Our Top 10 Swiss Ski Touring Destinations
Switzerland is a prime destination for safe ski touring, offering countless opportunities to make your own tracks or follow dedicated alpine routes. Especially popular now, ski touring is booming. AYAQ has researched and curated a selection of 10 Swiss resorts that provide dedicated ski touring areas for mountain enthusiasts.
TOP 1: Verbier: 7 secured routes!
Located at 1500m elevation, Verbier combines a modern resort with alpine village charm. Accessible to beginners, it also delights experienced skiers with direct access to the 4 Valleys ski area
The resort currently offers 7 secured ski touring routes. Our favorite is the Barmasse route towards Cabane Brunet, passing Taillon, Tongne, and Au Neuve. The trail starts through a beautiful forest, opens into a small clearing, and ends at the hut with spectacular views!
TOP 2: Leysin: Ski and Sun!
Leysin will please skiers seeking winter sun with its south-facing slopes. This small resort, situated between 1336m and 2198m altitude, is ideal for short but intense ski touring trips. For safe ski touring, Leysin offers 5 marked routes, including the 8 km Sentier des Fers with 430m elevation gain. The trail ascends pleasantly through forests and pastures to the Fers restaurant, offering stunning views of Mont d’Or, Pic Chaussy, and the Diablerets massif.
TOP 3: Les Marécottes: Ski touring for all!
Located in the Trient valley at 1100m, Les Marécottes is perfect for family holidays and offers a wide range of activities for all ages. It was one of the pioneering resorts to establish secured ski touring routes. You can choose from 9 routes around the resort, including one approximately 11 km long with 1173m positive elevation gain, taking about 3 hours.
TOP 4 Crans-Montana: 8000 meters of thrill!
Unique worldwide, Crans-Montana offers a randoparc with 15 routes covering over 40 km of secured and marked trails. From blue to black runs via red, there are tours for all levels. Trails range from beginner to extreme, with a total positive elevation gain of 8000 meters — your own skin-skiing Everest!
TOP 5 Morgins: Valais beauty for ski touring…
Morgins, part of the Portes du Soleil, is located in the Valais canton at 1350m. The resort offers perfect coexistence between alpine and ski touring enthusiasts. Family-friendly routes and breathtaking landscapes are guaranteed. Trails range from 1.5 to 2.75 hours.
TOP 6 Val d’Anniviers: Surrounded by 4000m peaks!
Val d’Anniviers is a beautiful valley in the Sierre district, Valais, surrounded by peaks often exceeding 4000m. It features a randoparc — a true paradise for skin-skiing enthusiasts — with 10 different routes. In total, over 30 km of marked trails with more than 4000m elevation gain. The randoparc caters to all levels with varied difficulty. The Chandolin route in the Tsapé randoparc is a great introduction for beginners, with a 2.8 km ascent.
TOP 7 Kiental: A touch of altitude!
Kiental is a village and valley in the Bernese Oberland, known for diverse ski touring routes. Our recommended itineraries include Kiental -> Griesalp -> Mürren or Kiental -> Chanzel -> Griesalp. For these routes, a guide is strongly advised.
TOP 8 Saas Fee: Glacial beauty
The iconic glacier in Valais offers excellent alpine ski touring. These Valaisan peaks rise in a stunning Himalayan-like relief. We recommend wearing merino wool base layers for your expeditions, as the area quickly falls into shade and cold can be felt, especially before March.
TOP 9 Val Bedretto: Close to Italy…
Bedretto is a municipality in Ticino, often called Switzerland’s Mediterranean soul due to its proximity to Italy. It offers trails for all levels winding through beautiful larch forests.
TOP 10: Champex : Gentle ski touring
Champex-Lac, located in the Orsières municipality, is popular for ski touring, such as the ascent to Col des Ecandies in the beautiful Vallon d'Arpette. This route is ideal for enthusiasts looking to progress safely without excessive risk.
Always go accompanied and equipped with essential safety gear: avalanche transceiver (DVA), headlamp, shovel, helmet, probe, and mobile phone are recommended for safe touring.