Davos Klosters Winter Guide 2025/26 – Best Skiing in the Swiss Alps

Snow is already falling across the Swiss Alps — and Davos Klosters, the snowsports capital of Europe, is getting ready to kick off another unforgettable winter season. With high-altitude slopes, cultural highlights, and cozy alpine charm, this Swiss icon offers one of the best winter escapes in Europe. And while I’ve skied some of the world’s best snow — including the light powder of Utah’s slopes — there’s something timeless about winter in the Swiss Alps, where classic charm meets modern adventure.

If you’ve read our Autumn Magic in Davos guide, you’ll know that Davos Klosters is an all-season destination. But winter brings its own kind of magic — and the 2025/26 season promises something special for skiers, snowboarders, and mountain lovers alike.

Where Is Davos Klosters?

Located in eastern Switzerland’s Graubünden canton, Davos Klosters sits about two hours from Zurich by train. The destination combines two distinct worlds:

• Davos – a cosmopolitan ski town known for its vibrant après-ski, international events, and lively atmosphere.
• Klosters – a charming mountain village with a quieter, more traditional Alpine feel, loved by families and loyal winter travelers.

Just a 15-minute drive apart, both share access to six unique ski areas connected by lifts and trails.If you’re planning a longer Alpine trip with your family, you might also enjoy our guide to the Skiing with Kids in the Dolomites: Why Paganella is Italy’s Ultimate Family Destination.

Davos Klosters Ski Areas

Davos Klosters boasts 300 km of pistes served by 57 lifts — a dream for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Each mountain has its own personality:

1. Parsenn – Davos and Klosters’ biggest ski area, home to the famous 12 km Weissfluh to Küblis run.
2. Jakobshorn – paradise for snowboarders, freestylers, and après-ski lovers.
3. Madrisa – Klosters’ sunny, family-friendly mountain. Families looking to combine adventure and together time will find Madrisa perfect — and for more ideas, check out our roundup of family-friendly adventure activities and travels.
4. Rinerhorn – an uncrowded favorite with scenic family slopes.
5. Pischa – a dedicated freeride area perfect for powder enthusiasts.
6. Schatzalp – the “slow mountain,” ideal for unhurried skiing and nostalgic charm.

If you love the feeling of freedom that only skiing can bring, you’ll enjoy our reflection on why we look forward to skiing holidays every year — a reminder of what makes winter adventures so special.

When Does the Ski Season Start in Davos Klosters?

The Gotschna lift in Klosters is scheduled to open in mid-November, offering early access to the Parsenn slopes. The Jakobshorn cable car in Davos opens at the end of November, and by mid-December, all ski areas will be fully operational. Thanks to high-altitude slopes up to 2,850 meters, excellent snow conditions often last until late April.

Things to Do in Davos Klosters (Besides Skiing)

The Davos Klosters Winter Guest Programme offers more than 350 activities — many guided by local experts and priced between 5 and 15 CHF.

Top picks include:

• Sunrise skiing with professional guides
• Snowshoe hiking through peaceful forests
• Igloo building workshops for families
• Cultural and museum tours around Davos

Discover the full Winter Guest Programme here.

Looking for inspiration for your next family-friendly snow adventure? Don’t miss our post on why Paganella is the perfect ski resort for kids.

And if you’re new to skiing or still building confidence on the slopes, don’t worry — Davos Klosters is a fantastic place to learn. You can read our story about learning to ski as an adult for some motivation before your first day on the snow.

What’s New for Winter 2026: Ice Mini-Golf in Davos

This year brings a fun new twist — Ice Mini-Golf in Davos’ Arkadenplatz. Swap golf clubs for hockey sticks and pucks on a specially designed 18-hole ice course. Afterwards, celebrate with a craft beer at Brewery Monstein, Switzerland’s highest brewery, where mountain spring water and alpine brewing traditions create something truly unique.

Try Ice Bathing at Lake Davos

If you’ve been curious about cold plunges, Davos has joined the ice-bathing trend in style. AdventureHealth offers their “Quick Chill” crash course for beginners, safely introducing you to the invigorating world of ice baths at Lake Davos.

Don’t Miss: Coverfestival Davos 2026

From March 26–29, 2026, the Coverfestival Davos returns — a mountain music celebration featuring tribute bands and rock groups performing across venues like Parsennhütte, Bolgen Plaza, and Montanasaal. Expect sun, snow, and unforgettable après-ski vibes.

Where to Stay in Davos Kloster

Hotel Joseph’s House (Davos Platz)

After two years of renovation, this Art Nouveau hotel near Jakobshorn Station offers a stylish new look while keeping its heritage charm.
Double rooms from CHF 165 per night (B&B).

Schatzalp Hotel (Davos)

Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Thomas Mann’s birth by staying at the iconic Schatzalp, the former sanatorium that inspired The Magic Mountain. Reached via its own funicular, it offers long sunshine hours, historic charm, and stunning views.
Double rooms from CHF 260 per night (B&B).

Winter Events in Davos Klosters 2025/26

• Dec 5–20: Songbird Festival – Switzerland’s biggest singer-songwriter event
• Dec 12–14: Davos Nordic – FIS Cross-Country World Cup races
• Dec 26–31: Spengler Cup – ice hockey’s oldest club tournament
• Jan 1: Klosters Traditional New Year’s Day Piglet Race
• Mar 6–7: Art on Ice – world-famous figure skating gala
• Mar 26–29: Coverfestival Davos – music and après-ski celebration

How to Get to Davos Klosters

• Fly: Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the nearest international gateway.
• Train: Regular Swiss Rail connections via Landquart — 2 hrs to Klosters, 2.5 hrs to Davos.
• Drive: Scenic routes through Graubünden; car rental available at Zurich Airport.

Travel tip: The Swiss Travel Pass covers unlimited train, bus, and boat rides, plus free admission to many museums — ideal for independent travelers exploring the Alps.

Travel Tips

• Visit early December or late March for fewer crowds and excellent snow.
• Try local specialities like Bündner Nusstorte (nut tart) and raclette in cozy mountain huts.
• Don’t miss Kaffeeklatsch Davos for the best hot chocolate in town.
• For families, Madrisa offers dedicated ski schools and sunny slopes.

Final Thoughts: Why Davos Klosters Should Be on Your Winter Bucket List

Davos Klosters isn’t just another ski resort — it’s a living piece of Alpine culture. Whether you’re skiing world-class slopes, discovering ice golf, relaxing in a spa, or taking an ice bath at Lake Davos, every moment here captures the essence of winter in Switzerland. From high-altitude adventure to quiet mountain charm, this destination reminds us that the Alps are about more than snow — they’re about stories, connection, and timeless beauty.

And if you’re the kind of traveler who chases snow all year long, don’t miss our guide to three unmissable summer ski resorts in Chile, France, and the United States — proof that ski season never really ends for true powder lovers.

Plan your trip: www.davos.ch | www.klosters.ch

Marco

Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.