When is the best time to ski and snowboard in Davos-Kosters? A guide for your Ski Holidays
Here at The Snow Experience we often get asked when is the best time to ski and snowboard in Davos-Klosters.
Well, this is certainly a legitimate question since understanding the unpredictable mountain weather and reading the snow forecast can be complicated, and Davos-Klosters Mountain region presents diverse snow conditions and climate variability from one month to the other.
*(In any case, we always recommend to check Davos snow and weather forecast when planning your ski trip)
And if this was not already completed enough, we also find other factors influencing our time skiing and snowboarding in Davos-Klosters, such as: crowds and prices.
After a solid 10 years spent in this ski resort, we believe that as seasoned ski and snowboard instructors, we can make your life easier and give you some “local tips”that will make your winter holiday to Davos and Klosters as enjoyable as it can be!
Before diving into the details, it is important to make clear what is the purpose of your holiday to Davos.
If you are a beginner skier or snowboarder, you do not really care as much about the “perfect snow conditions” or the ideal “powder”. Thus for all beginners we would rather suggest having a look at our “Best Beginner Ski Slopes in Davos-Kloster Guide” which might be a more interesting read.
On the other hand, if you are coming to Davos as an intermediate or advanced rider, looking for the ideal snow condition, empty groomed slopes or deep fresh snow, you are looking at the right guide!
In any case, it doesn’t really matter what kind of skier or snowboarder you are, from your first day on the snow till the most extreme freeride, there is an ideal time of winter for everyone, and the doors of The Snow Experience Davos will always be open for you!
When is the best time to ski in Davos-Klosters? Every time!
The first factor to consider when planning a ski holiday to Davos, is clearly the snow condition. Luckily, the mountain resort experiences long winters, and offers good snow conditions from mid November all the way to mid April.
At an altitude of 1543 meters, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Davos is considered one of the snowiest places in the whole of Europe! (If you wish to know more about Winter in Davos you can find additional information here)
Here, we provide a month-by-month breakdown of Davos's winter weather and snow conditions, helping you choose the best time to visit based on your preferred skiing and snowboarding style and skill level.
Get ready to score some epic days in the mountains!
Skiing and Snowboarding in Davos during November and early December
The beginning of a ski season in Davos-Klosters is ideal for everyone that wants to get ahead of competition and get some days on the snow before the crowd reaches the mountains!
During this time, except occasional long weekends, the slopes will be empty and you will ever need to queue at the lifts.
In the pre-season, the weather and snow conditions can be highly unpredictable. This is a time of the year where the first winter storms can bring exceptional amounts of snow to the Swiss Alps, making this the perfect time to hit Davos for freeriding and good powder.
(Pro Tip: unless you want to ruin your gear, do not go freeriding on the first snowfall of the year, wait for a solid base to be built.…..rocks will be merciless!)
In contrast, when summer’s clear weather and high-pressure systems linger longer than usual, Davos can experience extremely dry conditions with only a few centimeters of snow, even as temperatures drop. While this may mean limited snowfall and fewer visitors, it can be an appealing scenario for beginners. Those less concerned about perfect snow conditions and more focused on avoiding crowded and potentially unsafe beginner slopes may find this environment ideal for learning.
Davos-Klosters in late December and Beginning of January: Christmas and New Years Eve Ski Holidays
This time of winter is most likely going to be a safe choice. Cold temperatures are almost guaranteed, making December’s snow one of the best around the year. On the down side, in the past couple of winters (2023-2024) we have experienced pretty dry conditions, which is not ideal for freeride enthusiasts.
On the other hand, this is the perfect time for family ski trips and more slope oriented skiers and snowboarders: the freezing temperatures of the night turn the morning snow into an absolute dream.
(Pro tip: if you are a more advanced rider, wanting to perform some fast carvs, take advantage of the early morning when the snow is freshly groomed and the crowd has not reached the mountain yet).
Christmas and New Years Eve are also great for winter tourists to get a real Winter Wonderland experience: Davos with its lights, snowy peaks and Christmassy vibes, looks just like a postcard. If you are planning your first ski trip ever, or you are new to skiing in Europe, this might be exactly what you are looking for. (If this is your first ski trip ever and you want to make sure to come prepared, please find more info here)
(Pro tip: keep in mind that this is a school holiday period and the ski slopes will be busy)
The Best Snow in Davos: late January and Beginning of February
For us, ski and snowboard instructors, this is the time of the year that offers the best snow conditions. Late January and beginning of February have consistently proven to offer low temperatures together with abundant snowfall….making this the best time for all freeride and powder lovers!
Additionally, the period from January 10th to February 10th is generally considered “low season” due to the reduced number of visitors in the mountains. This means lower prices and quieter slopes, making it an excellent time for those seeking a more affordable and less crowded skiing experience.
