Davos Ski Resort — Complete Guide 2025

Davos is the world’s highest town at 1,560m and one of Switzerland’s most celebrated ski destinations — sharing 300km of piste with neighbouring Klosters across six interconnected ski areas. It’s a genuine town rather than a resort village, with a year-round population, a famous congress centre (home to the World Economic Forum), and a rich sporting heritage that includes being the birthplace of bobsleigh. For skiers, it offers serious high-altitude terrain in an authentic Swiss mountain setting.

Resort overview

The Davos Klosters ski area is one of Switzerland’s largest, spread across six mountains: Parsenn (the largest and most famous), Jakobshorn (young crowd, snowpark), Pischa (freeride specialist), Rinerhorn, Madrisa (for families), and Schatzalp. The variety is exceptional — you could ski a different mountain each day for a week and never repeat yourself.

Davos itself is more town than village — it has shops, restaurants, a hospital, schools, and a permanent urban feel that distinguishes it from purpose-built resorts. This makes it practical and comfortable to stay in but somewhat lacking the fairy-tale Alpine village atmosphere of Zermatt or Verbier. Klosters, 10 minutes away by train, is the prettier, quieter alternative base with its own access to the Parsenn via the Gotschnabahn cable car.

The famous Parsenn ski area — connecting Davos and Klosters — is one of the greatest ski areas in Switzerland. The Weissfluhgipfel summit (2,844m) offers long, sweeping descents in every direction, including the legendary 12km run down to Küblis in the valley.

Getting there

Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the primary gateway at 1.5 hours by road or 2 hours by train (including a change in Landquart). The Rhaetian Railway from Landquart to Davos is one of Switzerland’s most scenic train journeys. By car, the approach via the Landquart valley and Prättigau is straightforward in good conditions. Innsbruck (INN) is an alternative at 2 hours — useful for those flying from UK regional airports with limited Zurich connections.

The skiing

Terrain and pistes

The Parsenn dominates — a vast, high-altitude plateau with long red and blue cruising runs, excellent beginner terrain at the top, and several challenging blacks including the famous Parsenn Derby piste. The descent from Weissfluhgipfel to Küblis (12km, 1,700m vertical) is one of the great long runs in the Alps — a genuine half-day adventure that takes you from glacier terrain to the valley floor. Jakobshorn across the valley is more compact with a younger, freestyle-focused clientele and an excellent snowpark.

Pischa is the resort’s freeride mountain — small but beautifully suited to off-piste with deep powder bowls and open aspects. Madrisa above Klosters is the gentlest mountain, ideal for families and beginners in a quieter setting.

Off-piste and freeriding

Davos has a strong freeride culture. The Pischa sector is dedicated to it. The Parsenn backcountry above Gotschnagrat is excellent with a guide. The WEF security setup doesn’t extend to the mountains — the backcountry is as open and accessible as any Swiss resort.

Ski schools and lessons

The Swiss Ski School Davos and Davos Klosters Snowsports are the main options, both with strong reputations. Klosters has its own ski schools with a more intimate, personal approach. Multiple specialist freeride schools operate from both bases.

Lift passes

The Davos Klosters pass covers all six mountains and costs approximately €310–340 for six days — typical for a major Swiss resort. Mountain passes for individual sectors are cheaper if you plan to ski just one mountain. No major Ikon or Epic inclusion currently. Buy online in advance for savings.

Where to stay

Davos has hotels across every price point — from luxury five-star properties used by WEF delegates to budget pensions and self-catering apartments. The Davos Platz area is closer to the Jakobshorn and Parsenn funicular. Davos Dorf (a 10-minute bus ride away) is quieter and closer to the Parsenn cable car. Klosters is the most charming base option — a genuine village with good restaurants and direct Parsenn access.

Browse ski lessons and activities at Davos on GetYourGuide →

Après-ski

The après-ski is more sophisticated than wild — Davos attracts a professional, international crowd rather than the party-focused visitors of Ischgl or Sölden. The Schneebar on Jakobshorn and the various mountain restaurants across the Parsenn are popular. In the evening, Davos has a full range of bars, fondue restaurants, and a cinema — it functions as a proper town. Klosters is quieter still — cosy rather than lively.

Best time to visit

January and February offer the most reliable conditions across all six mountains. The altitude means snow is generally good from mid-December through to mid-April. The WEF in late January/early February brings a significant crowd to the town itself (though not the slopes) — prices spike and some hotels are block-booked by conference delegates. Consider visiting in January before the WEF or in March for quieter conditions.

Tips and insider advice

• The Küblis run from the Weissfluhgipfel is a must — plan a full morning for it. Start from the summit by 9:30am, ski to Küblis, and take the train back to Davos (included with the lift pass).
• Stay in Klosters if atmosphere matters to you — it’s a 10-minute train ride from Davos and far more charming as a village.
• Pischa is a secret gem — almost nobody goes there compared to the Parsenn. On a powder day, get there first before the Jakobshorn crowd discovers it.
• The Rhaetian Railway connects Davos, Klosters, and the valley stations — use it. It’s included with the lift pass and saves driving between mountains.
• Avoid the WEF week (usually the last week of January) unless you’re attending — the town is hectic, prices are inflated, and several mountain restaurants are privatised.
• The Jacobshorn snowpark is one of Switzerland’s better freestyle parks — worth a morning if you have any interest in park skiing or boarding.
• The Schatzalp hotel and its small ski area above Davos Platz is a historic gem — accessible by funicular. The runs are short but the setting is extraordinary.

Frequently asked questions