Klosters - a classic for connoisseurs
Klosters is a well preserved, relaxed and affluent traditional alpine village located in the Prattigau/Davos region of the Swiss canton of Graubünden. The local population is just under 4,500 residents and Klosters marked its 800-year anniversary in 2022 – celebrating the date the locality was first documented, when it derived its name from Klösterli im Walt. This burned down in 1621, leaving nothing but the Romanesque tower which, to this day, still forms the focal point of Klosters Platz as part of its famous church.
Today it is renowned as a premier ski resort destination, attracting visitors from around the world, including royalty and celebrities, with some first class restaurants and hotels, or luxurious chalet accommodation. The village itself is pleasantly traditional and unpretentious with typical Swiss discretion. The ski area is connected to the larger Davos-Klosters domain, providing access to an extensive network of pistes. Snow reliability is usually good. Throughout the year, various cultural events, festivals, and concerts keep visitors and residents entertained. Klosters is easily accessible by train or car from Zurich (160km) which is approximately a two-hour drive, and just 10km from Davos
Property in Klosters
In November 2018 the Commune voted to open up the property market allowing non-residents without a B or C permit to acquire property in Klosters - it is hardly a surprise that this led to stronger demand and higher prices. As was the case elsewhere in Switzerland, almost every property for sale in Klosters sold out during the pandemic - there remains a limited stock for sale. Most properties with a floorspace up to 200m2 are available to non-residents. Prices range from CHF16-24,000/m2 and are currently 50% higher than before the pandemic, according to UBS. Individual chalets and apartments in chalet style buildings are the typical property types in Klosters with 2-4 bedroom apartments the most common for sale, priced in the CHF16-18k/m2 range; larger chalets, when available, will fetch over 20,000/m2. Just down the road is Serneus, a small and quiet local village that is worth considering.
A busy period in this region is always the WEF - while centred in Davos, many choose to stay in Klosters generating strong rental revenues for owners who rent out their lodging.
Klosters ski area
The Davos-Klosters ski area has the variety that many families would find ideal with a mix of blue pistes (20%), red (44%) and blacks (36%) and a considerable altitude range between 810-2845m. With more than 80% of the ski area over 2000m it has a good snow-sure track record. A cable car from the railway station takes you to the Gotschnagrat end of the Parsenn ski area shared with Davos. Weissfluhjoch is a time-honoured ski run that opened in 1932 from the centre of Davos. Signal, and Schöni & down to Laret are off-piste routes favoured by locals and regular visitors. The area is known for perfectly groomed wide red and blue pistes making it ideal for families. But more advanced skiers will recommend run number 24, a cruise through the trees towards a lunch at the Alte Schwendi restaurant. From here you can tackle the 12km Parsenn run down to the railway station at Kublis. For snowboarders, there are 2 terrain parks and a half pipe. A lunch stop at Wolfgang, a the bottom of the Parsenn piste has been a rite of passage for generations. Madrisa, which is separate from the Davos-Klosters lined ski area has excellent intermediate terrain and a snowcross course, being south facing, the snow can be slushy later in the season.
The unique geography and layout of Klosters, with its five distinct ski areas, offer skiers and snowboarders unparalleled access to off-piste terrain, much of it north facing. One of the key advantages of Klosters' off-piste skiing is that much of it remains hidden from the main lift systems. This means that even several days after a snowfall, there's still the potential to find untouched powder.
The valleys and topography of the Davos-Klosters region are ideal for cross country ski-ing with over 100 km of classic and 75 km of skating trails available. The world's cross-country skiing elite take part every year at Davos Nordic. An 18.5km dog trail allows your furry friend to keep you in good company.
Après ski in Klosters
Before you descend, Joe's Bar at Skihütte Gruobenalp is a sunny place for refreshments and once down in the village Gaudy's is a focal point at the end of the ski day. The only nightclub in town, Casa Antica, opened in 1959.
Tobogganing is popular here and has been for decades and the exceptional 8.5km run from Madrisa to Saas should not be missed. The "Red Bull Sledgend" event in February is an exhilarating and fun-filled competition with 550 participants sledging down the Flüela Pass from 2,383m altitude down the twisty and sometimes steep 5.65 km downhill course. For other entertainment, Cover Festival Davos in late March brings together some of the best pop, rock and reggae tribute bands in Europe.
Summer in Klosters
The Prättigau/Klosters/Davos holiday region boasts an expansive hiking area, offering an extensive network of trails covering approximately 700 km. These trails cater to a wide range of hiking abilities, from leisurely strolls suitable for families with prams to challenging mountain hikes for experienced adventurers.
Davos-Klosters stands out as one of the premier mountain biking destinations in Switzerland, offering an array of trails and experiences to cater to cyclists of all levels. Enduro biking enthusiasts, in particular, will find plenty to enjoy, with challenging routes like the Bahnen tour beckoning with its total ascent of 10,000 meters. Another highlight is the Gotschna Freeride Piste, a spectacular 6-kilometer roller-coaster ride for mountain bikers. Featuring over 200 banked curves, jumps, and waves, this freeride trail offers an adrenaline-pumping descent from the Gotschna middle station down to Klosters.
For younger families, Madrisa Land, open from June to October, calls itself he largest playground in the Swiss mountains, in a fun, playful and action-packed way.
Davos-Klosters has two golf courses of its own. There are eight other places in the immediate vicinity.
Other Destinations in the Swiss Alps:
Andermatt Champéry Crans-Montana Grimentz Flims Laax Falera Grindelwald Gstaad La Tzoumaz Nendaz Saas Fee Verbier Veysonnaz Villars