(Pro tip: make sure to check the weather forecast accurately before planning your trip to the mountains: this time of winter can have a lot of snowy and stormy days, which are not exactly ideal for people loving skiing and snowboarding in the bright sun).
Skiing and Snowboarding during February’s Winter Holidays
Skiers and Snowboarders coming during February’s “Carnival holidays” will not be disappointed.
February is renowned for its beautiful sunny days and excellent snow conditions. During this time, the sun returns to brighten the slopes, while temperatures remain low, creating ideal conditions for enjoying sunny days paired with perfectly preserved snow.
Here, everyone can make the most of their time: beginners will appreciate the soft snow that is neither melted nor icy, intermediates can enjoy the increasingly longer sunny days while exploring the expansive Davos ski area, and freeriders and experts will have the opportunity to tackle challenging off-piste terrain or carve up the slopes.
On the down side, this is the peak of the ski season, resulting in slightly higher prices across the resorts and a larger number of people on the mountain.
(Pro tip: during this couple of weeks make sure not to go to Parsenn Bahn between 8:00 and 10:00 in the morning, some days there might be quite a queue.
Us as instructors prefer to go to less crowded resorts such as Jakobshorn and Rinerhorn. If you are looking for more details about all the ski resorts around Davos-Klosters, here is our detail guide)
Davos best weather-snow combination: March
March is the ideal skiing period for everyone that loves long sunny days in the mountains.
The rising temperatures combined with the sunshine will turn your time in Davos in an absolute delight!
During this month it is likely that the warmth of the sun melts the afternoon snow which could result in heavier snow in the second half of the ski day, and icy conditions the day after.
(Pro tip: A helpful tip for finding the best snow conditions in March is to check the previous day’s temperatures. If they were above 0°C, the slopes are likely to be icy in the morning, so it’s best to wait until the sun has softened the snow. Conversely, if temperatures stay below 0°C, aim to hit the slopes early the next day to enjoy the freshest and most pristine snow conditions).
Another reason to love skiing and snowboarding in March is the amount of snowfall. With the beginning of spring it is likely to have abundant precipitation, turning once more Davos into a freeride and powder paradise!
In our view, March is the perfect time for all types of snow and ski enthusiasts. From beginners to freestyle and snowpark lovers, everyone can find something to enjoy. Plus, after a day on the slopes, March brings fantastic après-ski opportunities, concerts, and events to enhance your experience.
Sunbathing in Davos-Klosters Mountains: April
April and Easter holidays are the ideal time for t-shirt skiers and snowboarders: if you want to work on your tan while enjoying quiet slopes, this is your moment!
During this last month of skiing, high temperatures and good sunny days are guaranteed.
As the temperatures rise, Davos becomes a paradise for slash riders (soft snow melted by the sun) such as freestylers and snowboarders.
This kind of snow is not bad for beginners too since it is soft and more forgiving when learning to ski and snowboard.
(Pro tip: as we mentioned above, be careful of icy conditions in the early mornings and in areas of shade).
If you’re an experienced skier looking to refine specific techniques, such as carving or short turns, we recommend checking the weather forecast before heading to Davos to ensure you encounter the best possible conditions. Similarly, freeride enthusiasts can find incredible amounts of fresh snow in April. However, due to rising temperatures, this snow tends to melt and consolidate quickly, so timing is crucial to make the most of the conditions.
Conclusion
November and early December: The weather and snow conditions can be unpredictable, during this time of the year, even if temperatures are generally low, the amount of natural snow can be hard to forecast. On the other hand artificial snow is always guaranteed!
This is the ideal time to find empty slopes and to get some good riding days before the start of winter holidays.
Late December, Christmas and Beginning of January: Low temperatures combined with a good amount of snow (possibly artificial), Christmas decorations and vibrant lights, turn Davos into a Winter Wonderland.
This period is perfect for families and all skiers and snowboarders that want to immerse themself into a “postcard” like Switzerland.
Late January and early February: These 30 days across January and February are really the prime time for skiing and snowboarding in Davos: Low temperatures and good snow are a guarantee! Especially January, in the past years has shown a trend of consistent snowfalls, making Davos an ideal destination for powder and off-piste.
February Winter’s Holidays: February is the prime period for recreational skiers and snowboarders. The sun comes back to the mountains and the days start to get longer again, the snow’s conditions are optimal and the temperatures already nice on the skin.
March: this is the time of the year that really offers the best snow and weather combination. The morning, being cold, still offers really good snow, while the sunny afternoon already gives you the chance of sunbathing. On top of this, March is famous for its snowfall that can still give freeride enthusiasts a good shot to score perfect pow.
End of the Season, April: Once again, in April, the snow conditions can be unpredictable, when summer comes earlier than forecasted, the lower part of the slopes can be uncovered or present poor snow conditions. On the other hand, the weather is sweet! Bluebird days will allow you to ride in a t-shirt and to get the tan going before summer.