Davos Klosters Overview

Set in the canton of Grisons, Davos is one of Switzerland’s most established alpine destinations, offering a blend of high-altitude skiing and vibrant town life. With a summit elevation of 2,844 m and a base at 810 m, the resort benefits from a vertical drop of 2,034 m and reliable snow conditions supported by snowmaking across key sectors. Davos receives an average of 423 cm of snowfall annually and features 265 hectares of skiable terrain, 70 pistes and 46 lifts. The resort’s layout spans multiple mountain areas, each with its own character and appeal.

Families are well catered for with dedicated beginner zones, tubing lanes, and ski schools across Madrisa and Rinerhorn. These areas offer gentle slopes, surface lifts and play zones designed for younger skiers. Off the slopes, Davos provides indoor pools, ice rinks and winter walking paths, making it a well-rounded destination for mixed-ability groups and non-skiers. The resort’s infrastructure includes gondolas, high-speed chairs and surface lifts, ensuring efficient access across its varied terrain.

Visitors choose Davos for its combination of alpine scale and urban convenience. The town hosts cultural events, wellness centres and international conferences, while the surrounding mountains deliver extensive skiing across six distinct sectors. Whether you're carving down long intermediate pistes or relaxing in a spa with mountain views, Davos offers a dynamic winter experience with Swiss precision and charm.

Davos is easily reached via Zurich Airport, located approximately 150 km away. From Zurich, travellers can take the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) to Landquart, then transfer to the scenic Rhaetian Railway (RhB) for the final leg to Davos Dorf or Davos Platz. Coach services also operate from major Swiss cities, with connections via Chur. For those arriving by car, the A13 motorway leads to Landquart, followed by Cantonal Road 28 into Davos. Winter tyres or chains may be required during heavy snowfall.

Local transport within Davos includes a comprehensive bus network, with free access for guests holding the Davos Klosters Premium Card. Shuttle services link hotels with lift stations, and taxis are available at both railway hubs. For cost-effective travel, rail is recommended—especially with the Swiss Travel Pass or regional ski pass, which includes public transport between ski areas. The Vereina Tunnel also offers car transport between Klosters and the Lower Engadine, providing an alternative route during winter.

Davos boasts 266 km of skiable terrain spread across six distinct mountain areas: Parsenn, Jakobshorn, Rinerhorn, Madrisa, Pischa and Schatzalp. The resort’s elevation ranges from 810 m to 2,844 m, offering a vertical drop of 2,034 m and consistent snow conditions throughout the season. With 70 pistes and 46 lifts, including gondolas, high-speed chairs and surface lifts, skiers can explore varied landscapes from open ridgelines to forested descents.

Beginners will find welcoming terrain at Madrisa and Rinerhorn, where wide, gentle pistes and surface lifts support early progression. Kinderlands and snow gardens offer engaging environments for children, with snow games and tubing lanes to build confidence. These areas are close to lift stations and ski schools, making logistics simple for families.

Intermediate skiers benefit from 31% of the terrain, with long blue and red pistes across Parsenn and Jakobshorn. Notable runs include the 12 km descent from Weissfluhgipfel to Küblis and the scenic pistes near Clavadeler Alp. These areas offer reliable grooming and varied gradients, ideal for refining technique and enjoying extended sessions.

Advanced skiers can challenge themselves on the steeper sections of Jakobshorn Nord and Bräma, or tackle Gipfel Nord on Parsenn. With 49% of the terrain classified as advanced, Davos provides ample opportunity for high-speed carving and technical descents. Black pistes are well-marked and often run parallel to red routes, allowing skiers to adjust intensity mid-run.

Expert skiers will appreciate the freeride zones on Pischa, where ungroomed slopes and natural powder fields offer a backcountry feel within a secured environment. The resort also features one pipe and 10 park rails for those seeking freestyle challenges. Safety measures and avalanche control are in place across freeride sectors.

Freestyle riders can head to JatzPark on Jakobshorn or the Bolgen area for terrain parks with progressive features. These parks include kickers, rails and flow lines suitable for all levels. Morning sessions are recommended for firmer landings and fewer crowds. The parks are serviced by dedicated lifts and offer viewing areas for spectators.

Visit Davos between mid-January and early February for optimal snow quality and manageable lift queues. Weekdays are especially quiet, and the pistes near Rinerhorn tend to stay uncrowded even during peak periods. Early morning laps on piste 5 from Jakobshorn offer crisp corduroy and stunning sunrise views over the Landwasser Valley.

For powder seekers, Pischa is the go-to area after fresh snowfall. Unlike other sectors, Pischa has no groomed pistes, making it ideal for freeriders. Head to the upper ridge near Hüreli for untouched snow and panoramic vistas. It’s best accessed via the Pischa shuttle from Davos Dorf.

The 12 km Nostalgia Run from Weissfluhgipfel to Küblis is a must for history buffs and long-distance skiers. Along the descent, you’ll find information boards detailing the evolution of skiing in Switzerland, including the origins of the Parsenn funicular and the legendary Parsenn Derby.

Après-ski is best enjoyed at Jatzhütte on Jakobshorn. Accessible via the JatzPark lift, this rustic hut offers sun loungers, live DJs and house-made mulled wine. It’s lively but not overcrowded, and the terrace views are unbeatable. Arrive by 15:00 to secure a good spot before the final descent.

Families should explore the tubing lanes at Rinerhorn, located near the base station. With three lanes and a conveyor lift, it’s a great midday activity between lessons. Nearby, the Jatzmeder restaurant serves a popular spaghetti buffet on Wednesdays—ideal for refuelling with kids in tow.

Freestylers will enjoy the Bolgen Park, especially the mini-ramp and rail combinations near the kicker zone. The flow line here is designed for intermediate riders progressing through box and pipe features. Early sessions offer firmer landings and better visibility.

For scenic winter walks, take the Panoramaweg above Lake Davos. This groomed path offers uninterrupted views of the frozen lake and surrounding peaks without steep elevation changes. It’s accessible from Davos Dorf and ideal for non-skiers seeking alpine serenity.

Advanced skiers should try the Raiffeisen Run on Jakobshorn, a timed giant slalom course located below the Clavadeler Bubble chairlift. Scan your ski pass at the start hut and race against friends—your speed and photo are recorded for bragging rights later.

Lunch at Bergrestaurant Spina on Rinerhorn is worth the detour. Located along the valley run, it serves rösti platters and fondue with a view. Best visited after 13:30 when the morning crowd clears. The candlelight raclette on Friday evenings is a local favourite.

End your ski day on piste 42 from Parsenn, a mellow red run that winds down to Davos Platz. As the sun dips behind the peaks, the descent offers soft light and a relaxed finish to your session. It’s a favourite among instructors wrapping up their day.