Winter Alps without masks: a Switzerland where you can be yourself
Davos Klosters: freedom on and off the slopes
The Davos Klosters region is the ideal place if you want winter mountains without boxes and expectations. Six ski resorts and more than 300 km of pistes await you here - and above all, the freedom to choose the pace and style to suit you. You'll appreciate Parsenn's wide, clear runs when you just want to ride smoothly, enjoy the mountain air and live in the moment. Pischa, on the other hand, invites you to ride off piste, where you are not disturbed by anyone and the first trail in the powder belongs to you. Jakobshorn has the relaxed energy of Fun-Mountain, where sport, music and social atmosphere mix naturally. The sunny terrace of the legendary Jatzhütte is a place where you can easily stay longer than you planned - and Kafi Sex is one of the unwritten rituals here. If you prefer peace and elegance, the Schatzalp offers a relaxed, crowd-free descent and the Madrisa a playful, open atmosphere, also ideal for first days together in the mountains.
A powerful experience is the long ride from Weissfluhgipfel via Parsenn to Küblis, during which you'll cover more than 2,000 vertical metres. It's a route where you have time to be together or alone with yourself - no rush, no pose. Exactly the kind of skiing that doesn't count in kilometres, but in feelings.
Pilatus: a quick escape into a winter fairy tale
Mount Pilatus is proof that an exceptional winter experience doesn't have to mean long transfers or sporting extremes. Just the cable car ride from Kriens near Lucerne is part of the experience - the combination of gondolas and the Dragon Ride cable car transports you to the silence of the high mountains in less than an hour, with views of Lake Lucerne and dozens of Alpine peaks.
If you want to indulge in a truly stylish moment, the Champagne Gondola is one of the best Pilatus has to offer in winter. You can reserve a picnic basket with champagne, blankets and small snacks for a private gondola ride. You soar serenely over the snowy landscape, glass in hand, no noise or stress - the perfect moment for communal silence, celebration or just feeling like you're exactly where you're meant to be. It's an experience that works just as well for couples as it does for single travellers who want to treat themselves to something special just for themselves.
But Pilatus isn't just about the views. If you want to extend the night, there's accommodation right at the top in the historic Pilatus-Kulm Hotel. A winter's night at over 2,100 metres has a special charm - evening calm, starry skies and a quiet morning without crowds. A candlelit dinner in the Queen Victoria Hall or a traditional fondue with a panoramic view of the Alps underlines the feeling of discreet mountain luxury that has nothing to prove. If you're in the mood for exercise, marked winter snowshoe trails and hikes between Krienseregg and Fräkmüntegg on the cable car ride to Pilatus offer unpretentious activity in an authentic Alpine setting. And on your return? Hot chocolate or tea with a view - a simple pleasure that belongs in winter.
Jungfraubahnen: winter mountains from a different perspective
Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe is not just an iconic viewpoint and Europe's highest railway station, but a complete winter experience. Glacier caves, viewing terraces and the feeling of being truly "out of the ordinary world" at 3,454 metres above sea level make it a place worth visiting at least once in your lifetime - without rushing and without having to prove anything. Thanks to the modern Eiger Express cable car, the Jungfraubahnen will get you to the Jungfraujoch quickly, comfortably and with a minimal ecological footprint - leaving you more time to explore the summit on your own.
While you're in the region, stay longer and ski in the Jungfrau Ski Region, one of the most versatile ski areas in Switzerland. One ski pass will open up three different areas - Grindelwald-Wengen, Mürren-Schilthorn and Grindelwald-First. Grindelwald-First in particular is the perfect choice if you want to combine skiing with playfulness and views. The wide slopes, open panorama and relaxed atmosphere work well for both relaxed skiing and days when you want to let loose. A bonus feature is the First View viewing platform and zipline, which are included right in the ski pass. The first day on the Jungfraujoch, ski the next morning and ski the views in the afternoon with a dash of adrenaline - without having to deal with extra tickets, ski passes or complicated planning.
Schilthorn: freedom of movement between ice, air and brunch
The Schilthorn offers one of the most comprehensive winter experiences in Switzerland - from technically perfect transport to the pure joy of movement. Thanks to the new world's steepest cable car from Stechelberg to Mürren, you can reach the mountain quickly, comfortably and with breathtaking views. The ride itself sets the tone for the whole day.
The Mürren-Schilthorn ski area, centred on the picturesque, car-free village of Mürren, is one of those ski areas that retain character and tranquillity. The slopes are clear, often with views of the legendary Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau trio, and the location high above the valley means that snow conditions are stable. You'll find both sporty runs and relaxed runs ideal for days when you want to ski for fun rather than performance. The atmosphere is open, relaxed and naturally cosmopolitan - exactly the kind of place where no one asks who you've come with, but how you're enjoying your day. If you fancy swapping your skis for a different kind of adrenaline rush, Mürren is one of the best places in Switzerland for paragliding. Taking off directly from the mountain terrace will offer you a flight over the deep Lauterbrunnen valley and a feeling of absolute freedom - silence, air and mountains below you. Tandem flights are also available in winter and at surprisingly affordable prices.
And then there's the moment when it's time to slow down. The Schilthorn Brunch at Piz Gloria, the world's first revolving restaurant at 2,970 metres above sea level and the location for the filming of the Bond movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service, is one of the icons of Alpine indulgence. As the restaurant slowly rotates, the snowy peaks change before your eyes and you have time to enjoy a sumptuous brunch without rushing. The perfect start to the day on skis and in the air, or as a stylish end to the day at dinner.
