Skiing in Zuoz, Switzerland

Sunny, broad and long, eastern Switzerland’s Engadine Valley is one of the most idyllic and traditional regions of Europe. It is also a paradise for cross-country skiers, with an enviable snow record from December through to April and a wide range of varied trails which link the string of historic, stone-built villages that run along the valley, from fashionable St Moritz to atmospheric Zuoz, one of the most charming villages of them all.

A location at the midpoint of one of the top two cross-country domains in Switzerland, plenty of winter walking, glorious Alpine scenery, exquisitely painted houses and a romantic, tranquil atmosphere…south-facing Zuoz has it all. Add to this a stylish 4-star hotel offering the highest standards of comfort and hospitality, and you have all the ingredients for a wonderful winter holiday.

Zuoz is a paradise for cross-country skiers, with 13 kilometres from the village’s own ski centre, a fifteen-minute walk from the hotel - or catch the free village shuttle bus. A total of 210 kilometres of trails catering for all levels (including those who prefer skating to classic skiing) can be accessed by using the railway that runs between Scuol and glamorous St Moritz (pay locally) or by taking advantage of the free minibus transfers provided by the hotel three days a week. We include a cross-country ski permit for the Upper Engadine Valley, allowing you to make the most of your stay. If you visit Zuoz in early March, you can witness the amazing spectacle of the annual Engadine Ski Marathon which begins in Maloja and ends, 42 kilometres later, in S-Chanf, having passed through Zuoz.

Apart from this one weekend, you can ski on the Zuoz section of this excellent course all season. For downhill skiing, the lifts are again only a few minutes’ walk from the hotel and provide access to six blue, two red and two black runs (please note that the lifts in Zuoz will close on 13 March 2011 depending on snow conditions). For a greater variety of slopes and skiing through until the end of the season, we recommend nearby St Moritz, approximately 30 minutes away by train and home to the famous Cresta Run.

The awesome landscapes also make for great winter walking (and snowshoeing) – there are 10 kilometres of prepared paths around Zuoz itself and a total of 136 kilometres in the valley. Again, you can use the railway to extend your range. Horse-drawn sleigh rides, tobogganing, ice-skating and curling can also be arranged locally.

Traveller Reviews of This Trip

We love the Engadine region, particularly this time when the sun shone from the minute we arrived until we left. We also enjoy the variety of skiing in the valley, and the various walks too, but we especially enjoyed a trip to Muottas Muragl on the funicular railway from where the views were spectacular. Mrs J Digweed, Worcestershire, 02/02/2011

We did a snowshoe hike on Muottas Muragl which was great fun. The short hike up from the summit at Diavolezza to Saas Quader is to be recommended – a stunning 360 degree view of the area from here. With an Engadin area ski pass all train trips and buses were free of charge. Would recommend to guests to take Engadin pass rather than individual area pass because of this. Engadin pass would also allow you to take a day off mid-week for another activity. Mrs Harrower, West Midlands, 09/01/2011

The skiing lopies were very good, with some lovely trails up valleys for the more experience skier. We will definitely return there. Dr D Fothergill, Sheffield, 06/02/2010

For more reviews of this trip, see: Reviews of Winter Skiing Holiday in Zuoz