7 Tips for an affordable Switzerland Winter Vacation

Switzerland is hard to beat as a Top Winter Sport Destination. Switzerland in winter for non skiers or ski sport enthusiasts on a low budget, there are ways to make the dream of a Switzerland Winter Vacation in the Swiss Alps come true.

Just make sure you pack plenty of warm winter clothing such as Merino wool clothing, it will keep you super warm!

Winter Holidays in Switzerland

The Swiss Alps are home to more mountain peaks of four thousand meters than any other European country. High price peaks therefore challenge the budget-concerned traveller.

Not helpful are additionally the high exchange rate against most of the foreign currencies. Following our insider tips, you can stay in the Swiss Alps on a low budget!

Swiss Alps Accommodation

Tip 1: Choose accommodation in less touristy spots

If you look for accommodation, which is within short distance of ski resorts but not in the same village, you will find out, that you can save a bunch of money.

Often a free bus service connects these places with the main tourist hubs, so that transport is no problem. Choose a homepage for accommodation offers, where owners advertise directly. This way you can ask for a special price without being charged by a middleman.

Tip 2: Rent self-catering accommodation and cook for yourself

Hotels in the Swiss alps are certainly most enjoyable and offer value for money with special packages, including cable car tickets, Wellness SPA’s etc., BUT – it is still cheaper to buy your stuff in the grocery store (or even before you get to Switzerland in one of the bordering countries, as these are much cheaper) than to eat in the restaurant. Mind also, that the shops in the mountain villages are much more pricy than the ones in the valley.

Swiss Ski Regions

Tip 3: Opt for a lesser-known Swiss ski region

You get reasonably priced packages in the Swiss ski regions, which are not on the main tourist map. Avoid fancy places like St. Moritz or Zermatt, if you are on a budget.

Sport Gear for Switzerland Winter Vacation

Tip 4: Choose Last year models of winter sports gear

Buy a last year model of winter sports gear and clothes after the holiday season and before your Switzerland winter vacation.

That’s still modern enough and fulfils its purpose entirely. In the Swiss Alps the prices rise with the demand during the busy time. If you know somebody, who always buys the newest gear, ask if you could buy the last edition from him/her for a good price.

Don’t forget to bring the gear into a shop, which tests and services it before use.

Transport to your Switzerland winter vacation

If you fly to your holidays in Switzerland, book with an airline, which allows sports gear for free otherwise you may rather want to check out hiring opportunities at your holiday destination. You can order online in advance. 

The longer you hire, the cheaper it gets. If you know, you are going to use the gear more than one holiday in the same winter and you’d love to try the newest models, hire seasonally.

Switzerland in Winter for Non Skiers

Tip 5: Walking in the snow instead of skiing

Switzerland is full of “Wanderwege”, so called hiking paths, signposted throughout the country by yellow signs, respectively red-white once in the high alpine regions. You find additional signs for cross-country skiing and snowshoe hiking trails in the Swiss Alps.

For the use of cross-country paths you have to pay sometimes a small fee, the use of the others is for free. Maps can be fetched gratuitously at the tourist offices and cable car stations.

Restaurant Food in the Swiss Alps is expensive!

Tip 6: Picnic instead of Lunch in the Alpine Restaurant

The restaurants in the Swiss Alps, especially the ones on the ski slopes, are VERY expensive. They have to transport their supply from the valley to the top of the mountains, which costs.

Prepare yourself a flask with hot tea or similar and a few sandwiches. If you like to go to restaurants, you rather choose one in the village. Generally the lower the altitude, the cheaper the restaurant.

Tip 7: Holidays in Switzerland Off Season

Avoid the school holidays in Switzerland, if possible. It is much more enjoyable, when the ski slopes are not so busy and you can take the ski lift without standing in long queues. Additionally you get real deals.

We were lucky enough to find a two-bedroom apartment with kitchen in a beautiful little mountain village in Valais only a short 10 minutes drive to the cable car for CHF 35 a night, breakfast included. Certainly it was an extraordinary good offer!

The host turned out to be a highly gifted cook, who also offered dinner on demand. It was delicious and enjoyable every time.

Enjoy your Holidays in Switzerland!

We hope these tips are helpful to you. Let us know, how your Switzerland winter vacation was. Your feedback and tips are most welcome!

Related Reads from Marcelle

Slide Show Swiss Alps in the Winter
Zurich, Switzerland, on a Shoestring

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