The Budget-Friendly Guide to Zurich & Swiss Alps for Families
Visiting Switzerland is on many peoples list both in the summer and winter. The biggest put off, the cost! Switzerland isn’t known for its budget holidays but today, Vanessa aka @LondonDaysOut_ talks about her trip to Zurich + the Swiss Alps and tips on how to stay on budget.
Travelling to Zurich
This time, we jetted off to Zurich from London Heathrow. We took the Elizabeth Line to the airport, making the journey smooth and stress-free. Flights were super reasonable at £100 each, including one 8kg hand luggage and a small handbag or backpack. A heads-up: Swiss Airlines is strict on baggage weight! We were slightly over on one bag, and while we didn’t have to pay extra, we had to check it in instead of carrying it onboard. Just something to keep in mind if you’re packing heavy!
Budgeting in Switzerland
We aimed to keep costs low (which isn’t always easy in Switzerland!). Since we planned to visit the mountains, the gondola and funicular rides made it more of a mid-range budget trip rather than a bargain one.
Ski adventures with children
Our main goal? Hit the mountains and get my son skiing for the first time! If you’re just visiting cities, Switzerland can be affordable, but skiing does add an extra cost. We lisited three beginner-friendly ski resorts near Zurich (all within an hour’s travel) and loved them all. Ski lessons for kids were well-priced:
Group lesson (2 hours) – CHF 45 (with a break in between)
Private lesson (1 hour) – CHF 65
Instructors speak English & German (request English in advance)
Skiing for toddlers
Kids as young as 3 years old can start skiing in Switzerland! If you’re bringing older kids and toddlers, it’s manageable since all the ski resorts we visited have play areas or seating by the lesson zones. Some hotels even offer childcare, taking little ones to lessons while parents relax or go skiing too!
Ski gear: buy or rent?
Buying ski gear in the UK (Decathlon, eBay, WhoSki.com) can save money, especially since kids grow fast and won’t use it for long.
Rental option
Websites like cirkelsupply.com let you choose sizes and deliver straight to your accommodation. Snow jackets start from CHF 15/day.
Essentials
Gloves and goggles (for sunny days) are must-haves and are affordable.
Snow boots are also worth renting or buying so kids can play comfortably.
Skis, boots & helmets: These can be rented at ski schools, but book in advance to ensure they have the right size.
What we loved
Everywhere we went had small playgrounds, and honestly, you don’t need extra toys—kids are thrilled just playing in the snow! With the right gear, they won’t feel cold at all.
To keep costs low, we packed our own lunches. As a reference, a cup of latte costs around CHF 5.
activites + costs
All these places are open year-round with activities beyond skiing, so plan at least a full day for each! Prices below are for return gondola or funicular tickets:
Braunwald – CHF 16 adult / CHF 8 child
Stoos – CHF 23.20 adult / CHF 11.60 child
Sattel – CHF 30 adult / CHF 15 child
Car park – Around or under CHF 10 for the day
Sledging – CHF 10 to rent the sledge, and free to play
Horse-drawn sledge rides – CHF 50 for up to four people
All three resorts are open year-round, making them great options for hikes and other outdoor activities throughout the year. Websites are mostly in German, but you can translate them in your browser. You can also get in touch with them directly—they are usually very responsive!
We had an amazing time and would absolutely go again! If you’re thinking about booking ski lessons for your kids in Switzerland, definitely check these resorts out.
