When is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Swiss Alps?

What is the best time of year to visit the Swiss Alps? The answer completely depends on what you are planning to do when you get there.

If you are seeking a spot of skiing, then winter (December to March) is a great time to head to the powder-covered mountains for some of the finest skiing on the planet.

However, for everything else – including epic road trips to explore the alpine passes – the summer months of May through October are when the Swiss Alps truly come to life, with June and September being the best months to visit. This is when the weather is sunny, warm and comfortable, with fewer of the summer crowds that swarm to the area in July and August.

The Alps is an immense mountain range spanning France, Italy, Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria, Slovenia and, of course, Switzerland. These Alps include some iconic mountains, such as Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa, as well as world-famous lakes like Geneva, Garda and Como.

The Swiss Alps are naturally the part of this mountain range located within Switzerland, and are considered the most magnificent part of the Alps. They make up a large portion of the Central Alps and encompass both Western Alps and Eastern Alps.

Covering almost two thirds of Switzerland, the Swiss Alps sit to the south of the Swiss Plateau and north of the border with Italy. The Alps start in the town of Vevey on the shores of Lake Geneva and run east to the municipality of Rorschach on Lake Constance.

Historically, the Swiss Alps have formed a natural separation between northern and southern Europe, and provided Italy with an essential trade route to countries in the north of the continent.

The Swiss Alps are considered to be the most famous and spectacular of all the Alps, and for good reason. The mountain range is saturated with beauty, whether it’s a first glimpse of the colossal Matterhorn or the breathtaking alpine vistas on offer from the Two Lakes Bridge. It’s genuinely difficult to take a bad photo in this region!

Aside from lakes and mountains, Swiss culture also peaks (pun intended) in the Swiss Alps. This area is brimming with world-famous delicacies such as Gruyère and Emmentaler cheeses, melty fondue and silky Swiss chocolate. It’s also famous for its towns and cities, from the celebrity hotspot of Lugano to tiny postcard-perfect villages like Gimmelwald. Of course, don’t forget Swiss timepieces from Vallée de Joux – the watchmaking capital of the world.

The Swiss Alps are Europe’s home for winter sports, with dependable snowfall and top-notch facilities on offer at famed ski resorts such as St. Moritz, Zermatt, and Davos. Yet when summer hits and the snow melts, the Swiss Alps still draw the crowds – and for good reason.

Hiking is a popular pastime for both enthusiastic beginners and veteran walkers, with a plethora of epic routes that cut through the mountain range. Take a picturesque stroll along the Lauterbrunnental Glacial Valley or increase the intensity with a hike up the Matterhorn.

Needless to say, the driving in Switzerland is also second-to-none, with legendary mountain passes including the outstanding ‘Golden Trio’ of Susten, Furka and Grimsel. The best way to traverse these epic passes is undoubtedly in an exotic supercar, such as a Ferrari or Lamborghini, or – as James Bond himself did in Goldfinger – an Aston Martin.

Image: Ultimate Driving Tours

Indulge in a luxury self-guided road trip through the Swiss Alps, which includes a supercar of your choice, expertly curated route, and first-class accommodation each night. Simply turn up, grab the keys, and immerse yourself in a luxury tour like no other.

The Swiss Alps are home to 48 mountain peaks that stretch 4,000 metres or more. However, the tallest mountain in the Swiss Alps is Dufourspitze, which is the highest peak of Monte Rosa, with an elevation of 4,634 metres (15,203 feet).

After Mont Blanc, Dufourspitze is the second tallest mountain in the entire Alps and Western Europe. Other sky-scraping mountains in the Swiss Alps include Dom, Liskamm, the Weisshorn, and the aforementioned Matterhorn.

If winter sports are on your mind, then the highest skiable area in the Swiss Alps is the Matterhorn ski paradise at 3,899 metres (12,792 feet), with a total of 360 km (224 miles) of powdery piste to explore.

Whether driving through or staying for a week, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful places to stay in the Swiss Alps.

Zermatt is a true slice of mountain paradise, perfectly located at the base of the Matterhorn. This renowned area is globally recognised for its delightful views of the mountains, car-free streets, and beautiful chocolate-box buildings. It’s also home to the Gornergrat Bahn, which is Europe’s highest open-air railway. Being a popular ski resort, it has an abundance of luxury hotels – including The Omnia, Riffelalp Resort, and CERVO Mountain Resort.

Slightly further north is our favourite location and a true hidden gem; the village of Andermatt. This charming alpine village sits in the heart of the Swiss Alps and proves an excellent base for drivers wanting to enjoy the likes of Grimsel, Furka and Susten. Andermatt is also a winner with both skiers and sightseers, and a stay at the ultra-luxe ski chalet, The Chedi, should not be missed.

There’s no shortage of fun to be had in the Swiss Alps. Wherever you go, you can expect to be greeted by a delightful combination of beauty, culture, and luxury.

The finest way to enjoy the best of the Swiss Alps is with a luxury supercar tour of Switzerland. This bucket-list experience combines some of the greatest modern supercars, an exceptional route through the mountains, and the height of luxury in hotels and fine-dining. Contact our expert team today to find out more.