Skiing in Klosters suits families and skiers who already link turns. Two mountains start in the village: the Madrisa above Klosters Dorf, for children and first ski days, and the Gotschna above Klosters Platz, which links by lift into the Parsenn (115 of the region’s 253 km of pistes). Zurich HB is 1 hour 50 minutes away by train. One lift pass covers Klosters and Davos.
We are a ski school in Klosters, and “Davos or Klosters?” is one of the first things we ask our guests. Or leave the choice to us: with a private ski lesson, your instructor picks the mountain by your level, the weather and the snow.
Which Klosters mountain suits whom?
The Madrisa is for families, children and first ski days. Gotschna-Parsenn is for skiers who already link turns and want long runs. Each has its own lift from the village: Klosters Dorf for the Madrisa, Klosters Platz for the Gotschna.
| Madrisa | Gotschna-Parsenn | |
|---|---|---|
| Lift from the village | Madrisa gondola, Klosters Dorf | Gotschna cable car, Klosters Platz |
| Altitude | 1,887–2,611 m | Gotschnagrat 2,285 m · Parsenn 810–2,844 m (lowest point: Küblis) |
| Pistes | 28 km: 6 km blue, 9 km red, 6 km black, 7 km ski route | 115 km (whole Parsenn): 23 km blue, 64 km red, 16 km black, 12 km ski routes |
| Beginner terrain | kids’ area and practice lifts at the top station | two magic carpets at Gotschnagrat, the top station at 2,285 m |
| Season 2026/27 | 18 Dec 2026 – 29 Mar 2027 | Gotschna lifts (Klosters side): daily 4 Dec 2026 – 4 Apr 2027 |
Ski routes are marked, not groomed. Piste km from the lift company’s Facts and Figures; other pages of the lift company and of the Madrisa list 30–31 km for the Madrisa. Sources: Davos Klosters Bergbahnen, Municipality of Klosters. As of 02.10.2026.
The Madrisa is the beginner mountain we recommend in Klosters. Its practice lifts make the steps to a first blue piste small; restaurant, toilets and kids’ area sit together at the top station. Of its 28 km, 6 km are blue, 9 km red and 6 km black. Afterwards, families sledge down to Saas (sledging). The kids’ area in detail: Snowgarden and Madrisa-Land.
From Klosters Platz the Gotschna cable car climbs to Gotschnagrat at 2,285 m, and from there you ski into the Parsenn. It is red-run country: 64 of its 115 km are red, which suits intermediates who want mileage. On an intermediate’s first day from Klosters we usually start at Gotschnagrat: a blue run at the Gruobenalp to warm up, then the red runs of the Parsenn. From the Weissfluhjoch, a 12 km descent leads down to Küblis, and the train brings you back to Klosters. The descent suits intermediate to advanced skiers; beforehand we check the snow and whether the run has been groomed. More: the 6 mountains of Davos Klosters and, for off-piste, our backcountry article.
Can you snowboard in Klosters?
Yes. Both Klosters mountains are open to snowboarders, and we teach snowboarding from age 6, in the same private format and at the same prices as skiing. For a first day on a board we recommend the same places as for skis: the Madrisa, or the free magic carpet at Bolgen in Davos. In a private lesson, one to one and over a full day, in our experience most of our guests go down a blue piste that same day, on skis or on a snowboard.
The Madrisa also has drag lifts, which take practice on a board. Beginners therefore start on the runs at the magic carpets; the next step is the T-bar and the button lift, which your instructor practises with you. Bolgen in Davos is easier for beginners, but guests staying in Klosters usually prefer to stay on the Madrisa. Once you link turns, the Parsenn opens up; the Jatzpark is on the Jakobshorn in Davos. In the three group weeks, children from age 6 can join the kids’ snowboard group on the Madrisa. Undecided? Skiing or snowboarding: which is easier to learn? → Private snowboard lessons
How do you get to Klosters from Zurich without a car?
By train: SBB InterCity from Zurich HB to Landquart, then the Rhaetian Railway to Klosters Platz, 1 hour 50 minutes in all, twice an hour. At Landquart you change platforms, with 8 to 9 minutes to spare. From Zurich Airport allow about 2 hours 10. For the Madrisa, get off at Klosters Dorf: 1 hour 47 on the hourly train that stops there, otherwise about 2 hours with a short bus ride. These times come from the 2027 timetable for a Saturday in January; check the SBB app before you travel. Car, luggage and skis: Zurich Airport to Davos and Klosters.
Where do ski lessons start in Klosters?
