Skiing with kids · Guide 2026/27
Skiing in Switzerland with kids
Family ski resorts where kids ski free
The short answer: At most major resorts in Switzerland, kids ski free up to age 5, so until their 6th birthday. Here it usually goes by age, not by birth year like in Austria. In Zermatt it goes up to age 8.99, and every Saturday all kids under 16 ski free in Zermatt and the Aletsch Arena.
Updated November 3, 2026. All details come from the official resort websites for the 2026/27 season.
How free lift tickets for kids work in Switzerland
Age, not birth year
Unlike in Austria, Switzerland usually goes by age. In Saas-Fee and Arosa Lenzerheide it's the date of birth, in Crans Montana the age on June 1, 2026.
With a parent
The free ticket usually applies when a parent comes along. In Crans Montana, grandparents count too if they buy the same type of lift ticket.
Online and SwissPass
Some deals are online only. In the Aletsch Arena, you load the free Saturday ticket onto the SwissPass.
Photo on the lift ticket
In Zermatt, the free lift ticket has your child's photo on it. Bring an ID to the ticket office everywhere.
Four highlights for families
At these resorts, kids ski free up to an older age or extra often in 2026/27. Every detail comes with an official source.
Valais
Zermatt
Free up to 8.99, Saturdays under 16
Official source ↗Kids up to age 8.99 ski free in Zermatt, with a photo on the lift ticket. Every Saturday, all kids under 16 ski free. Ages 9 to 15.99 otherwise get 50 percent off.
Valais
Saas-Fee
Free under 6, up to 8.99 with the family rule
Official source ↗Kids under 6 always ski free in Saas-Fee. With the family rule, it goes up to age 8.99 when a parent buys a multi-day pass of 6 days or more with the SaastalCard. Date of birth counts, and the rule doesn't apply to season or annual passes.
Valais
Aletsch Arena
Free on Saturdays under 16
Official source ↗Every Saturday, kids under 16 ski free, with the ticket available online only on the SwissPass. With the family ski pass, the 3rd and every additional child up to 15.99 skis free.
Graubünden
Davos Klosters
Free until their 6th birthday
Official source ↗Kids ski free until their 6th birthday when they're with a parent or ski instructor. This doesn't apply at the valley and beginner lifts at Bolgen. The family pass for CHF 3,150 covers kids up to 17.
Free Ski Pass List
All 10 deals in Switzerland
With conditions, dates and official sources, from Valais to Graubünden. Unlock the full list for free with your email.
Free Saturdays and other family deals
Free weeks like in Austria are rare in Switzerland. Instead, these deals are especially worth it for families.
Free Saturdays in Zermatt
Every Saturday of the season, all kids under 16 ski free with the Zermatt lift pass. Official source ↗
Schgi fer frii in the Aletsch Arena
Every Saturday, kids under 16 ski free, loaded online onto the SwissPass. With multi-day passes, Saturday is included automatically. Official source ↗
AlpsPass for several resorts
Kids up to 5 ski free, and kids 6 to 15 pay CHF 199 for the whole season in the presale from September 1 to December 15, 2026. It's valid in the Jungfrau Region, the Aletsch Arena, Engelberg Titlis and Adelboden Lenk. Official source ↗
Kids on Ski
Beginners ages 3 to 5 get 5 half days of ski school, a 6-day lift ticket, gear and 7 nights in their parents' room for free when two paying adults book 7 nights at a partner hotel. In the early and late season, including the Aletsch Arena, Grächen and Lenzerheide. Official source ↗
Tips for the ticket office
Plan around Saturday
In Zermatt and the Aletsch Arena, you save the lift ticket for all kids under 16 on Saturdays.
Bring an ID
In Saas-Fee and Arosa Lenzerheide, the date of birth counts. That's why you'll need your child's ID at almost every ticket office.
Buy in the presale
The AlpsPass for kids 6 to 15 only costs CHF 199 in the presale through December 15, 2026.
Six days in Saas-Fee
The family rule for kids up to 8.99 only applies with a multi-day pass of 6 days or more with the SaastalCard.
Manu, dad and founder of dry movesMy tip: plan your first ski day in Zermatt or the Aletsch Arena on a Saturday. Then all kids under 16 ski free, and the view of the Matterhorn or the Aletsch Glacier comes on top.
Practice at home first
The first day on skis is easier when skis already feel familiar
With drySki, kids ages 2 and up learn their first steps and moves on skis at home through play, so they're perfectly prepared for their first days on the snow. Handmade in Munich.
FAQ
Up to what age do kids ski free in Switzerland?
At most major resorts up to age 5, so until their 6th birthday, for example in Davos Klosters, Arosa Lenzerheide and Crans Montana. In Zermatt, kids ski free up to age 8.99, and in Saas-Fee too with the family rule. On Saturdays, all kids under 16 ski free in Zermatt and the Aletsch Arena.
Which resorts have a family pass?
In the Aletsch Arena, the 3rd and every additional child up to 15.99 skis free with the family ski pass. Davos Klosters has a family pass for CHF 3,150 that includes kids up to 17.
Are there free ski lessons in Switzerland?
Yes, with Kids on Ski. Beginners ages 3 to 5 get ski school, a lift ticket and gear for free in the early and late season when two adults book 7 nights at a partner hotel. The Aletsch Arena, Grächen and Lenzerheide are among the resorts taking part.
Skiing with kids in other countries
Everything you need to plan, with a packing checklist: Family ski trip with kids
Have fun in the snow!
Cheers, Manu