Skiing and snowboarding from Davos is an experience that's expansive and varied. The Parsenn area opens up into big, sweeping terrain above the treeline with long runs that carry you through changing landscapes. On the opposite side of the valley, Jakobshorn is more compact and playful, with a younger vibe, good tree skiing, and the main freestyle parks. Pischa, Rinerhorn, and Madrisa are smaller, adding quiet and more intimate skiing for days when you want to explore away from the crowds.

Davos's scale is impressive, with over 260km of pistes across the combined Davos Klosters region. Terrain ranges from gentle nursery slopes to steep, exposed descents above 2,800m. The longest run from the Weissfluh summit to Klosters covers 12km and over 2,000m of vertical, and is one of the longest descents in Switzerland.

Skiing for beginners in Davos

Beginners are well-served in Davos, with nursery areas at the base of Jakobshorn and Bolgen that provide gentle, well-maintained slopes to find your feet. These are close to the town, easy to access, and have dedicated beginner lifts that keep things straightforward. Once you've gained some confidence, the blue runs on the lower Parsenn slopes give you a taste of the wider mountain without any sudden jumps in difficulty.

Progressing at Davos feels natural, and the variety of terrain means you can gradually expand your range as your skills improve. For those who want guided instruction, ski schools here are experienced at working with first-timers, and the atmosphere is encouraging rather than pressured.

WeSki insider tip: Bolgen is the most sheltered beginner area and catches afternoon sun. Start here and you'll be skiing the Parsenn blues by midweek.

Intermediate skiing in Davos

Intermediates have an enormous playground in Davos Klosters, where Parsenn alone could keep you busy for days. Red runs from the Weissfluh and Weissfluhjoch are long, well-groomed, and consistently satisfying, with wide pistes and big mountain views. The famous run down to Klosters is a must, with 12km of sustained descent taking you through open bowls, tree-lined sections, and rolling terrain.

Jakobshorn adds a different character. Here, shorter runs are smooth and have natural features, plus the option to duck into the trees when the groomed pistes start to feel familiar. Switching between areas throughout the week keeps things fresh and ensures you never run out of new terrain to discover.

WeSki insider tip: Ride the Parsennbahn up first thing and take the red run towards Klosters Dorf. It's one of the longest groomed descents in Switzerland and the snow quality at the top is excellent first thing in the morning.

Advanced and expert skiing in Davos

Advanced skiers will find real challenge in the steeper terrain above 2,500m on Parsenn, where black runs drop off the Weissfluh ridge with sustained pitch and genuine exposure. Off-piste options between the marked runs are extensive and varied, with bowls, couloirs, and steep faces that provide excellent skiing when conditions are right. Jakobshorn's north-facing aspect holds powder well and has technical tree skiing that rewards confident navigation.

For backcountry touring, the Davos region is exceptional. The Fluela Pass area, Pischa's off-piste terrain, and the routes into the Sertig valley provide multi-hour descents through wild, beautiful terrain. Davos has a strong ski touring culture, and local guides know the mountain intimately.

WeSki insider tip: Pischa is a well-kept secret for fresh tracks. Take the top lift and traverse left for the best untracked terrain, it's the quietest of the ski areas and the north-facing slopes hold powder for days after a storm.

Snowboarding in Davos

For snowboarders, the wide pistes across Parsenn suit all-mountain riding well, and the natural terrain provides plenty of banks, hits, and drops between the marked runs. Jakobshorn is one of Switzerland's top freestyle destinations, with well-maintained terrain parks including the JatzPark which features lines for all levels from beginner to pro, and a halfpipe. There's a younger, more freestyle-oriented crowd that gravitates here, and the area has a strong snowboard culture.

Off-piste skiing

Davos is a serious off-piste destination. Above Parsenn, the terrain provides big, open bowls with good snow-holding capacity, while the steeper faces off the Weissfluh ridge give expert skiers challenging, exposed descents. Pischa and the Fluela Pass area add backcountry touring options through quieter, more remote terrain. The region has a strong ski touring tradition, with routes ranging from half-day excursions to multi-day traverses. A qualified guide is strongly recommended for anything beyond the marked piste boundaries.

Davos ski school and lessons

Davos has several ski schools with highly qualified Swiss instructors who teach in English, German, French, and Italian. Group and private lessons cover all levels, including freestyle coaching at Jakobshorn, off-piste guiding, and children's programmes. English-speaking instruction is readily available, and the standard of teaching is consistently high.

Davos terrain parks

The JatzPark on Jakobshorn is one of Switzerland's premier terrain parks, with multiple lines graded from beginner to pro level. The park scene here has a genuine community feel, with events and competitions through the winter. Features include jumps of varying sizes, rails, boxes, wall rides, and a halfpipe, and a separate beginner zone provides a safe space for those new to freestyle. The park is meticulously maintained and regularly reshaped throughout the season.

Davos piste map

1. Davos Family ski holiday
2. Things to do in Davos
3. Planning your trip to Davos
4. How to get to Davos
5. Davos FAQs

Davos family ski holiday

Davos works well for families who want town-level amenities alongside their skiing. The town's infrastructure, with supermarkets, pharmacies, sports shops, means you're close to everything you need, taking most of the practical stress out of planning your holiday. Across the mountain, wide, well-groomed pistes suit family skiing well, and the variety of areas means everyone can find terrain that matches their level.

