Winter activities in Switzerland
If you’re heading to Switzerland in winter, the choices are endless. Mountains and snow are often associated with skiing, sledding, snowboarding, igloos, and so much more. These activities are, of course, available at ski resorts across the country. Ready to take it up a notch? Here are our top family-friendly recommendations.
Start with the ski areas of Portes du Soleil, which straddle France and Switzerland, or 4 Vallées. These are Switzerland’s largest ski domains, offering endless activities for the whole family!
❤ Our two favorites: exceptional sledding and snow tubing.
Sledding: Head to the Diablerets resort for a 7 km sled run—yes, 7 km! Take the lift to the top on a full moon night, set off with your kids, and enjoy a magical descent with breathtaking views. At the bottom, a fondue tasting awaits, delighting both you and the little ones.
Snow tubing: Go to Leysin for this one. Take the lift to the top where a huge slide awaits. Sit in your giant inflatable tube, and at the signal, zoom down! This activity is just as fun for adults as it is for kids. Who knows—it might even spark a love for an even more thrilling ride, like bobsledding!
We adore both of these activities in winter (though they’re great in summer too).
Skating in winter!
Glide across the ice or watch the pros in action. In Geneva, the Servette hockey club plays year-round. Head to the Patinoire des Vernets with the kids to watch, comment, or even try skating themselves on a professional rink!
🚄 For all kinds of sliding fun, visit Diablerets and Leysin resorts—they’re easily accessible from Aigle or Lausanne by train, just as fast as driving! For skating, zoom from Paris to Geneva in TGV style and hit the ice!
Go on a Visit!
Rainy day? Take shelter in a museum. For families, we recommend exploring the Transport Museum in Lucerne. Kids will love it—it’s no wonder it’s the most visited museum in Switzerland. Which child hasn’t had stars in their eyes watching the trains go by? Both little ones and grown-ups can discover different types of transportation through fun and interactive exhibits.
❤ Another favorite: Maison Cailler in Broc. This is the chocolate factory of the famous Cailler chocolate brand—one of Switzerland’s most well-known! Learn the story and production process of chocolate through a beautifully designed audio-visual journey. And most importantly, leave with your arms full of chocolate.
🚄 For a taste of culture, reach the Lucerne Transport Museum from Zurich in less than an hour! For a chocolate haul, travel by train from Lausanne - or by car.
Up Close with Animals for the Whole Family
If there’s one activity you must try in winter, it’s a dog sled ride. Wherever you’re staying, there’s bound to be a nearby sledding experience! Find your musher and dogs, then settle comfortably under cozy blankets in the sled. There’s nothing more to do—the musher guides you through a thrilling ride, surrounded by stunning landscapes. At the end, let the kids connect with the dogs—it’s a memory they won’t forget!
Continuing with man’s best friend… in summer! Meet the legendary St. Bernard, the iconic avalanche rescue dog seen all over Switzerland. Follow the guide on a hike across the famous St. Bernard Pass.
Finally, for those who love small creatures and insects of all kinds, head to the Papiliorama in Kerzers. Wander step by step through a massive tropical greenhouse, surrounded by exotic butterflies dancing all around you.
🚄 Watch the butterflies flutter at Kerzers by taking the train from Neuchâtel—just 15 minutes! For dog sled rides, you’ll find them near all our mountain destinations.
Experience Swiss beauty and nature
Lakes, Mountains… and Hidden Natural Wonders. You know the lakes and mountains, but did you know Switzerland is full of more secret natural spots just waiting to amaze you? Your first stop: St. Léonard Underground Lake, the largest underground lake in Europe. Visit only in summer, and truly navigate the depths. Aboard a small boat, look up and listen to the incredible acoustics of the cavern. Your whole family is sure to be impressed!
Next, head to the Creux-du-Van rock amphitheater in the Neuchâtel region. Lace up your best hiking shoes and meet the local ibex, enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature, and take in the breathtaking panoramic views!
If you’re short on time for a full expedition, Basel is just three hours by TGV from Paris, and nature is still within easy reach. Climb Gurten Hill! Accessible by foot or funicular, a small amusement park awaits your kids. You can also hike through the heart of the hill while enjoying phenomenal views of the surrounding landscape.
🚄To explore the underground lake, St. Léonard is just one hour from Montreux.
Learn as a family!
Combine Fun and Culture. For a perfect mix of enjoyment and learning, visit the Alimentarium. Founded by Nestlé, this is a museum dedicated to food. Kids can explore the art of “healthy eating,” take part in interactive activities that engage all five senses, and join family workshops—like cooking classes. Who will be the best chef?
If you love museums, Fribourg’s Natural History Museum is sure to please. It’s free to enter—a big plus! Beyond being a fantastic family activity, it features unique exhibits, including a preserved whale. Definitely worth a visit!
In Lausanne, take a stroll (or sprint the 100 meters!) to the Olympic Museum. Located by the lake, you’ll enjoy a fully interactive experience at the heart of the Olympic Games, surrounded by athletes’ stories. Perfect for a family weekend in Switzerland.
🚄 The Alimentarium is just 15 minutes by public transport from Montreux. The Natural History Museum is in Fribourg, very close to Lausanne.