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Experience skiing & snowboarding in Davos like a local. Davos, nestled in the Swiss Alps, is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. With 300 kilometres of slopes and 57 transport facilities, Davos, home to one of the largest ski resorts in the Alps, provides countless opportunities for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. And with the town’s high altitude and snowy climate, Davos boasts some of the best snow conditions in the region. So whether you’re looking for an intense rush on the slopes or a leisurely afternoon jaunt through powdery snow, Davos has it all.
Experience skiing & snowboarding in Davos like a local
Davos offers its visitors six ski areas to suit any preference. The famed Jakobshorn mountain has been the mecca of freestyle skiing since the 80s and is known for its challenging pistes and epic après-ski parties. The Parsenn area boasts some of the longest ski runs in Europe and is considered the birthplace of skiing in Switzerland. For families, Madrisa and Rinerhorn offer more relaxed slopes, while Schatzalp provides a cosy escape from the hustle and bustle. And for those looking for a true adventure, Pischa provides an opportunity to explore ungroomed slopes and practice alternative winter sports on natural snow.
Ski Alpin Parsenn, image by Matthias Paintner, Switzerland Tourism
The Davos winter guest programme is not the same cookie-cutter experience as other vacations. The participants are offered something new and exciting with an international flavour, which you can’t find anywhere else. This unique program allows guests to experience Davos like a local, with the guidance and companionship of a local. You’ll forge lasting friendships and interact with the local culture in ways that are simply not possible as just another tourist in town. Meet other winter sports enthusiasts, venture out into unspoilt landscapes on snowshoes, or even build your own igloo. Get up before the rest of the crowd and enjoy a peaceful downhill run at sunrise on a freshly prepared piste. This is winter vacationing at its finest – where every day brings new experiences accompanied by local guides who know all the hidden gems of their beloved hometown. The winter guest programme in Davos offers an emotional connection and immersive experience that surpasses any generic ski trip.
As the snow falls and winter sets in, take advantage of early bird skiing or snowboarding before the slopes become crowded. Get access to guided skiing both on and off the mountain, with adventure seekers being able to head to the off-piste trail course that offers some truly breathtaking views of nature’s beauty on display. For those looking for more fun and excitement, try out the funpark or boarder cross course, impress friends with some tricks at the superpipe, or freeride the mountain paradise – an off-piste guide to happiness. Whatever your preference, Davos has everything you need for a winter escape to remember.
Day and night tobogganing in Davos
Sledging, or tobogganing is one of the most delightful winter activities for families and friends. Skimming over the snow, feeling the rush of adrenaline as you descend down a slope, sliding into each other’s arms at the bottom – what could be more perfect? Sledging allows us to escape everyday life’s stresses and embrace childhood’s simplicity, joy, and excitement. And with a world-renowned ski resort like Davos, it’s easy for anyone to participate. So gather up your loved ones and experience the pure pleasure of gliding down a snowy hill on a sledge. Winter has never been so much fun.
Multi-generational tobogganing in Davos, image by Switzerland Tourism
It’s easy to imagine tobogganing as a timeless winter activity – but the truth is, it all started with the Davos sledge. In Davos, in the late 1860’s, British visitors brought their “toboggans” – wooden sledges – to the snowy Alpine slopes. Curious locals soon caught on to this new form of winter fun and crafted their own Davos sledges. As tobogganing spread across Europe and eventually the world, Davos remained at the forefront of innovation, becoming known as the birthplace of modern tobogganing. Today, you can visit Davos’ Wintersport Museum to learn about this history and see first-hand the original Davos sledges that sparked it all.
The tobogganing experience at Rinerhorn is certainly not for the faint of heart – the slopes are fast and only recommended for experienced sledgers. At Schatzalp, however, beginners can find themselves tobogganing with ease. Davos Klosters may be known as a pioneer in winter sports since 1864, but it’s also where sledging was invented. And on Pischa mountain, adventurers can try their hand at a new tobogganing styles – Airboard, an inflatable high-tech body-board for the snow – a 100% Swiss development, or Snowbraker.
Sledging after sunset at Rinerhorn, image by Jo Werner, Switzerland Tourism
The thrill of tobogganing on a crisp winter night is unparalleled. The stars twinkling above, the frosty air hitting your face, the whoosh of the sledge as you hurtle down the hill – what could be more exhilarating? And at Rinerhorn and Schatzalp, tobogganing aficionados can enjoy this unique experience every Wednesday and Friday evening or every night at Schatzalp. So whether you’re a seasoned tobogganer or just starting out, be it day or night, there’s something for everyone when it comes to tobogganing in Davos.
