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Davos/Klosters is a large resort that extends along the Landwasser River Valley and stuck between two large mountain ranges. There are two ski resorts in Davos and one in Klosters. Davos is considered one of the original mega resort with slopes on an incomparable scale.
The large, city-like resort is an excellent place for those looking for something more than a traditional ski-focused city.
General Information
In the mid-19th century, the Davos area became known for its health benefits. People came from all over for the clean, dry air and high altitudes to recover from tuberculosis and other lung ailments. Due to this history, the area still is a world renowned medical conference center.
For all the hustle and bustle of Davos, there are only two major roads to handle the flow of traffic, but the ski transit system is excellent. The town is widely spread along the mountain face. Klosters is completely different. This series of small hamlets dotting the valley has recently become very chic and a favorite of the British Royals.
Because Davos and Klosters are so close together, you can start skiing in one area and end the day in the other.
Skiing/Snowboarding
Davos/Klosters is surrounded by ski areas. The Parsenn is the largest and most popular area. Most of the skiing is above the tree line here. The majority of the runs are rated intermediate, with a few beginner runs. The advanced runs are located closer to the bottom of the mountains. This area is known for its long super-cruisers. <Lift prices for Davos>
Beginners are advised to try Rinerhorn, Strela, or Pischa first. Although there aren't a large number of beginner runs there, the ones that are there are long so they provide plenty of good skiing. All of the other mountains have beginner trails as well.
Any of Davos' seven mountain areas would be perfect for the intermediate skiers. Forty percent of the trails are rated for intermediate skiing. Thirty percent of Davos' trails are rated as advanced. Advanced skiers should head to Schatzalp/Strela, Parsenn, and Gotschna where the pistes are cut through the trees of the lower elevations.
Davos is a member of Top Snowboard Resorts, an association for the development of the sport. Most of the mountains have funparks for boarders. Jakobshorn has half-pipes and a boardercross piste. No trails are off limits to boarders. There are three snowboard schools that cater to all levels of boarders. Beginning snowboarders should head to Parsenn first.
The only night skiing in Davos is the Bolgen Jakobshorn area. There is no heliskiing here. Sixty-five miles of cross-country terrain loops around the town and Davos Lake. These trails are also used for snowshoeing and winter hiking. There are separate trails for Nordic skiers and classic skiers.
There is no snowmobiling in Davos/Klosters and the mountains are not high enough for good glacier ice climbing.
Children's Ski and Winter Activities
Davos is not the best resort for small children. There are no daycare facilities for children under three. Children between four and five ski free with an adult and there are excellent ski schools for older children. There is a ski kindergarten available between Pischa and Jakobshorn.
Klosters provides something for all family members and, therefore, has been granted the "Families Welcome" seal of quality.
Apres-Ski
The difference between Davos and Klosters is even more apparent when it comes to apres-ski. While Davos is cosmopolitan, Klosters is romantic. While Davos is a busy town, Klosters is an alpine village.
In either place, there is plenty to stay busy in the manner that suits you best. There are over 100 restaurants in this area. Davos offers a wide selection of food for every appetite and pocketbook. In general, visitors to Davos/Klosters enjoy a quiet dinner and then retire early so they can enjoy a full day of skiing. If you are looking for nightlife, though, you can find it in one of the many bars, discos, or nightclubs.
Attractions
Davos has a variety of museums to keep visitors busy. The shops along the main streets of Davos Platz affords excellent shopping. St. Moritz is about 90 minutes away. A little further is the little village of Pontresina where there is an excellent ice and rock climbing school.
The main attraction in this area would be the Rhaetian Railway Glacier Express. This is a seven-hour train trip through the Alps from St. Moritz to Zermatt and the Matterhorn. This train runs over 291 bridges and viaducts and through 91 tunnels. This trip can be excellent year-round.
Lift Facilities
The lift system here consists of three funiculars, 10 cable cars, four gondolas, and several chairlifts and high-speed quads. There are still a lot of draglifts, also. Lifts are open here between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Lift Tickets <Lift prices for Davos>
Davos/Klosters uses electronic passes. These are automatically scanned as you enter the lift areas and can be placed in a pocket.
The Top Ski Pass, also known as the Davos/Klosters R.E.G.A. Ski Pass, is interchangeable between resorts and valid on the ski bus between them. There are discounts for children and seniors. Children under the age of six ski for free.
Snow Conditions
Average snowfall during ski season in Davos/Klosters is 172 inches. Of course, the higher elevations have better snow dependability. There is limited artificial snowmaking at these resorts. Of the almost 196 miles of trails, only 10.5 miles have snowmaking ability.
Travel Time
Zurich is the most convenient airport to Davos/Klosters. The drive takes about two to two-and-a-half hours. Although this is a better option than any other. Geneva is an alternate, but with the high Alps and the distance of 310 miles, it could take almost a day to reach Davos.
For more information or for package rates please call us at 888-222-2110.
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