Accommodation
Quick answer: Davos Klosters suits skiers of every level who want huge amounts of varied terrain in one place, freestylers thanks to the legendary Jakobshorn Snowpark, and those wanting a genuine town with year-round energy, shopping and nightlife alongside the skiing. It is less suited to anyone wanting a small, quaint village feel throughout their stay, though Klosters next door offers exactly that traditional charm.
Quick resort facts
Ski area: Davos Klosters, 300km+ of pistes, 55 lifts · Altitude: 1,560m, skiing up to 2,844m · Ski pass area: Davos / Klosters · Nearest airport: Zurich (161km)
Davos Klosters is one of the world’s most famous ski destinations, and for good reason: at 1,560m Davos is the highest town in Europe, and together with neighbouring Klosters it offers access to more than 300km of pistes spread across six distinct ski areas. It’s also where Europe’s first ski lifts were built, giving it a genuine claim to be one of the birthplaces of Alpine ski tourism, and today it’s just as well known as host of the World Economic Forum.
The scale here is hard to overstate: Parsenn, Jakobshorn, Rinerhorn, Pischa, Madrisa and Schatzalp between them cater to everyone from nervous beginners to expert freeriders, while the twin-town set-up lets visitors choose between the cosmopolitan buzz of Davos and the quieter, more traditional charm of Klosters.
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Terrain split: long, confidence-building reds and blues dominate Parsenn, Jakobshorn is the freestyle and off-piste hub, Madrisa and Rinerhorn suit beginners and families, and Pischa offers quieter, freeride-friendly terrain.
Best for: skiers of every level who want huge amounts of varied terrain in one place; freestylers, thanks to the legendary Jakobshorn Snowpark; those wanting a genuine town with year-round energy, shopping and nightlife alongside the skiing.
Not for: anyone wanting a small, quaint village feel throughout their stay – Davos itself is a sizeable, fairly urban alpine town, though Klosters next door offers exactly that traditional charm.
Davos Klosters sits in the canton of Graubünden and is one of Switzerland’s most extensive ski regions, with six linked areas offering over 300km of pistes and lift-served altitudes up to 2,844m. Davos itself is a large, fairly urban town with a huge range of facilities, shops and services, while Klosters, just down the valley, keeps a quieter, more traditional alpine village feel with wooden chalets and an intimate atmosphere – giving visitors a genuine choice of vibe without ever leaving the same lift pass area.
Beyond its ski heritage, Davos is world-famous as the host of the annual World Economic Forum, and the resort’s scale and infrastructure make it one of the most complete, versatile alpine destinations in the Alps.
The Davos Klosters ski area spans six distinct sectors – Parsenn, Jakobshorn, Rinerhorn, Pischa, Madrisa and Schatzalp – totalling more than 300km of pistes. Parsenn is the main hub, reached by funicular from both Davos and Klosters, and offers some of the best long cruising runs in Switzerland, including the celebrated Weissfluhjoch–Küblis descent (12km, 2,000m vertical). Jakobshorn, easily reached from Davos Platz, is the resort’s freestyle and après-ski hotspot, while Pischa offers quieter freeride terrain and winter hiking.
Modern gondolas and cable cars link all six areas, with buses and trains providing easy connections between sectors, making this one of the most versatile and well-connected ski regions in the Alps. Comparing options before you book? Our ski holiday deals and ski resort search tools make it easy to weigh up Davos Klosters against other Swiss bases.
Beginners have excellent nursery slopes in Klosters and at Bolgen in Davos Platz, with good progression onto blue runs at Madrisa and Rinerhorn. Intermediates are especially well served on Parsenn, where long reds and blues link Davos and Klosters via some of the best cruising terrain in Switzerland.
Experts have plenty to sink their teeth into, from the 12km Weissfluhjoch–Küblis descent to freeride terrain and off-piste touring routes around Pischa and Jakobshorn. Freestylers head straight for the legendary Jakobshorn Snowpark, one of Switzerland’s best freestyle parks and a regular host of pro-level events.
With lift-served altitudes up to 2,844m and Davos itself already Europe’s highest town at 1,560m, snow reliability across the region is strong, further supported by snowmaking on most pistes. January and February typically bring the most reliable, coldest snow, while the long season and high-altitude terrain mean good conditions can often be found well into spring.
The Davos Klosters Mountains pass covers all six ski areas, with an adult day pass costing roughly CHF 79 and a 6-day pass around CHF 395. Children aged 6–17 get around 50% off and under-6s ski free, with family packages and discounts available for multi-day and advance online purchases.
Davos and Klosters both have well-established ski schools offering lessons for all ages and abilities, including dedicated beginner programmes at Bolgen and Madrisa, and numerous hire shops throughout both towns cover everything from first-timer packages to freeride and freestyle equipment. Our ski gear guides are worth a look if you’re buying your own kit.
Davos is a sizeable alpine town with a huge variety of accommodation, from budget hostels and apartments such as Youth Hostel Davos, through 3–4-star options like Hotel National Davos and Hilton Garden Inn, up to luxury stays including the Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvédère, Hotel Seehof Davos and Waldhotel Davos. Klosters offers a more traditional village feel, with boutique alpine retreats such as Hotel Alpina. Browse the full range via the Davos accommodation search.
Mountain dining highlights include Parsennhütte and the Weissfluhjoch Panorama Restaurant, both serving hearty Swiss cuisine with big views, while Klosters’ cosy mountain huts add extra charm. Après-ski is genuinely lively in Davos, with Bolgen Plaza at the foot of Jakobshorn one of Switzerland’s après hotspots, alongside Ex-Bar and Postli Club. Klosters, by contrast, is quieter and more refined, suiting those after a relaxed evening.
Davos Klosters is one of the best resorts in the Alps for non-skiers and families alike, with over 150km of winter hiking and cross-country trails, ice hockey, curling and skating at Davos’ stadium, the famous 3.5km Schatzalp toboggan run, spa and wellness at the luxury hotels, shopping and museums in Davos town, and scenic journeys on the Rhaetian Railway. Planning a family trip? Our family skiing guide has more advice on choosing the right base.
The closest airport is Zurich, around 2.5 hours away by road or rail. By train, take a direct connection from Zurich to Landquart, then continue on the scenic Rhaetian Railway to either Davos or Klosters. Drivers should allow around 10 hours from Calais.
Davos Klosters is one of Switzerland’s most complete and versatile ski destinations, offering everything from legendary freestyle terrain to family-friendly cruising, all backed by huge off-slope appeal. Davos may lack the quaint charm of smaller resorts, but its scale, variety and infrastructure – plus the option of quieter Klosters next door – make it hard to beat for skiers who want big terrain, lively après and a destination with genuine year-round energy.
Davos is a large, fairly urban alpine town with extensive facilities and lively après-ski, while Klosters, just down the valley, is a quieter, more traditional village – both share the same lift pass and ski area.
The region spans six ski areas – Parsenn, Jakobshorn, Rinerhorn, Pischa, Madrisa and Schatzalp – totalling more than 300km of pistes.
Yes, the Jakobshorn Snowpark is one of Switzerland’s best and most established freestyle parks, regularly hosting professional-level events.
Yes, there are excellent nursery slopes in Klosters and at Bolgen in Davos Platz, with good progression routes onto easy blue runs at Madrisa and Rinerhorn.
Fly into Zurich and take the train to Landquart, then continue on the scenic Rhaetian Railway to Davos or Klosters; the whole journey takes around 2.5 hours from the airport.
Davos is internationally known as the host of the annual World Economic Forum, and it also holds a place in ski history as the site of some of Europe’s first ski lifts.
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