go to Canada to have this incredible experience. Nestled amidst picturesque surroundings, Silsersee is a frozen lake that transforms into a natural ice rink during winter.
As it’s a natural phenomenon depending on the weather, it’s impossible to predict the exact dates in which it will freeze over, but it’s usually January-March. As this is a natural lake there is no one around patrolling or making sure people are safe so please proceed with caution!
If you don’t have a car you can get a bus here from St. Moritz. Entrance is free, just make sure to bring your own ice skates! And of course make sure to check that it is indeed frozen and safe before skating!
Where to stay in St Moritz:
I stayed at the Hotel Reine Victoria as it was the best value for money. The rooms are spacious, you have access to a spa with an outdoor heated pool and they also have a free transfer to/from the train station.
Feel the exhilaration of a dog sled ride through pristine snowscapes. Mush through the snowy trails as a team of energetic huskies leads the way. It’s a unique and immersive way to explore the winter wilderness. Giving you a taste of the Arctic right in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Easily one of the top things to do in Switzerland in winter.
There are a few different places in Switzerland to do it, one of the most affordable ones is in Glacier 3000. You could tie it in with a day trip here, they also have a suspension bridge here which offers incredible panoramic views. The dog sled experience is every Wednesday and Saturday, make sure to book in advance as spaces are limited.
Where to stay in Gstaad (near Glacier 3000):
If you are looking for a comfortable but affordable stay check out Hotel Alphorn.
If you’re looking for a bit more luxury check out Bernerhof Swiss Quality Hotel.
For a truly memorable winter in Switzerland experience, spend a night in an igloo! Iglu-dorf offers you the chance to sleep in an igloo, and they have a few different locations around Switzerland. These icy accommodations are built from scratch every winter and offer a cozy and unique way to connect with the snowy surroundings. Marvel at the star-studded sky before snuggling into a thermal sleeping bag from the warmth of your ice-crafted shelter.
If you are planning on staying in an igloo, then I recommend choosing the one in Zermatt and tying it in with a trip up to Gornergrat on the cog train, offering you the most incredible views of the Matterhorn. Unfortunately this train is not covered by the interrail pass, and it will set you back over 100 CHF.
Where to stay in Zermatt:
If you’re on a budget I recommend the Hotel Bahnhof which is right next to the train station and offers low cost private rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchen.
If you’re looking for incredible views of the Matterhorn I recommend staying at this apartment. It is a bit of a walk uphill however it’s worth it for the views! Plus you have a well equipped kitchen so you can save money by not eating out.
One of the top things to do in Switzerland in winter, as well as one of my favourite activities we did is sledding! Now this is no ordinary sledding. In the Swiss Alps there are full on sledding pistes lasting for several kilometres! There are a few different ones all over the country so it’s easy to work it into your winter in Switzerland itinerary.
I personally did the one from Preda to Bergun (not to far from St Moritz), I’ve shared the whole experience and top tips in my YouTube video. Make sure to wear waterproof trousers and boots with a good grip as you’ll be using your feet to break.
You have to add this to your winter in Switzerland itinerary! Paragliding in Switzerland takes on a magical dimension in winter, transforming an already exhilarating adventure into a surreal experience above a pristine snowy landscape. Imagine soaring through the crisp alpine air, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and picturesque valleys.
Tandem paragliding, where you’re securely harnessed to an experienced pilot, offers the perfect way for both thrill-seekers and those new to the sport to enjoy the stunning winter panorama. Most leave from Interlaken so you can head there before or after Zermatt.
After enjoying some of the many activities you can do in Switzerland in winter. I recommend indulging in the tranquility of a thermal spa amidst the Swiss Alps. The perfect way to rejuvenate both body and soul. Surrounded by the majestic peaks, these alpine retreats offer a therapeutic escape in nature.
Switzerland offers a number of thermal spas, including many outdoor heated pools with views of the mountains. Offering an incredible photo spot in Switzerland. Make sure to check out:
– Kulm Hotel in St Moritz.
– Riffelhaus 1853 near Zermatt.
– Hotel Spinne in Grindlewald.
No trip to Switzerland is complete without savouring an iconic Swiss fondue. Cozy up in a traditional mountain chalet and dip into a pot of melted cheese goodness. It’s the perfect way to warm up after a day of winter adventures.
If you want to enjoy a fondue with a view then you should check out Chez Vrony near Zermatt or Restaurant Botta up Glacier 3000 (pictured).
Not only can you ice skate on a frozen lake in Switzerland, but they also create frozen paths in forests and alongside rivers for you to skate along! These are known as ‘Eiswegs’ or ‘ice paths’, they offer a unique ice skating experience for skaters of all levels.
This is one of the best Switzerland in winter activities to do! There are two in Switzerland during the winter – Eisweg Madulain and Eisweg Engadin.
Eisweg Madulain is very easily accessible as you can just get a train to the town, the piste goes alongside a river and payment is a donation into a box, so make sure to bring cash! Make sure to bring your own ice skates as it isn’t possible to rent them.
Eisweg Engadin was my favourite eisweg. It’s a 3km frozen trail within a forest so you can ice skate amongst the trees! It’s a bit more complicated to get to as you’ll need to catch a train to Scuol and then a bus to Camping-sur-En. Entrance is 12€ plus €5 to hire skates (or you can bring your on. It’s open daily during winter until the end of feb/beginning of march.
Where to stay near the eiswegs:
St Moritz is the nearest big town offering public transport to acress both of these eiswegs. I stayed at the Hotel Reine Victoria as it was the best value for money. The rooms are spacious, you have access to a spa with an outdoor heated pool and they also have a free transfer to/from the train station.
Switzerland offers a plethora of winter activities beyond the slopes. Ensuring that non-skiers can still revel in the magic of the Alpine season. From enchanting scenic train journeys to ice skating on frozen lakes to sledding, there’s something for everyone in this snowy paradise. Embrace the winter wonderland and enjoy all of the top things to do in Switzerland in winter.
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