Klosters | Ski Resort Review

Even among non-skiers Klosters, Switzerland, is a name synonymous with skiing. However, it's much more than a name - the extensive ski terrain, which it shares with neighbouring Davos, will appeal to all abilities of skier and boarder.

Don’t be fooled into thinking Klosters is ‘exclusive’ on account of its royal connection; though attractive and traditional, it's not especially stylish and caters admirably for the hoi polloi with a great range of skiing, good links to Davos to increase your options and plenty of alpine charm.

"Klosters is properly upmarket and oozes alpine charm, but it is also quite understated and relaxed"

Unlike Davos, which is more town than ski resort (and famous as the host of the annual World Economic Forum), Klosters is properly upmarket and oozes alpine charm, but it is also quite understated and relaxed. Chalet-style buildings abound and the main road bypasses the town centre, making it much more peaceful in Klosters than up in busy, bustling Davos.

Best deals on Klosters hotels: Book now on Booking.com

Best deals on Klosters Ski Hire: Extra 5% off with SnowRental

Klosters - Interactive Ski Map & Pistes:

Klosters skiing is extensive and varied. Intermediates are very well catered for in Klosters, with more than 300km of well-linked pistes to blast around on. Madrisa, which is reached by gondola from Klosters Dorf, is the prime area with its sunny south facing slopes, whilst another popular option is to ski to Davos and back – or take the train one way and ski the other.

Experts will also have a blast in Klosters thanks to a mix of excellent black runs and world-class off-piste; Some of the off-piste runs around Klosters are several kilometres in length and descend over 2,000m. The lift-served off-piste on Madrisa is well worth checking out too.

Note that the local train service is covered on your lift pass so you can ski to villages without a ski lift and take the train back to Klosters.

Beginners will find nursery slopes beside the village as well as on the easily accessible Madrisa's slopes - the latter is the more appealing option.

For boarders there’s a decent terrain park on Madrisa (as well as four more in Davos) and lots of freeriding opportunities; but note that there are a lot of T-bar lifts here.

Klosters - Off-Piste, Backcountry & Ski Touring:

Davos Klosters has six separate ski areas, which between them, give access to a vast amount of off-piste, and the mostly north-facing slopes mean the fresh snow stays fresh - and so do your tracks.

With so much terrain at your feet, you can ski big open slopes and long forest glades opening out onto wide snow-filled meadows. There are also many ski-touring options, with the classic being the trek off the back of the Madrisa sector down to Gargellen in Austria. Expect a full-on seven-hour day, and be sure to hire a mountain guide.

Pischa is one of the largest and sunniest freeride areas in Switzerland. No slopes are marked, groomed or protected from alpine dangers, making it a haven for backcountry skiers - but watch out for the fatbikers - Pischa is also a popular spot for alternative on-snow activities, including hiking and biking.

Klosters - Restaurants, Bars & The Town:

Klosters has a very good selection of mountain restaurants, of which Bergrestaurant Saaseralp on Madrisa is one of the best. In town there are around 40 different restaurants; the Restaurant Kessler's Kulm on the road between Klosters and Davos is apparently an old royal family favourite…

The après-ski scene is pretty low key, but coming off the Madrissa slopes you'll find the Madrissa-Hoff, while the Hotel Steinbock is another popular venue. The best known spot for a late night is Casa Antica, whilst the Alpina Bar next to the railway station is also popular. For something more stylish, check out the historic Chesa Bar.

If you're looking for a proper party, then dive into our guide to the top ten ski resorts for apres ski.

Klosters - Ski Hire:

There are plenty of places to sort ski hire in Zermatt, from long-established shops like Bardill Sport, Andrist Sport & Mode and Dörfji Sport, to smaller independents dotted around the village. The easiest approach is simply to choose the outlet closest to where you’re staying, keeping swaps and drop-offs painless. Readers booking through Snowrental can also take advantage of an exclusive 5% discount on online rates — a handy saving in one of Switzerland’s most iconic resorts.

Klosters - Ski School:

When it comes to learning to ski in Klosters, the Swiss Ski School has pretty much all options covered. Alternatives include Ben & Joe's and Ride and Smile.