In Switzerland, you will find beautiful ski resorts like Zermatt and Wengen. Car-free ski resorts are among the most fascinating things to see in Switzerland. The following are some car-free ski resorts in Switzerland that you might want to consider the next time you plan to ski here.
Below are 10 interesting car-free ski resorts in Switzerland.
1. Zermatt
Zermatt is a car-free ski resort located in the Matter Valley of Valais, Switzerland. From Zermatt, you have wonderful viewpoints of the world-famous mountain Matterhorn.
In Zermatt ski resort, you can ski up to 3,883 meters above sea level and across 360 kilometers of slopes.
With its wooden houses, souvenir shops, and restaurants, the main town of Zermatt is utterly charming thanks to its pedestrian-only rule.
The public is not permitted to drive in Zermatt. While hotels may provide transportation for their guests, the rest of the public needs to leave their cars somewhere else. The majority of guests park in Täsch Car Park.
You can also take the train from Visp to Zermatt if you wish to travel by public transport. This train route stops in Täsch as well.
2. Saas-Fee
Saas-Fee is a car-free ski resort in the Saas Valley of Switzerland’s Canton Valais. The area is surrounded by high alpine mountains and glaciers.
In Saas-Fee ski resort, you can ski up to 3,600 meters above sea level and across 150 kilometers of slopes.
Unlike other ski resorts in Switzerland, Saas-Fee opens its ski season in November. As well as skiing, there are plenty of other activities available. Bobsleigh runs, glacier trails, gorges, and the Ice Pavilion are a few examples. Moreover, they can go swimming at Aqua Allalin.
Saas-Fee can be reached either by bus or car from Brig. There is a parking lot right near the village (Dorfplatz, 3906 Saas-Fee).
If you want to visit Saas-Fee for a day, you can check out this article: How to Spend 1 Day in Saas-Fee.
3. Wengen
If you love ski racing, then Wengen should not be unfamiliar to you. Wengen is renowned as a car-free ski resort in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland region that manages to maintain its charm despite its popularity.
Wengen, a beautiful car-free village in the Jungfrau Region, hosts the classic downhill Lauberhorn race every year. Despite its fame, it still has a small-town feel.
In Jungfrau Ski Region Grindelwald – Wengen ski resort, you can ski up to 2,500 meters above sea level and across 160 kilometers of slopes.
This village has many shops, hotels, and restaurants. It’s located 1,277 meters above sea level, offering a beautiful view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley below and of Grütschalp on the other side.
Wengen is 44 minutes away from Interlaken Ost by train. You will go to Lauterbrunnen first. After you arrive there, you can take the train that takes you to Wengen. If you come by car, you can park in Lauterbrunnen, and take the train from there.
If you would like to read more about Wengen, you can check out our article Wengen, Switzerland: 8 Reasons To Love It.
4. Mürren
The car-free ski resort of Mürren lies in the Lauterbrunnen Valley on the other side of Wengen.
Mürren is known for the mountain Schilthorn, made famous by James Bond. The mountain village is similar to Wengen but on a much smaller scale.
In Jungfrau Ski Region Mürren – Schilthorn resort, you can ski up to 3,000 meters above sea level and across 51 kilometers of slopes.
The slope in Allmendhubel is suitable for children. For ski-cross enthusiasts, there is a permanent ski-cross track in Winteregg.
Mürren is an hour’s train ride from Interlaken Ost. You will go to Lauterbrunnen first, then take the cable car to Grütschalp. After you arrive there, you can take the small train that takes you to Mürren.
It is also possible to go via Stechelberg and Gimmelwald before reaching Mürren. If you come by car, you can park either in Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg.
5. Bettmeralp
The car-free ski resort of Bettmeralp is located 1,907 meters above sea level in Aletsch Arena. It is situated in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. Bettmeralp also offers impressive views of the Pennine Alps, especially the Weissmies, Dom, Matterhorn, and Weisshorn peaks.
In Aletsch Arena / Riederalp – Bettmeralp – Fiesch-Eggishorn ski resort, you can ski up to 2,869 meters above sea level and across 104 kilometers of slopes.
Bettmeralp lies in the Aletsch Arena ski resort, along with Riederalp and Fischeralp. In total, they have 104 kilometers of slopes for skiers of all levels. Among the varied terrain is a snowpark, halfpipe, and free-ride slope.
Bettmeralp can be reached either by train or by car from Brig. It is possible to park in Betten itself. Getting to Bettmeralp requires a cable car ride from Betten station. Another cable car takes you to the summit of Bettmerhorn above Aletsch Glacier.
If you are thinking of visiting Bettmeralp for a day, you can check out this article: How to Spend 1 Day in Bettmeralp.
6. Riederalp
Riederalp is a car-free ski resort in Aletsch Arena consisting of Goppisberg, Greich, and Ried-Mörel. Greich and Goppisberg are part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites. It is located 1,925 meters above sea level and offers fantastic views of the Pennine Alps, such as Fletschhorn, Dom, and Matterhorn.
