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Planning a Switzerland winter trip and hoping to visit a ski resort even if you don’t ski? Well, then, this post is for you.
Imagine this: the first thought that comes to mind when you think about visiting Switzerland in winter is a picture of the stunning winter scenery of the Swiss Alps.
Don’t you agree? (I’m sure I was not the only one!).
And you’ve probably also imagined a Swiss ski resort with many people skiing very quickly down snowy hills.
Now picture this as yourself, but you do not ski (yet)!
Your next question might be how you could go to a Swiss ski resort without having to ski and still enjoy the winter fun.
If that sounds like you, then the Stoos Ski Resort might be the perfect place to add to your Switzerland winter bucket list!
This charming place is the best Switzerland winter destination for non-skiers.
In this post, I’ll show you some budget-friendly ways to enjoy Stoos Ski Resort if you’re not into skiing.
And yes, I’ll share a little story about my own missteps—like wearing the completely wrong trousers and shoes on my first trip to the Swiss Alps in winter!
But before we begin...
What is Stoos Ski Resort known for?
The Stoos Ski Resort is a hidden gem in the centre of Switzerland, not too far from Zurich. Beautiful mountain scenery surrounds it.
It’s known for its world-famous steepest funicular (more on that later), cosy mountain village, and affordable winter activities for leisurely travellers who want to enjoy the sights.
And guess what? You don’t need to ski to have a fantastic time here!
Is It Worth Visiting Stoos Ski Resort Switzerland in Winter?
Absolutely! It’s no secret that Switzerland has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, all year round.
But let’s be real, most of Switzerland’s stunning landscapes are expensive to see. Seriously, this country doesn’t have many bargains!
However, even if skiing isn’t part of your plan, Stoos Ski Resort is a relatively budget-friendly Switzerland winter destination that you should consider!
This beautiful place is a great way to enjoy the Swiss mountains without spending much money. Even if you don’t ski, there are reasons to go in the winter.
Ready?
Let’s jump in!
Stoos Winter activities in Switzerland without skiing
1. Take the Funicular and Enjoy the Views
The Stoosbahn funicular is one of the best things to see in Stoos. It’s the steepest funicular in the world! Check Steepest funicular details.
Going up the mountain on this ride is an adventure in and of itself.
As the funicular goes up, the views of the snow-covered mountains, woods, and valleys get stunning!
I can’t say this enough if this is your first time in Switzerland—you HAVE to see these views.
Quick Tip: Make sure you’re warm, and based on my own experience, pick trousers that can handle some snow. It’s funny, but the first time (2022) I went to the Swiss Alps, I thought I’d be fine in jeans and my regular lace-up boots. The reality was that I was freezing. If you intend to explore after the ride, I strongly suggest putting on thermals or snow-ready trousers!
Related Read: Europe Winter Travel Packing List- What to Pack for a short trip
2. Explore the Scenic Winter Stoos Village
Once you reach the mountain, you’ll be dropped off at Stoos village. This charming little spot has all you need for a relaxing Swiss winter day.
There are lovely chalets, people enjoying skiing—young and old, and even families with little ones—along with beautiful scenic spots.
It honestly feels like you’ve stepped into a winter wonderland fairytale—and it truly was for me.
While you’re here, take a moment to admire the stunning winter landscapes of Switzerland.
Many of the cafes and restaurants in Stoos Village are located here.
We planned to eat lunch at Franalpstock restaurant since we wanted to see the panoramic views.
So, we skipped checking out restaurants here.
Pro Tip: There are two ways to get to the Stoos resort. A cable car or a funicular are your options. From Schwys, where we took ours, the funicular train takes you up the mountain. You can get on the cable car from Morschach. Both options go to Stoo village only. Of course, you are free to choose any of the aforementioned options, but because the return ticket is the same price, I don’t think it makes any difference. It costs around CHF 23 (£20) for one adult. Check the latest prices.
Winter hikes in Switzerland for non-skiers
Stoos has several well-maintained winter hiking routes if you want to explore a Swiss winter wonderland.
The Fronalpstock Panorama Trail is the most highly recommended option for those who wish to hike above the clouds.
Oh, and the best part? Hiking in Stoos is free, making it a great option for those on a budget!