Snowshoeing in Davos, a unique experience for winter sports lovers without any special skills required
Snowshoeing is another exciting and accessible winter activity that allows adventurers to explore untouched landscapes and get a unique perspective on familiar places. Using large, specially designed shoes, snowshoeing enables hikers to traverse deep snow without sinking or tiring as quickly. Snowshoeing requires no previous experience or special skills – just the desire to hit the trail and discover new territory. Despite its simplicity, snowshoeing offers an invigorating workout for the whole body, making it a great way to stay active during the cold winter months. Snowshoeing provides a chance for even the most seasoned hikers to explore undisturbed nature in a whole new light.
Snowshoeing in Davos, image by Martin Bissig, Switzerland Tourism
Davos Klosters is a winter wonderland for snowshoeing enthusiasts. While the resort bustles with skiers and snowboarders, those who venture off into the powder on snowshoes will find a world of quiet and exploration. The fresh snow creates a blank canvas for observing wildlife, from deer to rabbits and everything in between. It’s also an excellent way for newcomers to the snow to get in touch with their surroundings – feeling every step sink into the soft powder as you trek through unspoiled terrain. Davos Klosters is an insider tip for those looking to escape and truly connect with nature on a snowshoeing adventure.
Snowshoeing in DavosKlosters, image by Christian Egelmair, Switzerland Tourism
When looking to explore the untouched, snow-covered nature of Davos Klosters, guided tours and safe routes are the way to go. With nine marked trails, including the Wolfgang, Tinzenblick, Landwasser, Wildboden, Alpenrösli and the 3-Village trail, ranging from 2 to 5 km, and starting & finishing points of trails easily accessible by public transport, there is plenty of opportunity for adventure. And for those wanting to experience the snow in a genuinely unique way, guided night tours with a torch are also available. Additionally, sports shops in Davos Klosters offer equipment rentals, making it easy for visitors to properly equip themselves before embarking on their winter journey.
Davos: The best winter walks for the whole family
While winter often brings about thoughts of staying inside and warm by the fire for non-skiers, the winter walking trails in Davos Klosters offer a unique opportunity to explore the snowy landscapes in Switzerland. 160 kilometres of winter hiking trails await, cleared or rolled for a smooth walking experience. Along these trails, breathtaking views await, such as on Schatzalp and Hohe Promenade where snow covers the city of Davos. Whether you brave the winter hiking trails alone or with friends and family, you’ll be sure to have an adventure to remember. As former President Barack Obama said, “A walk in nature walks the soul back home.” So why not take a walk this winter on the winter hiking trails in Davos Klosters?
Hiking at Pischa in winter, image by Switzerland Tourism
The two hiking trails on Pischa Mountain offer much more than just a fitness escape. On the shorter, flat route, hikers are treated to panoramic views of the whole Davos Klosters valley below them. But for those seeking even more spectacular vistas, the longer 6.3 km trail leads to Hüreli peak at 2,444 m above sea level. From this dizzying height, Davos spreads out before you like a postcard come to life. It’s a view worth every step of the hike – and one that will leave you truly speechless.
Hiking can be enjoyed by the whole family when at Davos, image by Stefan Schlumpf, Switzerland Tourism
Winter hikes, particularly in places like Davos where the snow blankets the winter landscape, offer unique views and experiences that one cannot find during other seasons. The winter chill also adds an element of challenge to the hike, allowing hikers to push their physical limits while enjoying the beauty of winter. Plus, winter hikes provide a much-needed break from the daily hustle and bustle of life and allow one to connect with nature and truly appreciate the present moment.
E-fatbiking on a snowy slope, the new cool thing to do in Davos
E-fatbike mountain cycling in winter is quickly becoming a popular sport among thrill seekers in Davos. With wide tires up to twelve centimetres wide and an electric engine, e-fatbikes allow riders to cruise through deep powder snow and conquer the slopes. It’s a unique way to experience the winter season, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of gliding through snowy landscapes at full throttle.
E-fatbike mountain cycling may not have the same “coolness factor” as other winter sports, but make no mistake – it’s an adrenaline rush unlike any other. Glide effortlessly down a three-kilometre descent from Pischa with beautiful views of the Flüela valley. And when you reach the bottom, cosy up at the Mäderbeiz or Dörfji for well-deserved rest and refreshment. Guided tours are available from Christmas until March, so grab your E-fatbike and hit the trails on Pischa. It’s an unforgettable winter experience.
Fatbiking in Davos, image by Seya Eggler, Switzerland Tourism
Fatbiking in the snow when at Davos, image by Adriano Spiccia, Switzerland Tourism
If you’re looking for an unforgettable winter sports experience, look no further than Davos. With its 300 kilometres of slopes and 57 transport facilities, the ski resort is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. And with the town’s high altitude and snowy climate, Davos boasts some of the best snow conditions in the region. So whether you’re looking for an intense rush on the slopes or a leisurely afternoon jaunt through powdery snow, Davos has it all. ◼
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© This article was first published online in Nov 2022 – World Travel Magazine.