Davos-Klosters, Switzerland: Family Ski Guide

You'll fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH), about 2 hours by car or 2.5 hours by train. It's a straightforward journey through the scenic Prättigau valley, no mountain passes required, just a steady climb into Graubünden. The route stays well-maintained in winter, making it one of the more stress-free Swiss resort approaches.

Skip the rental car. The Swiss rail system earns its reputation on this route, and traveling with kids actually becomes easier without one. Direct trains run from Zurich Airport to Davos Platz or Klosters Platz, with one change in Landquart. Kids under 6 ride free, and children 6 to 15 travel at half price with a Junior Card (CHF 33, worth it if you're doing any other Swiss rail travel). Trains run hourly, have dedicated luggage space, and drop you in town centers where most hotels offer pickup. You'll roll your bags off the platform and into your vacation.

If you're flying from the UK or considering alternatives:

• Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH) in Germany sits about 2.5 hours by car. Budget carriers serve it from several UK airports, and the savings on flights can offset the longer transfer.
• Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) works if you're combining with an Italy leg, roughly 3.5 hours to resort.
• Innsbruck Airport (INN) is 2 hours but involves the Arlberg tunnel and requires an Austrian vignette, adding both cost and complexity.

For families committed to driving, Swiss motorway vignettes (CHF 40) are mandatory and valid for the calendar year. Winter tires are required by law when conditions demand them, and rental companies include them from November through April. The Landquart exit puts you 20 minutes from Klosters, 30 from Davos Platz. The roads are excellent, but driving with tired kids after a flight adds stress that the train eliminates entirely.

The move for families with flexible schedules: book part of your journey on the Rhaetian Railway's panoramic route. The glass-domed cars turn a transfer into a highlight, and kids stay glued to windows watching the Alps unfold. It costs the same as standard tickets when booked as part of your Swiss rail journey.

Davos-Klosters splits into two distinct villages with different personalities, and your choice of base shapes everything from morning logistics to evening atmosphere. Klosters is the quieter, more traditional option with easier access to beginner terrain. Davos spreads across a valley floor with more services but less Alpine charm. Both work for families, just differently.

Best for Families with Young Kids

If ski school drives your trip, Klosters is the move. The Silvretta Parkhotel sits steps from the Gotschna lift and houses the Snowli Club childcare on-site, which means you can drop the little ones without navigating morning transfers. Expect to pay CHF 250 to 350 per night for a family room, mid-range by Swiss standards but you're paying for convenience that genuinely matters at 7am. There's a pool for après-ski decompression, and the Swiss Ski School's Snowgarden is walkable from the lobby. Your kids will be on snow within minutes of finishing breakfast.

Hotel Vereina offers a solid alternative in Klosters with family apartment configurations that give you breathing room. You'll be a short walk to the gondola rather than slope-side, but the extra space and kitchen access often justify the trade-off for week-long stays. The setup works especially well for families who want to prep breakfasts and pack lunches rather than face Swiss restaurant prices three times daily.

Budget-Conscious Options

Sport Hotel Klosters keeps costs lower while staying central to ski school meeting points. You won't find the amenities of the Silvretta, but location and value align here. Expect to pay around CHF 180 to 220 per night, which is as close to "budget" as Klosters gets. The hotel knows families, so don't expect raised eyebrows when kids track snow through the lobby.

On the Davos side, the Mountain Plaza Hotel delivers clean, modern rooms near the Parsenn funicular for around CHF 220 per night. No pool, no frills, but efficient for families focused on maximizing ski time rather than hotel amenities. You'll be five minutes from the lift, which counts for a lot when you're wrangling gear and children.

The Davos Options

Davos spreads more than Klosters, so location matters. The Hilton Garden Inn Davos offers predictable quality near the Jakobshorn base, a smart choice if your crew includes teens chasing terrain park features. The familiar brand means you know what you're getting, and Jakobshorn's freestyle focus keeps older kids entertained while younger ones progress elsewhere.

Hotel Waldhuus Davos sits outside the town center but rewards the distance with a pool, fitness room, and quieter setting. Worth considering if you have a car and prefer retreating to calm after ski days. Families with mixed-age kids appreciate the breathing room, though you'll need to factor in the commute to lifts.

Ski-in/Ski-out Reality

True slope-side access is rare here. The mountain hotels operated by Davos Klosters Bergbahnen offer direct ski access but are basic and group-oriented rather than family-comfortable. Most families stay in the villages and take lifts up, which sounds like a compromise but actually works fine. The village infrastructure, from equipment storage to breakfast options, outweighs the appeal of waking up on-slope.