For private lessons, wherever you are: your instructor collects you at your hotel or the station, goes with you to the rental shop and rides up with you. This applies to every private lesson. The lesson starts when you meet, so the way to the slope counts as lesson time. That is why we recommend pickup for full days. The choice is yours. For half a day or less, especially in high season, we recommend meeting at the top of the mountain. In Klosters you rent at Bardill Sport or at Gotschna Sport by the Gotschna valley station, with an exclusive discount (ski rental in Davos Klosters). The earliest start is the first lift at 8:15; the last lift up the Madrisa leaves at 15:45. On arrival day we recommend five or six hours, so rental and ticket don’t eat into a half day. Lift pass and rental are extra; the Madrisa has a cheaper ticket for its beginner area. → Private beginner ski lessons
Kids’ groups meet in front of the valley station of the mountain you book:
| Group | Meeting point | Times | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kids ski group Madrisa | Madrisa valley station, Klosters Dorf | 8:45–15:00 | ages 5–12, from absolute beginner |
| Kids ski group Gotschna-Parsenn | Gotschna valley station, Klosters Platz | 8:45–15:00 | ages 5–12, already skiing with control |
Groups run only in three weeks: 29 December 2026 – 2 January 2027, 16–20 February 2027 and 23–27 February 2027. At most six children; full days only, CHF 95 per child per day, supervised lunch CHF 24. From age 6 a lift ticket is needed, not included. If a week does not reach four children, we offer a private lesson. Outside those weeks: a private lesson, the Snowgarden lesson for the youngest, or a family lesson for up to six (parents with children, one parent with children, or siblings only), with no surcharge.
And if the weather turns? In a storm or poor visibility we take beginners low and out of the wind, to Bolgen in Davos if possible. If you are staying in Klosters, the options are Selfranga, if it is open, or Bolgen. Everyone else skis the lower pistes or in the forest.
When does the 2026/27 ski season start in Klosters?
Weekend operation above Klosters runs on 27–29 November 2026. The Gotschna then runs daily from 4 December 2026 to 4 April 2027, the Madrisa from 18 December 2026 to 29 March 2027. That is the lift company’s plan as of 10 October 2026; snow can change it. Before 18 December and after 29 March the Madrisa is closed; beginners from Klosters then start at the Gotschna (Gotschna daily from 4 December) or at Bolgen in Davos. In November, the Parsenn from Davos Dorf opens earlier: weekend operation from 13 November, daily from 20 November. In high season (19 December 2026 – 5 January 2027 and 13 February – 10 March 2027), book at least a month ahead.
Klosters or Davos: which base suits you?
Choose Klosters for a village, for families and for the Madrisa; choose Davos for a town, the Jatzpark and our Beginner Ski Weekend. Both share the Parsenn and one lift pass, and the train between them takes 21 to 32 minutes. With the guest card from your accommodation, local public transport is free.
Klosters suits you with children (Davos Klosters with kids), on a first ski holiday and if you want quiet slopes: in high season the Madrisa stays quiet. Davos suits you for a town, the Jatzpark and après-ski, or as an adult beginner who wants a group. Our Beginner Ski Weekend runs Friday to Sunday in Davos Platz on 18–20 December 2026, 15–17 January 2027 and 12–14 March 2027: 3 to 6 adults from 18, no experience needed, equipment and programme lifts included, from CHF 650; ski clothing is an add-on for CHF 125 (ski weekend near Zurich). From Zurich HB the train takes 1 h 50 to Klosters Platz; Davos Platz is also reached by train.
Where to eat on the mountain in Klosters
The Bergrestaurant Gotschnagrat at the Gotschna top station works for everyone: non-skiers ride up by cable car. On blue runs, stop at the Skihütte Gruobenalp; on the Klosters side of the Parsenn we like the Alte Schwendi, on red run 24. On the Madrisa, the Madrisa-Hof is a short walk from the top station. All huts by access: mountain restaurants in Davos Klosters.
Frequently asked questions
Is Klosters good for beginners?
Yes. Beginners start on the Madrisa, the beginner mountain we recommend in Klosters, or at the Gotschna with two magic carpets at Gotschnagrat.
Klosters or Davos for skiing?
Klosters for families, quiet and the Madrisa; Davos for a town, the Jatzpark and après-ski. Both share one lift pass, half an hour apart by train.
How do I get to Klosters from Zurich?
By train from Zurich HB, changing in Landquart: 1 hour 50 to Klosters Platz, twice an hour. From Zurich Airport about 2 hours 10.
Can you snowboard in Klosters?
Yes, on both mountains. We teach snowboarding from age 6, starting on the Madrisa; the Jatzpark is on the Jakobshorn in Davos.
When does the ski season start in Klosters?
In 2026/27 the Gotschna runs daily from 4 December 2026 to 4 April 2027, after weekend operation on 27–29 November. The Madrisa is open from 18 December 2026 to 29 March 2027.
Is Klosters part of the Davos ski area?
Yes. Klosters and Davos form one ski region: five areas, 253 km of pistes, one lift pass. The Gotschna links Klosters to the Parsenn.
Your first day in Klosters
Tell us where you are staying, how many you are and your level. We suggest the mountain and the meeting point; where you meet is your choice. To start, we usually recommend half a day (five or six hours on arrival day): 2.5 hours for CHF 270, one or two people.
→ Book private ski lessons in Klosters
Ride and Smile · Gäuggeliweg 43, 7250 Klosters · +41 81 543 10 87 · WhatsApp · info@ride-and-smile.ch
Sources: Davos Klosters Bergbahnen (Facts and Figures, Madrisa, operating times 2026/27), Municipality of Klosters (Gotschnagrat), davos.ch (Bolgen), SBB timetable 2027 (Saturday 16.01.2027, via the official open-data interface), Ride and Smile price list winter 2026/27 and information from the school. As of 02.10.2026.
