This is a region that rewards skiers who like to roam. Instead of one linked carousel of lifts, Davos Klosters is a collection of five mountains, Parsenn, Jakobshorn, Pischa, Rinerhorn and Madrisa, joined by one pass and a smooth network of trains and buses rather than a single web of cable cars. The Parsenn is the heart of it, a vast open mountain famous for its long top to bottom runs, including the classic descent toward Klosters that drops well over 1,000 meters of vertical.
The two bases set the tone. Davos is a big, high town at around 1,560 meters, more working alpine city than chocolate box resort, with congress halls, shops and a frank, unfussy feel. Klosters sits lower and prettier in the next valley, a relaxed village of timber chalets that has quietly hosted royalty and film names for decades. The honest tradeoff is atmosphere against scale: you trade the tight charm of a small resort for a serious amount of varied terrain and dependable high altitude snow.
The mountains compared
You ski Davos Klosters across five mountains on one area pass. Here is how they compare, with who each one suits.
| Mountain | Best for | Character | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parsenn | Intermediates, long descents | Big, open, classic cruising | The flagship and the reason to come, with some of the longest pistes in the Alps. |
| Jakobshorn | Freestyle and freeride | Steep, youthful, parks and powder | The fun, faintly rowdy mountain above Davos, best for confident skiers and boarders. |
| Madrisa | Families and beginners | Sunny, gentle, above Klosters | The calm, child friendly side, our pick for first timers and young families. |
| Rinerhorn and Pischa | Quiet days, ski touring | Smaller, peaceful, uncrowded | The escape valves for powder mornings and a break from the crowds. |
The two bases are full resorts in their own right. Read our reviews of Davos and Klosters to choose where to stay.
Who the region suits
Davos Klosters is at its best for confident intermediates and experts who want to cover ground and chase reliable snow. Strong cruisers will love the sheer length of the Parsenn runs, while experts get serious off piste on the Jakobshorn and quiet touring on the smaller peaks. Families are well served on Madrisa above Klosters. The people who should think twice are those who want a tight ski in ski out village and lively street side apres on the doorstep, since the skiing here is spread out and the evenings are calmer than in a party resort.
Pass and logistics
One Davos Klosters pass covers all five mountains plus the trains and buses that link them, which is the smart way to experience the area. Expect a day pass in the region of $75 to $90, with multi day passes bringing the daily rate down. Lock in your pass and ski hire early through our lift pass partner and ski hire partner for the best rates, and arrange lessons through our ski school partner.
Access is easy by Swiss standards. Zurich is the nearest major airport at roughly a 2.5 to 3 hour transfer, and the scenic Swiss rail network runs right into both Davos and Klosters, so this is one of the better regions to reach without a car. Arrange a door to door ride with our transfer partner, and read ski transfers explained if you are weighing train against private transfer.
When to go
The altitude keeps Davos Klosters reliable from mid December to mid April. February brings the deepest snow and the busiest, priciest weeks, while January is quieter with good cover and keen prices. Late March into April offers sunny spring skiing, with the higher Parsenn runs holding their snow well. For the best balance of value and space, target January or the weeks either side of the February school holidays.
If you want this trip priced by specialists, tell us your dates and budget below and we will route your brief to the right operators.
Common questions
What is Davos Klosters?
Davos Klosters is a large ski region in eastern Switzerland that spreads roughly 300 km of pistes across five separate mountains, Parsenn, Jakobshorn, Pischa, Rinerhorn and Madrisa, above the town of Davos and the village of Klosters. One area pass covers all of them plus the linking trains and buses.
Should I stay in Davos or Klosters?
Stay in Davos for a bigger town with more shops, restaurants and direct access to the Parsenn and Jakobshorn. Choose Klosters for a quieter, prettier village feel with gentle Madrisa skiing above it. Both share the same lift pass and are linked by a short train ride.
Is Davos Klosters good for beginners?
Yes, especially on Madrisa above Klosters, which has sunny, gentle slopes and a good ski school. The wider area is better suited to intermediates and experts, who get long Parsenn descents and varied off piste, so mixed groups are well covered.
How much is a Davos Klosters lift pass?
A day pass for the full area is typically in the region of $75 to $90, with multi day passes lowering the daily rate. The single pass covers all five mountains and the trains and buses that connect them.
Is Davos Klosters snow sure?
It is one of the more reliable regions in Switzerland thanks to its altitude, with much of the Parsenn skiing high and north facing. The season runs dependably from mid December to mid April, and spring snow holds well on the higher slopes.
How do I get to Davos Klosters?
Zurich is the nearest major airport at roughly a 2.5 to 3 hour transfer. The Swiss rail network runs directly into both Davos and Klosters, making this one of the easier alpine regions to reach without a car.
Plan your trip with specialists
Tell us your dates and budget and we will route your brief to vetted chalet companies and tour operators. They come back with tailored proposals on flights, transfers, lift passes and lessons. Free to you, no obligation.