Davos

Davos Ski Resort Guide

Nestled in the picturesque Swiss Alps, Davos is one of Switzerland’s most famous ski resorts and a renowned year-round destination. Known for its vast ski area, exceptional snow conditions, and the prestigious World Economic Forum, Davos offers something for everyone—from families and beginners to seasoned skiers and snowboarders. Located in the eastern part of Switzerland, it boasts an impressive 300 km of ski slopes, a vibrant town with a lively après-ski scene, and numerous winter activities, making it one of the most complete alpine experiences.

Here’s your complete guide to Davos Ski Resort:

1. Overview of Davos Ski Resort

• Location: Davos is situated in the Grisons canton of Switzerland, approximately 2 hours from Zurich by car or train. It’s a well-known resort town located at an altitude of 1,560 meters and is surrounded by stunning peaks and valleys.
• Best For: Davos caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. With its wide variety of slopes, it’s a great destination for families, intermediate skiers, and experienced skiers looking for challenging terrain. The resort’s extensive lift system and proximity to the town make it a top choice for a comprehensive ski holiday.
• Terrain: 300 km of ski runs, 57 ski lifts, with a vertical drop of over 1,300 meters.
• Annual Snowfall: Davos has an average snowfall of about 6 meters per year, ensuring reliable snow conditions throughout the season.
• Season: The ski season typically runs from late November to early April, with the best conditions generally between December and March.

2. Ski Terrain & Runs

Davos offers a diverse range of slopes and terrain suitable for all skiing abilities, with three main ski areas: Davos Klosters, Parsenn, Jakobshorn, Rinerhorn, and Pischa.

• Beginner Terrain: Davos is a great resort for beginners, with several areas dedicated to easing newcomers onto the slopes. The Rinerhorn area is ideal for first-time skiers, featuring gentle slopes and a range of ski schools. Jakobshorn also offers beginner-friendly terrain and an excellent ski school that caters to new skiers and snowboarders.
• Intermediate Terrain: Intermediate skiers will find plenty of long, scenic blue and red runs across the Davos region. The Parsenn area, one of the most popular, features wide, well-groomed intermediate runs and access to the stunning Gotschnagrat. Pischa offers a more secluded, peaceful atmosphere with smooth runs that are perfect for intermediate skiers looking to avoid crowds.
• Advanced Terrain: For advanced skiers and snowboarders, Davos provides numerous challenging runs. The Parsenn area features steep slopes and technical terrain, including the famous Piste 23, which is one of the most challenging black runs in the region. The Jakobshorn is also known for its more technical runs and off-piste terrain. Additionally, Pischa is a haven for freeriders, offering off-piste runs and untouched powder fields.
• Freeride & Off-Piste: Davos is a paradise for freeride enthusiasts. Pischa and Jakobshorn offer excellent off-piste terrain, with wide open spaces and powder-filled descents. Parsenn also has numerous opportunities for freeriders to explore, including some untracked powder runs in the backcountry. However, it is important to check avalanche conditions and carry the proper safety equipment when venturing off-piste.

3. Snow Conditions

• Snowfall: Davos is known for its excellent snow conditions, benefiting from its high altitude and proximity to the surrounding mountain ranges. The resort receives an average of around 6 meters of snow each season, ensuring great conditions for skiing and snowboarding throughout the winter.
• Snowmaking: The resort has extensive snowmaking facilities on lower slopes, particularly around the Rinerhorn and Davos Dorf areas, which help maintain good snow coverage even during warmer winters.

4. Lifts & Accessibility

Davos has a modern and efficient lift system that connects all its major ski areas, with more than 50 lifts providing access to over 300 km of ski terrain.

