 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi, I've found a great deal for flights to Zurich in February. Just wondering if anyone has recommendations for resorts best placed from there. Open to using public transport or hiring car. I have skied in the Montafon but I was many years ago as a child so can't remember too much. We went to Stuben 2 years ago and loved it - but didn't get as far over as Warth/Shrocken so that was also a thought. I'm keen to try Serfaus/Fiss one year, but not sure if too much hassle trying to get there from Zurich?
We are a family of 5 - Husband, eldest and I are all competent on black runs & easier bits of off piste. Two younger children are good red run skiers, who can manage most black runs. We are definitely like a 'first lift up/last lift down holiday', so I'm looking for plenty of km to keep everyone happy.
We are looking to self cater where ever we go.
I'd be grateful of any advice!
Thank you
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@JessG, how far are you prepared to travel for your transfer?
There's a direct train between Zurich and Jenbach, and you could then change on to the Zillertalbahn and ski along the Zillertal for the week. Mayrhofen being the main tourist place to stay, but skiing all along the valley, and up at Hintertux glacier also.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Thanks for your message. We went to Mayrhofen a few years ago and know the valley (more from the summer in fairness) fairly well, so looking for somewhere new for 2025. However, I didn't realise the train went direct from Zurich to Jenbach, so something to think about another year! 
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We really like Disentis/ Andermatt/ Sedrun. Or Samnaun/Ischgl for the CH/AT mix.
One thing to know is everywhere is easily accessible by train from Zurich so narrow down your resort first and then apply the travel filters. I find CH very quiet compared to France and Austria in Feb
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@JessG, Easy to get to Serfaus. Train to Landeck (direct from Zürich) then very short transfer, just as easy as Stuben (which is a transfer from Bludenz). Montafon also an option, again transfer from Bludenz. I would say Serfaus would suit, not much apres (though assume that not an issue here), maybe a slight shortage of very easy runs but dont think that will worry you. Dont think it will be cheap though.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Thanks both. Will look at the Swiss suggestions and have another thinks about Serfaus ....its been on my hit list for a while! Many thanks
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I can’t comment too widely as my experience is limited, but I went to Lenzerheide earlier this year using Zurich as a base as we have family there. Was maybe 2 hour drive tops.
A really nice ski area with plenty of decent skiing but it may not be have enough more challenging runs for what you are looking for. You can always get the gondola across to Arosa which has more reds and blacks available too. I can’t speak for self catered accommodation as we were in a hotel but I’m sure you could find something in one of the many hamlets dotted around the lake.
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I would have thought St Anton would be a great fit, about 3 hours on the train form Zurich airport. Really good size area with plenty of terrain suiting your level. There will be self catering accommodation but how close you can get to the lifts will depend on budget.
My son is not a strong enough skier skier to cope with it yet otherwise I'd probably be there in Feb HT (we're going to Ischgl instead).
Another option for you is Samnaum (connected to Ischgl) it had some very good value self catered accommodation last time I looked and is a very pretty resort.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Zurich opens up a range of options, and usually has decent pricing compared with other ski airports. We have skiied in Davos, Laax and Lenzerheide and enjoyed them all in their different ways; there is also good train access to Innsbruck and the nearby resorts. (Trains and connecting buses are so good in Switzerland that hiring a car is pointless).
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Andermatt: very accessible by train.
Flims Lax Falero: train & post bus (but no hassle)
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Great advice - thank you. Don't really know anything about Swiss resorts so am grateful of all your answers.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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I enjoyed Andermatt for a few days in April this year. But the main family skiing is a lot of across the range as far as you want toward Disentis (with a bus/rail leg in the middle) and then back and town is a bit of a mixed bag as they built out the new modern luxury quarter.
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@JessG, i’d go to any resort in Graubunden just to eat capuns at lunchtime!
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You know it makes sense.
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@Nadenoodlee, oooh, capuns. Yum!
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@JessG, Davos/Klosters is a very easy train ride from Zurich. I think there's a fair amount of apartments for rent in Davos - go for the Dorf end to be closest to the Parsennbahn.
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Poster: A snowHead
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1. St Moritz
2. Lech
3. Klosters
4. Wengen
5. Andermatt
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Chico, the best swiss dish out there!
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Grindelwald / Wengen is easy to reach by train
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| Henwc wrote: |
Another option for you is Samnaum (connected to Ischgl) it had some very good value self catered accommodation last time I looked and is a very pretty resort. |
Samnaun has some great skiing, and I have stayed there. I would not really describe it purely as a pretty resort. A fair bit depends on which bit you are in. It slightly straggles along the valley.. Some of the older bits are very rustic and pleasant , the main bit is basically a melange of modern hotels and apartments with loads of duty free shops that feels a bit soulless to me anyway.
I certainly wouldn't disagree with Samnaun as an option but I would watch a bit where I stayed if I wanted an attractive bit.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@T Bar, Agreed, probably not as pretty as I remember. I was really thinking about the scenery coming out of the smugglers run into the west end of the valley rather than the main bit.
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Does anyone have an idea of the cost of the train from Zurich airport to St Anton please? The schedule isn’t out for the coming season but maybe someone knows from last year? Trying to see if that’s better than hire car/transfer
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@Montan, sbb app for this Saturday says 54,90chf per adult one way assuming no travelcards.
