Davos Klosters: Switzerland's most iconic ski destination
Davos-Klosters has been the ultimate winter sports destination since 1865; from British royals to international jetsetters, they have all come here to ski. And you understand why immediately: Davos-Klosters is practically guaranteed to have snow, there are slopes for both beginners and advanced skiers, and plenty of après-ski to keep you entertained for hours on end. But if you think this is just a winter destination, you are in for a rude awakening.
The Rhaetian Railway, Graubünden's distinctive red mountain train, is a sight in itself. But in Davos Klosters, you can also turn it into a spectacular train journey. The Bernina Express travels for three and a half hours along the UNESCO World Heritage Line to Tirano in Italy. It crosses viaducts, passes through tunnels, and runs alongside glaciers. The Glacier Express thunders to Zermatt in eight hours, crossing 291 bridges, going through 91 tunnels, and over the Oberalppass.
Five sub-areas, 270 kilometers of slopes, and virtually always snow — Davos Klosters is large and reliable, and that is precisely why it has been a favorite for decades. Beginners will find quiet blue runs in every sub-area, while advanced skiers head to Parsenn. The descent from Weissfluhjoch to Küblis is legendary: 12 kilometers long, with an altitude difference of over 2000 meters, and afterwards the Rhaetian Railway simply takes you back. It rarely gets pitch black, but for those who want to really push themselves, there is more than enough. And for those who prefer skiing through the valley on narrow skis: Davos Klosters has over 180 kilometers of cross-country trails, free and accessible directly from the village. Davos Klosters is also the first to open the cross-country skiing season in Switzerland every year — in October, when the rest of the Alps are still green.
There are few more soothing ways to discover the mountains than this. In a horse-drawn carriage, wrapped in sheepskins, you ride through the snowy side valleys around Davos Klosters, along the Sertig or Dischma valley, past frozen brooks, and through dark pine forests. There is a special experience during a full moon. moonlight-ride. And anyone who wants will be picked up directly at the hotel.
Strap on your snowshoes and step past the slopes. In Davos, there are four marked and secured routes, including the Wolfgang, Tinzenblick, and Landwasser trails, which lead you through snowy forests, over gentle slopes, and past impressive viewpoints. The routes are between two and five kilometers long; enough to get some good exercise without it turning into an expedition. The best part is the feeling of stepping into a nearly pristine winter world, far away from the hustle and bustle of the slopes. For those who appreciate the luxury of simplicity—and that might sound a bit New Agey, but once you step right in, you’ll understand exactly what we mean.
Davos Klosters is the birthplace of international tobogganing. Eight toboggan runs, ranging from leisurely tours through snow-covered pine forests to lightning-fast descents with spectacular curves. The Schatzalp is the most traditional, the Rinerhorn the sportier choice. But the highlight is the evening rides: illuminated routes that cast a special light on the winter landscape, giving you the real feeling that the mountain belongs to you. Pure winter fun.
You probably know the Hard Rock Hotels from New York, Amsterdam, or Barcelona. But this Hard Rock Hotel in the Swiss Alps is something elseIt is located in the middle of Davos, has a view of the mountains and a RockSpa where even the biggest rock star would take his hat off. A smashing restaurant, a rooftop bar with a view of the Alps, and your dog is more than welcome. So far, a perfect four-star hotel. But what really makes this hotel special: the rock 'n roll. You can have an electric guitar or a Crosley record player with a vinyl menu delivered to your room. On weekends there are live concerts and weddings in the on site A chapel is also an option.
Hotel Piz Buin stands right on the banks of the Landquart, just a few steps from the cable car and the train station. Here, you are guaranteed a room with a balcony and mountain views, and some rooms feature a fireplace. The spa has a swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, and massages, and the breakfast is consistently described by guests as the best of their entire trip. In the evening, enjoy a heavenly meal at BÄR'S or unwind at Grizzly's Bar, Klosters' most popular pub. Sleep well.
At an altitude of 2000 meters, on the sunny side of the Jakobshorn, sits Fuxägufer. After a seven-minute ride on the Carjöler chairlift from the valley, you stand in front of a chalet filled with sheepskins, sunbeds on the terrace, and a large rösti pan on the fire where, on sunny days, sausage, entrecôte, and other smoked delights Go for it. Alongside Graubündner classics such as spätzli and Alpine macaroni, the chef prepares Asian wok dishes here that might not quite belong but fit in perfectly nonetheless. Reserve a spot on the terrace on a sunny day; that is Davos at its best.
Mara and Thomas Graef run Gasthaus Höhwald in the small village of Monbiel, at 1300 meters above Klosters. Everything served here is homemade, from the bread to the chocolates that conclude the evening. The cuisine is seasonal with a strong regional character; the atmosphere is warm and cozy, with wooden tables, a crackling fireplace, and a large terrace overlooking Klosters. Listed in the Michelin Guide and accessible by horse-drawn carriage.
A log cabin on a sunny plateau, view of the mountains, Swiss specialties, brick oven Pizzas and an open barbecue where, on fine days, the meat goes over the fire. At Madrisa-Hof, they do not take reservations — those who want to be sure of a seat should avoid the rush between 12:00 and 14:00. After dinner, pull up a chair in the Jägerbar for a final drink or party. Accessible by gondola from Klosters Dorf.
Monstein is a quiet Walser mountain village, just outside the hustle and bustle of Davos, and has been the home of Hotel Duncan for 120 years. Renovated in 2008, but retaining everything that makes this place so special: fragrant natural wood and incredibly cozy rooms. As soon as you step out the door, you embark on the most beautiful ski tours and snowshoe hikes in the region. Hotel Duncan's restaurant is located directly opposite the Monstein brewery and therefore serves its own brewer's beer menu with beer goulash.
The Walserhuus Sertig is situated at 1860 meters in the idyllic Sertig Valley, surrounded by forests. The paneling consists of Swiss pine, a type of wood that emits a soft, spicy scent – very authentic – and some rooms have a private whirlpool on the terrace. The restaurant serves Graubündner specialties outdoors by the water. For a special evening, book the wine cellar for an intimate dinner with friends. You can reach Walserhuus Sertig by car, bus, or horse-drawn carriage from Davos. The latter is actually the only right way.
Ice skating in the mountains is in itself already bizarrely special. And in Davos, a city that already has skating in its blood, it goes even a step further. With 4500 m² of artificial ice, the Ice cream Davos, also known as Davos World of Ice, the largest mobile ice rink in Switzerland. And not just any ice rink: there is also a 300-meter long speed track on which you can do your laps. Between 1960 and 1992, no fewer than 72 world records were broken on the legendary natural ice rink. That rink is no longer there, but the skating tradition still exists here. Mountains in the background, skates under your feet, what's not to love?
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