Davos Klosters Ski Resort

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Davos Klosters ski resort. Jakobshorn cable car climbs out of Davos.
Davos Klosters ski resort. Jakobshorn cable car climbs out of Davos.
Powderhounds will love Davos Klosters for its deep powder & terrain.
Powderhounds will love Davos Klosters for its deep powder & terrain.
Valley runs over 12km long are a signature Davos Klosters ski experience.
Valley runs over 12km long are a signature Davos Klosters ski experience.
Klosters is a beautiful Swiss town accessible by train, ski trail & cable car!
Klosters is a beautiful Swiss town accessible by train, ski trail & cable car!
Long intermediate piste trails abound at Davos Klosters ski resort.
Long intermediate piste trails abound at Davos Klosters ski resort.
Davos Klosters highest point is Weissfluhgipfel at 2844m.
Davos Klosters highest point is Weissfluhgipfel at 2844m.
Traditional farm buildings are dotted all over Davos Klosters ski resort.
Traditional farm buildings are dotted all over Davos Klosters ski resort.
Davos Klosters has huge & challenging freeride terrain.
Davos Klosters has huge & challenging freeride terrain.
The destinations are diverse on Parsenn at Davos Klosters.
The destinations are diverse on Parsenn at Davos Klosters.
Time to race the train into Klosters!
Time to race the train into Klosters!
Davos Klosters mountain restaurants and bars are top quality.
Davos Klosters mountain restaurants and bars are top quality.
Capuns are the
Capuns are the 'go to' local dish in Davos Klosters.
A three lift intersection on Parsenn including the new Furka 6er chair.
A three lift intersection on Parsenn including the new Furka 6er chair.
Davos is a modern bustling town.
Davos is a modern bustling town.
The beginner ski area near Bolgen Plaza in Davos.
The beginner ski area near Bolgen Plaza in Davos.
Parsenn funicular trundles up to Weissfluhjoch above Davos.
Parsenn funicular trundles up to Weissfluhjoch above Davos.
Cable car at Klosters Platz with sledders returning for another run.
Cable car at Klosters Platz with sledders returning for another run.
Ski Davos Klosters powder on Jakobshorn with no competition.
Ski Davos Klosters powder on Jakobshorn with no competition.
Numerous fun bars line the Promenade in central Davos.
Numerous fun bars line the Promenade in central Davos.
Davos Kloster ski resort.
Davos Kloster ski resort.

Davos Klosters Ski Resort

Readers Ratings

Davos Klosters

Davos Klosters4/52
Davos Klosters4 out of 5 based on 2 reviews
  • Recommend
    50%
  • Would Revisit
    50%
Ride & Learn in the Alps Sherpas Ride

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Davos Klosters Details

    Davos Klosters (Parsenn & Madrisa) Ski Trail Map
  • Davos Klosters (Parsenn-Madrisa) Ski Trail Map
  •  Davos Klosters (Jakobshorn, Pischa, Rinerhorn) Ski Trail Map
  • Davos Klosters (Jakobshorn-Rinerhorn-Pischa) Ski Trail Map
  • Vertical (m)
    Parsenn
    1,191m - 2,844m (1,653m)

    Madrisa
    1,124m - 2,602m (1,478m)

    Jakobshorn
    1,540m - 2,590m (1,050m)
  • Average Snow Fall
    8 to 10m
  • Lifts (54)
    15 Gondolas / cable cars / funiculars
    15 Chairs
  • Opening Dates & Times
    Mid November to mid-April (Parsenn)
    8:00am to 4:30pm
  • Terrain Summary
    Runs - 300km
    Longest run - 12km+
    Advanced - 29%
    Intermediate - 45%
    Beginner - 26%
  • Lift Pass Price
    Day Ticket 23/24
    Davos Klosters Mountains Regional Ski Pass
    Valid for 5 ski areas (excl. Schatzalp)
    Adult - CHF86
    Child - CHF34 to 60 (age dependent)
    Child u/6yr - Free

