Hi, I just booked flights from NYC/Milan for family of 4 (2 adults 2 kids) for February 2020. We will be spending 2 days in Milan (and hopefully seeing a soccer game). We will take the train to St. Moritz. So far I've booked Hotel San Gian for 5 days. My question, are there mountains that are more geared for kids and are there mountains that have better ski schools than the others? Also is there a village type environment like here in the states/Canada?
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5835 posts
I'm a reformed lift assisted skier now only doing cross-country/Nordic skiing. My only Swiss experience is the Davos-Klosters area. Both Davos and Klosters have a "village" environment, Klosters being more compact and Davos more linear and the two connected by train (free train between the villages with complementary visitor's card. Downhill skiers walk about and use the train have ski racks.
You can do you own research taking for what its worth internet guides such as: https://www.j2ski.com/ski_resorts/Switzerland/
J2SKi "rates" resorts with suitability for beginner-intermediate-expert. St Moritz is rated 3 stars for Beginner and 4 for Intermediate and Expert: https://www.j2ski.com/ski_resorts/Switzerland/St_Moritz.html
The resort is not well known as a beginner's choice: the steep
mountain sides above it mean that nursery slopes are limited and 'easy
runs' make up only 10 per-cent of the total. One of the best options
is to take the Corviglia funicular to the top of the easiest runs back
down to the town. On the other hand this is a great choice for
intermediates who in contrast have 70 per-cent of the area coloured in
red for their enjoyment on mostly wide, immaculately groomed slopes.
Highlights include the Piz Nair run down for 8km to Celerina.
As in North America, some of the smaller, less well known resorts cater more to beginner and family groups. The well know resorts are well known because of the challenging slopes. But that said, big resorts will have something for all.
Posted by
OP
215 posts
Thank you Edgar. I am now researching all the little areas near St. Moritz. I'm more concerned about ski school for my kids, I don't ski anymore since I have such bad knees so a nice lodge/bar will do fine for me. My husband is an expert skier. We are also going with another family and their kids do not need ski school anymore (hoping mine don't much longer) but they are probably intermediate/advanced skiers too.
Posted by
Paris
6893 posts
A problem with St Moritz is the disjointed nature of the skiing area - several unconnected or partly connected sectors. It makes it difficult to plan days for skiers of varying abilities, some of whom might want to explore far afield. But mountain bars and restaurants are plentiful and there are several places where a non skier can meet up with skiers. You're aware of the high prices too, I'm sure.
Similar features in Davos/Klosters actually.
Not sure what I'd recommend... Maybe I'll be more inspired later.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5835 posts
The Swiss Ski & Snowboard School may be able to advise on local programs and options:
https://www.swiss-ski-school.ch/
Schweizer Skischule
Hühnerhubelstrasse 95
CH-3123 Belp
Tel. +41 31 810 41 11
Fax +41 31 810 41 12
info@schweizer-skischule.ch
Schweizer Skischule St. Moritz Bruno Marinoni Via Stredas 14 7500 St.
MoritzSnowsports School Suvretta Patrik Wiederkehr Via Chasellas 1 7500 St.
Moritz
I recall walking by the Kloster's ski school area for small children on our way to the cross country start area:
https://gb.ski-snow-fun-klosters.ch/
Watch the bunny teach skiing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deVfk2Nwo-E&feature=youtu.be