In Aletsch Arena / Riederalp – Bettmeralp – Fiesch-Eggishorn ski resort, you can ski up to 2,869 meters above sea level and across 104 kilometers of slopes.
Riederalp lies in the Aletsch Arena ski resort, along with Bettmeralp and Fischeralp. In total, they have 104 kilometers of slopes for skiers of all levels. Among the varied terrain are a snowpark, halfpipe, and free-ride slope.
Riederalp can be reached either by train or by car from Brig. It is possible to park in Mörel itself. Getting to Riederalp requires a cable car ride from Mörel (Riederalpbahn) station.
If you are thinking of visiting Riederalp for a day, you can check out this article: How to Spend 1 Day in Riederalp.
7. Belalp
A sunny, car-free ski resort in Valais, Belalp lies around 2,100 meters above sea level. In addition to the Dom and Fletschhorn mountains, Belalp offers panoramic views of the Pennine and Lepontine Alps. Among the many highlights of Belalp is Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland’s largest glacier.
In Belalp ski resort, you can ski up to 3,118 meters above sea level and across 56.1 kilometers of slopes.
Its witch-themed ski area should make skiing fun for children.
Belalp can be reached either by train or by car from Brig. It is possible to park in Blatten itself. Cable cars link Blatten with the car-free Belalp.
8. Braunwald
The car-free ski resort of Braunwald is in the southernmost part of Glarus canton. It is a tiny, little-known village of less than 400 year-round residents. It offers a breathtaking panorama of the Glarus Alps with Ortstock, Tödi, Biferten, and Hausstock.
In Braunwald ski resort, you can ski up to 1,901 meters above sea level and across 26 kilometers of slopes.
In Braunwald, skiing, toboggan runs, and winter hiking are just a couple of your options. Furthermore, there is a snowpark and children’s ski area in Grotzenbüel.
To reach Braunwald, take the train going to Linthal Braunwaldbahn (1 hour and 30 minutes from Zurich). If you are driving a car, the address of the valley station is Stachelbergstrasse 2, 8783 Linthal. From Linthal Braunwald, take the funicular up to Braunwald. It is the only connection to Braunwald.
If you would like to read more about Braunwald, check out our article here Winter Hiking and Skiing in Braunwald.
9. Stoos
With one of the steepest mountain railways, you will be taken from the valley up to the car-free ski resort of Stoos. The car-free village of Stoos lies in Morschach, in canton Schwyz. It is located 1,300 meters above sea level and has a population of approximately 100 people.
In Stoos ski resort, you can ski up to 1,935meters above sea level and across 35 kilometers of slopes.
The ski area, although small compared to other ski resorts, still has many on offer. They have ski slopes, cross-country tracks, an air board, and a sledding run, as well as a children’s ski area. For those who do not wish to ski, they also have winter trails.
To get to Stoos by public transport, you can take the bus to Schwyz, Stoosbahn. if you take the car, you can park directly next to the valley station. The address is Grundstrasse 234, 6430 Schwyz. From the Stoosbahn Valley Station, Schwyz Stoosbahn (Talstation), you can take the funicular going to Stoos.
If you would like to spend a day in Stoos, check out this article How to Spend 1 Day in Stoos, Switzerland.
10. Melchsee-Frutt
Melchsee-Frutt car-free ski resort encompasses Stöckalp and Balmeregghorn. It is a picturesque, car-free region in Kerns, Obwalden with 142 residents, mostly in the tourism industry. In this ski resort, you’ll find hotels, holiday apartments, and restaurants.
In Melchsee-Frutt ski resort, you can ski up to 2,255 meters above sea level and across 36 kilometers of slopes.
Two different ski areas are available at the resort. Balmeregghorn and Erzegg have big, flat, and sunny slopes. In contrast, Bonistock’s side offers steeper and faster slopes. Also available is an 8-kilometer sled run from Melchsee-Frutt to Stöckalp.
Melchsee-Frutt is accessible via the A2 Highway (Lucerne – Gotthard). The address is Fruttstrasse 53, Melchtal. Free parking is available at the Stöckalp Valley Station. If you arrive by train, you can head to Sarnen before going to Stöckalp.
If you would like to read more about Melchsee-Frutt, check out our article 10 Things To Love About Melchsee-Frutt, Switzerland.
Related Posts: Skiing
- 10 Best Ski Towns in Switzerland
- Top 15 Highest Ski Resorts in Switzerland
- Top 10 Snow Sure Ski Resorts in Switzerland
- 10 Biggest Ski Resorts in Switzerland
- 33 Small Ski Resorts in Switzerland
- Best Months to Ski in Switzerland
- Think Skiing In Switzerland Is Too Expensive? Here’s How to Enjoy It for Less
- Closest Ski Resorts To Zurich Airport
- Popular Ski Resorts Near Zurich
Related Posts
- Winter Hiking and Skiing in Braunwald
- 10 Things To Love About Melchsee-Frutt, Switzerland
- How to Spend 1 Day in Stoos, Switzerland
- How to Spend 1 Day in Saas-Fee
- How to Spend 1 Day in Riederalp
- Do You Need a Car to Tour Switzerland?
Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.
Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.