For the well-travelled, few things rival the refined indulgence of a festive Swiss escape.
Text by: Karen Tee
From that first breath of fresh icy air to the crunch of fresh powder underfoot, everyone loves a winter holiday. And in Switzerland, that alpine fantasy might just be the most spellbinding of all.
Mountains rise in sculptural white arcs, villages glow like candlelit postcards and the kind of faultless Swiss hospitality that seasoned travellers adore is simply a way of life here. Here are four destinations that deliver pure winter magic.
Gstaad
Gstaad has long been known as the billionaire’s snow-dusted playground, where discreet A-listers arrive for the unspoiled Alpine outdoors. After all, the region is a dream for active travellers, with three ski areas, cross-country trails, winter hiking paths, toboggan runs and even an igloo village.
Glacier 3000 is the crown jewel of the region with 31km of pistes, as well as non-ski thrills for adventure seekers. Take a cable car from the valley floor to the summit station at 3,000m in just 15 minutes. From the top, lookout points open onto an unforgettable panorama of the Eiger, Jungfrau and even Mont Blanc shimmering on the horizon. And for adrenaline junkies, traverse the Peak Walk by Tissot — the world’s first suspension bridge linking two mountain summits. Or, hop onto a dogsled and glide across the glacier with some friendly furpals.
Back in the village, stop by chic cafes, cosy mountain restaurants and even chalet-style outposts of designer marques including Hermes, Prada and Louis Vuitton for the most indulgent kind of apres-ski browsing.
Stay: Just minutes from the ski lifts, Ultima Hotel Gstaad feels like an indulgent Alpine hamlet. Part of the Ultima Collection of private estates, it blends five-star amenities with the intimacy of a refined residence, complete with elegant chalet-style suites and a standout spa. This winter, it is hosting a seasonal pop-up of fusion Japanese restaurant Zuma through March 2026.
Zermatt
Zermatt is defined by one thing: the Matterhorn. Instantly recognisable — and yes, famously featured on Toblerone chocolate packaging — this striking peak sets the tone for a village that delivers some of the Alps’ greatest winter experiences.
The region is known for Europe’s highest mountain lift station, beautifully linked ski pistes that allow for long, satisfying runs and panoramic hiking trails.
One unmissable experience is the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, where the new Matterhorn Glacier Ride II gondola whisks you over to Italy. It departs from Europe’s highest cable car station at 3,883m, gliding over glittering glaciers before landing in the Italian alpine town of Cervinia in a cross-border adventure too fun to pass up.
Back in Zermatt, Michelin- and Gault Millau–lauded restaurants abound. Check out Madre Nostra, known for its refined Italian-Alpine cuisine and sweeping mountain views. For a different kind of immersion, explore the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis, that traces the village’s mountaineering past. Afterwards, lose yourself in the car-free centre, dotted with polished boutiques along Bahnhofstrasse and charming independent shops tucked into winding side streets.
Stay: There’s no better way to arrive in Zermatt than with a horse-drawn carriage ride to the one-Michelin Key Grand Hotel Zermatterhof. After a day on the slopes, retreat to the hotel’s newly refreshed spa, where a heated pool and steam baths work their magic before you head back out into town for an evening of Alpine revelry.
St. Moritz
Glitzy St. Moritz really needs no introduction but here’s the thing: its shine is not just for show. This is the birthplace of winter tourism as we know it, a place that has been setting the pace for Alpine glamour since the 19th century. The appeal remains even today with cinematic, powder-dusted panoramas, yes, but also a remarkably sun-soaked valley courtesy of the famed “champagne climate” of crisp, dry air and glittering light that photographers love.
It has hosted the Winter Olympics twice and is also home to the legendary Cresta Run skeleton track and the frozen-lake White Turf horse races. In fact, the lake takes on a life of its own each winter, transforming into a stage for polo tournaments, dining pavilions and art pop-ups that keep the international jetset endlessly entertained.
For a more relaxed evening, we recommend a comforting meal at Kulm Pizzeria, a GaultMillau-recognised gem where wood-fired pizzas and cosy Alpine charm keep things delightfully lowkey.
Stay: Grace La Margna, a Small Luxury Hotel, offers an intimate ambience and attentive service that makes it a favourite for travellers seeking understated luxury. With its sleek, light-filled rooms with panoramic views of the snow-dusted valley, this hotel is a chic and serene retreat.
Lausanne
Lausanne shines as a picturesque festive escape, especially for travellers who prefer an elegant city break. Each year-end, the Bo Noel Christmas Market transforms the heart of the city into a cosy winter haven, its chalet-style stalls brimming with artisanal gifts, festive bites and whimsical light installations for an enchanting evening wander.
When the temperature dips, stay warm at Plateforme 10, Lausanne’s dynamic new arts district. Home to the MCBA, mudac and Photo Elysee, the trio of museums offers everything from contemporary design to world-class photography for a perfect afternoon of creative immersion. Luxury seekers can indulge in the high-end boutiques along Rue de Bourg, while sweet-toothed travellers should stop by Durig Chocolatier for beautifully crafted, handmade treats.
For dinner, book a table at the acclaimed two Michelin starred Pic au Beau-Rivage Palace, where the celebrated chef Anne-Sophie Pic presents inventive, nature-inspired cuisine in a serene lakeside setting.
Stay: The Beau-Rivage Palace remains Lausanne’s most storied address. Its lovingly preserved belle epoque architecture overlooks sweeping views of Lake Geneva, while contemporary interiors keep the grande dame feeling fresh. Unwind at the Guerlain Spa, where exceptional treatments provide the perfect winter cocoon.
