The Parsenn’s long cruisers versus the Matterhorn’s glacier. Davos is quieter, cheaper and closer to Zurich; Zermatt is bigger, higher and more expensive.
A real Swiss town with six ski mountains and Europe’s largest natural ice rink.
Car-free village under the Matterhorn, with year-round glacier skiing.
Read our full guides on Davos and Zermatt.
Emphasised where they differ. Muted rows are much the same either way.
| Davos | Zermatt | |
|---|---|---|
| Best time | January–March | December–April |
| Climate | cold | cold |
| Budget | CHF 180–350 a day per person, all-in | CHF 200–400 a day per person, all-in |
| Visa | Switzerland is Schengen — visa-free for most Western passports (90 days). | Switzerland is Schengen — visa-free for most Western passports (90 days). |
| Currency | CHF (Swiss franc). | CHF (Swiss franc); EUR widely accepted at a poor rate. |
| Language | German (Swiss-German). English widely spoken. | German (Swiss-German). English widely spoken. |
| Safety | Very safe; standard avalanche precautions off-piste. | Very safe; serious glaciated terrain off-piste requires a guide. |
| Transport | Train from Zurich ~2.5h via Landquart. Rhaetian Railway. | Car-free — cog railway from Täsch/Visp. Geneva ~3.5h, Zurich ~3.5h by train. |
Terrain
Zermatt has 60 km more piste, 1,000 m more altitude and year-round glacier skiing. Davos has the Parsenn’s excellent long runs and superior cross-country. For alpine mileage, Zermatt. For a quieter, more varied Swiss winter holiday, Davos.
| Davos Klosters | Zermatt | |
|---|---|---|
| Piste km | ~300 km | 360 km (with Cervinia) |
| Highest skiing | 2,844 m | 3,883 m |
| Year-round | No | Yes — glacier |
| Cross-country | 75 km loipe | Limited |
| Village altitude | 1,560 m | 1,620 m |
Costs
Both are Swiss, but Davos is the more affordable option — lower accommodation prices, slightly cheaper lift passes, and no car-free premium. Over a week, Davos saves CHF 300–600 per person.
Who suits which
| If you are… | Davos | Zermatt |
|---|---|---|
| After year-round skiing | Dec–Apr only | Glacier year-round |
| A cross-country skier | 75 km loipe | Limited |
| After the iconic view | Pleasant but no iconic peak | The Matterhorn |
| Arriving from Zurich | 2.5h | 3.5h |
| On a budget | 15–25% cheaper | Premium Swiss pricing |
Which of the two is the better ski bet for each month of the year.