Worldwide Ski Resorts • Switzerland • Klosters
Overview
The resort of Klosters lies close to the larger town of Davos in the Swiss alps and shares much of the same ski area. The village has become internationally famous because of its association with His Royal Highness Prince Charles, who regularly takes winter holidays in the resort with his two sons and many of his friends. The resort village has the typical quaint appeal of a traditional alpine community and is generally very upmarket and unspoiled. It has an excellent choice of hotel accommodation coupled with some first class restaurants. The further, smaller village of Klosters Dorf situated just along the main road has more accommodation and is also linked to the main slopes by a gondola.
Profile
The village of Klosters is situated at 1190 m. The snow record is better than average for a Swiss resort due to the fair height of the local slopes that rise to 2845 m. There are 310 km of pistes that are served by 50 lifts. Unfortunately it is inclined to be busy and queues at the lift stations are common. Snowboarders should be aware that many of the lifts are still T Bars, although recent investment by the resort management has seen significant improvements. To reach the ski area, a gondola links Klosters to Parsenn and the gondola from Klosters Dorf drops off at Madrisa. Although there are not that many black runs, there are some very impressive challenges among them.
However, Expert skiers and snowboarders will find that the large off piste country will provide plenty of sport Intermediates score heavily here with a massive selection of first class slopes and cruising areas to suit every standard on each of the five mountains. Beginners have a choice of nursery slopes on which to learn the basics and a good range of gentle green runs on which to progress. Snowboarders will find plenty of good countryside in the area of Klosters and have a choice of terrain parks that all have plenty of features to keep them busy. Cross country fans are also well catered for with around 75 km of marked trails, a cross country ski centre and a specialised school for them near Davos. All three of the local ski schools have a good reputation and there are children’s’ schools and kids clubs for children from the age of two.
Mountain Information
All of the pistes on each of the five mountains have a strong reputation for excellent grooming. As one skis further from the centre, the runs get progressively less busy and one can start to enjoy the impressive scenery. Experts will enjoy the challenge of the Meierhofer Talli black down to Wolfgang as well as the off piste trails down from Gotschnagrat above Klosters.
The Parsenn area has 12 km long, fairly easy red runs that are well within the capabilities of a confident intermediate although these sometimes become a bit troublesome towards the end. Snowboarders favour the Jakobshorn area where the best equipped terrain park is situated. Restaurants are plentiful all over the mountain, although those on the lower slopes receive the best reviews.
Apres Ski
Surprisingly, the scene in Klosters is generally livelier than that of Davos, with a number of good bars that provide live music bands and a smallish disco.
Swiss Resort Guide
Resort Information • Klosters
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Resort Height | 810m |
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Top Station | 2823m |
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Bottom Station | 810m |
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Vertical Descent | 2013m |
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Drag Lifts | 7 |
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Chair Lifts | 3 |
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High Capacity | 5 |
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Opening Dates | Dec - April |
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Rating Expert | 7 |
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Rating Intermediate | 7 |
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Rating Beginner | 6 |
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Apres Ski Rating | 8 |
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Snow Reliability | 8 |
