A last-minute ski holiday or making plans for next year? Switzerland is a great choice for al skiers according to my guest blogger Chloe. Although a relatively small country, the options for skiing in Switzerland are awesome.

Located in the heart of the Alps, there are countless slopes and ski-lifts catering for novices and families through to advanced skiers. Many of the higher and more mountainous areas are blessed with snow for six months each year. This explains why the Swiss have been among the most successful nations in both amateur and professional skiing. It also helps to explain why thousands of tourists are attracted to the Swiss slopes each year for an unforgettable skiing holiday.

Choosing the skiing destination

If you want to test your skills on some of the best slopes and mountains in Switzerland, there are numerous options to choose from. When picking the right skiing destination, it is best to firstly be realistic about your skill level. Secondly, think about other activities you might want to try in the area. Budget will be another consideration. It is worth noting that while Switzerland remains one of the more expensive destinations, the spectacular landscapes and slopes are definitely worth the money.

Skiing for different abilities

If you’re going skiing as a family or a group you will need to cater for different abilities. In Switzerland, many of the most famous skiing resorts, such as Gstaad, Mürren, Zermath, Davos and the infamous S. Moritz, offer skiing for a range of ages and ski levels. St. Moritz also comes with the full package of great skiing and amazing nightlife.

For complete beginners, recommended resorts include Aletsch Arena, Wengen and Verbier. Here, visitors can practice their technique and build their confidence on the nursery and beginners slopes.

For more advanced and free-riding skiers, top destinations include Les Quatre Vallées, Obersaxen-Mundaun-Val Lumnezia and Scuol Motta Naluns.

For cross country skiers, the Goms district is definitely worth a visit. With more than 100km of cross-country runs, visitors are spoilt for choice. Vallée de Joux is another recommended destination for the cross country skier. Set in the valley, visitors can explore more than 200km of cross-country runs with a backdrop of breath-taking scenery and impressive forests.

Other outdoor activities

Most skiers are usually fans of other outdoor sports and a great thing about the Swiss landscape is that it also allows for many different outdoor activities, all year round. One of the most scenic regions in the country is Berner Oberland, which includes the higher-levelled areas of the Bern region. This area is particularly well-known throughout Switzerland for its breath-taking nature.

If you are visiting this area in summer, hiking is a top choice for exploring the beautiful mountain trails. Of course, this area also boasts many other sightseeing tips which make this an action-packed destination. Like most of Switzerland, Berner Oberland is a paradise for adventurers and outdoor lovers. One great outdoor winter activity, aside from skiing, worth trying is night sledding. Take one of several moonlight winter tours in which you can meander your way through forests and meadows by night, passing by mystical frozen waterfalls and other spectacular starlit sights.