The more I travel, the more I notice that some places hold a special meaning for people — destinations that resonate on an almost inexplicable level and draw you back again and again. As an adventure travel writer, I usually chase new terrain and fresh thrills, rarely returning to the same spot twice. Still, there are exceptions. My favorite exception has always been the Swiss Alps.
I always find reasons to return to this mesmerizing region, especially when I can share it with family and friends. I remember the purity of the alpine air on my first visit and became enchanted by the distinct personalities of the interconnected villages. I quickly began planning to bring my husband back as soon as his schedule allowed.
© Kristy Alpert
I wanted him to taste Berner Alpkäse — an AOP semi-hard cheese made from raw milk — sliced just months after cows grazed on high-alpine herbs in the Bernese Oberland. I wanted him to wake to the gentle clanging of cow bells as livestock roamed the foothills beneath the ancient village of Gruyère. I wanted him to see the emerald waters of Seealpsee and understand why the powder on Gstaad’s slopes seems to sparkle as it sprays from your skis.
We both grew up skiing across the United States, but after experiencing the renowned Klein Matterhorn to Valtournenche run — the longest on-piste ski run at 13.6 miles — we realized skiing could feel entirely different here. We returned often, even riding the gondolas to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise while I was pregnant, clutching a sealed envelope with our child’s gender. We celebrated from the 12,739-foot vantage point, looking out over glaciers spanning three countries, thrilled to learn we were having a boy. Six years later we returned again, hand in hand with our son and his younger sister, sharing that same view together.
The Alpine region of Switzerland has woven itself into many of our family stories. For countless families and friends, the Alps offer an aspirational playground ready to be rediscovered alongside familiar faces.
© Kristy Alpert
The Swiss Alps are part of the greater Alpine range that crosses France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia and parts of the Balkans. Switzerland accounts for about 14 percent of the whole range, but the Alps cover more than two-thirds of the country, making Switzerland — alongside Austria — one of the most authentically Alpine nations.
It helps to think of the Swiss Alps as four main regions: the Western Alps, Central Alps, Eastern Alps and the Prealps. Each region is easily reachable from international hubs like Geneva and Zürich. Switzerland’s public transport is famously punctual — the Swiss Railways clock and its synchronized pause symbolize the precision travelers expect — and offers efficient train connections to mountain towns and scenic routes through the Alps.
Three iconic peaks — the Matterhorn, Jungfrau and Eiger — dominate the Western Alps, which also host the Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps. Grindelwald elevates sledding with high-altitude runs, while Zermatt has refined the après-ski experience. Historic hotels and railways, like the Gornergrat Bahn and the classic Hotel Monte Rosa, provide timeless settings for mountain mornings and unbeatable views of the Matterhorn.
The Central Alps are a hidden gem for skiers who prefer quieter slopes, with Andermatt standing out as a tasteful alternative just over an hour from Zürich. The drive through the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge leads to sophisticated alpine hospitality, including The Chedi’s high-end dining and spas inspired by onsen-style design.
The gentler peaks of the Eastern Alps are perfect for cultural experiences — from Appenzell’s singing herdsmen to torchlit hikes around Davos. St. Moritz, a birthplace of winter tourism, blends sport and style, offering unique attractions like the Cresta Run and Olympic bobsled track while hosting events such as snow polo. Luxury hotels here balance sporting legacy with lively nightlife and social scenes.
© Kristy Alpert
The limestone foothills east of Lake Geneva offer year-round family activities. In Gruyère, cheese dairies and alpine slides thread through hills beneath an ancient village, and the region’s chocolate experience highlights the sweeter side of the Prealps. Gstaad’s car-free streets and chic atmosphere make it a refined alpine retreat; landmarks like the Gstaad Palace have welcomed royalty and celebrities since the early 20th century, creating a storied backdrop for leisurely afternoons and grand fireside evenings.
I take pride in teaching my children the etiquette of Swiss fondue — no double-dipping, don’t drop the bread, pair it with hot tea, stir the pot in a figure-eight, and always save la religieuse, the crispy cheese at the bottom of the pot. But what matters more is sharing a place that brings out the child in all of us and nurtures a love for mountains and shared memories — a place we return to whenever we can.
LODGING
BADRUTT’S PALACE HOTEL
Family-owned since 1896, this legendary hotel anchors St. Moritz’s winter scene and pairs glamorous hospitality with alpine adventure.
Via Serlas 27, St. Moritz
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THE CHEDI ANDERMATT
Understated luxury and meticulous service define this 119-room hotel, where fine dining and refined design blend seamlessly with alpine surroundings.
Gotthardstrasse 4, Andermatt
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GSTAAD PALACE
This turreted hotel remains a cinematic setting for elegant holidays and has long been a symbol of the region’s luxurious charm.
Palacestrasse 28, Gstaad
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DINING
CHEZ VRONY
Perched at 6,889 feet, this chalet offers elevated Swiss cuisine with superb Matterhorn views. It’s worth the short hike from the gondola for housemade specialties. Seasonal openings vary.
Findeln, Zermatt
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FIESCHERBLICK
A Nordic-inspired alpine restaurant with a seasonally changing chef’s menu that spotlights local ingredients across several courses.
Dorfstrasse 203, Grindelwald
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LA FROMAGERIE
A fondue-focused restaurant housed in a former bunker, celebrating Switzerland’s cheese culture in an intimate alpine setting.
Gstaad Palace, Palacestrasse 28, Gstaad
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INFO TO GO
Although Bern Airport is the nearest gateway to some alpine areas, many travelers fly into Zürich or Geneva and continue by train or car. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) provides direct express routes to destinations like Zermatt and Chur, along with scenic, slower options that let you savor the journey through the Alps.