Grächen

The ski resort of Grächen is situated on a large, sunny plateau and invites you to experience an unforgettable holiday. Here, the local population maintains a friendly relationship with tourism and is attentive to the needs of families and hikers in particular.

Grächen Ski Resort

The arrival at the Hannigalp ski area is like a fairy tale. The ascent to the Grächen ski resort is by cable car and opens up the possibility of skiing in a paradisiacal setting. There are 42 km of downhill slopes for all levels: easy, medium and difficult.

From 1617 to 2890 m altitude, 40 kilometres of runs and 14 facilities await families, beginners, skiers or snowboarders in a fantastic environment.

Its peaks are dominated by iconic mountains, such as the Weisshorn (alt. 4357m), Brunegghorn (alt. 3833m) and to the north, the majestic Bietschhorn (alt. 3934m), while overlooking the village of St-Niklaus and the Mattertal from the heights.

The resort is situated on a huge, sunny plateau which invites you to experience an unforgettable holiday in the Grächen ski resort.

Whether you want to relax with your partner or with your family, whether you want a quiet holiday or an action-packed one: all holiday dreams can be fulfilled at the family destination Grächen.

Grächen ski resort is committed to sustainable development

The Federation for Territorial Development promotes projects within the framework of the Sustainable Territorial Development Model Project 2014-2018. With this model project, the association promotes new methods and solutions: regional, local and cantonal actors are given a new opportunity to find an innovative solution and test their idea on site.

Collaboration of the 5 communities Grächen, St. Nilaus, Randa, Täsch and Zermatt in the framework of the sustainable geotourism project in the Matter Valley.

Unforgettable experiences in Grächen

In Grächen there are many points of interest for the whole family, whether challenging hikes, walks, action or adventure: in the holiday paradise everyone will find their own personal highlight.

As a unique experience, you can build your own insect hotel and give nature a home. In this way, you can support the cycle of life.

The Grächen mountain resort in summer

The Gächen region not only offers opportunities for top athletes to let off steam. Families and children will also find their own bike and cycle paths.

If you would like to have a local cycling guide, the guides of “trailguides.ch” will be happy to help you. The offer of the guides is very individual and oriented to your needs.

Everything is possible: a leisure trip with family or friends, multi-day tours and Big Mountain Freeride for the best athletes. Do you want to improve your technique? Then you can enjoy and let yourself be looked after (alone or in a group) by the professionals of Swiss Cycling Guides.

In the Grächen landscape you can discover the treasures of fascinating legends during your hike. The legends are written on 21 boards. These boards are located exactly where the legend mentions. At the tourist office you will find a map with all the seasons and a book of legends.

Hotels in the resort of Grächen

Lifestyle hôtel & spa Grächerhof

Located in Grächen, near Zermatt, the Lifestyle & Spa Hotel Grächerhof offers Alpine-style rooms, fine cuisine and a spa in the centre of the village. Everything is perfect, from A to Z. Everything has been thought of to ensure a stress-free, high-quality stay in a bubble of softness and calm.

Family Hotel & Spa Désirée

Recently renovated, the Matterhorn Valley Hotel Desirée is located in the centre of Grächen, only a 3-minute walk from the 2 cable cars.

The tastefully furnished rooms feature a flat-screen satellite TV and free Wi-Fi.

From December to April, a babysitting service is offered in the evenings. There is also a ski room with boot warmers and winter sports equipment.

Hotel Désirée features a restaurant with a sunny terrace serving Valais specialities such as fondue. The cosy bar invites you to end the day in a charming atmosphere.

Pension Taverne

Pension Taverne is located in Grächen and offers free Wi-Fi and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Private parking on site is free of charge.

Some of the accommodation has a seating area, ideal for relaxing, while all have a kettle and a private bathroom. The family lounge also features a flat-screen TV and a DVD player.

There are various activities in the area, including skiing and hiking. It is a 30-minute walk from the Europe Route, 600 metres from the Grächen – Hannigalp ski lift and 84 km from the nearest airport, Bern-Belp Airport.

It is the favourite neighbourhood of travellers visiting Grächen, according to independent guest reviews.

Skiing in Grächen: the resort’s highlights

Grächen, located in Valais at an altitude of 1,620 meters, is a jewel of the Swiss Alps that combines the charm of a mountain village with family-friendly skiing and a beautiful natural environment. Surrounded by the Mischabel peaks and the Weisshorn massif, it offers spectacular views and a peaceful atmosphere, far from mass tourism. With 44 km of slopes and over 40 km of snowshoeing and winter hiking trails, Grächen is ideal for families, beginners, and skiers looking to enjoy winter at their own pace.

A sunny, family-friendly ski area

The Grächen ski area extends between 1,619 and 2,868 meters above sea level. Thanks to its south-facing orientation, it enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year, making every day of skiing a bright and enjoyable experience.

The perfectly groomed slopes are suitable for all levels, with wide blue and red areas ideal for carving and improving technique. The Hannigalp area is the heart of the domain: this is where the main slopes, the ski school, the mountain restaurants, and the rest areas are concentrated.

A resort designed for families

Grächen is recognized throughout Switzerland as one of the most family-friendly resorts in the country. Its snow playground, SiSu Family Park, is one of the largest in the Alps. Children can enjoy games, special slopes, a mini-ski lift, and activities led by specialized instructors.

The atmosphere is relaxed, safe, and welcoming. Everything is designed to make life easier for families: accommodation at the foot of the slopes, nurseries, a multilingual ski school, and services tailored to the needs of young children.

Nature, calm, and sustainability

Grächen’s natural environment is spectacular. From the resort, you can see the Weisshorn and the Mattertal valley, with views stretching as far as Zermatt. The resort is committed to sustainable development: it promotes public transport and uses renewable energy for snow production and lighting.

Winter hiking and snowshoeing trails are an excellent alternative for discovering the surroundings at a leisurely pace.

Swiss cuisine and hospitality

Grächen retains its identity as an authentic alpine village, with traditional chalets and warm hospitality. In its mountain huts and restaurants, you can sample typical Valais dishes such as raclette, fondue, and game specialties.

Mountain restaurants such as Hannigalp and Seetalhorn offer sunny terraces with panoramic views, ideal for enjoying lunch in the mountains.

Other activities and experiences

In addition to skiing, Grächen offers activities for the whole family: sledding, ice skating, guided hikes, and nighttime torchlight tours.

The village hosts cultural events and local fairs that keep the community spirit alive. At night, the clear skies of Valais make Grächen an excellent spot for stargazing.

Tips from the I Love Ski Community for skiing in Grächen

• Start your day at Hannigalp: This is the central point of the ski area and offers direct access to the best slopes and panoramic huts.
• Take advantage of the afternoon sun: Its southern orientation allows you to ski in the sunlight until late in the day.
• Discover the SiSu Family Park: Ideal for children, with safe areas, fun, and learning in the snow.
• Try a Valais raclette: In traditional huts, you can savor authentic Swiss cheese accompanied by local white wine.
• Enjoy the tranquility: Grächen is perfect for stress-free skiing, surrounded by nature and alpine silence.