Ski adventure: 5 cheapest resorts in French-speaking Switzerland

Is skiing in Switzerland expensive? The higher it is, the more expensive it is. For example, one day at the star resort Zermatt, which is the most expensive resort in the country, costs only 86 Swiss francs. That said, you can ski in French-speaking Switzerland for as little as 20 francs a day, but how do you do it? 

By choosing small, medium-altitude resorts, usually below 1,500 metres, you can avoid long queues and crowded pistes. Here, nature is grandiose and the resorts retain a human scale. Why not choose the skiing that's affordable for you? We present you the 5 cheapest ski resorts in French-speaking Switzerland with daily passes ranging from 20 to 40 francs.

1. Roche de Naye, Canton of Vaud

Climbing the cog railway Golden Pass above the city of Montreux, you can enjoy a stunning panorama of the Riviera of Lake Geneva. The trip takes less than an hour, passing through picturesque fields, forests and villages with an altitude difference of 1,600 metres. At the summit, at an altitude of 2,042 metres, guests are welcomed by the Alpin Restaurant, which offers fine mountain cuisine. Here you can try röstis, cheese croûtes, the famous fondue with truffles or crusty bread - dishes that are sure to please any gourmet.

The ski area at the top of the Roche de Naye is impressive with its spectacular scenery. The Pre-Alps overlooking Lake Geneva join the Bernese and French Alps to create a unique atmosphere. The ski area offers six slopes with a total length of eight kilometres. The slopes are suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike, and trick skiers will appreciate the snow park with jumps and railings. At an altitude of over two thousand metres, the snow cover is stable from the very beginning of the winter season, making it an excellent choice for a holiday.

For adults aged 16 and over, a one-day pass costs 20 francs (or 35 including the train journey from Montreux). For children, rates are even more affordable: just 12 francs (18 with train). The resort has three lifts and one cable car, providing easy access to all slopes. This place combines great views, comfortable conditions and affordable prices, making it an ideal choice for a winter holiday.

2. Boulle - La Chia, Canton Fribourg

La Chia is a cosy family resort just a five-minute drive from Bulle, ideal for beginner skiers and families with children. There is an atmosphere of seclusion and tranquillity: no shops, no railway station, just picturesque views of Gruyere that leave an unforgettable impression. At the bottom of the lift is a legendary bar offering exquisite types of fondue. You can try the classic version, vacherin fribourgeois AOP cheese, as well as unique flavours with the addition of hogsheads, white truffles or even hot habanero peppers.

The ski area at La Chia is three kilometres of pistes connected by a single lift. This lift, opened in 1941, was once the longest in Switzerland, reaching 1,091 metres. The resort is open every weekend and during school holidays, creating a convenient schedule for families. Although the slopes are short, they are ideal for training and first steps on skis.

For adults, a day pass costs just 20 francs, while children and students are 15 francs. If you only need one lift, the cost is 2.50 for adults and 1.50 francs for children. At the summit, located at an altitude of 1,300 metres, guests are greeted by two medium difficulty pistes that are ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. La Chia is a place where cosiness, affordable prices and stunning views make for a truly unforgettable holiday.

3. Vallée de Joux - Vollon, canton of Vaud

With its Canadian Wild West atmosphere, the Vallee de Joux-Volon ski area is where nature and sport come together to create a unique winter holiday destination. Comprising four resorts - L'Abbaye, Le Brassuys, L'Orient and Dent de Vollon - this area is a real find for winter adventurers. The enclosed basin, known as the ‘Siberia Vaud’ because of its harsh winds and long winters, offers excellent conditions for skiing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

With over forty kilometres of pistes, the Vallee de Joux is the largest ski area in the Swiss Jura. Although it is impossible to connect all the pistes on the ski area, each of the resorts brings its own twist. For example, in L'Orient you can enjoy a snow park and a lighted night piste, while in L'Abbaye you can visit the original Beagle Bar, which has become a favourite with skiers.

The cost of skiing here makes holidays affordable for most. An adult day pass costs 27 Swiss francs, while children and students are only 17 francs. For those planning shorter descents, single-run or hourly rates are available. The resort is located 1,480 metres above sea level and offers 11 pistes of varying difficulty served by nine lifts.

4. Les Pléiades, Canton of Vaud

Les Pléiades resort, located high above the town of Vevey, is a real gem for mountain lovers and family holidays. You can get here either by car or on the famous MOB cog train, which promises spectacular views of Lake Geneva. At the foot of the slopes is Le 1209, where guests are treated to locally sourced dishes including Chambie pork and Puidoux veal. On the slopes, guests are greeted by Restaurant de La Châ with traditional mountain cuisine, while at the top of the resort Restaurant Les Pléaides delights with Swiss seasonal treats.

This resort is known for its gentle and gentle slopes, which are ideal for teaching children to ski and snowboard. Most of the guests are students from local schools, for whom Les Pléiades was their first step into the world of winter sports. Interestingly, despite global warming, the resort maintains its snow conditions thanks to its special ice microclimate, making it sustainable even in an era of climate change.

An adult day ticket costs 26 Swiss francs, while a children's ticket costs just 14 francs. For those who prefer to travel in comfort, there are combined fares that include a MOB train. The resort is located at an altitude of 1,360 metres and offers six slopes served by five lifts. The slopes are 8 kilometres long and their variety - from simple blue to more challenging reds - makes for an interesting holiday for skiers of all levels.

5. Buttes - La Robella, canton of Neuchâtel

On the hilltop village of Buttes, at the very entrance to the mysterious Val de Traverse, is the resort of La Robella. This corner of Switzerland is famous not only for its ski slopes, but also for its rich cultural heritage. Here, in the heart of the Vallee de Fee, the famous absinthe, a drink shrouded in legend, originated. Despite being banned in the past, its production has never stopped, reminding us of the spirit of independence and craftsmanship of the locals. The resort is nestled in the foothills of the Jura mountains, surrounded by unspoilt landscapes protected by the Cré du Van, the local equivalent of the Grand Canyon, which stands proudly at the other end of the valley.

La Robella offers not only skiing, but also plenty of activities for the whole family. Guests can enjoy the 1200 metre toboggan run on rails, take a ride on the outdoor ice rink or experience the adrenaline on the XL snow scooters. The ski area, although small, impresses with its variety. There are five blue pistes for those who like quiet skiing, as well as two red and two black pistes for more experienced skiers who crave thrills. The chairlift takes guests to an altitude of 1,222 metres, where they are welcomed by the cosy Robellaz bar. This place is famous for its exquisite cuisine: speciality fondue, filet mignon, ham with morels and the famous cream cake will give an unforgettable gastronomic pleasure.

A day pass for an adult costs 29 francs and 22 francs for a child. With its affordable prices and welcoming atmosphere, La Robella attracts both experienced skiers and those just taking their first steps in winter sports. The 20 kilometres of pistes and the variety of slopes make this resort the ideal place to relax surrounded by nature and Swiss charm.

Conclusion

In Switzerland, ski holidays can be affordable and high quality at the same time. The resorts of the French-speaking cantons offer a combination of natural beauty, piste variety and affordable prices. From relaxing skiing on gentle slopes to breathtaking scenery and unique culinary experiences, there is something for everyone. These places create the perfect holiday environment where comfort and beauty go hand in hand.