The short answer: Davos (1560 m) and Klosters (1191 m) receive 400 to 500 cm of cumulative snowfall per season. Upper slopes at Weissfluhjoch reach 2844 m, keeping snow firm from December through April. Peak conditions run January to March, with average temperatures between -5 °C and -10 °C at altitude. Flights from London to Zurich take roughly 2 hours, and ski holidays start from around €650 per person per week including accommodation and lift pass.
How much snow does Davos Klosters actually receive each month?
Snowfall in Davos Klosters is well above the Alpine average, largely because the Graubünden region sits at the convergence of Atlantic and continental weather systems. The Parsenn ski area, shared between the two resorts, benefits from north-facing aspects that slow melt and preserve powder for days after a snowfall.
The table below shows long-term average figures measured at the Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF), which operates a monitoring station in Davos.
| Month | Average new snowfall (cm) | Average snow depth at 1560 m (cm) | Average snow depth at 2200 m (cm) | Average temp at 2200 m (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 40 | 20 | 50 | -6 |
| December | 65 | 45 | 100 | -9 |
| January | 80 | 75 | 160 | -11 |
| February | 75 | 80 | 170 | -10 |
| March | 70 | 70 | 155 | -7 |
| April | 40 | 35 | 90 | -3 |
January and February offer the deepest base and the coldest temperatures, which translates directly into drier, lighter powder. March remains highly reliable and is popular with experienced skiers who prefer uncrowded slopes after the school-holiday rush.
How does altitude affect snow quality across the ski area?
The Davos Klosters ski area spans five interconnected sectors: Parsenn, Jakobshorn, Madrisa, Rinerhorn and Pischa. Each sector has a different altitude profile and aspect, which creates meaningful differences in snow quality across the mountain.
Parsenn is the largest and highest sector, with its summit at Weissfluhjoch (2844 m). Runs descend all the way to Wolfgang and Klosters Dorf, dropping over 1600 vertical metres. At the summit, snow temperatures regularly stay below -8 °C through February, keeping the snowpack dry and stable.
Jakobshorn (2590 m), on the opposite side of town, is favoured by freestyle skiers and snowboarders. Its south-west aspect means afternoon sun can affect snow quality from late February onward, but morning runs remain excellent through March.
Pischa (2483 m) and Rinerhorn (2440 m) are quieter, off-the-beaten-path areas. Because they attract fewer visitors, their pistes are often less compacted, offering a softer surface even days after the last snowfall.
For skiers prioritising consistent snow quality, focusing morning sessions on the north-facing Parsenn runs and moving to Jakobshorn in the afternoon is a proven daily strategy.
What is the best time to book a ski holiday in Davos Klosters for guaranteed snow?
Based on historical snowfall data and resort opening patterns, the window from 10 January to 10 March offers the strongest combination of depth, temperature and daylight hours. This period also coincides with the highest probability of natural snowfall events, which refresh the off-piste terrain that makes Davos Klosters a destination for advanced skiers.
Key booking considerations by period:
- Late November to mid-December: Snow cover is building. Upper Parsenn is usually open, but lower valley runs may be patchy. Lift-pass prices are typically 10 to 15 percent lower than peak rates. Packages start from around €650 pp for seven nights.
- Christmas and New Year (23 Dec to 6 Jan): Snow depth is reliable at altitude but resorts are at peak occupancy. Prices rise sharply, often to €1100 pp or more for the same accommodation category.
- Mid-January to end of February: Optimal snow conditions and manageable crowds outside of local school holidays. This is the period the SLF records the highest average snow depths.
- March: Longer days (up to 10 hours of sunshine) with still-reliable snow above 2000 m. Prices drop again, making March an excellent value option for families.
The Davos Klosters lift pass (Davos Klosters All Mountain Pass) covers all five sectors. In the 2025/26 season, a six-day adult pass was priced at CHF 384 (approximately €420). Children under 9 ski free when accompanied by a paying adult.
For more ski destination options and snow reliability guides across the Alps, visit the Nivosola wintersport overview.
Prices in this article are 2025/26 season rates. Rates for 2026/27 differ per ski area; check the ski area's own website or our lift pass guide.
Frequently asked questions
When does Davos Klosters usually open for skiing?
The Parsenn area typically opens in late November, with full resort opening by the first week of December, depending on early-season snowfall.
What is the average snow depth in Davos in January?
The average snow depth at resort level (1560 m) in January is around 60 to 80 cm, while the upper slopes near Weissfluhjoch (2844 m) average 150 to 180 cm.
Is Davos Klosters good for beginners in terms of snow conditions?
Yes. The resort's high altitude and north-facing runs keep snow quality consistent through March, making it a reliable choice for beginners who need good conditions to progress.
