SOTC Blog

When you think of a holiday in Switzerland, you think of unhurried explorations, peaceful treks, and leisurely sightseeing. A holiday destination to kick back, relax, and take in sights of the idyllic scenery and the soaring Alps. But there’s another side to the Swiss Alps that will get your heart pumping.

While it may not be known for its thrills, the Switzerland adventure sports scene is thriving amidst an adrenaline-fuelled rush of adventure seekers. If you’re ready to slide, fly, roll, and dive in the name of fun, pack your bags and get your kicks with these adventure sports.

1. Skiing the Alps

Skiing is the first adventure sport that we automatically associate with Switzerland, thanks to the Alps. Just the thought of flying down pristine snowy slopes is enough to set our hearts aflutter with anticipation. Switzerland has some of the world’s best skiing destinations in Zermatt, St. Moritz, Engelberg, and Grindelwald. They have sprawling resorts, good infrastructure, and well-maintained slopes. You can get lessons and try your skills on the beginner slopes. But once you get the hang of it, you’re hooked!

Skiing the Alps
Source: Switzerland Tourism

2. Snowboarding

Skiing’s extreme sibling is even more thrilling! You don’t have to rely on poles to propel you and control your descent. All you need is a suitable slope and let gravity do its work. As the wind whistles past and you twist your body for control, the world fades away, leaving you with the pure thrill of living the moment. Valais has Switzerland’s highest-altitude ski region which guarantees the best powder. It is a popular snowboarding destination that has a dozen or so snow parks where you can let loose.

Snowboarding
Source: Switzerland Tourism

3. Snowkiting

If skiing or snowboarding isn’t fast enough for you, harness the awesome power of the wind to hurtle down snowy slopes at breakneck speeds. The same wind will also take up uphill, so you don’t have to wait in line for the ski-lifts. Snowkiting takes Switzerland’s extreme sports a level higher and opens up a whole new world of impossible jumps and long airtimes. Head to Andermatt and get a crash course in snowkiting before you can grow wings and fly.

4. Ropes Park

This is one more activity that cements Interlaken’s claim as the hub of adventure sports in Switzerland. Head to the Ropes Park in Interlaken to spend a day full of thrill and excitement in a forest. Experience the joys of parkour as you swing, jump, zipline, and run between trees. This world of ropes is an adventure to be enjoyed with family. Climb nets, cross rope bridges, and zip over the forest floor under the watchful eyes of trained experts.

5. Skydiving

Few other extreme sports can match skydiving for its sheer audacity. Jumping out from an aircraft is the closest we can come to experiencing the joyous freedom offlying. Though it is more of freefall, it is the ultimate extreme sport for seasoned adrenaline junkies. The views from the top are breathtaking and the thrill is unmatched. Head to Interlaken, the hub of adventure for those seeking the thrill of skydiving. This is your chance to fly high and soar.

6. Paragliding

If you think skydiving is too extreme for you, why not try paragliding? Compared to the high-velocity thrill of freefall, the gentle meandering of a paraglider is a controlled descent. It gives you more time to take in the views around you and appreciate their beauty at a more leisurely pace. Discover hidden vistas as you gently descend towards a soft landing. Paragliding is available all over Switzerland in places like Interlaken, Valais, Lauterbrunnen, Jura, Alpstein, and Graubünden all around the year.

7. Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater Rafting is the ultimate man versus nature faceoff. Battling irresistible currents as you fight for every inch gives a satisfying sense of victory after you emerge at the other end of the rapids. It’s a joint effort that requires precise coordination and clear guidance. Spring is the best time to hurtle down the roaring river at Lütschine in the Bernese Oberland region. Savor your victory at the end of it and cross one more adventure off your bucket list.

8. Canyoning

When you’re in Interlaken, try canyoning. While the mountains of Switzerland receive all the attention, the valleys, gorges, and the canyons between them are storehouses of adventure. Discover hidden delights as you make your way between soaring cliff walls. The canyons of Switzerland are dotted with hidden pools and waterfalls. Slide down the waterfalls, go cliff jumping or simply lounge in the limpid pools. This is one adventure activity that everyone can enjoy without any fear.

Canyoning
Source: Switzerland Tourism

9. Mountain Biking

Mountain biking in Switzerland is a challenging adventure that will test the limits of your balance and endurance. The scenic locales of Zermatt are home to some of the most beautiful and challenging mountain biking trails. Follow the cliff-hugging trails that will lead you to the top and open up stunning views. The effort is worth these views alone. But it is the rush of adrenaline that will fuel your excitement and push you further over the zig-zagging trails.

10. Jetboating

Switzerland has no coastline, so all their water sports take place in their lakes. Switzerland has around 7,000 lakes, each one as beautiful as the next one. If you are at Lake Brienz in Interlaken, you can tear up the calm water in a high-speed jet boat ride for heart-stopping aquatic thrills. Hold on to your seat as the boat twists, turns, and tumbles over the turquoise surface of the lake with the wind in your hair and spray on your face.

Get a glimpse of Switzerland’s adventurous side on your next holiday. Turn up the tempo and take on the challenges that Switzerland throws up. Look fear in the eye and conquer it amidst some of the most spectacular sights in the world.