Skiing in Graubünden

• Graubünden includes several winter sports regions; it is not one single ski area.
• The Engadin and Davos offer different landscapes and holiday experiences.
• Elevation, valley winds and weather can cause conditions to vary from place to place.
• For families, practice areas, ski schools and short journeys to the lifts are important.
• Plan your journey around the location of your accommodation and your daily transfers.
• Before heading off marked pistes, include the SLF avalanche bulletin in your safety checks.

The Engadin may appeal to travellers looking to combine wide-open landscapes and winter sports with a distinctive stay in the valley. Davos and Klosters suit groups seeking a well-known alpine holiday region with a range of activities. However, choosing the right place depends not just on the destination, but also on how far it is from your preferred lift access, its elevation and what you can do on days when you are not skiing.

Other Swiss regions worth comparing include Valais, the Bernese Oberland, Central Switzerland and Eastern Switzerland. The Vaud Alps, Ticino and the Jura show that Switzerland offers a range of winter holidays beyond its best-known high-altitude regions.

Accommodation at a higher elevation may offer advantages when it comes to snow cover, but it is not automatically the most convenient choice for families or travellers without a car. Valley towns often have more services and alternatives. Before setting out, check the weather, snow report, lift operations and, where relevant, the avalanche conditions. The SLF provides information about the general situation; you should also check conditions on the specific slope.

If you ski only on marked pistes, follow closures and the operator's instructions. Tours outside secured areas require experience, equipment and your own safety plan. The page on natural and artificial snow explains why piste conditions cannot be judged by snow depth alone.

When travelling to a valley in Graubünden, consider journey time, winter road conditions and the final stretch to your accommodation. Train and bus can be convenient if connections to your destination and onward transfers to your accommodation are clear. If travelling by car, check parking availability, whether snow chains are required along the route and whether there is enough space for your sports equipment.

For families, ski buses, ski schools, shops and short travel times are particularly important. For groups with mixed interests, accommodation is practical if non-skiers can also reach walking trails, the town centre or other activities. The right ski equipment and well-fitting ski boots are part of your preparations, especially if you are planning long days at high altitude.

Is Graubünden suitable for families?

Yes, if you choose a region, accommodation and lift access that meet your needs. Suitability depends on the children's ages, the group's skiing ability and the daily journeys involved.

Which region is best?

There is no single best region for everyone. Compare the Engadin, Davos, Klosters and other destinations based on your group, elevation, journey and preferred activities.

Do I need to check the avalanche conditions?

On marked, open pistes, follow the operator's instructions. For activities outside secured areas, checking the avalanche conditions and having the necessary experience and equipment are essential parts of your preparations.

Is travelling by train a good option?

It can be a good option if the connection to your holiday destination and the final transfer work for you. Be sure to check this last leg before booking.