When you think of a ski trip, visions of snowy slopes, speedy lifts and cozy après likely come to mind. But a group of Ski.com’s Mountain Travel Experts discovered much more than ski runs on a recent familiarization trip through Switzerland and France.
Every year, our ski travel advisors head off on ski trips around the world to visit resorts, tour new properties and hit the slopes, helping them build deeper destination knowledge and create better ski vacations for Ski.com travelers. This year, a team of six Mountain Travel Experts embarked on a journey through Interlaken, Verbier and Chamonix.
The trip was filled with everything you picture in a European ski vacation. They dined on sunny patios, consumed their fair share of fondue and explored charming mountain villages by train. But our Experts also discovered just how expansive a ski trip can become when you add a stop like Interlaken to the itinerary.
Beyond skiing legendary terrain, the group went paragliding, raclette rafting, winter kayaking, and snowshoeing — all in the span of a few days. It’s a trip that stuck with them, and they’re eager to send skiers and snowboarders of all abilities off on their own Switzerland ski vacation.
“What surprised me most was how many winter activities happen there beyond skiing,” says Kai Nilson, a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert.
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"Interlaken feels incredibly central and cultural, with a more metropolitan vibe than I expected. It’s a great fit for families who don’t mind taking the train to ski if it means saving money,"
a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert
Interlaken is often associated with summer months, where the warm weather creates an ideal environment for sky diving, rafting, hiking and climbing. The town sits between the turquoise lakes of Thun and Brienz, and while many ski travelers pass through Interlaken on their way to larger resorts, our Experts discovered it deserves a spot on the itinerary itself.
In just three days, our team of travel advisors packed in a lineup of experiences. They paraglided above the Swiss Alps, paddled across chilly waters on a kayak and made their own Swiss chocolate. A standout moment was raclette rafting — a Swiss experience where guests float along the lake while enjoying melted cheese, wine and mountain scenery.
Our advisors fell in love with Interlaken, not only for its activities, but for the town’s atmosphere. Compared to some traditional ski villages, Interlaken felt energetic and connected, and it’s also much more affordable than many European ski towns.
“Interlaken feels incredibly central and cultural, with a more metropolitan vibe than I expected,” says Nelson. “It’s a great fit for families who don’t mind taking the train to ski if it means saving money.”
Instead of staying slope side at a single resort, travelers can base themselves in Interlaken and use Switzerland’s trains to access nearby ski areas, some which are just a 20-minute train ride away. That flexibility creates a different kind of ski vacation — one that blends adventure sports, sightseeing and skiing into a single itinerary.
Or if Interlaken feels too far from the slopes, our Experts said it’s a great add-on destination before or after visiting larger resorts.
“Skiers are adventure people, and Interlaken is full of just that — adventure,” says Christine Connolly, a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert.
Interlaken’s appeal extends beyond its range of activities. The town is an ideal jumping-off point for exploring nearby mountains.
Just a 20-minute train ride away is the ski town of Wengen. Grindelwald is just 30 minutes from Interlaken. Together, they are located in the famed Jungfrau region, home to five total ski resorts.
Grindelwald is home to postcard-worthy scenery, fun skiing and lively energy. Towering beneath the dramatic Eiger north face, the resort offers access to wide-open groomers and stood out as an approachable and scenic option with easy access to terrain and accommodations.
“Grindelwald offers exactly what so many ski travelers are looking for: alpine charm and easy ski access,” says Nelson.
The advisors recommended properties like the Hotel Belvedere Grindelwald for families and the Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald for couples.
Meanwhile, Wengen offered a quieter and more traditional mountain atmosphere. The car-free village feels frozen in time, with chalet-lined streets, iconic mountain views and direct access to the Jungfrau ski region.
“Wengen felt like a charming, family-friendly village with a quieter, off-the-beaten-path appeal,” says Andrew Goldman, a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert.
Together, Grindelwald and Wengen showcased the diversity of the Swiss Alps — from lively resort towns to peaceful alpine escapes.
After several adventure-packed days in Interlaken, the group continued onward to Verbier, Switzerland, and Chamonix, France — two iconic destinations known for steep terrain, mountain culture and legendary alpine scenery.
For several advisors, Verbier was the standout destination of the trip.
“Verbier, without a question, was a highlight,” Goldman said. “It really blew my mind. Tons of restaurants and bars, nightlife, everything. And the skiing was phenomenal.”
Located in Switzerland’s massive 4 Vallées ski area, Verbier is suited for confident intermediates and advanced skiers looking for expansive terrain and off-piste adventure. The resort has earned an international reputation for freeride skiing, challenging lines and energetic après.
The town itself also stood out for its combination of luxury and energy. High-end hotels, stylish restaurants and lively nightlife give Verbier a distinctly upscale feel while still maintaining authentic alpine character.
“Anybody who’s like, ‘I love Jackson. Where should I go?’ I would send to Verbier,” says Alyssa Davis, a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert.
After Switzerland, the group crossed into France for a stay in Chamonix, one of the most iconic mountain towns in the world.
Nestled at the base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix feels larger, busier and more cosmopolitan than other European ski towns, with bustling streets filled with cafés, boutiques and historic buildings. While the skiing remains legendary, the destination also appeals to travelers who may not spend every moment on the slopes.
“Chamonix stood out for its dining, shopping and overall appeal for non-skiers,” Nelson said. “It’s an incredible destination for travelers who want culture and atmosphere alongside skiing.”
Together, Interlaken, Grindelwald, Wengen, Verbier and Chamonix showcased just how varied a European ski vacation can be. Travelers can spend one part of the trip paragliding and kayaking in Interlaken, another skiing steep alpine terrain in Verbier and another exploring the cafés and culture of Chamonix.
For our Experts, the trip reinforced that today’s ski vacations are about much more than skiing alone. They’re about immersive experiences, unforgettable scenery and discovering new ways to experience the mountains. With firsthand knowledge, they can now help you execute your dream Switzerland ski vacation.
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