Dreaming of skiing in the Swiss Alps but the prices of Grindelwald and Zermatt make your wallet cry? I get it. But here’s the secret…

If you’re based in Zurich, you don’t need to spend hundreds to hit the slopes. Stoos and Hoch-Ybrig are two beautiful, budget-friendly ski resorts easily accessible by train and bus—both under 1.5 hours from Zurich.

Cost Comparison at a Glance:

At our budget picks near Zurich:
• Stoos — Day pass 58 CHF + rentals (~80 CHF), ~ total $150 USD
• Hoch-Ybrig — Day pass 59 CHF + rentals (~53 CHF), ~ total ~$155 USD

At top resorts:
• Zermatt — Day pass from ~88 CHF (~$96 USD) for one day.
• Grindelwald — Day pass from ~79 CHF (~$86 USD) in the Jungfrau region.

And those don’t even include the rentals!

Stoos Slops

Stoos is a family-friendly resort, perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a relaxed ski day. We brought Alberto’s sisters for a full day trip, and the journey from Zurich couldn’t be easier.

From Zurich HB, take the train to Schwyz (~34 CHF). From Schwyz Bahnhof, hop on Bus 501 to Stoosbahn (4–5 CHF). The bus drops you right at the gondola entrance that takes you up to the resort.

When you arrive, you can buy your day pass (58 CHF / ~63 USD), which includes the lift up if you choose. Then pick up your rental gear at the resort:

• Skis: 50 CHF (~55 USD)
• Boots: 20 CHF (~22 USD)
• Helmet: 10 CHF (~11 USD)

The moment we stepped off the gondola, I was stunned. The views are unreal—especially once it started snowing as we reached the top and broke through the heavy fog below.

The slopes are very manageable. You can warm up on the easy runs, then move to the blue and red slopes where the views open up to sweeping Alpine ranges that feel endless.

Learn more about my ski tips from personal experience in this my other recent blog post about affordable skiing in Switzerland

We spent the whole day in Stoos, and at the top of one of the mountains there was a small café where we warmed up with hot chocolate. They also serve lunch, but we had packed sandwiches and snacks, which we ate on the mountain peaks while taking in the incredible views. Honestly, talk about the best lunch spot ever!

Stoos Resort Pricing Total: ~$151

• Transportation: ~$39
• Day Pass: 58 CHF (~$63 USD)
• Ski Rentals (1 Day):
  • Skis: 50 CHF (~$55)
  • Boots: 20 CHF (~$22)
  • Helmet: 10 CHF (~$11)

Hoch-Ybrig Slopes

Hoch Ybrig quickly became one of my favorite ski destinations in Europe. The resort offers a variety of intermediate slopes with stunning panoramic views that honestly felt like looking at a green screen. The trails here are slightly shorter than those at Stoos, but lift rides are quicker, allowing you to spend more time skiing and less time waiting in lines.

One of the highlights? Enjoying a cozy mountain-top lunch with rich hot chocolate. This made for the perfect mid-ski break.

From Zurich HB take the train to Wädenswil ($13), which you will transfer to another train to Einsiedeln ($14). From Einsiedeln station take a bus to Talst. Weglosen ($3–$5), which drops you off right at the gondola station where you can get your day pass and gondola tickets!

Pro Tip: Take the earliest train possible! The gondola fills up quickly, and lines start forming early in the morning.

Hoch-Ybrig Resort Pricing Total ~$123

• Total Cost of Transportation: ~$32
• Day Pass: 59 CHF (~$64 USD)
  • Similar to Stoos, there is a bundle option for the gondola and day pass.
• Ski Rentals (1 Day):
  • Skis: 35 CHF (~$38)
  • Boots: 8–10 CHF (~$8–$10) (Varies by size)
  • Helmet: 10 CHF (~$11)

We all know Switzerland can be pricey—especially in winter—but there are ways to soak in the magic of the season without draining your wallet. As travelers, we often gravitate toward the big-name destinations and end up overlooking incredible places that offer the same (and sometimes even better) views for a fraction of the cost.

Not looking to go in the winter? Check out my blog post about Switzerland hikes to take on in the summertime in my Switzerland hiking guide post!

So… are Stoos and Hoch-Ybrig getting added to your Switzerland bucket list?