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5 of the best ski resorts for New Year's in Switzerland
Looking for an exceptional New Year’s Eve skiing experience? You’ve come to the right place. With their world-class skiing, breathtaking mountain vistas, and some fabulously unique festivities, Switzerland’s ski resorts offer New Year’s escapes worth shouting about.
With vibrant après-ski, festive celebrations, and more fireworks displays than you could shake a ski pole at, New Year’s Eve in Swiss resorts is like silky cheese fondue paired with a tall glass of red wine— a match made in heaven! Spend the days following Christmas skiing on a wealth of beautifully groomed slopes suitable for beginners, families, and experts alike. Then, in the evenings, cozy up in luxurious mountain hotels, enjoying warm Swiss hospitality with steaming mugs of mulled wine and crackling fireplaces.
When the big 31st rolls round, wrap up warm, take to the streets, and revel as the surrounding snow-capped peaks and canopy of stars above come alive with sparkling fireworks, fantastic live music, and legendary après-ski parties. Is this all sounding like a bit of you? Well then, we’ve got the perfect spots in mind…
Our Heidi experts have combed through resorts, checked out the trendiest gigs in town, and sipped their fair share of after-party prosecco, all to present you with our selection of Switzerland’s top New Year ski resorts. Whether you’re after a ticket to the hottest party in Verbier or in search of snow-spun magic on the car-free streets of Grindelwald, these are Heidi’s best New Year’s Eve holidays in Switzerland that are truly worth the hype:
1. Verbier
Arguably the Alps' hottest après-ski ticket, a New Year's Eve skiing trip to Verbier stands among the greats. Hosting one of Europe's most prestigious street parties on Verbier's Place Central, a NYE ski holiday here promises an evening you'll remember for years to come (just don't blame us for the equally legendary hangover you may be sporting afterwards!).
During the day, it's all about exploring Verbier's extensive and diverse 400km ski area - a playground with four valleys catering to everyone from first-timers to serious powder hounds. The lofty altitudes of 3,330m mean worries about snow needn’t arise, and with plenty of accommodation options - from apartments to luxury timber-clad hotels - your group will be well taken care of, whether they desire a touch of luxury or just a place to rest their heads.
When it comes to that all-important countdown, follow the crowds of party-goers and social butterflies down Verbier's main streets to see the mountains light up with live DJs, dance music sets, and spectacular firework displays. Alternatively, head to the slopes to witness the torch-lit procession cascade down the pistes. Once the New Year has begun, the real parties commence, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and restaurants popping open the champagne and getting the festivities well and truly started.
Heidi's top tip: To ensure you don't miss out on the most exclusive New Year's Eve parties, be sure to pre-book a table, as many of Verbier’s top clubs and bars fill up fast!
Book a New Year's Eve ski holiday in Verbier
2. Zermatt
Let the skiers and snowboarders tackle the endless 322km of linked runs and over 38km of off-piste powder cascading down the mountain. Meanwhile, other members of the crew can explore the timber-clad resort centre to enjoy gourmet restaurants, luxury boutiques, and cozy delicatessens. Once you’re all together again, discover the peaks in a different way. Choose from stunning mountain hikes, a trip on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise lift to see the breathtaking views from the top, or - for the particularly adventurous - a helicopter ride or paragliding experience up in the clouds.
On New Year’s Eve evening, gather by the church for the big countdown with warm cocoa or glühwein in hand while spectacular firework displays sparkle overhead. Once the year begins, head to one of Zermatt’s many open-air bars to dance and drink until the wee hours, or visit one of the numerous bars and restaurants to enjoy great food and greater company. Though we can’t guarantee the crisp mountain air will cure any hangovers the next morning, we can certainly promise that there are worse places to be than gazing up at the mighty Matterhorn on the first day of the year. Proscht!
Book a New Year's Eve ski holiday in Zermatt
3. Grindelwald
Nestled among Switzerland's jumbo snow-capped Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger mountains, Grindelwald is the perfect New Year's ski destination for anyone seeking true winter wonderland vibes.
