The Ski Resort
If you are looking to celebrate the New Year ski holiday amongst the well heeled then Davos Klosters is the perfect location. Here you will be seeing in the New Year amongst the true aristocratic class, although Davos Klosters is a relaxed and warm ski destination. Here is a ski resort were riches, not to mention class, was inherited at birth and therefore no one needs to shout about their wealth. The most famous Klosters aristocrat is probably Prince Charles who even has a cable car named after the HRH in the resort.
Whilst it may well be a great ski resort for the historically rich, it is also a great New Year ski resort for clients who appreciate great skiing, a good après-ski and a fun ski resort that is packed with charm and entertainment. On the ski slopes the skiing rises to 2,844 metres and whilst so home runs are relatively low, recent investments have ensured good snow cover early on down into the resort and the high slopes are some of the highest and therefore most snow sure in the Alps. The ski pistes are extremely well maintained so expect typically, especially at the start of the day some perfectly groomed pistes with the exception of some of the black runs. In terms of expert skiing, the New Year skiing is also pretty good with some good challenging black pistes and some excellent off-piste too.
The beginners areas are also well laid out and the tuition generally very good. In Klosters the nursery slopes are at Klosters Dorf, Klosters Platz, and Selfranga . In Davos it is primarily the Bolgen nursery slope.
Overall here at New Year Ski holidays we prefer Klosters for its charm and character over Davos that was once more famous for its health and well being residences where large hotels are the predominant skyline. Also we love the apres-ski in Klosters around the Chesa Grischuna (close to Klosters train station) where live music is the order of the day and night. Here you can part all of the New Year skiing holidays, not just New Years Eve
In terms of bars and restaurants, both Davos and Klosters have some excellent establishments although in the day the mountain restaurants above Davos are disappointing, whereas Klosters slopes you will find some nice mountain restaurants.
Worth Knowing
An understated ski resort for aristocrats who just do not need to be ostentatious with their wealth. Prince Charles being one of them so look out for the cable car that climbs to the top of under Gotschnagrat that carries the Prince of Wales name.
On New Years Day, especially if you have youn children, the ''Hotsch'' Race (pig race) is a long-standing tradition! Ten small piglets are cheered on loudly by local people and guests to the finish line. all having been lovingly prepared for their big day for weeks with plenty of patience and special training necessary! Afterwards you can then enjoy a family friendly get-together and a Graubunden Röteli or two along with local specialities. Musical entertainment and the festive atmosphere is coutesy of the local pop band.
Off Piste Skiing
Davos Klosters off-piste is very good and hence why the HRH and his family have skied it for many years.
Try the off-piste itinerary runs of either Fideris or Jenaz and enjoy the pretty descent. Dorfberg and Gemindeboden in good snow conditions are also enjoyable and pleasing on the eye.
Ski School
Davos Klosters main schools are the Ski and Snowboard School or the Swiss Snowsport School. Being the New Year ski holidays we advise that you do book prior to arrival however.
Snow Boarding
Davas and Klosters might not be the first name on a snowboarders resort list, but it probably should be having spent a lot of time and money on two fabulous half pipes and a great snowpark too. On piste is good for all but superb for intermediates and the off-piste is also very good for expert snowboarders.
View Klosters Ski Resort Guide - Chalet Ski (www.c haletski.co. uk) in a larger map