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@Nadenoodlee, Thanks - do you think that’s a good indicator for winter - not sure if there’s much seasonal variation?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Reading about your family's level on the slopes - parents and eldest comfortable on black, the younger kids climbing red with ease - I'm reminded of a place a friend visited: Engelberg, near Lucerne. It's a bit closer to Zurich, more self-contained, and scintillatingly beautiful, with a stunning cable car up to Mount Titlis. Your older skiers could explore freeride zones while the younger ones ease in, all within a convenient, ski-in/out village vibe - it felt like a dream for a multi-level family trip.
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If you’re interested in Engelberg, Ski Weekends are doing a deal (I have no connection):
Free Lift Pass With All Stays At The Hotel Terrace In Engelberg
Book the Hotel Terrace in Engelberg for winter 2025/26 and each guest will receive a free lift pass for the duration of their holiday ****
** Free Lift Pass starts the day after arrival & finishes on departure/checkout day. Book online or call our Ski Experts to book on +44(0)2380 206971.
Last edited by Ski the Net with snowHeads  on Wed 3-09-25 20:12; edited 1 time in total
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Prices vary, not with the time of year but with the individual service, based on the type of train/service and the time of day. I see some services from chf38 each way. (That's for a non-refundable ticket , goes up to around 50 for flexible ones.)
I would not expect winter prices to be any different. Price increases are possible, of course, but in recent years with inflation hovering around 1-2% it's unlikely to make any significant difference.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@Montan, The schedule has been the same for years, every two hours from Zürich HB, I very much doubt it will change when the new schedule comes out. The standard one way ticket is around €57 but there will be various saver tickets available. Best option for booking is OEBB.at (almost all the trains are operated by Austrian railways). Car is easy enough but parking in St Anton is very painful unless your accommodation offers it (some will charge extra!) and having a car is of little use (would make day trips to Zürs and Lech marginally easier). Train is by far the easiest option as the station is in the middle of the village, the larger hotels will collect you. Biggest downside is that the trains are busy. Current timetable see https://www.stantonamarlberg.com/XooWebKit/bin/download.php/inline/1459f_caba2e82f9/StAnton_Z%C3%BCrich_Hbf_Flughafen2425.pdf
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@zoldyr453, its one of our favorite places to ski at the weekend and hike in summer, but it is small compared to St Anton and not ski in/ out. Although the monastery cheese shop is top notch and a Hot chai and a samosa on a cold ski day from the Indian cafe at the bottom of the cable car is bloody lovely.
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You know it makes sense.
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Thanks all, very helpful
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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In January, we flew to Zurich and travelled by train from Zurich to Arosa, a dream of ours for quite a while fulfilled. An iconic train journey, attractive small town, low crowds and great skiing. With Lenzerheide 225km of pistes.
One negative was sky high ski rental costs, it appeared a cartel of circa 4 shops.
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Poster: A snowHead
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| ster wrote: |
If you’re interested in Engelberg, Ski Weekends are doing a deal (I have no connection):
Free Lift Pass With All Stays At The Hotel Terrace In Engelberg
Book the Hotel Terrace in Engelberg for winter 2025/26 and each guest will receive a free lift pass for the duration of their holiday ****
** Free Lift Pass starts the day after arrival & finishes on departure/checkout day. Book online or call our Ski Experts to book on +44(0)2380 206971. |
The Terrace is a decent hotel. 10+ minutes walk to the lift though. Also it is buffet style food which is fine. The Indian restaurant is closed during the winter.
Engelberg, However is quite a serious ski resort with a lot of expert terrain and a Mecca for off piste skiers. I reckon you recommend you take a good look at the piste map and make sure your family can enjoy rather than survive skiing there.
It’s very easy to get there from Zurich. The train platform is literally at the bottom of the escalator from arrivals and when you return after your holiday you can even check in at the end of the platform rather than have to lug your bags through the airport. Arrival into the small train station at Engelberg is charming. Equally fun is to watch people get on the train at various stations wearing full ski gear.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| Snow&skifan wrote: |
In January, we flew to Zurich and travelled by train from Zurich to Arosa, a dream of ours for quite a while fulfilled. An iconic train journey, attractive small town, low crowds and great skiing. With Lenzerheide 225km of pistes.
One negative was sky high ski rental costs, it appeared a cartel of circa 4 shops. |
That's a Swiss issue not a specific Arosa issue, its just expensive there. One advantage of Switzerland is its less crowded at UK HT than most/ all of its neighbours.
Arosa / Lenzerheide or Flims / Laax would be decent choices from Zurich. Both pretty easy on train from Zur. to Chur and then Poste bus or pretty railway from there.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Thats how they keep the riff raff out.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Hi @JessG,
The easiest one to go to is Flumseburg. It's in Switzerland
Or catch train further to:
St Anton,
Landeck
Innsbruck,
Brixen
Kitzbuel
Zell am See
etc.
Have a great time!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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We always go to Lenzerheide. Priva Lodge is a great option on the east side of Rothorn which gives easy access to Arosa for those who can ski a steeper red run. Same issue with hire being pricey though. If it’s Zurich holidays Priva is always booked year to year but there are some other ski in/out apartments near the Dieschen T bar that are good value.
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