With its charming alpine village atmosphere, reliable snow conditions, and breathtaking glacier views, Grindelwald ranks among Switzerland's most stunning mountain locales. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or expert, the skiing and snowboarding here are exceptional. First-timers can take a lesson on the resort's gentle nursery slopes and forgiving terrain near the lifts. Meanwhile, off-piste enthusiasts and advanced aficionados can conquer Jungfraujoch's steep couloirs, powder bowls, and technical descents before navigating Grindelwald's legendary Lauberhorn downhill course - the longest on the World Cup circuit.
If you want your New Year's celebration to revolve around good music, great food, and delicious cocktails, Grindelwald will not disappoint. It offers elegant à la carte dining in its many high-end restaurants and bars, accompanied by hip DJs and vibrant dance floors. Alternatively, take a break from the partying to witness Grindelwald's iconic New Year traditions, where all roads in and out of the resort close for a genuine festival atmosphere. Eat at market stalls, watch the spectacular fireworks display overhead, and observe locals moo-ving from bar to bar ringing cowbells with party-goers to usher in the New Year cheer.
Heidi's top tip: Are you searching for a truly unique family celebration? Consider tobogganing in the Engadin Scuol Samnaun Val Müstair. Take the final mountain ride from Ftan up to the Prümaran Prui for a cosy fondue night in a mountain hut before embarking on the exhilarating 4km journey downhill as fireworks twinkle above - it's pure magic!
Book a New Year's Eve ski holiday in Grindelwald
4. Klosters
Looking to whisk the whole family away for a New Year's ski trip to remember? Klosters is just the ticket! Despite being the resort of choice for European film stars, musicians, and even royalty, this hidden Swiss gem in the heart of Switzerland's picturesque Prattigau Valley boasts an unpretentious charm that makes it a firm favourite among ski-mad families.
While mini mountain goats set off for their lessons on the gentle bunny slopes of Madrisa, the rest of the tribe will be spoilt for choice within the expansive Davos ski region's 224km of red-run-dominated pistes. With challenging gradients and spectacular mountain vistas, these long cruisy slopes will keep your squad entertained for days. There’s also the tempting challenge of the Meierhofer and Gruobenalp black runs and heaps of pristine backcountry, should you fancy testing out more technical skills.
As day gives way to night and the NYE countdown draws near, Klosters' streets fill with the melodies of musicians, all culminating in a spectacular light show the kids will adore. If you fancy celebrating in style, you can even take the mountain railway 2,560m up to the snowy peak of the Jakobshorn for aperitifs, prosecco, and alpine bites whilst watching fireworks erupt from above - truly spectacular!
Heidi's top tip: Head back into town on New Year’s Day between 3-6 pm for Kloster’s legendary pig race. Wager on the pigs, savour local meats and cheeses, and sample the local wine. It’s not to be missed!
Book a New Year's Eve ski holiday in Klosters
5. Wengen & Interlaken
For a tantalising combination of alpine charm and festive celebrations, a New Year’s trip to Wengen gives you the best of both worlds: fantastic alpine skiing and spectacular town-wide festivities.
A car-free haven perched atop the dramatic Lauterbrunnen Valley, Wengen’s mini-mountain setting combines traditional Swiss chalets with stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Intermediates will relish the veritable smorgasbord of spacious reds and easy-going blues, while beginners will enjoy the dedicated nursery areas, and experts can tackle the challenging White Hare run.
Accessible only by train, a trip to Wengen also requires a stop at Interlaken, Switzerland’s adventure capital. What does this mean for your New Year’s trip? A front-row ticket to Switzerland’s longest New Year’s celebration and the famous Harder-Potschete parade…
If you’re in Interlaken around Christmas time, you’ll catch the tail end of ‘Winterlaken’, where 30 different Christmas markets line the streets with food, music, and festive wares. However, New Year is when Interlaken truly shines, with 31st December marking the beginning of an incredible three-day-long celebration. Fireworks and live music get the party started on NYE before New Year’s Day, when the first open-air concert of the year, ‘Touch the Mountains,’ takes place. On the 2nd, the whole event wraps up with Hardermannli (the spirit of the Harder Kulm mountain) parading through the streets with his wife and children in festive masks as locals gather in pubs and bars for one last big New Year “hurrah!”
Book a New Year's Eve ski holiday in Wengen
Want to learn more about the best non-skier snow holidays in Europe? Check out our non-skier holiday page! It is filled with all the very best recommendations.
New to Heidi? If you're frustrated with typical package holiday restrictions, then we might just be what you're looking for.
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