Skiing from December to March and hiking from April to October? It’s not that simple anymore! We asked hoteliers and tourism experts about the best time to visit Switzerland. Their answers varied, but they all agreed on one thing: the classic seasons and peak travel times are becoming increasingly unbalanced. This is not only due to the rise in tourism, but primarily attributable to one thing: climate change.

Shifted Seasons: How tourism is responding

The classic four seasons are becoming blurred. This phenomenon has been reported not only by scientists, but also by individuals who work with nature and tourism on a daily basis. Anna Murphy, from the Waldhotel Fletschhorn in Saas-Fee, for example, says that winter and fall have become significantly warmer. Snow arrives later, and some spring hiking trails are accessible earlier than a few years ago. At the same time, wildflowers bloom longer, larch trees remain golden longer, and some late fall hikes are more impressive than ever. For Murphy and her team, these so-called shoulder seasons present a real opportunity: less hustle and bustle, special lighting conditions, and peaceful experiences in nature.

Fabienne Anthamatten of the Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt has a different perspective. She is keeping a close eye on the changing climate: mild winters (there are no longer “white Christmases”), no extreme sub-zero temperatures on the Matterhorn, and a shift in the main snowfall season to spring. The growing popularity of the off-season is something she is rather critical of, even though June is now much more heavily booked than in the past.

„I strongly oppose 365-day tourism. The area needs breaks. Nature needs time to rest. We need rest.“ – Fabienne Anthamatten

Fabienne advocates a more conscious approach to seasonal planning, with an eye toward more sustainable business practices. “Summer used to be the peak season in Zermatt—or rather, the only season—with winter coming later.” Today, it’s the other way around. Yet, summer has great potential: “There are so many unused chairlifts in the summer. Below them are fantastic trails. I would like to see summer take center stage again.”

The climate crisis up close: What glacier melting means for Switzerland

The Swiss Alps are one of the few places in Europe where the effects of global warming are so visible. Glaciers such as the Fee and Gorner have already visibly receded. In fact, since 1850, Switzerland has lost around half of its glacier area. Matthias Huss, head of the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Program, says that if global warming reaches 1.5°C, only 300 glaciers will remain by 2100, down from 1,400 today.

These dramatic changes to the landscape also have ecological consequences: Glaciers store a large proportion of fresh water, and their retreat contributes to water shortages and rising sea levels.

Conflicts of interest in tourism

As is the case everywhere else, there are conflicting goals in Swiss tourism between visitors, communities, mountain railways, and nature. For example: Zermatt initially announced plans to invest more heavily in bike tourism. Shortly afterwards, however, certain trails were closed to mountain bikers again. Similarly, the increasing number of summer groups pleases the railway company but causes skepticism among the local population as to whether it will lead to “overtourism.”

365-day tourism?

Zermatt Bergbahnen has clearly committed to a year-round strategy. Jenny Imboden writes,

“The Zermatt Bergbahnen pursues a year-round strategy, adapting its services to the conditions at hand.” To counteract the effects of glacier melt, the mountain railways are focusing on snow farming, among other things. This involves building snow walls or using depressions where snow collects from wind drifts. These methods keep the snow in place for longer and prevent it from being blown away. Additionally, glacier protection fleece is used to slow melting.

For her article in the Neue Züricher Zeitung, Alexandra von Ascheraden spoke with Mattia Storni from the Saas-Fee/Saastal marketing department. “Summer skiing will become difficult in five to ten years,” Storni said. There is still enough snow in the wintertime, but the network of snow-making facilities is already expanding. (Incidentally, we examined whether and how sustainable artificial snow is in our article on sustainable ski vacations.) More mountain bike trails and via ferrata routes are being built for the summer.

Skiing in Switzerland

There are 45 ski resorts in Switzerland located at altitudes above 1,500 meters. All of them are considered snow-sure. The Saas-Fee ski resort ranges from 1,800 to 3,600 meters, and the Matterhorn Ski Paradise is located between 1,600 and 3,800 meters. Both resorts have a year-round summer ski area on the glacier.

What is the best time to visit Switzerland?

Switzerland is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. “Tourism is growing,” confirms Fabienne from Zermatt. This is true in every season. The question is, when is the best time to visit Switzerland? The answer varies depending on whom you ask: 

• The Waldhotel Fletschhorn in Saas-Fee suggests a more nuanced approach. As usual, the high season is in February for guaranteed snow and in July and August for summer vacations and mountain adventures. However, if you prefer a quieter atmosphere and authentic nature experiences, consider visiting in June or September. The forests are quiet, the temperatures are pleasant, and the mountain views are often particularly clear. These “shoulder months” are ideal for sustainable travel — less hustle and bustle, more mindfulness.
• Fabienne from Zermatt believes that spring is an underrated time of year for snow lovers. “I tell people: Come ski in March or April! You won’t be skiing on artificial snow, and that’s really fun!”
  During these months, the slopes are less crowded, the light in the mountains is particularly intense, and it is often not as icy as in the middle of winter. However, she does not recommend May or November because many places in Zermatt are closed, and trucks are allowed in the car-free village, so everyone is renovating. This is not an ideal setting for a relaxing vacation.
• Zermatt Bergbahnen has a clear year-round strategy. For them, there is no longer a low season. Of course, Switzerland is beautiful in every season.

