Central Switzerland: Idyllic Villages With Skiing At 3000 Metres
Central Switzerland, also known as the Lake Lucerne Region, has a variety of ski resorts within easy reach of cities and airports. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels will find well-groomed pistes of varying degrees of difficulty.
Engelberg Titlis (1050-3020m) is home to 82 kilometres of varied runs. The area is famous for its 12-kilometre downhill run with 2000-metre vertical from Titlis to Engelberg. Speed freaks can clock their time on the Speed Slope and Wave Run on Jochpass. Engelberg is an idyllic village centre with a Benedictine monastery, cosy restaurants, and numerous hotels and apartments. The linked resort of Brunni (1600-2040m) is known as the ‘Sunny side of Engelberg' and is particularly popular with beginners and families.
Andermatt-Gemsstock (1444-2963m) incorporates 75 kilometres of linked pistes and the two main resorts of Andermatt and Sedrun. A cable car takes skiers and snowboarders in two stages up to the skiing area on the Gemsstock, at nearly 3000 metres. The Gemsstock offers unrivalled views over more than 600 summits.
Beginners should head to the easy slopes near the Gurschenalp and the skiing areas of Natschen (Andermatt) and Winterhorn (Hospental). Freestyle fans have two snowparks and a halfpipe. The ski area also boasts one of the very first alpine runs created especially for carvers as well as the famous Bernhard Russi glacier run, and the Urserental cross-country track along the River Reuss.
The snow-sure, sunny ski area of Hoch-Ybrig (1050-2831m) offers access to 50 kilometres of varying pistes, 30 kilometres of cross-country tracks, and a fun park with halfpipe. The resort is equipped with a ski school, crèche, and children's play area.
Melschsee-Frutt (1080-2255m) is flanked by two ski regions: the Balmeregghorn and the Erzegg. Here you'll find 32 kilometres of pistes: wide, sunny slopes for beginners and challenging 1000-metre verticals for pros. There is also a freestyle park, an eight-kilometre toboggan run, and the Fruttli-Park with its magic carpet and ski carousel for children.
Sorenberg (1166-2350m) is the largest winter sports region in the Canton of Lucerne. It boasts 18 lifts and mountain railways. Skiers and snowboarders can reach altitudes of up to 2350 metres on the Brienzer Rothorn. Experienced skiers can explore the Schrattenfluh touring region. This family friendly area also features a ski school and two toboggan runs.
Stoos (1300-1935m) is a family friendly destination surrounded by idyllic alpine scenery. The winter sports area on the Fronalpstock has 30 kilometres of slopes and a funpark. Cross-country skiers can stretch their legs on the 150-kilometre-long track around the resort of Stoos, and there is a two-kilometre-long slope for sledges and air boards.
Other ski areas in Central Switzerland include Einsiedeln (960-1200m), Giswil-Moerlialp (1350-1850m), Ibergeregg (1400-1600m), Lungern-Schoenbuel (703-2205m), Marbach-Marbachegg (884-1500m), Mythenregion (1000-1600m), Rigi (1440-1800m), Rothenthurm (920-1330m), and Sattel-Hochstuckli (790-1660m).
The ski resorts of Central Switzerland are about a 90-minute drive on the A2 motorway from Basel or Lugano. By train you transfer at Goechenen to the small cog-train of the Matterhorn-Gotthard-Railway.
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