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The 7 Best Swiss Slopes to Snowboard in 2019

These snowboarders in Switzerland practically have the slopes to themselves
These snowboarders in Switzerland practically have the slopes to themselves | © theodore liasi / Alamy Stock Photo

Few places on the continent rival Valais when it comes to snowboarding conditions. Within the region it’s possible to find perfect pistes, for all abilities, tucked away from the crowds, with guaranteed snow throughout the entire season. So if you’re set to hit the slopes this winter, take your pick from these seven resorts in Switzerland.

La Fouly

What this resort lacks in stature it makes up for in style. While it may be modest in size, it still boasts some exceptional slopes in addition to its utterly breathtaking alpine scenery. The resort itself sits at 1,600m (5,250ft), with ski lifts going a further 600m (1,970ft) higher up. Half the runs at La Fouly are black, while the other half comprise a mixture of blue and red runs. The slopes face west. For a good feed afterwards make sure you head to Hotel Edelweiss.

Altitude, resort: 1,600m (5,250ft)

Altitude, ski slopes: 2,300m (7,550ft)

Number of installations: 4

La Fouly village, Pays du Saint Bernard

Rosswald

The small village of Rosswald is based in the east of Valais, in the Simplon region. Beautifully placed in a consistently sunny spot that overlooks the Rhone Valley, its slopes are varied enough to suit riders of all abilities. While the variation makes Rosswald a fantastic family option, the area’s black runs are incredibly steep and provide a challenge for even the most skilled of riders. There are four ski lifts that bring you up to 2,600m (8,530ft), and there are 25km (16mi) of pristine pistes to enjoy.

Altitude, resort: 1,830m (6,000ft)

Altitude, ski slopes: 2,600m (8,530ft)

Number of installations: 5

Rosswald, in the Swiss Alps

Arolla

Situated between 2,000m (6,560ft) and a fraction under 3,000m (9,840ft), Arolla boasts exquisite conditions throughout the season thanks, in part, to its location in one of the most spectacular valleys in the Alps. Its height also ensures that the season is long, and given how good the snow is here, it’s surprising – not to mention pleasing – how quiet the 47km (29mi) of slopes can be. Six lifts look after the area, with nearly half the pistes made up of red runs.

Altitude, resort: 2,000m (6,560ft)

Altitude, ski slopes: 3,000m (9,840ft)

Number of installations: 5

Aiguilles Rouges d’Arolla covered in snow in winter

St-Luc & Chandolin

The area of Val d’Anniviers consists of five resorts. St-Luc and Chandolin make up two of those five and feature 60km (37mi) worth of piste and a snow park between 1,650m (5,410ft) and 3,000m (9,840ft) altitude. The two resorts combined make up the biggest, sunniest snowboarding spot in the area. The south-facing slopes are relatively quiet, with only a few freestyle options but plenty when it comes to off-piste. It’s a great place for getting away from the bustle of the popular resorts.

Altitude, resort: 2,000m (6,560ft)

Altitude, ski slopes: 1,680m-3,000m (5,410ft-9,840ft)

Number of installations: 15

The Swiss ski and snow resort of St-Luc and Chandolin in the Valais region of Switzerland

Visperterminen

If you want guaranteed snow right up until the middle of spring and stunning views of the Alps’ highest peaks, head to Visperterminen. The area has 20km (12mi) of ski slopes that reach as high as 2,300m (7,550ft), accessible by two rope tows, two T-bar lifts and a chairlift. There are two hotels and 10 instructors at the on-site ski school, which offers snowboarding lessons four days a week. For anyone who fancies an afternoon tipple, it’s worth noting the region also boasts Europe’s highest vineyards.

Altitude, resort: 1,340m (4,400ft)

Altitude, ski slopes: 2,300m (7,550ft)

Number of installations: 5

View of Visperterminen

Lauchernalp

Lauchernalp is a small, fairly typical Swiss ski resort. Despite its size, it offers fantastic variety, with the highest point just above 3,000m (9,840ft) and a massive skiable vertical. There are nearly 90km (56mi) of pistes, and it’s possible to ride – off and on piste – right down into the Lötschen valley villages for a genuine taste of traditional Switzerland. The height of the resort ensures brilliant snow quality, the powder is great, and there are a bunch of free-ride options too. Although Lauchernalp is popular, it’s rare to get crowds on the slopes, with plenty of fresh snow to take on.

Altitude, resort: 1,419m (4,655ft)

Altitude, ski slopes: 3,111m (10,205ft)

Number of installations: 6

Lauchernalp

SWISS offers direct flights to Geneva and Sion in Valais and free carriage for your snowboarding or skiing equipment. Find out more.
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