    Combi Ticket
    (Valid at Parsenn & Jakobshorn)
    Adult - CHF84
    Child - CHF34 to 59
    Child u/6yr - Free

    Parsenn Davos/Klosters
    (Valid at Parsenn & Jakobshorn)
    Adult - CHF81
    Child - CHF32 to 57
    Child u/6yr - Free

    Individual Ski Area 1-day Pass
    (Parsenn, Jakobshorn, Madrisa, Rinerhorn, or Pischa)
    Adult - CHF50 to 77
    Child - CHF20 to 54
    Child u/6yr - Free
     Parsenn Ski Trail Map
  • Parsenn Ski Trail Map
    Madrisa Ski Trail Map
  • Madrisa Ski Trail Map
    Jakobshorn Ski Trail Map
  • Jakobshorn Ski Trail Map
    Rinerhorn Ski Trail Map
  • Rinerhorn Ski Trail Map
    Pischa Ski Trail Map
  • Pischa Ski Trail Map

Davos Klosters Ski Resort Switzerland

Davos Klosters ski resort has a high-falutin reputation that is backed-up in reality. Feted as the 'cradle' of skiing in Switzerland, Davos Klosters is spread across six separate ski areas deep in Grisons (Graubünden) canton, Switzerland.

Each ski area has distinctive lifts, terrain & aspect, giving the Davos & Klosters ski region a wonderful sense that each day will be a grand voyage of discovery. A high average winter snowfall & massive freeride potential make it a must for all powder hounds.

Pros & Cons for Davos Klosters Ski Resort

Pros

  • Sensational variety of lifts, pistes and freeride options.
  • Exceptionally reliable snowfall region (10m annual average).
  • All terrain aspects are available, allowing skiing in all weather conditions.
  • Great learn to ski area in Davos at the base of Jakobshorn.
  • Loads of long, interesting valley trails (12km+ & over 2,000m vert).
  • Massive and challenging freeride terrain.
  • Incredibly quiet on a powder day (blizzard day!).
  • Fabulous restaurants on mountain.
  • Excellent bus & train connections between ski areas & valley trails.
  • Good après ski & nightlife in Davos.
  • Broad range of non-ski activities.
  • Klosters village retains its traditional 'charm and calm'.
  • Access by train is excellent and one can ski race it down to Klosters!

Cons

  • Confusing lift ticket pricing & options.
  • Aging lift infrastructure at Rinerhorn & Pischa.
  • Bus transport around to the different ski areas can be a pain.
  • The two-stage funicular up Parsenn is clunky & crowded plus the return trail is inadequate.
  • Limited ski-in / ski-out accommodation.

Pro or Con (depending on your perspective!)

  • Ski areas are disjointed - not lift-interlinked; bus or train only.
  • No car required, train & bus services are superb, but it can get 'ugly' waiting for them in a blizzard.
  • Davos is a large modern city that has lost much of its traditional charm.

Skiing & Snowboarding, Lifts & Terrain

Skiing Davos Klosters is a magical mystery tour of epic proportions. Six ski areas, 5 of which are covered by the one ski pass, provide every type of ski lift, terrain & trail imaginable. The five main ski areas are Parsenn, Madrisa, Jakobshorn, Pischa & Rinerhorn. The sixth ski area is Schatzalp, the smallest of the group. Piste trails total over 300km in length with something for every ski or snowboard proclivity. It is so big that there are two sides to the trail map. See the Parsenn-Madrisa ski trail map & the Jakobshorn-Pischa-Rinerhorn ski trail map.

The epic proportions include all ski areas having most ski terrain above a snow sure 1,900m altitude to make the most of the 10m average snowfall. As well as unlimited off-piste freeride skiing & snowboarding terrain, there are no less than 12 valley piste trails (& many more routes), some over 12km long, leading back to all points in the valley. One trail descends over 2,030 vertical metres. And to top it off, when you find yourself in an apparently remote village, you will likely find a nearby train station for the journey back to Davos or Klosters; all included in the lift pass.