For young ones, the nursery slopes are convenient and well-run, and ski schools have excellent children's programmes. Teenagers will appreciate testing their skills throughout the terrain, whether its the parks on Jakobshorn or the longer runs on Parsenn. Plus, teens appreciate the pure independence that comes along with being in a proper town with shops, cafes, and activities.

Off the slopes, the Schatzalp toboggan run, a 2.5km descent through the forest on a traditional wooden sledge, is a highlight for all ages. The town provides a wealth of other family-friendly activities, too, from swimming and ice skating to museums and zip lining. Dining out as a family is straightforward here, with restaurants ranging from casual pizza joints to mountain huts and more refined Swiss dining.

Things to do in Davos

As a proper Swiss town rather than a purpose-built resort, Davos provides an unusually rich range of off-slope activities. Whether it's world-class cultural venues or outdoor adventures, the town rewards rest days and non-skiers with a depth of experience that goes well beyond the typical ski resort.

Snow activities

Beyond the pistes, Davos and the surrounding Landwasser valley provide excellent winter activity options:

• Schatzalp toboggan run: Davos's most popular non-ski activity, this is a 2.5km sledge descent through the forest from the Schatzalp.
• Cross-country skiing: Around 170km of groomed Nordic trails, one of Switzerland's premier cross-country networks.
• Snowshoeing: Guided excursions through the Dischmatal and Sertigtal valleys with mountain views.
• Ice skating: Natural and artificial rinks in the town, including speed skating and curling.
• Winter hiking: 75km of prepared winter walking paths through scenic alpine terrain.
• Paragliding: Tandem flights from Jakobshorn for spectacular views over the valley and mountains.
• Ice hockey: Watch HC Davos play at the Vaillant Arena - a passionate local sporting tradition.
• Ski touring: Guided backcountry routes in the Fluela, Sertig, and Dischma valleys.

Non-snow activities

Davos provides a satisfying range of rest-day activities that reflect its status as a year-round town:

• Eau-là Spa: Modern wellness centre with pools, saunas, steam rooms, and treatment rooms.
• Kirchner Museum: World-class collection of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's expressionist paintings - a cultural highlight.
• Shopping in Davos: Browse ski shops, Swiss watches, fashion boutiques, and local delicatessens along the Promenade.
• Schatzalp Alpine Garden: Scenic funicular ride to the historic Schatzalp hotel and surrounding gardens.
• Library and reading: Thomas Mann set 'The Magic Mountain' in Davos - visit the literary landmarks.
• Rinerhorn Adventure Park: Tubing, zip lines, and snow activities for families at the quieter Rinerhorn area.
• Klosters day trip: The charming neighbouring village is easily reached by train or ski - a more traditional alpine feel.
• Local food tastings: Sample Graubunden specialities including Bündnerfleisch (dried beef) and Capuns.

Davos restaurants

Davos's dining scene benefits from its status as a real town, with a broader range of restaurants than most ski resorts. From traditional Graubunden cooking to international cuisine and refined Swiss dining, there's variety to match any appetite and occasion. Mountain restaurants are excellent too, with hearty Alpine fare with views to match.

• Zauberberg (Schatzalp): Fine dining with views and creative Swiss cuisine in the historic Schatzalp hotel.
• Montana Stube: Traditional Graubunden dishes in a warm, wood-panelled setting. This is a local favourite.
• Bistro Gentiana: Relaxed bistro with seasonal menus and a good wine selection.
• Strelapass mountain restaurant: High-altitude stop between Parsenn and Schatzalp with panoramic views.
• Restaurant Hubli's Landhaus: Elegant Swiss cooking with seasonal Graubunden ingredients in a refined setting.
• Schneiders: Modern Swiss bistro with excellent steaks, pasta, and cocktails.
• Pistenbar Jakobshorn: Slope-side terrace for casual lunches and après-ski drinks.
• Padrino: Popular Italian restaurant with wood-fired pizza and homemade pasta.

WeSki insider tip: Try Bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef from Graubunden) as a starter, followed by Capuns (chard rolls stuffed with spätzle and dried meat). They're regional specialities you won't find in most Swiss resorts. Pair with a local Pinot Noir from the Grisons wine region.

Davos après-ski

Après-ski in Davos has more variety than you might expect. Jakobshorn has the liveliest slope-side scene, with the Bolgenschanze terrace and the Ex Bar drawing a younger, more energetic crowd as the lifts close. It's got a genuine buzzy atmosphere, fuelled by the freestyle park culture and a crowd that's been riding hard all day. Downtown, you'll have cocktail bars, wine venues, and hotel lounges providing sociable but low-key evening options.

As the evening progresses, Davos has proper nightlife, with clubs and late bars that stay open into the small hours (which is unusual for a Swiss ski resort). The town's size and cosmopolitan character mean there's enough going on for a satisfying night out without having to leave the centre.

