Skiing in Leukerbad, Switzerland

The Location- Leukerbad
Situated in a fantastic position on sunny, south-facing slopes high above the River Rhône, and framed by a mesmerising mountain backdrop, the village of Leukerbad offers superb downhill skiing for all levels and boasts a rich alpine spa heritage.

Ever since the Victorian ‘golden age’ of travel, in fact, visitors have flocked here for the curative qualities of its thermal springs, and – while the snowy slopes have grown in appeal – the spa legacy lives on, adding a wonderfully relaxing and invigorating element to your holiday.

From the Parkhotel Quellenhof it is just a short stroll to the main cable car, which serves the Torrent ski area, a network of downhill runs for all levels above and through the trees below the Torrenthorn (2,997 metres). Easier slopes for beginners and children, as well as the terrific ski school, are located in the village, so access to these is easy by foot or via the local ski bus.

Cross-country skiers can choose from trails on the lower village slopes, or those around Lake Daubensee near the top of the Gemmi cable car – the latter being unusually high and snowsure for cross-country terrain. Five winter walking trails are spread throughout the skiing area, with the Gemmi lift also providing access to a snowshoe trail as well as a superb recreational toboggan run. Whichever cable car you take, you will find yourself admiring stupendous views across 4,000-metre-high Alpine peaks – these include the distinctive Matterhorn and stretch as far as Mont Blanc.

Back in the village, you can enjoy a variety of activities in Leukerbad’s sports centre – from skating or curling on the rink to indoor tennis. However, it is hard to resist the thermal spas for which Leukerbad is famous for. Just across the road from the hotel is the Lindner Alpentherme, one of Leukerbad’s main thermal ‘temples’ and one of several good options in the village for a spot of relaxation on your return from the slopes. Here, you can enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzis and sauna suite, or unwind with one of many spa treatments which are also available (pay locally).

Where you will be staying- The Parkhotel Quellenhof
The Parkhotel Quellenhof is enviably located by the village’s main promenade, its rather ordinary exterior belying a very comfortable and stylish atmosphere within, where fantastic service and delicious food are the order of the day. Martin and Bianca Rossel are your good-natured hosts and, together with their attentive team, work tirelessly to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.

Rooms: Boasting a south-facing balcony, the double and twin bedrooms are furnished in either light or dark wood, and all have a shower room and a flatscreen television, and can sleep up to three people. For more space, you can upgrade to one of the suites. These have a separate seating area and a spa bath, and can accommodate a family of four.

Facilities: With the wonderful Lindner Alpentherme spa just across the road, there is no need for the hotel to have its own pool. However, it does have a stylish bar and lounge warmed by an open fire in which to relax on your return from the slopes. There is also a children’s play area.

Restaurant: The inviting restaurant is the setting for top-notch five-course dinners comprising a salad buffet, soup, appetiser, main course and dessert. As Martin co-owns a wine shop in the village, there is a great selection of wines from which to choose to accompany the beautifully presented cuisine.

For reviews of this trip, see: Reviews of Skiing holiday in Switzerland, Leukerbad