A winter journey through Switzerland unfolds across distinct regions, where Alpine beauty, refined living and timeless traditions come together in a quietly unforgettable way.
Winter in Switzerland is not defined by spectacle alone, but by atmosphere. Snow softens the landscape, villages grow quieter, and the rhythm of life slows to something more deliberate. It is a season that invites travellers to look closer, linger longer and appreciate the details. Imagine the glow of chalet windows at dusk, the stillness of mountain air, and the gentle hum of a train crossing a frozen valley.
What makes Switzerland exceptional in winter is the way luxury feels effortless. Elegance is never overstated. It is found in comfort, precision and a deep respect for nature. From discreet five-star hotels and historic palaces to simple moments like sharing fondue after a day in the snow, every experience feels considered yet natural.
This journey moves through some of Switzerland’s most celebrated winter regions, from the understated glamour of Gstaad to the lakeside grace of Lausanne, the raw Alpine drama of Zermatt and the legendary sophistication of St. Moritz. Each destination reveals a different expression of winter, connected by seamless travel, warm hospitality and a sense of timelessness that defines the Swiss way of life.
Gstaad: Where Time Slows Down
Gstaad introduces Switzerland’s winter story with quiet confidence. Tucked into the Bernese Alps, the village is defined by its unhurried pace and understated elegance. Here, winter is less about activity and more about atmosphere, from crisp mountain mornings and gentle walks through the village to long afternoons spent indoors by the fire.
Travelling through the Alps is an integral part of the Swiss winter experience. The romance and charm of the GoldenPass Belle Époque unfold from Zweisimmen, where elegant, vintage-style carriages with panoramic windows frame snow-covered Alpine scenery along the route. From Gstaad, the journey continues towards Glacier 3000, where a cable car ascends to dramatic mountain heights and expansive views. The experience is completed on the Ice Express chairlift, offering access to gentle glacier walks and the unforgettable Peak Walk by Tissot, the world’s only suspension bridge linking two mountain peaks, with sweeping vistas stretching from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc.
The charm of Gstaad lies in its balance. Traditional wooden chalets sit alongside refined boutiques, while local life continues calmly beneath a blanket of snow. True to its famous motto, Come up, Slow down, Gstaad invites visitors to pause, breathe and settle into the rhythm of Alpine living, making it a fitting and elegant beginning to a Swiss winter journey.
Where to Stay
Ultima Hotel Gstaad
Located in the heart of the village, Ultima Hotel Gstaad is a private chalet-style hotel offering complete privacy and personalised service. Modern Alpine design meets contemporary art, while its highly exclusive spa sets the standard for winter indulgence.
W: ultimacollection.com/our-collection/ultima-hotel-gstaad
Where to Eat
Restaurant Botta
At the top of Glacier 3000, Restaurant Botta welcomes guests into a warm and bright space, designed by the renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta. With breathtaking views of the Alps, this restaurant is the ideal spot to enjoy refined dishes while admiring the majestic mountain scenery.
IG: @glacier3000.ch
Lausanne: Winter by the Lake
As the journey moves west, winter takes on a softer character in Lausanne. Set along the shores of Lake Geneva, the city feels calm and romantic, framed by snow-dusted vineyards and distant Alpine peaks. The lake reflects pale winter light, adding a sense of quiet beauty to everyday life.
At the heart of Lausanne’s cultural scene lies Plateforme 10, the city’s new arts district beside the main railway station. This vibrant cultural hub brings together leading museums including MCBA, Photo Elysée and mudac, creating a dynamic space where fine art, photography and contemporary design meet. Even in winter, its open plazas, striking architecture and world-class exhibitions make it an inspiring place to explore between museum visits and café stops.
Lausanne is where culture, gastronomy and wellbeing intersect. Its historic streets, museums and cafés remain lively yet relaxed in winter, offering a refined urban experience without the rush of larger cities. Here, winter is about balance, mornings spent exploring, afternoons at the spa, and evenings defined by fine dining and lake views, all delivered with a sense of effortless elegance.