Après-ski spots to know:

• Bolgenschanze: The main après terrace at Jakobshorn's base. It's buzzing, sun-drenched, and lively.
• Ex Bar: Jakobshorn's slope-side bar with DJs, drinks, and a young, energetic crowd.
• Café Weber: Historic Davos café for a more refined vin chaud or hot chocolate.
• Posti Bar: Late-night bar and club in the town centre - Davos's main nightlife spot.
• Cabanna Club: Nightclub for dancing and DJ sets into the early hours.
• Montana Bar: Hotel bar with cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere for an evening drink.

Davos map

Planning your trip to Davos

Davos accommodation

Accommodation in Davos ranges from grand five-star hotels to comfortable apartments and guesthouses. Hotels typically include spa facilities, and the standard across all price ranges reflects Swiss quality. Self-catering apartments provide good flexibility for longer stays and families.

The town stretches along the valley, split between Davos Platz (the main commercial centre) and Davos Dorf (closer to the Parsennbahn). Staying in Davos Dorf gives you the quickest access to Parsenn, while Davos Platz puts you closer to shops, restaurants, and the Jakobshorn lift. Both areas are connected by a frequent bus service and are about 15 minutes apart on foot.

Davos ski pass

The Davos Klosters regional ski pass covers all six ski areas, Parsenn, Jakobshorn, Pischa, Rinerhorn, Madrisa, and Schatzalp, plus the connecting transport between them. Multi-day passes also typically include access to the Schatzalp toboggan run and public transport in the region.

Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Davos ski holiday through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.

Equipment hire

Davos has numerous rental shops across Davos Platz and Davos Dorf, carrying everything from standard to premium equipment. The town's size means there's healthy competition and good availability.

WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Davos, letting you book in advance, add equipment to your package, and collect on arrival. Browse Davos ski deals to build your perfect trip.

Getting around Davos

Davos has an excellent public transport system. Buses run between Davos Platz and Davos Dorf throughout the day, and ski buses connect all the mountain access points. The train between Davos and Klosters runs regularly, it's a scenic journey that takes about 15 minutes and is covered by the regional ski pass. In the evening, buses and taxis keep everything connected.

The town is walkable within each centre (Platz or Dorf), though the full length of Davos is a longer stroll. Most visitors find they settle into a routine of using the bus or train for ski area transfers and walking within their immediate area for dining and activities.

How to get to Davos

The nearest major airport is Zurich, around 150km to the northwest and well-connected with direct flights from the UK. The drive from Zurich follows the motorway south before climbing through the Landwasser valley to Davos. There are also flights available from Munich Airport (328km), Milan Malpensa Airport (240km), and Innsbruck Airport (175km). For those who prefer train travel, the Swiss rail network also provides an excellent scenic train option via Landquart, with the Rhaetian Railway covering the mountain section.

WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private and shared transfers to Davos. Add them to your Davos ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.

Davos FAQs

Is Davos just a conference town?

Not at all. While Davos hosts the World Economic Forum each January, it's first and foremost a ski destination with over 260km of pistes and six distinct ski areas. The conference is a brief annual event, but for the rest of the winter, Davos is a proper ski resort with serious mountain credentials. The town's infrastructure, built to serve both skiing and conferences, means excellent transport, dining, and facilities year-round.

How does Davos compare to St. Moritz?

Both are major Graubunden ski resorts, but they have different characters. Davos is more of a town, bigger, more modern, with a broader range of activities and nightlife. St. Moritz is more compact and glamorous, with a stronger luxury positioning. On the mountain, Davos has more varied terrain across six areas; St. Moritz has the Corviglia and Corvatsch areas with excellent intermediate skiing. Davos generally feels less exclusive and more accessible.

Is Davos good for snowboarders?

Excellent. Jakobshorn is one of Switzerland's premier freestyle mountains, with the JatzPark providing world-class terrain park facilities and a halfpipe. The wider Davos ski areas have good all-mountain terrain for boarders, and the culture on Jakobshorn is distinctly freestyle-oriented. Davos regularly hosts international snowboard competitions, reflecting its credentials in this area.

Is the 12km run to Klosters worth doing?

It's one of the great Swiss ski runs, 12km from the Weissfluh summit at 2,844m down to Klosters, covering over 2,000m of vertical drop. The terrain changes from open alpine bowls through forest to valley floor, and it takes about 45 minutes at a comfortable pace. It's manageable for confident intermediates and deeply satisfying. Take the train back to Davos afterwards.

Is Davos suitable for non-skiers?

Very much so. The Kirchner Museum, the Eau-là spa, the Schatzalp toboggan and funicular, extensive winter walking paths, ice skating, shopping, and the literary connection to Thomas Mann's 'The Magic Mountain' all provide rich off-slope experiences. Davos is a real town with year-round cultural life, which means non-skiers have far more to do than in most ski resorts.

Explore other resorts in Switzerland

Zermatt - Verbier - St. Moritz - Grindelwald - Crans-Montana - Saas Fee - Nendaz - Engelberg - Arosa - Laax - Gstaad - Villars - Champéry - Klosters - Thyon - Lenzerheide - Kandersteg - Zinal