The Apartment Strategy

Self-catering apartments often beat hotel prices, especially for week-long stays. Look for rentals in Klosters Dorf or Davos Platz with kitchen access. Cooking breakfast and packing mountain lunches saves meaningful money when you're feeding a family at Swiss prices. Think CHF 40 saved per day, roughly CHF 280 over a week, which covers a full extra day of lift tickets.

Davos-Klosters sits at the premium end of Swiss ski pricing, which already ranks among Europe's most expensive. Expect to pay around CHF 86 (roughly €90) for an adult day pass covering the main Parsenn and Jakobshorn areas, putting it on par with Zermatt and Verbier. That's nearly double what you'd pay at comparable Austrian resorts, though the terrain justifies it if you're using the full system.

Daily Rates by Area

The resort's six ski areas each have their own pricing, which actually works in families' favor. For the main Parsenn and Jakobshorn terrain, expect to pay CHF 86 for adults, CHF 60 for youth ages 13 to 17, and CHF 34 for children 6 to 12. Kids under 6 ski free, though they still need a ticket (just request it at the window).

Here's where smart families save: the beginner-friendly areas cost significantly less. Madrisa, the dedicated family mountain, runs CHF 46 for adults, CHF 32 for youth, and CHF 18 for children. Rinerhorn sits in between at CHF 62, CHF 44, and CHF 25 respectively. If your crew is still in ski school or working on fundamentals, there's no reason to pay Parsenn prices for terrain you won't touch.

Multi-Day Discounts

The savings curve rewards commitment. A 6-day pass covering all areas drops the effective daily rate to CHF 64 for adults (26% off), CHF 45 for youth, and CHF 26 for children. Each day beyond six costs CHF 59, CHF 41, and CHF 24 respectively. For a family of four with two kids, that's roughly CHF 1,200 for a week of all-area access, or about €1,250.

Afternoon and Flexible Options

Afternoon passes kick in at 12:15 and cost roughly 22% less: CHF 67 for adults, CHF 47 for youth, CHF 27 for children. The move for families with kids in morning ski school is buying yourself an afternoon pass while they're in lessons, then switching to full-day passes once everyone's ready to ski together.

There's also a morning ticket gamble worth knowing: pay CHF 90 and get CHF 15 back if you return the ticket by 13:00. Useful when weather looks questionable or you suspect the kids might hit a wall by lunch.

Season Pass and Regional Options

Davos-Klosters isn't part of Epic, Ikon, or other North American mega-passes. The regional option is the TopCard at CHF 1,550 for adults, CHF 1,035 for youth, and CHF 545 for children. It covers Davos-Klosters plus Arosa Lenzerheide and Laax, totaling over 700km of terrain, plus three bonus days at Engelberg-Titlis. If you're planning multiple Swiss trips or an extended stay, it pays for itself after roughly 18 ski days.

Best Value Strategies

• Buy online in advance: Dynamic pricing means ticket window prices are the ceiling, not the floor. Book a few days ahead for modest savings
• Match the mountain to your level: A family sticking to Madrisa saves over CHF 150 per day compared to all-area passes they don't need
• Check shoulder season rates: Early December and late March often see reduced pricing on the resort's official price list
• Guest card perks: Your accommodation's Davos Klosters Premium Card includes local transport, so you're not paying extra to reach different base areas

Davos-Klosters spreads across six ski areas, which sounds overwhelming until you realize it actually works in your favor: dedicated beginner zones stay blissfully separated from the main traffic, and your family can progress through increasingly challenging terrain without ever feeling rushed or out of place. You'll spend your first morning at Madrisa (the family mountain), watch your kids gain confidence on gentle, sun-drenched slopes, and by mid-week they'll be ready to tackle the longer runs on Parsenn. That's the rhythm here.

The Terrain Your Family Will Actually Use

You'll find roughly 65% of Davos-Klosters' terrain suited to beginners and intermediates, translating to over 430 runs where your kids won't get in over their heads. The breakdown skews heavily toward easier skiing: 252 easy runs, 178 intermediate, and only 33 advanced. Your kids won't run out of new terrain to explore, and you won't spend the week doing laps on the same three runs while they're in ski school.

Madrisa is where families with young children belong. Gentle slopes, minimal crowds, and a dedicated Kinderskiparadies (children's ski paradise) keep the learning environment calm. The mountain catches morning sun, so your little ones stay warm during those crucial first lessons. There's a magic carpet zone completely fenced off from faster traffic, a genuine advantage over resorts where beginners share slopes with speed demons.

Rinerhorn offers another family-friendly option with wide, forgiving runs and significantly less traffic than the main areas. It's where locals bring their own kids on weekends when Parsenn gets busy. The pitch stays mellow throughout, perfect for building confidence before graduating to bigger terrain.