The region's ski lifts are an odd mix of every type of uphill conveyance imaginable, making for some interesting journeys! Modern & vintage collide here as well. Parsenn & Jakobshorn have a generally updated selection of lifts (with some notable exceptions!), however at Rinerhorn & Pischa, the average age of the ski lifts is older than many of the visiting adults! Snowboarders not used to surface tows will be tested in some resort areas like Rinerhorn, & the upper section of Madrisa.

Lift pass options in the region are many. The simplest is to get a Regional Pass that includes free passage on the local bus & railway network

For more information on ski lifts, terrain, lift pass and trail maps, see the Davos Klosters Skiing & Snowboarding page.

Where is Davos Klosters Switzerland?

Davos Klosters ski resort is in the canton Graubuenden (Grisons) of southeast Switzerland, close to the border with Austria. The nearest cities are Landquart (30km by road) & Chur (47km by road). Klosters is only 137km southeast of Zurich (1½ to 2hr drive). The gateway airport is Zurich (ZRH) & the recommended mode of travel to the resort is via the fabulous Swiss rail system.

The towns of Davos & Klosters are 9km apart but connected by road, train, ski lift & piste trail! By train, Zurich airport is less than 2½hr from Klosters, slightly more for Davos. Search & book train tickets to Davos & Klosters.

For more information on the best ways to get there, see our Travel to Davos Klosters page.

Davos Accommodation

Whilst connected by ski lifts, trails, a railway line & road, the towns of Davos & Klosters are over 11km apart if travelling by car. Unless one is doing a day trip from elsewhere, when choosing where to stay overnight has at least 2 clear (& quite different) choices. Davos has the best ski access, nightlife & shopping but has become a soulless shadow of what we imagine it must have once been. Klosters is smaller, quieter & simply more authentically Swiss (as cliched as that may sound!).

A small, bloated city of over 11,000 souls, Davos is sprawled along the valley between Parsenn & Jakobshorn ski areas. Its lodging options are as varied as the ski areas. Most are located within the 3km stretch between the two train stations - Davos Platz & Davos Dorf. Numerous 4 & 5-star hotels line the upper-level Promenade including the iconic Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvedere which has been operating since 1875. There are also a range of smaller, traditional hotels & newer apartments.

At the fringes of Davos are several excellent family run BnB options (i.e. Haus im Sand) that are within easy walking distance to the train or bus stops. Just off the Pischa road looms the curious 5-star concrete bubble (or monstrosity) that is the InterContinental Davos. Private chalets available for rent extend up the mountainside above the Promenade where they gather the morning sun.

Search & book all Davos Accommodation.

[AdListings collection="Europe" category="Switzerland Davos Klosters" subcategory="Davos Klosters Packages"]

Klosters Accommodation

Klosters is the opposite of Davos. Whilst still sizable, with less than half the population of Davos it retains the feel of a classic Swiss mountain village. In part that is simply due to the traditional architectural style used throughout the town, but it is also because of the Gotschnatunnel diverting all through traffic away from Klosters.

Klosters lacks the 5-star behemoth hotels of Davos (but still has a couple to choose from - the Royals have got to stay somewhere!). Like Davos, Klosters has two railway stations which effectively delineate the town into two accommodation clusters. At either end of town provides a relatively serene atmosphere lacking in Davos.

Klosters main town centre is near Klosters Platz station, opposite the cable car to Parsenn. The Hotel Alpina has the prime position in Klosters, close to everything.

Only 1½km away is Klosters Dorf station, situated opposite the Madrisa gondola. Several good hotels are nearby, with the Hotel Silvapina one of the better 3-stars.

Search & book all Klosters Accommodation.

In between Davos & Klosters is the small hamlet of Davos Wolfgang. Some quiet lodging options exist here (the excellent Kessler’s Kulm Hotel), but still with the benefit of a train station, bus stop, cross country ski trails & valley return trail from Parsenn.

Ski Rentals Lessons & Guiding

Ski rentals are available in both Davos & Klosters villages. Receive a discount when you search & book via our Davos-Klosters Ski & Snowboard Rental page.

