Klosters is famed for balancing rustic Swiss-village charm with access to some of Graubünden’s best skiing, in partnership with its bigger, busier neighbour, Davos. Known for attracting prominent guests, including British King Charles, it remains a serene retreat of traditional chalets and laid-back life. Whether you’re here for gentle family runs at Madrisa, scenic red slopes on Parsenn, or exploring off-piste in the broader Davos Klosters domain, this unspoilt gem offers a refined winter escape with ample modern amenities.
Here’s a practical guide to help plan your perfect Klosters ski holiday, covering everything from local highlights and slopes for all levels to the best places to eat and unwind after a day on the mountain.
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Klosters nestles in southeastern Switzerland, specifically in the Prättigau region of the Graubünden canton. Around 137 km (85 miles) south-east of Zurich.
Nearest airport
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| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Links to the extensive Davos Klosters ski area (300 km/186 mi of slopes) | Nightlife is calmer than Davos |
| Retains “unspoilt village” charm | Some older lifts remain |
| Scenic runs, and minimal queues | Separate mountains for some ability levels |
| Excellent child-friendly infrastructure | Low-ish village altitude |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Klosters has to offer.
Klosters is part of the Davos Klosters ski area, which spans five main mountains: Parsenn, Madrisa, Jakobshorn, Rinerhorn, and Pischa. Each offers different terrain and character, but they’re all covered under a single ski pass.
Madrisa is the standout choice for novices, thanks to wide, approachable pistes and the child-centric Madrisaland zone. The local ski schools can introduce newcomers to the basics on gentle, conveyor-belt slopes, bouncy castles, and mini-snowmobiles. Klosters also has a Snow Garden near the sports centre, with a magic carpet and heated indoor facilities for very young children (from 3 years). Absolute beginners staying in Klosters Platz typically take a short bus or train ride to Klosters Dorf, then ascend Madrisa’s gondola to find easy terrain, as in-town nursery runs are limited.
Intermediates in Klosters are spoiled for mileage across the entire Davos Klosters domain. The Parsenn–Gotschna link boasts broad, rolling red runs, perfect for carving at moderate speeds. The famous Parsenn descent from Weissfluhgipfel (2,844 m/9,330 ft) down to Küblis covers around 2,000 m (6,561 ft) of vertical in one swoop, offering a heroic trek for stronger intermediates. Madrisa also has a healthy spread of mellow reds, while Jakobshorn, near Davos, blends scenic intermediate slopes with a dash of freestyle flair. If you need a break from downhill, Rinerhorn’s quiet vibe and mostly red slopes can feel like a hidden gem, especially on weekdays with minimal lift lines.
Confident skiers can find challenging blacks and steeper terrain in several corners of Davos Klosters. On Parsenn, the ridges around Weissfluhjoch or Schifer reward strong technique, and Jakobshorn’s north side features sharply pitched reds and blacks. Meanwhile, Madrisa conceals a few advanced pockets near Schaffürggli, offering short but satisfying lines when fresh snowfall arrives.
Boarders and freeskiers can chase Jakobshorn’s JatzPark, featuring four lines (beginner to pro) plus a half-pipe if conditions allow. In Klosters, no major terrain park stands out, but the Madrisa environment is welcoming for smaller-scale freestyle, with some playful side hits on the slopes. If you crave bigger features, a day trip on the bus or train to Davos is well worth it.
For freeriders, Pischa is the clear highlight: an entire mountain left ungroomed, featuring signposted routes through pristine powder fields. On Parsenn, lines off Gotschnagrat or Weissfluhgipfel may hold untracked snow, and you’ll also find small-scale off-piste opportunities around Rinerhorn or Madrisa. Wherever you roam, it’s crucial to pay close attention to avalanche warnings and any rope closures.
The ski season in Klosters for 2024/25 started on December 6th and it's expected to run until April 21st, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Klosters this winter, be sure to explore our Klosters deals for the best ski offers available.
Klosters offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 28 cm (11 in) and 33 cm (12.9 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.3 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall decreases to 26 cm (10.2 in) but it occurs more frequently, averaging 3.4 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of January, traditionally the snowiest week in Klosters, with an impressive 43 cm (16.9 in) of snow over 3.2 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 20 cm (7.8 in) of snow over 2.9 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 28 cm (11.0 in) | 3.3 days |
| January | 33 cm (12.9 in) | 3.3 days |
| February | 26 cm (10.2 in) | 3.4 days |
| March | 26 cm (10.2 in) | 3.7 days |
| April | 20 cm (7.8 in) | 2.9 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Klosters’ dining scene, though not huge, balances hearty Swiss fare and refined choices, where many huts feature sun terraces or stüblis (wood-panelled rooms) for an authentic Alpine lunch break. Highlights include:
Klosters fosters a calmer evening scene than you might find in Davos. A few bars near the Gotschnabahn station and scattered through the village offer a friendly spot for post-slope drinks. Highlights include:
Late-night dancing is limited but can be found at the Casa Antica disco on weekends.
Download Klosters village map here
