Davos

Davos is a large town in the southeastern corner of Switzerland, two hours away from Zurich. It was one of the first skiing venues and health spas in the Alps, and even today it offers slopes on a scale that few resorts can better. This original mega resort comprises of two parts, Dorf and Platz and is the highest city in Europe, set in a beautiful valley dwarfed by mountains on both sides.

Davos may not be a particularly attractive town, but skiers are drawn by its distinctive, long intermediate runs in the Parsenn area, the ability to visit a different sector every day and the considerable off-slope potential. Davos is known for the length and quality of its runs and has access to 325 km of pistes in five ski areas including Klosters. There is something for every type of skier, though not much for beginners. Intermediates have numerous long blues and reds to exploit, while advanced skiers have some good off-piste. The new Parsennbahn railway has made access to the slopes simpler and quicker.

Snowboarders have a designated park and plenty of off-piste options. Cross-country skiers also have much territory to cover, with several slopes spread over different mountains. Cruise as far as you wish and return by train or simply descend through small villages to Klosters. Though Davos does not possess the charm of Klosters it is better placed for exploring all the mountains. The longest run is 12kms and the slopes are accessed by 50 ski lifts, consisting of nine cable cars, three gondolas, two funiculars, nine chairlifts and 27 T-bars.

Apres-ski is lively with numerous bars and restaurants, as well as five nightclubs. Children are welcome here and kids are offered a special lunch that is included in the price at the ski kindergarten. There is plenty to do in Davos off the slopes. You can take a scenic train ride; skate on the largest natural ice rink in Europe; visit the winter sport museum or watch an ice hockey match. You can also take a daytrip to the elegant 16th century town of Chur, the oldest settlement in Switzerland and capital of the Graubunden region.