<p>Discover everything this glamorous resort has to offer.</p>
Photo: Destination Davos Klosters

The Ultimate Guide to Klosters

Discover everything this glamorous resort has to offer.

Resort Guides
Published at: 20 Mar 2020
Last updated at: 13 Jul 2023

Explore our definitive guide to Klosters & discover everything you need to know to enjoy a luxury ski holiday in this glamorous resort famed for its popularity with the British Royal family.

Alicia Bryan
Alicia Bryan

About Klosters

Located in the Swiss canton of Graubünden two hours from Zurich airport, Klosters is one of Switzerland’s most illustrious ski resorts. Known in the 50s as ‘Hollywood on the Rocks’, Klosters welcomed visits from numerous stars including Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn and Greta Garbo. From Rex Harrison sharing his ‘My Fair Lady’ notes with the Chesa Grischuna pianist, to Gene Kelly dancing on the tables of the same bar, this traditional alpine village has also been a popular winter destination with the British Royal family for over three decades.

Thanks to its link with the neighbouring resort of Davos, skiers have over 320 km of pistes to explore. With a selection of upmarket hotels and apartments set around the railway station, Klosters Platz is where the majority of shops, restaurants and the Davos cable car are located, while the lift for the Klosters ski area Madrisa is located in Klosters Dorf.

Paragliding over KlostersPhoto: Destination Davos Klosters/ Martin Heckmeier
Skiing in KlostersPhoto: Destination Davos Klosters/ Egelmair Photography
Cross country skiing in KlostersPhoto: Destination Davos Klosters/ Christian Egelmair

The Klosters/Davos ski area is a winter paradise with over 320 km of pistes to explore. Beginners will have plenty of opportunities to improve their technique on the smooth sunny slopes of Madrisa, whilst intermediates have a fantastic choice of runs with sunny south-facing slopes above the trees and long trails through the woods back down to the village. From Klosters Platz, skiers can make their way over to Davos with further trails waiting to be explored. More than 30% of the skiing area is made up of black runs, so experts can take on some of the longest and greatest vertical slopes in the world with incredible opportunities for off-piste skiing too. Madrisa also has its own terrain park with further freestyle possibilities in Davos.

Should you wish to try some alternate winter activities, cross-country skiing is particularly popular in Klosters with 35 km of trails across the valley ranging in levels of difficulty. Further winter activities include ice skating, paragliding, snowshoeing and tobogganing.

Child skiing on the slopes of KlostersPhoto: Klosters-Madrisa Bergbahnen AG/ Andreas Butz
People walking through snow in woods in KlostersPhoto: Destination Davos Klosters/ Erwin Keller
Cross country skiing in KlostersPhoto: Destination Davos Klosters/ Marcel Giger

Where to Stay in Klosters

Luxury Ski Chalets in Klosters
Luxury ski chalet Chalet Maldeghem in KlostersPhoto: Chalet Maldeghem

This elegant chalet-style village offers discreet luxury with a selection of upmarket properties in secluded and private areas. Found on a small hill within walking distance of both the village and ski lifts, Chalet Bear is one of the last remaining log chalets in Klosters. Meticulously decorated, this property offers cosy sitting rooms with crackling fireplaces and has a state-of-the-art kitchen.

Chalet Maldeghem is also full of Alpine charm having recently been beautifully renovated to the highest standard. Situated in a private and peaceful spot in Klosters, this property can accommodate up to ten guests across seven bedrooms and has a hot tub and sauna in which to relax after a long day skiing.

Just a three-minute drive from the Gotschna ski lift, Chesa Falcun is the perfect wellness escape with a sauna, massage room and jacuzzi, whilst Haus Alpina makes for an ideal family apartment with contemporary interiors and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Where to Eat & Drink in Klosters

Davos has an extensive array of mountain restaurants across its ski region including Zügenhütti which has a vast sun terrace providing beautiful views of the surrounding area. In summer, hikers often stop at Berghaus Alpenrösli for traditional regional food and take in the impressive views of the Gotschna mountains. For fans of Italian cuisine, Al Capone is also a popular choice serving pizza and pasta with a vast selection of wine.

Serving traditional Swiss food since 1938, Chesa Grischuna has famously served Irwin Shaw and Juliette Gréco. Dishes today include lime cream smoked fillet of trout as well as poached pear soaked in white wine. Should you wish to extend the evening following your meal, the hotel bar has a delightful ambience with a pianist playing until the early hours of the morning. Offering traditional French flair, a visit to the Michelin-starred Walsertube at Hotel Walserhof is a must, with its welcoming atmosphere and high quality, unique dishes.

Top Events in Klosters

With the neighbouring resort of Davos just 5 km away, those staying in Klosters have access to some fantastic events during the winter, from the Parsenn Derby ski race to the Art on Ice figure skating show and the renowned Spengler Cup.

When the snow has melted and the warmer weather has arrived, August brings the Klosters Music event, where international and renowned stars of the classical world put on a series of concerts around the resort. This year Klostermusic will welcome performances by both Elsa Dreisig and Andrè Schuen. There's also the European Junior Tennis Championships in July and the Madrisa Trail running event in August.

Trail running in Klosters in summerPhoto: Destination Davos Klosters

Summer in Klosters

A popular resort in summer just as it is in winter, Klosters has more than 700 km of hiking trails across the Swiss Alps. Take in the breathtaking views of mountain lakes, waterfalls and vibrant Alpine flowers. Lovers of golf can play on the nine-hole golf course in Klosters or explore the 18-hole course over in Davos. Further summer activities include mountain biking along the Dolomites of Graubünden and tandem paragliding flights.