Most of the runs are on open slopes above steeper woodland.

Extent of the slopes

A cable car from the railway station in Platz takes you to the Gotschnagrat end of the Parsenn area shared with Davos. A gondola from Dorf takes you up to the scenic Madrisa area. There’s also a little slope at Selfranga (floodlit some evenings), a suburb of Platz. Be aware that Madrisa closes in spring a bit earlier than the sectors around Davos.

Fast lifts

Apart from the gondola, it’s T-bars and one slow chair on Madrisa.

Snow reliability

It’s usually good higher up. Madrisa gets a lot of sun.

Experts

The lift-served off-piste possibilities are the main appeal, on Madrisa as elsewhere in the region – and on family-friendly Madrisa it doesn’t get skied out so quickly.

Intermediates

Madrisa is not huge, but it is all excellent intermediate terrain. The black run to the valley via Schlappin is not difficult unless conditions make it so.

Beginners

There is a slope between Dorf and Platz, plus Selfranga; but Madrisa’s higher slopes are more appealing provided you don’t mind the lift rides up and down. There are no special lift-pass deals.

Snowboarding

Local slopes are good, but most snowboarders stay in Davos.

Cross-country

There are 46km of free trails – classic and skating – and lots more up at Davos. The Swiss ski school offers lessons.

Where to Ski and Snowboard

This guide is taken from Where to Ski and Snowboard, edited by Chris Gill and Dave Watts. Chris now produces Where to Ski guides to individual countries. Find out more and receive an exclusive book discount.