Best skiing in Europe
The Klosters - Skiing Like the Royals
February 19, 2020
By Rachel Singh, Writer
You know a place is royal when its cable cars add HRH The Prince of Wales to commemorate Price Charles’ 40thyear of skiing at the resort. Welcome to the Klosters, the Swiss ski resort you probably haven’t heard of, but is firmly on the upper crust socialite and Royal British family circuit.
Good for: Couples, small groups, and families. Ideal destination for a long ski weekend.
When to go: During the ski season when the town transforms into a winter wonderland, which generally runs from December to mid-April. Klosters is a tiny traditional alpine village located in the Swiss Alps just a two hours train ride from Zurich. Its ideal location makes it easy to hit the slopes after a business trip in Zurich or a big weekend of partying in St-Moritz.
What to do:
Klosters claim-to-fame is its low-key and unpretentious vibe submerged in subtle luxury. Klosters popularity started to rise in the mid-20th century for being a favorite winter destination of the British Royal family. There is good reason why, of course, besides being under the radar and private.
Klosters has you covered for your winter getaway. Alpine skiing is the main attraction, but Klosters’ offers a myriad of winter activities popular amongst locals and visitors alike such as cross-country skiing, ice skating, paragliding off the ski slopes, and snowshoeing. Renting equipment from local family shops in the village is a breeze and rather than lugging it back to your hotel or chalet, you can leave it at the mountain side depot so it’s ready for you the next morning.
Whatever activity you choose, make sure to save time for sledding down the mountain on charming traditional wooden sledges. Although family-friendly, this exciting and slightly dangerous activity will surely bring out your inner child while rewarding you with majestic views of the Klosters’ village valley below.
The highlights of Klosters, besides its expert skiing, is the food. Although the village is quite small and offers better day time excitement than nightlife, it has a fair number of cozy restaurants and bars to keep everyone entertained and satisfied.
Chesa Grischuna - For a nice dinner of comforting winter staples like braised veal cheeks with mashed potatoes or Zurich-Style sliced veal with rösti. The decor is very rustic, and the service is excellent. Reservation recommended.
KaffeeKlatsch - For coffee and pastries in the morning, or for spiked hot chocolate and delicious homemade quiches and cakes in the afternoon. The local cafe-boutique also sells lovely decoration items like cards, candles and throws. Open daily from 8am to 6pm.
Skihütte Gruobenalp - For a copious traditional Swiss lunch at the Mountain top with breathtaking view of the Alps. The rustic ski hut serves grilled sausage with potato salad, schnitzel, rösti, barley soup, apple strudel and other Swiss staples on its patio. Daily from 8am to 3pm. Cash only.