A brain-snapping plethora of ski instructors, ski schools & guides earn their bread in the Davos Klosters ski region. To make the choice easy, search & book via our Davos Klosters Ski Lessons & Guiding page.

Review

The Powderhounds last visited Davos Klosters in 2018 and are overdue for another visit next season. We barely scratched the surface of the region's potential due to a massive blizzard that lasted a week. If nothing else, we must return to see what it looks like in the sun! See our review & extra photos via the links in the left column (or top of page on a mobile).

See how Davos Klosters compares to the rest of the Swiss ski resorts on the Switzerland ski resort ratings page, or compare to the rest of Europe on the European ski resort ratings page.

Follow Powderhounds Europe on Instagram to see where we are currently skiing. Follow our main Powderhounds page on Facebook to stay in touch with up-to-date info, tours, and discussions.

Tours in or near Davos Klosters

Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area Tours

Davos Mountains Experience
MULTI-DAY PRIVATE GUIDING & INSTRUCTION
6 Days Skiing or Snowboarding
Ability: Beginner to Expert
Enjoy six 6 days of exclusive skiing or snowboarding with a private guide in the incredibly diverse Davos Klosters ski areas of Parsenn, Jakobshorn, Madrisa, Rinerhorn & more. Private groups of up to 5 people apply for your best dates & duration ....
Price p/p From price based on per person in a private group of 4 people on a 6-day tour.
Base/invoice currency is in CHF inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 610
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Four Resorts Tour
MULTI-DAY PRIVATE GUIDING & INSTRUCTION
4 Days Skiing or Snowboarding
Ability: Beginner to Expert
Experience a 4-day grand tour of the Davos Klosters mountains exploring Parsenn, Jakobshorn, Rinerhorn & Madrisa with a private ski or snowboard guide/instructor. Private groups of up to 5 people apply for your best dates & duration ...
Price p/p From price based on per person in a private group of 4 people on a 4-day tour.
Base/invoice currency is in CHF inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 412
View Details
 
See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit Davos Klosters here

Single-Base, Single-Ski-Area Tours

Off-piste with The Snow Experience Davos
PRIVATE OFF-PISTE INSTRUCTION & GUIDING
1 Day Skiing or Snowboarding
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
Be guided by a local ski or snowboard instructor into the best off-piste terrain at Davos-Klosters, all the while improving your technique and gaining confidence to explore bigger terrain & deeper snow. Private solos & groups apply for your best dates & duration ....
Price p/p From price based on per person in a private group of 4 people on a 1-day off-piste ski or snowboard day.
Base/invoice currency is in CHF inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 130
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Ride & Learn in the Alps
GUIDED OFF-PISTE SKIING & LEARNING
4 Days | 4 Nights | 4 Days Skiing
Ability: Intermediate to Advanced
The Ride & Learn tour is an 'active learning' powder-chaser trip where the location in the Alps is dictated by the best powder conditions at the time. Options include Livigno, Santa Caterina Italy, Graubuenden Switzerland or Montafon Austria. Ride amazing off-piste snow & do it safely over a long weekend ...
Price p/p Base/invoice currency is EUR, per person on a 4 day tour (2024 rates), minimum 5 guests on tour
Price includes all taxes
*displayed price may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 562
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The Snow Experience Davos Ski & Snowboard Lessons
PRIVATE SKI & SNOWBOARD LESSONS
1 Day Skiing or Snowboarding
Ability: Beginner to Expert
Expert instructors & guides provide a fully flexible & personalized service with affordable private lessons for beginner, intermediate or advanced skiers & snowboarders at Davos. Improve your technique & have more fun on the slopes. Solos, couples & groups apply for your best location, dates & duration ....
Price p/p From price based on per person in a group of 5 people on a 1-day ski or snowboard private lesson.
Base/invoice currency is in CHF inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 84
View Details
 
See all Single-Base, Single-Ski-Area tours that visit Davos Klosters here
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