Cloudy forecasts, mountain windstorms, or occasional valley rain never need to disrupt your holiday in Davos: As the highest town in Europe, Davos possesses a sophisticated cultural, wellness, and culinary infrastructure that goes far beyond downhill ski slopes. When sudden mountain gale-force winds temporarily halt high-alpine lifts on Parsenn or Jakobshorn, the valley transforms into an oasis of relaxation and cultural discovery: from the state-of-the-art pools and saunas at eau-là-là to world-class expressionist art at the Kirchner Museum and tours of Europe’s highest craft brewery in Monstein. This insider guide by Ride and Smile reveals the ten finest indoor and bad-weather alternatives for couples, solo travellers, and families with young children.
1. Thermal Wellness & Aquatic Fun: The ‘eau-là-là’ Spa & Pool
When winter gales sweep the high peaks, nothing compares to floating in a 34°C heated outdoor whirlpool while watching snowflakes drift down from the sky:
- For Families with Children: The eau-là-là aquatic centre in Davos Platz features a 25-metre lap pool, an imaginative shallow toddler splash area, and a thrilling 80-metre «Black Hole» enclosed waterslide.
- For Adults & Spa Lovers: The two-storey wellness and sauna pavilion offers an authentic Finnish outdoor log cabin sauna, bio-sauna, eucalyptus steam baths, foot-reflexology pools, and spacious relaxation lounges facing snow-clad pine forests.
- Insider Tip: Overnight guests staying in Davos Klosters receive discounted admission by presenting their official resort guest card.
2. World-Class Art & Culture: The Kirchner Museum Davos
Did you know that Davos is home to one of Switzerland’s most internationally celebrated art museums? German expressionist master Ernst Ludwig Kirchner lived in Davos from 1918 until his death in 1938, creating his most celebrated masterpieces inspired by the rugged majesty of the Grisons peaks:
- The Architecture: Designed by acclaimed Zurich architects Gigon/Guyer, the museum’s four interconnected glass cubes capture shifting alpine daylight, creating an architectural work of art in itself.
- The Collection: Over 1,400 oil paintings, expressive sculptures, sketchbooks, and woodcuts by Kirchner, alongside curated contemporary exhibitions.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 AM to 05:00 PM (winter). An enriching, inspiring rainy-afternoon excursion for all generations.
3. Culinary Exploration: Europe’s Highest Brewery in Monstein
A delightful bad-weather excursion for culinary connoisseurs sits just 15 minutes down the valley in the 400-year-old wooden Walser village of Monstein (1,625 m above sea level):
- Biervision Monstein: Housed in a historic former village dairy, this artisanal craft brewery produces famous Monsteiner beer – brewed exclusively with crystal-clear mountain spring water, local organic malts, and aromatic Swiss hops.
- Tasting Sessions & Tours: On selected days, guests can tour the copper brewing kettles and sample signature brews such as the unfiltered Huusbier, the rich Steinbock, or the crisp Mungga. Pairings include local alpine cheeses, freshly baked breads, and cured Grisons beef (Bündnerfleisch).
- Easy Access: The local PostBus departs regularly from Davos Platz, dropping you directly outside the brewery door.
Ride and Smile Combination Tour: On snowy days, we lead private guided forest snowshoe walks to Monstein finishing with an exclusive craft beer tasting session. Explore our Guided Snowshoe & Beer Tasting Tour.
4. Winter Sports Heritage & Indoor Action
The Davos Winter Sports Museum (Wintersportmuseum)
Step back into the golden age of alpine skiing: The Wintersportmuseum in Davos Platz houses rare historic wooden skis, vintage bobsleighs, Victorian ice skates, and original blueprints from 1934 documenting the invention of the world’s very first T-bar ski lift on the Bolgen slope. Open Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 04:30 PM to 06:30 PM.
Indoor Ice Skating & Hockey at the Davos Sports Centre
When high peaks are wind-bound, the ice is often at its finest: The Davos Sports Centre features an indoor arena alongside one of Europe’s largest refrigerated outdoor ice surfaces. Enjoy recreational public ice skating, try curling, or watch the legendary HC Davos hockey team practice. Rental skates are available on site.
5. Gentle Weather-Sheltered Walks: Pine Forests Over High Summits
Bad weather in the Alps usually means intense wind and zero visibility above the 2,500 m tree line, whereas valley trails remain tranquil, calm, and sheltered:
- Protected Winter Walking Paths: Trails winding through the Dischma Valley (heading toward the historic Restaurant Teufi) or the Sertig Valley meander through dense Swiss stone pine forests that block mountain winds. Snow-laden branches create a peaceful, muffled winter wonderland.
- The Squirrel Path (Eichhörnchenweg): This gentle woodland path just above Davos Dorf delights children even in steady snowfall: curious, tame wild squirrels scamper down tree trunks to eat hazelnuts right out of children’s hands.
- Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides: Snuggled beneath thick woollen blankets, enjoy a classic two-horse open sleigh ride into the Sertig Valley to the Walserhuus lodge for hot chocolate and cheese fondue beside a roaring fireplace.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Weather in Davos
Do mountain lifts operate during heavy snow or storms?
During severe windstorms (Föhn), high exposed summits (such as Weissfluhgipfel on Parsenn or Jakobshorn top) are placed on hold for passenger safety. However, tree-sheltered lower lifts – especially on Rinerhorn and Madrisa – frequently continue operating smoothly.
What are the best activities for toddlers on rainy days?
The heated splash pools at eau-là-là are the top choice for young families. Alternatively, take a scenic, warm journey through snow valleys aboard the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) panoramic coaches or visit the cozy Davos library and indoor play cafes.
Where can we enjoy traditional fondue in a cozy atmosphere?
Kaffee Klatsch in Davos Platz and Dorf offers the ultimate bohemian haven for coffee, cakes, and books. For authentic evening fondue, reserve a table at the rustic Fondue Stübli in Hotel Grischa or at the historic 400-year-old Walserhuus in Sertig.
Turn Bad Weather into Great Memories with Ride and Smile
Do not let stormy forecasts dampen your holiday spirit. Ride and Smile’s private instructors adapt your schedule on the fly: shifting lessons to sheltered forest tree lines, leading tranquil snowshoe walks, or managing private concierge indoor experiences:
- Snowshoe Trek with Craft Beer Tasting: Discover Snowshoe & Monstein Beer
- Custom Concierge Bookings: Inquire Events & Concierge
- Contact Us: info@ride-and-smile.ch | +41 81 543 10 87
