Where to stay in the Swiss Alps
Snow from December to April, and hotels built for it
Specific guides to The Swiss Alps
Focused comparisons to choose the right area and hotel for the trip you actually want.
The Swiss Alps: good to know
Which Swiss resort is best for a first ski trip?
Zermatt, for the range of runs and because the village is car-free and walkable. Gstaad is gentler and more social than sporty, with its skiing spread over several small areas rather than one big mountain.
Do these hotels close between seasons?
Usually, yes. Most Alpine hotels close for several weeks in spring and again in November. Check the dates before booking flights: it is the commonest mistake in the mountains.
Do you need a car in the Swiss Alps?
Rarely. Zermatt is car-free — you park at Täsch and take the train — and Gstaad and Vals are reachable by train and post bus. Swiss trains connect to the ski areas better than a car does.
How many Swiss hotels hold a MICHELIN Key?
In the 2026 selection, ten hold three Keys and thirty-one hold two. The Alpina Gstaad is one of the ten; CERVO and 7132 hold two each.