Klosters, in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, combines traditional Alpine village charm with direct access to one of Switzerland's largest ski areas. Wooden chalets spread across a broad valley beneath snow-covered peaks, while modern lifts connect the village with extensive terrain shared with neighboring Davos.

Unlike resorts built almost entirely around nightlife, Klosters balances excellent skiing with a quieter atmosphere that suits families, couples and travelers looking for longer days on the mountain. Spending three nights here provides enough time to explore different ski sectors without feeling rushed.

Make the Most of the Ski Area

Klosters is linked to the Davos Klosters Mountains network, giving visitors access to several distinct skiing areas rather than one continuous slope.

Begin with Parsenn

Parsenn is the largest and most popular sector for first-time visitors staying in Klosters.

The Gotschnabahn cable car carries skiers directly from the village toward high-altitude terrain, where long groomed pistes suit confident beginners through advanced intermediate skiers.

Across the wider Davos Klosters network, visitors have access to more than 250 km of marked ski runs, served by dozens of lifts connecting several mountain sectors.

Instead of trying to ski every area in one day, spend your first day almost entirely on Parsenn. Becoming familiar with the lift system allows you to ski longer and spend less time studying maps.

Wear layered clothing rather than relying on one heavy jacket. Temperatures often change significantly between the village and higher slopes during the same day.

Take one afternoon away from skiing

A successful winter holiday does not need to be spent entirely on skis.

Klosters maintains approximately 45 km of winter walking trails, many following gentle valley routes with excellent mountain views. Even a two-hour walk provides a refreshing contrast after several hours on the pistes.

Cross-country skiing is another popular option, with prepared trails extending through the valley for visitors who prefer a slower pace.

If you travel with family members who do not ski every day, these activities make it easy for everyone to enjoy the destination without remaining indoors.

Stay in the Village Rhythm

Klosters is compact enough that most visitors can reach lifts, restaurants and shops on foot, making accommodation choice more important than constant transportation.

Stay near the Gotschnabahn

Choosing accommodation within 5–10 minutes' walk of the main lift station saves valuable time every morning.

Comfortable four-star hotels generally range between CHF 280 and CHF 480 per night for a double room, while luxury hotels can be considerably higher during the peak winter season.

For two travelers sharing accommodation, CHF 850–1,200 per person provides a practical budget for a three-night stay including accommodation, lift passes, meals and ordinary local transportation, excluding travel to Switzerland and ski equipment rental.

If you are renting equipment, collect it the afternoon before your first ski day instead of waiting until the following morning. Saving even thirty minutes makes it much easier to reach the lifts before queues begin to build.

Enjoy the mountains beyond the pistes

One advantage of Klosters is that spectacular scenery begins in the village itself.

Spend at least one morning walking through the older streets before heading uphill. Traditional timber chalets, towers and surrounding forests create a classic Alpine setting that remains attractive even for visitors who never ski.

Between December and March, snow coverage is generally at its most reliable for winter sports, while January and February usually provide the deepest winter atmosphere with snow-covered forests much like the landscape shown here.

Bring sunglasses and sunscreen even on cold days. Fresh snow reflects a surprising amount of sunlight, particularly at higher elevations.

Rather than trying to maximize the number of ski runs completed each day, leave time for mountain restaurants, panoramic viewpoints and quiet breaks overlooking the valley. Those slower moments often become the most memorable part of the trip.

Klosters has earned its reputation not because it is the largest resort in the Alps, but because it offers an enjoyable balance of skiing, scenery and village life. Spend one day exploring the extensive Parsenn slopes, another discovering quieter winter trails, and take time to appreciate the peaceful valley beneath the surrounding peaks. That balance is what keeps many visitors returning long after their first winter in the Swiss Alps.