Parsenn is the flagship mountain, connecting Davos and Klosters across extensive intermediate terrain. Save this for when your kids can handle longer runs and busier lifts. The runs here feel genuinely alpine, with proper elevation changes and that "big mountain" satisfaction. Advanced skiers in your group can disappear into the steeper sectors while beginners stick to the well-groomed cruisers.

Jakobshorn is where your teenagers will gravitate. The terrain parks here draw the freestyle crowd, with features ranging from beginner-friendly boxes to competition-level kickers. If your 14-year-old wants jumps and rails while you're working on parallel turns elsewhere, this solves that problem.

Ski Schools That Get Results

There's a Swiss Ski School Klosters that dominates the teaching scene here, with generations of experience and a structured progression system that gives kids clear goals without the pressure of formal racing tests. Your kids will work through the Snowli levels, each named after cartoon animals (Snowli the blue hare, then Prince/Princess of the slopes), earning medals that become treasured souvenirs. Expect to pay around CHF 89 per day for group lessons, or CHF 329 for a five-day program. The Swiss Snow Kids Village in Klosters is purpose-built for first-timers, with magic carpets, gentle gradients, and instructors who specialize in under-6s.

There's also Ride and Smile that takes a deliberately different approach: smaller groups (maximum 6 kids), no racing, no pressure. Half-day group lessons start around CHF 75. If your child wilts under competitive environments or needs extra attention, this is your move. They focus on fun over performance metrics, which some kids respond to dramatically better.

For the littlest ones, the Snowli Club at the Silvretta Parkhotel in Klosters takes children from 18 months, combining snow play with indoor activities. Your toddler will build snow caves and drink hot chocolate while you actually ski, guilt-free.

Rental Gear Without the Hassle

Bardill Sport in Klosters handles most families' equipment needs, with locations near the Gotschna lift and in the village center. They're used to fitting impatient children and offer multi-day discounts. Ettinger Sport in Davos Platz sits conveniently near the Parsenn funicular, so you're not hauling gear across town before first lifts. Both shops offer ski storage, which saves you lugging equipment back to your accommodation every evening (and the morning arguments that entails).

Lunch Without the Chaos

On-mountain dining follows Swiss pricing, so set expectations accordingly. Expect to pay CHF 18 to 25 for a basic kids' meal, CHF 25 to 35 for adult mains. The move: eat early (11:30) or late (1:30) to avoid the noon crush when every ski school breaks simultaneously.

Madrisa-Alp has the most family-friendly atmosphere, with a sunny terrace where tired kids can zone out while you actually taste your food. Think Rösti (crispy potato cakes), Wienerli mit Pommes (sausages with fries), and Apfelstrudel with vanilla sauce. The self-service section keeps costs slightly more reasonable, and there's enough space that you won't feel judged when someone spills hot chocolate.

On Parsenn, Berghaus Weissfluhgipfel at the summit offers stunning views and solid mountain fare, though the altitude (2,844m) can leave some kids feeling off. Skihuus Davos near the Parsenn valley station works better for younger children, with a more sheltered terrace and quicker service. Rinerhorn's Bergrestaurant Jatzmeder is reliably less crowded and serves proper portions of Bündner Gers

Davos-Klosters delivers a surprisingly full off-mountain experience for families, though you'll need to embrace the split personality: Davos is the larger, more bustling town with modern amenities and broader options, while Klosters wraps you in traditional Swiss village charm where your kids can safely wander cobblestone streets after dark. Neither is a party scene, which is exactly what most families want.

Non-Ski Activities

There's Europe's largest natural ice rink in Davos, and it's genuinely spectacular. Your kids will spend hours here, especially if they've never skated on natural ice before. Skate rentals are available on-site, and the setting, surrounded by snow-dusted peaks, makes for the kind of photos that justify the trip. Expect to pay around CHF 12 for adults and CHF 8 for children.

You'll find proper Rodelbahn (toboggan runs) that turn evening entertainment into genuine adventure. The Rinerhorn night sledging runs Wednesdays and Fridays from 7pm to 10:30pm on lit tracks, and your kids will talk about this longer than any blue run they skied. Expect to pay CHF 32 for adults and CHF 13 for children, including the lift ride up. The Schatzalp toboggan run offers a daytime alternative: take the funicular up, rent a sled, and bomb 2.5km back into Davos. It works for kids who can steer and brake, so gauge your youngest accordingly.

There's the Eau-là-là water park for those inevitable rest days or weather holds. Think indoor pools, water slides, and a wellness section where parents can actually relax while kids splash. Your guest card often includes free entry, making this an easy backup plan. Madrisa-Land at the Madrisa base keeps younger children entertained with indoor play spaces and adventure areas when they've had enough of snow.

