Davos
Top-to-bottom runs and a village that knows how to host.
High in the Landwasser valley, Davos shifts from a diplomatic hub into a high-octane alpine playground as soon as the first frost bites. Unlike quaint, wood-shingled hamlets, this is Europe’s highest town, defined by urban grit and sprawling ski terrain across five distinct mountains. You will spend mornings carving the massive vertical drops of Parsenn, racing toward Klosters before retreating to Davos Platz for a thick, steaming bowl of Bündner Gerstensuppe. The sound here is the rhythmic hum of the Schatzalp funicular and the evening clatter of skates on the massive natural ice rink. Between the modernist sprawl of the Kirchner Museum and the sun-soaked terraces of the Rinerhorn, Davos feels less like a quiet escape and more like a mountain metropolis built for those who value long, calf-burning descents and a legendary après-ski circuit.
Best time to visit Davos
The best time to visit Davos is generally December through March, with the most reliable snow in January and February. Peak season pushes prices and crowds up; shoulder season is almost always the smarter trade-off — you'll find the same restaurants open, the same scenery, and noticeably better hotel value on Booking.com.
How to get to Davos
Davos is in Switzerland, Europe. Most major European hubs connect by direct flight or high-speed rail, with frequent low-cost options from London, Paris, Amsterdam and Madrid. Once you arrive, allow a day to settle in — most travellers underestimate jet lag and over-pack day one.
Things to do in Davos
Plan your days around skiing, snowboarding, mountain restaurants and après-ski. Build in at least one slow morning; the best memories rarely come from packed itineraries.
Where to stay in Davos
On Booking.com, properties in Davos start from around $303 per night. Filter by guest review score (8.5+), free cancellation, and your preferred neighbourhood. Booking close to the centre saves transit time and almost always pays for itself in extra hours actually enjoying Davos.
Davos travel FAQs
- When is the best window for a ski trip to Davos?
- Plan your visit between late December and March for reliable snow coverage and full resort operations. Avoid the latter half of January if you are not attending the World Economic Forum, as hotel prices spike and security cordons restrict movement throughout the town.
- What is the most efficient way to navigate between the different ski mountains?
- The Davos Klosters guest card provides free travel on the local Rhätische Bahn trains and VBD buses, which connect the base stations of Parsenn, Jakobshorn, and Madrisa. The train is specifically useful for the return journey from Klosters back to Davos after completing the 12-kilometer Parsenn run.
- Which neighborhood should I choose for my accommodation?
- Stay in Davos Platz if you want immediate access to the Jakobshorn cable car and the densest concentration of bars and shops. Davos Dorf is quieter and better positioned for quick access to the Parsenn funicular, making it the preferred choice for serious sunrise skiers.
- Is it worth traveling to the historic Schatzalp area if I am not an expert skier?
- Absolutely, as the 'Slow Mountain' slopes at Schatzalp are specifically preserved for a relaxed pace with natural snow and vintage charm. It is also the best spot for night sledding on the illuminated 2.8-kilometer run that winds through the forest back down to the town center.
