Top 5 Winter Experiences in Switzerland

What Makes Winter in Switzerland Magical? Try These Five Favorites

1. Tobogganing in the Jungfrau

It started as a dare—Climb the Faulhorn and slide all the way down to Bussalp in one piece. Today, the Big Pintenfritz, as it’s called, is the longest toboggan run in Europe, with a distance of 15 kilometers and a vertical drop of 1600 meters. Great views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, but hold on to your hat.

2. Vacherin Mont d’Or

The cows that make Gruyère Cheese in the summer make a cheese in winter that is 45% milk fat and best served warm, straight from its traditional round spruce container, and eaten with a spoon or like fondue. It’s the perfect comfort food after a long day on the slopes.

3. Cross Country Skiing in the Goms Valley

Here 100 kilometers of immaculately-groomed trails line the headwaters of the Rhone and pass through twelve charming Valais farming villages dating to the 13th century. The best part—with your Kombiticket trail/rail pass, the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn is your ski shuttle.

4. Basel Christmas Market

Switzerland’s oldest and most popular Christmas market is steeped in rich tradition and exudes authentic personality. And as long as you’re in Switzerland for Christmas don’t miss Montreux’s Marché de Noël or the St. Gallen Christmas Market.

5. Glacier Express

From Zermatt to St. Moritz, the slowest express train in the world gives you plenty of time to enjoy the glistening alpine scenery in elegant cars with immense panoramic windows. The journey is most spectacular on a sunny day in winter, so don’t forget the sunglasses and sunscreen.