Alternatively, you can grab a return chairlift ticket P/P from Stoos village to Fronalstock for CHF 35 (£31), which is what we chose to do since I was in jeans.
Hiking the Swiss Alps didn’t seem like the best idea in that outfit! The views from the chairlift ride to Fronalpstock are breathtaking! Check current chairlift prices.
3. Soak up Panoramic views at Top winter photography spots in Switzerland
To see even more beautiful views after spending time in Stoos village, take a cable car or chairlift ride at Fronalpstock.
The panoramic view from Fronalpstock is one of the most picturesque in all of Switzerland.
Here, you can see Swiss lakes, snow-covered peaks, and cute Alpine towns for free.
For those who enjoy the mountains and the outdoors, this Swiss winter wonderland spot is ideal.
The best part is that you don’t have to ski to enjoy this beautiful place.
Budget-friendly Eats at Fronalpstock Restaurant
There is also a cosy restaurant in this cute little place for skiers and other visitors. You can keep warm with traditional Swiss foods and drinks.
While eating out in Switzerland can be expensive, I found that meals, drinks, and local treats at Fronalpstock restaurants were all fairly priced.
The only drawback for me was that we had to eat in a place that felt more like a cafeteria than a restaurant.
Since it was Switzerland, I had hoped for a much better (lunch) dining experience. But all in all, everything was fine.
Bonus Tip: Capture the Memories
Considering that we stood on the highest mountain (at Fronalpstock), which was 1900 metres above sea level, we quickly returned to Stoos village after lunch and enjoyed the views from there.
With all the beautiful scenery, Stoos is a great spot to take more pictures (or videos) to remember your trip.
I almost forgot to enjoy the moment on this trip because I was so eager to capture everything. My suggestion? Take a couple of pictures, then put your camera aside and just take in the breathtaking scenery.
How do I get to Stoos Resort from Zurich?
Well, it depends. For context, we stayed at our local friends’ house in Zurich.
So our visit to Stoos Resort was more of a Swiss way of showing people around on a ‘day out with friends’ type of trip.
Now, I’m not an expert in Swiss transport or road trip routes, but I recall us driving from Zurich to Schwyz in less than an hour.
Which I believe is the most affordable choice, considering it is Switzerland. However, I’m reliably informed that there is no direct train link between Zurich and Stoos.
You can get there by train, car, taxi, or bus, which goes through a few villages and towns.
Visit Rome2Rio to learn more about how to get from Zurich to Stoos.
Where to stay for cheap near Stoos Ski Resort?
Given that we typically travel on a budget, and as I have previously stated, we stayed at our friend’s home in Zurich.
It depends on your budget and where you stay near Stoos. For example, a room at Hotel Sternen for CHF 87 (£78) per night would be called a “cheap stay” in Switzerland.
This even goes a bit beyond Stoos. Many people also recommend the Hirschen Backpacker-Hotel & Pub to be a great budget-friendly stay near Stoos Ski Resort.
However, my honest recommendation in this regard would be to think about organising a trip with family or friends.
If possible, rent a campervan, then divide the costs. Unless you have friends or family in the area, I believe the only practical option to visit Stoos Resort on a budget is to follow the above-suggested itinerary.
Pro Tip: Keep in mind that unless you have a lot of money, things will cost a little more in Switzerland than in most other European countries, even for simple things. Consider this when organizing your winter trip to Switzerland.
Look through Agoda below for reasonably priced lodging options near Stoos.
Tips for Saving Money During Your Trip
Bring lunch if you want to save money! You can find a bench, bring a thermos of coffee or tea, and just enjoy the fresh mountain air.
If the cable cars or chairlift passes that take you up to Fronalpstock are too pricey for you, don’t use them. Simply purchase a ticket for a funicular or cable car to get up to Stoos Village.
You can explore the village from here without the need to sit in restaurants or cafes. Another option is to hike for free up to Fronalpstock.
Final Thoughts: Your Budget-Friendly Winter in Switzerland Awaits!
There you have it! You don’t have to ski to enjoy the winter beauty and magic of the Swiss Alps.
I hope this guide has made you want to go to Stoos Resort. If you like it, please share it with your friends and save it for your future Switzerland trip inspiration.
Happy Travels!
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