Where to Eat

Swiss prices will test your budget, so pick your splurges wisely. Schneider's in Klosters serves excellent pizzas that kids actually finish, think quattro formaggi, prosciutto e funghi, and simple margherita, in a relaxed atmosphere where nobody minds tired children. Expect to pay around CHF 25 to 35 per pizza.

Montana Stube in Davos delivers traditional Graubünden cuisine with generous portions that justify the price. The fondue here is legit, served in proper copper pots with crusty bread cubes, and they're genuinely used to families. Expect to pay CHF 35 to 45 per person for fondue. Walserhuus Sertig is worth the short bus ride for a scenic lunch in a quieter valley where you'll find Rösti done right, crispy on the outside and loaded with local cheese.

The move for budget-conscious dinners: the Coop Restaurant in Davos Platz. It's self-service, genuinely affordable by local standards (expect to pay CHF 15 to 20 per person), and nobody blinks at tired kids who've hit their wall. This is where locals feed their families without the markup.

Evening Entertainment

This isn't Verbier or St. Anton, and that's the point. Evenings here skew mellow, which works in your favor when you're traveling with children who need sleep to ski tomorrow.

The night sledging mentioned above is genuinely the highlight, a proper family activity that feels like adventure rather than obligation. Beyond that, Davos has a Kino (cinema) that occasionally screens English-language films, and a bowling alley that keeps teenagers entertained when they're too cool for family time. In Klosters, the village itself becomes the entertainment: safe streets for independent tweens to explore, grab Heisse Schokolade (hot chocolate), and window-shop at traditional Swiss shops. Your kids will remember this freedom.

Self-Catering Setup

Both Coop and Migros have full-service locations in Davos Platz with everything you need for apartment cooking. Prices run 30 to 40% higher than you'd pay at home (yes, really, that's Switzerland), but stocking up here beats paying restaurant prices three meals a day. The Coop takeaway section has prepared foods that bridge the gap between cooking and dining out: rotisserie chickens, fresh salads, decent pasta dishes.

In Klosters, Volg handles quick grabs: milk, bread, snacks for the slopes. It's smaller but conveniently central. Pro tip: pack lunches from your grocery haul rather than paying mountain restaurant prices. A family of four easily saves CHF 80 per day this way.

Getting Around

Both villages are walkable, though Davos sprawls more than Klosters. The train connecting the two runs frequently and is included with your guest card, the Davos Klosters Premium Card that most accommodations provide at check-in. This card also covers local buses, making the car you probably don't need even more unnecessary.

In Davos, the main Promenade holds most of what you need within a 15-minute walk. Klosters clusters tighter around its center, and you'll find everything from ski rental to restaurants within easy strolling distance. Locals know: that guest card also gets you into the swimming pool, sports center, and several museums free, so ask for it the moment you check in.

Parents who've skied Davos-Klosters with kids consistently praise the resort's separation of terrain, but reviews reveal a split experience depending on where you base yourself and how old your children are. You'll hear families with young beginners rave about Madrisa's gentle, uncrowded slopes and dedicated kids' area, while those who stayed in Davos sometimes wish they'd chosen Klosters instead.

The Swiss Ski School in Klosters earns solid marks for organization and English-speaking instructors. Parents note that the Snowli progression system gives kids clear goals without competitive pressure, and the animal-themed levels keep younger children engaged. "My 4-year-old talked about earning her Snowli badge for months afterward," one parent reported. The lunch supervision option gets mentioned repeatedly as essential rather than optional, since the terrain spread makes midday meetups genuinely difficult.

Your kids will likely love the non-ski activities, particularly the Rinerhorn night sledging runs. Multiple parents flag this as a trip highlight, noting that the lit course and evening timing made it feel like a special adventure rather than just another activity. The massive Davos ice rink also gets consistent praise as a perfect afternoon break when legs are tired.

The honest concerns center on Swiss pricing and logistics. Expect sticker shock at mountain restaurants, with several parents recommending apartment stays with kitchen access to offset costs. The six separate ski areas sound impressive on paper, but parents warn that the lack of lift connections means you're essentially picking one mountain per day. Families who tried to ski multiple areas in a single day described it as "more driving than skiing."

One recurring tip from experienced families: book the Silvretta Parkhotel if budget allows. Its location next to the Snowli Club and Gotschna lift eliminates the morning scramble that parents in other accommodations described as stressful. Those who stayed elsewhere in Klosters noted that even short walks with ski gear and tired children added friction to each day.

The bottom line from parent feedback: Davos-Klosters delivers excellent family skiing if you choose Klosters over Davos, focus on Madrisa for beginners, and accept that Swiss prices mean paying premium rates for premium organization. Families who arrived expecting Austrian or French pricing left feeling the value equation was off, while those who budgeted appropriately praised the quality and reliability of everything from ski school to village infrastructure.