Fun in the snow: five unforgettable family adventures

#1 Ice skating on the ice path, Madulain-Zuoz, Engadin

‘The Engadin has a lot to offer: cultural experiences, historic villages, numerous thermal baths, horse-drawn sleigh rides through snow-covered forests and, of course, kilometres of ski and cross-country slopes. If you don't want to do classic winter sports, strap on your ice skates on a sunny day and glide along the ice path from Madulain to Zuoz. You can start either at the River Ranch or in Zuoz at Pundschermaun. The trail leads through a meadow landscape along the banks of the Inn. The well-groomed route is also suitable for beginners. Good to know: Wearing a helmet is recommended and you must bring your own skating equipment. Tip: Homemade cakes and drinks are available in the River Ranch Lounge.

If you like ice skating, you should definitely travel to the Engadin. © Eisweg Madulain

More tipps:

- Climbing in the Serlas Parc, S-chanf

- Relaxing in the Ovaverva indoor pool, spa, and sports center, St. Moritz

- Being creative at Creative Box at Hotel Maistra 160, Pontresina

Arrival from Zurich Airport to Madulain: Train 3h 15min / Car: 3h

#2 Tobogganing, Les Diablerets

Les Diablerets is located at the foot of the eponymous mountain massif in the Canton of Vaud. The Villars and Les Diablerets ski resort is connected by the three villages Les Diablerets, Villars, and Gryon. Especially for families, there are countless opportunities to be active in the snow. A special highlight is the 7.2-kilometer toboggan run in Les Diablerets. It is considered one of the longest tracks in Switzerland and is completely separated from the ski slopes. Sleds can be rented on-site. Tip: Warm up and refuel at the mountain restaurant before setting off.

Tobogganing fun for the whole family en Les Diablerets. © Matthias Lehmann Luge

More tips:
- The Peak Walk by Tissot bridge on Glacier 3000

- Funpark, Les Diablerets

- Dog Sled Tour – Glacier 3000

Arrival from Zurich Airport to Les Diablerets: Train: 4h 10min / Car: 3h

#3 Dog Sled Tour, Engstligenalp

A very special experience awaits on the high plateau of Engstligenalp, above Adelboden. A ride with sled dogs! During the 1.5-hour tour, you glide through the untouched nature and the snowy alpine landscape of the Adelboden-Lenk ski region. Additionally, the tour guides will tell you all about the Huskies, such as how they are cared for and trained. As a grand finale, you can take photos with the sled dogs. The Huskies love the attention, and families enjoy the memory photos. Good to know: The offer is available only during a certain period. From 4 years old.

Dog sled adventure in the Swiss mountains. © Anja Zurbruegg

More tips:

- Fondue fun in the igloo

- Snow tubing – racing down the slope with tires

- Children's land with Globi

Arrival from Zurich Airport to Adelboden: Train: 3h / Car: 2h 30min

#4 First Glider, Grindelwald

The Jungfrau Region around Grindelwald is one of the most famous areas in the Alps, surrounded by the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau (4,000 meters high), and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001. The mountain panorama here really has something to offer, and those who are particularly adventurous can venture into the claws of the eagle above Grindelwald. With the First Glider, a type of zipline in the shape of a bird of prey, you first go up to First. Lying on your stomach, four people are “in the claws” and can calmly enjoy the snowy mountain world from a bird's eye view on the way up. On the 800-meter return trip, it gets fast. The bird, along with its prey, zooms down at 83 kilometers per hour back to Schreckfeld.
Tip: Since there are no fixed time slots for this activity, it is recommended to arrive early.
Good to know: Children must be at least 130 cm tall, weigh 35 kg, and be ten years old.

Above Adelboden, the adventure with sled dogs beckons. © Jungfraubahnen

More tips:

- Sports center Grindelwald with ice and bouldering hall and indoor pool

- Children's paradise Männlichen

- Trip to Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe"

Arrival from Zurich Airport to Grindelwald: Train: 3h / Car: 2h 9min

#5 Sledging on the piste, Bivio

The picturesque village of Bivio is located in the canton of Graubünden at the foot of the Julier and Septimer Alpine passes and is known for its linguistic diversity. Italian, German and Romansh are spoken here. Sledging has been reinterpreted here. The Pistenbock sledge is steered with the feet and braked with the hands. It takes a little practice to get used to it, but the fun is all the greater for it. The drag lift takes you comfortably up to the Camon middle station before you head down the 2.3-kilometre run into the valley. This is also a novelty for all sledging enthusiasts. Good to know: Helmets are compulsory and you need good shoes.