Alpine Adventure into Switzerland's Winter Wonderland

Christmas markets

With Christmas markets being a tradition originating from Germany, the German-speaking part of Switzerland certainly does it better than the rest of the country! These markets usually run from late November until Christmas, offering a great selection of creative gifts, drinks and traditional food (Think: cheese fondue and raclette!) A few of my favorite ones include Zurich’s Wienachtsdorf, Bern’s Sternenmarkt and Montreux’s Christmas Market. 

Ski stations

Boasting well over 300 ski stations in an area of 41,285 km², Switzerland is clearly a top choice for ski vacations. But even if you don’t do winter sports, there are a wide variety of activities to do at ski stations, such as winter walking, hiking, snowshoeing, sledging, sight-seeing etc. Here is a quick selection of some of the best ski stations in Switzerland: 

Zermatt: Perhaps the most well-known ski station in Switzerland, Zermatt is a car-free, authentic Swiss ski resort with a beautiful view on the famous Matterhorn. 

Andermatt: A much less touristy ski resort with world-class luxurious experiences. 

Jungfrau Ski Region: Popular destination that offers an unbeatable panorama of the Swiss Alps and over 160km of pistes for winter sport lovers of all levels.

Portes du Soleil: One of the biggest ski areas in the world with over 650km of pistes. Great station to combine with a trip to France! 

Spa and thermal baths

What is better than relaxing in hot baths when it’s cold and snowy outside? Whether you’re tired from a day of winter sports or simply spend some time to relax and unwind at a spa or thermal bath. I particularly recommend the spa at The Chedi Andermatt and The Dolder Grand, Le Grand Spa in Gstaad and 7132 Thermal Baths.

Cities in snow

Swiss cities aren’t necessarily covered in snow during winter time, so you’re in luck if snow falls during your city stay! Head to Uetliberg in Zurich, the Rose Garden of Bern, the wine growing region of Lavaux or Lake Thun for the best panoramic cityscape in snow. 

Cheese fondue 

You can’t possibly leave Switzerland without trying the authentic cheese fondue. Here are a few unique places to have this local specialty: 

Fondue Tram: Have your cheese fondue dinner while touring Zurich on a tram. December is a particularly great time to do this as streets in Zurich are lit up by Christmas illuminations. 

Frau Gerolds Garten Restaurant: Super hip place to go for food and drinks. Great vibes!

Café du Soleil: A cute little restaurant in Geneva well-known for its cheese fondue.

In the mountains

 Drehrestaurant Allalin: The highest revolving restaurant in the world at 3'500 meters above sea level. Enjoy the magnificent 360° panorama while enjoying your meal.

Chez Vrony: Recommended by the Michelin Guide, Chez Vrony serves traditional dishes made with produce from livestock raised in the nearby Alps. 

Fondue pots in Gstaad: Do you know that you can have cheese fondue in a giant fondue pot? Yes, it is possible in Gstaad. Pick up your fondue backpack, hike to the fondue pot in nature and have your cheese fondue there. 

Drinks 

Rudolph’s: Christmas-themed bar for a fun winter night-out! 

Wineries in Lavaux: One of the best souvenirs to get from Switzerland is wine, as Swiss wine is not exported elsewhere in the world. Head to the wine-growing region of Lavaux and reserve/ do walk-in wine-tasting sessions at local wineries.