Winter activities in Switzerland

Crans-Montana offers 25km of ski runs and 10 lifts, suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The resort has a variety of runs, including gentle slopes for beginners and more challenging ones for advanced skiers. There's also a snow park with jumps and rails for freestyle enthusiasts. 

Montana is facing southwest, which means that the sun exposure lasts until the end of the skiing day! There is also a bar in the middle of a ski track which I enjoyed quite a lot. For beginners, there is a long and wide blue track that will help you improve and is ideal. The other tracks which were narrower I found were too busy when I went. Overall, with its beautiful scenery and relaxed atmosphere, Montana is a very good option for a ski day. 

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Paccots is a small, family-friendly ski resort in the Fribourg region (25 min from Lausanne), with 20km of ski runs and 5 lifts. My most cherished memories of when I started skiing are here. I recommend it for beginners and families, as it has gentle slopes and dedicated learning areas, and a ski school. However, there are also several red and black runs for advanced skiers. Moreover, the ski resort is quite affordable in Switzerland, you can check the prices here. Paccots also has cozy restaurants and bars to relax and warm up after a day on the slopes. 

In Paccots the ski country tracks are also worth checking, find more info here (in German). Additionally, you can also ski tour up to Paccots mountain which has wonderful views of the lake, but I recommend doing this only when there's plenty of snow (as its highest elevation is almost 1,500m). Alternatively, you could go in warmer months for an easy hike up, see more here!

Pont-de-Nant offers excellent opportunities for ski touring in Switzerland with its wide range of ski routes and stunning panoramic views. There are several routes with different difficulties. Park your car in the town Le Plans-sur-Bex and start ski touring towards the Auberge communale de Pont-de-Nant (very little elevation gain). I highly recommend staying in the Auberge, it offers accommodation in bunk beds and a very cozy atmosphere. We stayed there one night and had fondue for dinner - a perfect end of the day for a ski-touring day. 

One of the ski touring route continues east, going straight passing and leaving the Auberge at your right. The route starts off easily and is considered ideal for most skiers. After around 1/2h, you reach a beautiful plateau, where you'll be surrounded by stunning views of the surrounding peaks. More experienced skiers can choose to continue climbing towards the summit of Tête à Pierre Grept, although it is recommended for those with advanced skills.

The ascent to Pic de Chaussy from Les Mosses in Switzerland is a popular ski touring route, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The route starts at Les Mosses and follows the marked trail towards Pic Chaussy. As you ascend, you'll pass through alpine meadows and forests before reaching the Col de Chaussy. From here, the route gets steeper as you make your way up to the summit of Pic de Chaussy. The ascent requires a good level of fitness and ski touring experience, as there are some challenging sections along the way. However, the effort is worth it for the incredible views from the summit. It's important to check avalanche conditions before attempting this route and to carry all necessary safety equipment.