Vacation in Switzerland: Summer and Winter Experiences in Zermatt and Saas-Fee

Now that we have clarified when a trip to Switzerland is particularly worthwhile, the question arises: What can you experience during the snowy and non-snowy seasons? Our contacts in Zermatt and Saas-Fee have shared their personal highlights with us.

Zermatt in winter: panoramic views, slopes, and powder snow.

For many, winter in Zermatt is inextricably linked to skiing. And with good reason—the high-altitude ski resort boasts over 360 kilometers of slopes, including a direct connection to Cervinia, Italy. Fabienne from the Hotel Bella Vista describes it as follows:

„If you’re an experienced skier, you’ll get your money’s worth here. The views are stunning in every direction.“ – Fabienne Anthamatten

In addition to classic skiing, there are numerous snowshoeing trails, ice skating rinks, and alpine fine dining experiences with a view for those who prefer a more stylish experience. You can also enjoy the magnificent view from the wellness area of the Hotel Bella Vista, including the sauna. There is also a Swiss stone pine relaxation lounge.

Video tip: In a YouTube video, ski and travel vlogger Marius Quast takes an in-depth look at the Zermatt ski resort, including a price-performance review.

Summer in Zermatt: Hiking, trail running, yoga, and enjoying nature without cars

In the summer, many tourists come to Zermatt for a short trip to photograph the Matterhorn, usually by taking the train up to the Gornergrat or the Klein Matterhorn. However, this is not very appealing to Fabienne, who lives a sustainable lifestyle.

„That’s not the kind of tourism I’m looking for. However, for those who stay here and enjoy activities like hiking, running, and biking, this is an incredible area.“

Zermatt is car-free and well-connected by mountain railways, making it an ideal destination for active nature lovers. There are many ways to discover the mountains around Zermatt, whether you enjoy leisurely hiking, trail running, or mountain biking on scenic trails.

Insider tip from Fabienne:„I know exactly where to send someone who says: I want to hike for ten hours and not see another person.”

The Hotel Bella Vista is an ideal location for a yoga retreat. Fabienne’s sister, Stefanie, is a highly qualified yoga teacher who leads these retreats (learn more about the yoga program here). To learn more about Stefanie, read our blog article on yoga for professionals.

Winter in Saas-Fee: Glacier Snow and Pure Enjoyment

Saas-Fee is also a top destination in the winter, thanks to its altitude of up to 3,600 meters and glacier slopes, which guarantee snow. In addition to downhill skiing, this car-free resort offers winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tobogganing.

After an active day, you can relax at the Waldhotel Fletschhorn with a sauna, fine dining, and views of the snow-covered forests. The hotel is renowned for its gourmet cuisine and wine cellar.

Video tip: Marlene from Marlenesleben shows you the ski resort and the winter atmosphere in Saas-Fee.

Summer in Saas-Fee: Wildflowers, wellness, and panoramic views

In the summer, Saas-Fee is a paradise for nature lovers. With over 350 kilometers of hiking trails, you can go on long tours ranging from easy forest walks to high-altitude summit treks. For a more mindful experience, try Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing, in the pine forest around the Waldhotel Fletschhorn. Or, gaze at the stars at night in the clear mountain air. Yet another summer highlight is the summer ski area with glacier skiing.

Sustainable travel is important in Switzerland all year round

Switzerland, in particular, demonstrates the importance of sustainable travel and how effectively it can be implemented. Zermatt and Saas-Fee are leading the way as car-free destinations. Visitors arrive by train and take an electric shuttle directly to their accommodations. This is not only convenient but also much better for the climate than traveling by private car.

If you travel by train, then you’ve already taken a big step toward sustainable travel. The next step is choosing your accommodations. The Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt and the Waldhotel Fletschhorn in Saas-Fee both focus on renewable energies, ecological building materials, and regional cuisine.

Fabienne, for example, is the kind of host who thinks of every detail. Instead of exotic fruits for breakfast, she serves organic coffee with a fair trade seal. Rather than a plastic welcome gift, guests receive homemade cookies and many other lovely, sustainable touches.

So it’s not just about the best time to travel; it’s also about traveling the right way. It’s about doing so in a way that protects nature and benefits the local people. By choosing family-run hotels, enjoying regional products, and behaving respectfully toward the environment and culture, you can do a lot of good. Leaving fewer traces behind and, when unavoidable, leaving them in the right places are also key aspects of sustainable tourism.

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