Where to Stay
Beau-Rivage Palace Lausanne
An icon since 1861, this Belle Époque palace overlooks Lake Geneva and blends historic grandeur with contemporary comfort. Guests enjoy the renowned Guerlain Spa and one of Switzerland’s most celebrated dining destinations.
W: brp.ch
Where to Eat
Pic at Beau-Rivage Palace
Chef Anne-Sophie Pic’s Michelin-starred restaurant offers a refined culinary journey, defined by layered flavours, aromatic broths and precise balance, a dining experience as elegant as its setting.
W: brp.ch
Zermatt: Beneath the Matterhorn
From lakeside calm to high-Alpine drama, Zermatt marks a powerful shift in the journey. Set at the foot of the Matterhorn, the car-free village feels suspended in time, defined by clean mountain air, snow-covered streets and a deep sense of stillness shaped by its dramatic surroundings.
Winter in Zermatt is immersive and quietly awe-inspiring. The ascent begins aboard Europe’s highest open-air cog railway to the Gornergrat, where a sunlit viewing platform reveals one of the Alps’ finest panoramas, spanning the Monte Rosa massif, vast glaciers and 29 peaks rising above 4,000 metres. The experience continues with the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, a remarkable cable-car journey linking Switzerland and Italy, before reaching Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable-car station in Europe, where sweeping views extend across Swiss, Italian and French Alpine giants.
Back in the village, the pace softens. The Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis offers an intimate look into Zermatt’s mountaineering heritage, while the pedestrianised centre invites unhurried walks along Bahnhofstrasse, lined with boutiques, cafés and discreet luxury. Moments of wilderness remain close at hand, with eagles occasionally seen soaring above the snow, reinforcing Zermatt’s rare balance between refined living and untamed nature.
Where to Stay
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof
Opened in 1879, this historic hotel sits at the centre of the village, offering classic Alpine elegance with modern comfort. Its location and heritage make it an ideal base for exploring Zermatt in winter.
IG: @zermatterhof
Where to Eat
Riffelhaus 1853
This classic mountain restaurant at Riffelberg serves hearty Swiss cuisine and local dishes like Valais specialties and rösti with stunning Matterhorn views from its terrace, making it a favourite stop for lunch or dinner high above Zermatt.
IG: @riffelhaus
Saint Moritz: The Art of Winter Luxury
The journey concludes in St. Moritz with one of Switzerland’s most iconic rail experiences. Travelling from Zermatt aboard the Glacier Express, the route unfolds over around eight hours, crossing the Alps through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges. Often described as the world’s slowest express train, its panoramic windows reveal uninterrupted views of pristine valleys, sweeping mountain passes and snow-covered landscapes, transforming the journey itself into a defining moment of the winter experience.
Since 1864, St. Moritz has shaped the very idea of winter luxury. Set high in Graubünden, the resort blends altitude, light and heritage, bringing together sport, society and style in a way few destinations can match.
There is an energy here unlike anywhere else in Switzerland. Frozen lakes become stages for winter events, while grand hotels and elegant cafés attract an international crowd drawn by both tradition and contemporary glamour. In St. Moritz, winter is not merely a season but a lifestyle, one that celebrates elegance, history and the drama of the mountains at their most striking.
Where to Stay
Grace La Margna St. Moritz
First opened in 1906, this historic hotel has been carefully reimagined with contemporary warmth and style. Overlooking Lake St. Moritz, it offers a refined base for winter travellers drawn to the town’s cultural and sporting calendar.
W: gracehotels.com/en/st-moritz
IG: @gracestmoritz
Where to Eat
THE VIEW
A stylish Mediterranean-inspired restaurant at Grace La Margna in St. Moritz, THE VIEW serves a menu celebrating flavours from around the Mediterranean with standout fish, pasta and seasonal dishes in a relaxed yet elegant setting overlooking Lake St. Moritz.
IG: @gracestmoritz
Travel to and from Switzerland with SWISS International Air Lines, where the journey feels smooth and relaxed from the very beginning. Thoughtful service, calm cabin interiors and signature Swiss touches make each flight a seamless part of the experience.
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W: swiss.com
IG: @flyswiss
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IG: @switzerland
