Klosters is a small Swiss village with a population of just 3000 and lies 1200 meters above sea level. A world famous ski and summer resort, it can be reached from Zurich within 2 hours by car or 2 ½ hours by train. It is justifiably a world famous ski resort, part of the Klosters/Davos ski complex. It provides 310km of pistes reached by over 40 cable cars, chairlifts and T bars across five mountains, making it one of the largest ski areas in Europe. However is has a lot more to offer than skiing. It has remained a traditional farming village with classical wooden architecture and "chocolate box" chalets.

View from the top

Klosters at night

In summer the cable cars operate to provide access to mountain walks and rambles through grassy meadows to stunning peaks. Traditional cowbells can be heard across the meadows. Locally made Alpine cheese and butter are available, as is wine from the vineyards just down the valley. Nature reserves provide protection for chamois and ibex whilst the huge pine forests have protected the red squirrel from the more common grey squirrel that has taken over so much of Europe. Mountain bikes can be hired. There are zoos for the children and wine-tasting in the highest vineyards in Europe for mums and dads. The lake at Davos, just 10mins away provides some of the highest sailing in Europe. Tennis, pony trekking, swimming (both outdoors and in) and a trip on the world famous Heidiland and Glacier Express Railways are all on offer.

Typical Klosters road

Klosters viewed from sitting room

What makes Klosters and its surrounding area so special is that it is a conservation area. The villages of the whole region are full of traditional Swiss wooden chalets and have not been allowed to sprawl. There are no massive concrete developments as found in many other resorts. Klosters still only has around 30 shops. The meadows are open to everyone. A day trip to the wealthy eighteenth century capital of Chur is worth the effort. Visit St Moritz for the day. Zurich, just a couple of hours away, is a delightfully gentle city with fascinating architecture and legendary shopping.

Klosters Church

Klosters Fountain