• Key Lifts:
  • Parsenn Cable Car: This is the main lift connecting the town of Davos to the Parsenn ski area. The lift takes skiers and snowboarders up to Gotschnagrat, providing access to wide, scenic runs and views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Jakobshorn Cable Car: This lift connects the resort to the Jakobshorn area, which is popular with advanced skiers and snowboarders. It offers access to a variety of runs and off-piste terrain.
  • Rinerhorn Chairlift: This lift serves the quieter Rinerhorn area, ideal for beginners and families. It provides access to wide, gentle slopes and areas for learning.
  • Pischa Gondola: Pischa is the go-to area for freeriders and advanced skiers. The Pischa gondola provides access to the high-altitude slopes and off-piste runs in a secluded, uncrowded environment.
• Accessibility: Davos is well-connected by road and rail, making it easily accessible from major Swiss cities. The Davos Dorf station is located just a short walk from the ski lifts, and the resort is served by a railway line that connects to the rest of Switzerland.

5. Family-Friendly Features

Davos is a fantastic destination for families, offering a variety of activities and ski facilities for children and beginners.

• Ski Schools: The Davos Ski School is renowned for its high-quality lessons for all ages and abilities. There are also specialized programs for children, with instructors skilled in making skiing fun and accessible. In particular, the Jakobshorn area is a great place for families to ski together.
• Childcare & Kids Zones: Davos has dedicated kids’ areas such as Madrisa Land, which is designed for young children. This area features gentle slopes, a magic carpet, and fun, kid-friendly snow activities. There are also ski schools that offer lessons specifically for children, making it a great place for families with little ones.
• Family Terrain: Davos offers plenty of easy, wide slopes for families to enjoy. The Rinerhorn and Madrisa areas have easy runs that are perfect for parents and children to ski together. These areas are great for those looking for a relaxed family experience.

6. Après-Ski & Dining

Davos is renowned for its vibrant après-ski scene, offering a mix of laid-back bars and lively nightclubs, along with plenty of dining options to suit all tastes.

• Mountain Restaurants: Davos has many excellent mountain restaurants, such as Piz Boe, which offers a variety of Swiss and international dishes with a stunning alpine view. Schwänli at the top of Parsenn serves great local cuisine, while Restaurant Jakobshorn offers hearty meals in a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
• Village Dining: In the town of Davos, you’ll find a wide selection of restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining. Balthazar is known for its gourmet meals and stylish décor, while La Terrasse is a great spot for enjoying Swiss specialities like fondue and raclette.
• Après-Ski Bars: After a day on the slopes, head to one of Davos’ many après-ski bars. Popular spots include The Schatzalp Bar, which is a classic après-ski venue with live music and a great atmosphere, and Kuhstall, a lively bar offering drinks and music late into the night. For a more relaxed experience, Café Weber is perfect for enjoying a hot drink and some Swiss pastries.

7. Other Activities

Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Davos offers a wide range of activities for all ages.

• Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing: The region has over 100 km of cross-country skiing trails, including scenic routes along the lake and through the alpine forest. Snowshoeing is also a popular activity, with many marked trails for exploring the snow-covered landscapes.
• Tobogganing: Davos has several toboggan runs, including the Rinerhorn Toboggan Run, which is one of the longest in the region. It’s an exciting and family-friendly way to explore the mountain.
• Ice Skating & Curling: For those who prefer non-skiing activities, Davos offers an ice rink where visitors can enjoy ice skating, and the opportunity to try curling, a popular Swiss winter sport.
• Wellness & Spa: After an active day, visitors can unwind in the Davos Wellness Center or enjoy a relaxing spa experience at the InterContinental Hotel or the Schatzalp Resort.

8. Tips for Visiting Davos

• Book in Advance: Davos is a popular resort, especially during the peak season. It’s recommended to book accommodation, ski passes, and ski lessons in advance.
• Prepare for Altitude: At 1,560 meters above sea level, Davos can feel a bit more strenuous for those not accustomed to higher altitudes. Make sure to stay hydrated and take it easy during the first few days.
• Check Avalanche Conditions: For off-piste and freeride skiing, always check the avalanche forecasts and take the necessary safety precautions.

Conclusion

Davos Ski Resort is a top-tier destination that offers an excellent mix of terrain, family-friendly facilities, and vibrant après-ski opportunities. With access to 300 km of slopes, world-class ski schools, and exceptional snow conditions, it is the perfect destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Whether you’re looking for exhilarating runs, peaceful backcountry skiing, or just a fun, family-friendly winter getaway, Davos has something to offer.