Fribourg Region: A Ski Touring And Snowshoeing Paradise
The Swiss canton of Fribourg in the Prealps (part of the Bernese Alps) is found in the west of the country. The capital of the region, also named Fribourg, is renowned for its beautiful old town that sits on a rocky hill above the valley.
Ski resorts in the Fribourg Region include Bulle, Charmey, Gibloux-Villarlod, Jaun, La Berra-La Roche, La Foret-Sorens, Les Paccots, Moleson-s-Gruyeres, Ottenleuebad, Pays de Fribourg, and Schwarzsee.

Charmey is a traditional mountain village equipped with modern amenities and 30 kilometres of slopes. Skiers can take the Rapido Sky panoramic railway to the Dents Vertes with its snowpark and illuminated cross-country trails. Snowshoeing enthusiasts have 30 kilometres of trails.
The family-friendly resort of Les Paccots has 20 kilometres of pistes and five snowshoeing routes (including a beginners' route for kids). As well as offering a range of individual and group lessons, the Swiss Ski and Snowboard School runs the Snowli Kids' Village for the youngsters. A highlight of the town centre is a covered ice rink. Other winter activities here include cross-country skiing, horse riding, and bowls on ice.
Moleson-sur-Gruyeres has 30 kilometres of slopes for all levels. The cable car, which connects Moleson-Village with Plan-Francey, also offers access to numerous snowshoe trails. Snowshoe hikers can explore more than 80 kilometres of signposted trails between Gruyeres to the Lake Geneva region.
The family resort of Rathvel is set above Chatel-St-Denis near Paccots and is particularly well suited to beginners. Skiers can enjoy forest runs and breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the Lake of Neuchatel. There are also nine kilometres of showshoe trails.
Schwarzsee offers some of the widest ski pistes in the region. Its 20 kilometres of slopes are particularly popular with carvers. Other winter pastimes include skating on the frozen lake, four kilometres of cross-country skiing, 31 kilometres of sign-posted snowshoe trails, and a four-kilometre toboggan run.
It is possible to snowshoe from La Berra across to Charmey or to Schwarzsee. There is also 25 kilometres of pistes, a toboggan run, as well as a good choice of restaurants serving traditional Swiss dishes.
The La Chia ski area is just five minutes from the centre of Bulle. It offers only two ski slopes, but with extensive mountain views, and 15 kilometres of signposted snowshoe trails.
Juan has 20 kilometres of pistes and is popular with ski tourers for its extensive cross-country trails. It is also home to 13 kilometres of snowshoe trails and a three-kilometre toboggan run.
The canton of Fribourg is well connected to other areas of Switzerland with motorways A1, A12, and fast rail links. The nearest airport is Bern, about an hour away. The main railway connects Fribourg with other centres of the country.
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