A Family-Friendly Swiss Adventure: Zermatt to St. Moritz Ski

  • Day 1: Zurich
    Arrival

    Upon arrival at Zurich airport, take a scenic train ride to the charming city center of Zurich. Take a walk around Lake Zurich and admire the beautiful views of the Alps.

  • Day 2: Lucerne
    2 hours (52 miles) from Zurich

    Take a train to picturesque Lucerne, located in the heart of Switzerland. Visit the famous Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, and take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne.

  • Day 3: Mount Pilatus
    1 hour (10 miles) from Lucerne

    Take a scenic cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. For the more adventurous, there are hiking trails and a toboggan run.

  • Day 4: Interlaken
    2 hours (70 miles) from Lucerne

    Take a train to the charming town of Interlaken, located between two beautiful lakes. Walk around the picturesque town and take a cable car to the top of Harder Kulm for panoramic views of the region.

  • Day 5: Grindelwald
    30 minutes (9 miles) from Interlaken

    Take a train to Grindelwald, where you can take a cable car to the top of the mountains for hiking and breathtaking views. Visit the Glacier Gorge and the impressive Eiger Nordwand.

  • Day 6: Zermatt
    2.5 hours (85 miles) from Grindelwald

    Take a scenic train ride to the car-free town of Zermatt, located at the base of the iconic Matterhorn. Visit the Matterhorn Museum and take a cable car to the top of the mountains for skiing and stunning views.

  • Day 7: Zermatt
    Ski Day

    Enjoy a day of skiing in Zermatt, with a variety of runs available for all skill levels. Take a break and enjoy Swiss specialties at one of the mountain huts.

  • Day 8: St. Moritz
    5 hours (140 miles) from Zermatt

    Take a train to the luxurious ski resort of St. Moritz, located in the Engadin valley. Walk around the town and admire its architecture and luxury boutiques.

  • Day 9: St. Moritz
    Ski Day

    Enjoy a day of skiing in St. Moritz, with a variety of runs available for all skill levels. Take a break and enjoy lunch at one of the mountain restaurants.

  • Day 10: Zurich
    3 hours (150 miles) from St. Moritz

    Take a train back to Zurich, and spend the day exploring the city. Visit the Swiss National Museum and walk around the charming Old Town.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Zoo Zurich (2 hours, 28 CHF)
  • Chapel Bridge and Water Tower in Lucerne (1 hour, free)
  • Mount Pilatus (4 hours, 70 CHF)
  • Harder Kulm (2 hours, 32 CHF)
  • Glacier Gorge in Grindelwald (1 hour, 9 CHF)
  • Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt (1 hour, 10 CHF)
  • Ski Lifts in Zermatt and St. Moritz (8 hours, 250 CHF)
  • Swiss National Museum in Zurich (2 hours, 10 CHF)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 399 CHF per person

Transportation

Switzerland has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including trains, buses, and cable cars. Traveling by train is the best way to get around the country, with frequent and reliable services connecting all major destinations. Consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats, as well as free admission to many museums and attractions. Taxis and rental cars are also available, but they're more expensive compared to public transportation.

Transportation Costs: Train from Zurich to St. Moritz (2nd class, 110 CHF), Swiss Travel Pass (8 days, 456 CHF per person)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to Geneva or Bern. Geneve is home to the United Nations and is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, while Bern is a charming medieval town with UNESCO World Heritage status. If you have less time, skip Interlaken or St. Moritz and spend more time in the other destinations.

Airports

Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the main international airport in Switzerland, located about 7 miles north of Zurich. It is the largest airport in the country and serves most major airlines. From the airport, you can easily reach the city center by train, with frequent services taking about 15-20 minutes. St. Moritz also has its small airport (SMV), but it only serves a few seasonal flights. The closest international airports to St. Moritz are Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Zurich Airport (ZRH).

0