Czechia's overnight train to Switzerland: Skiing, alpine views, and epic adventures

Surrounded by quaint Alpine villages and soaring mountain ranges, Graubünden – Switzerland’s easternmost canton, renowned for its stunning landscapes and home to some of the best ski slopes in Europe – is a winter holiday hotspot. 

A haven for adventure seekers, sports enthusiasts, or those simply looking for a secluded spot to relax, Graubünden has something for everyone. 

Interested in an epic journey along one of the most famous panoramic trains in the world? Book a ride on the Bernina Express. This train traverses the wonderland of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transporting passengers from glaciers to palm trees along one spectacular route.   

Premium pistes, thrilling toboggan runs, and nighttime sledding? Davos Klosters offers all this and a vibrant alternative winter sports scene.  

Outdoor thermal mineral baths, panoramic saunas, and steam rooms? They’re here, too, in the Lower Engadin region - as are pristinely kept paths that weave through Switzerland’s dazzling winter vistas, perfect for hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.        

Traveling with kids? Graubünden has several family-friendly peaks equipped with adventure parks, designated children’s ski zones, and an igloo village offering unique overnight accommodations.  

The party scene? Locals will point you toward the Jakobshorn, known for its famous mountain bar and bubbling hot tub, situated 2,560 meters above sea level. 

Your possibilities are truly endless.        

With a direct overnight train connection between Prague’s central station and Zurich, traveling to Graubünden for a one-of-a-kind winter getaway has never been more convenient and sustainable. 

We’ve curated a list of not-to-be-missed attractions, the top spots for winter sports and tips for the best seasonal deals. 

This panoramic train journey, connecting Chur – the oldest town in Switzerland – to the Italian town of Tirano along one of the highest railway tracks in Europe, passes snow-covered gorges and glaciers, winding its way through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges. The route traverses the famed six-arched Landwasser Viaduct as well as numerous other awe-inspiring landmarks like Lago Bianco, which sits 2,253 meters above sea level, the Montebello curve, the Alp Grüm, and the Brusio Circular Viaduct.

The two-day GraubündenPass offers unlimited travel on all Rhaetian Railway (RhB) trains throughout the canton, including the Bernina Express. Visitors from the Czech Republic can enjoy a 20-percent discount on the card's cost.         

There are two key sled runs in the Albula Valley. The more family-friendly route begins at Preda, while a faster, more hardcore route begins in Darlux. Both routes end in the charming village of Bergün. The 6 km Preda-Bergün route, spanning more than 6,000 meters, is favored by families and beginners who prefer its easy- to medium-level twists and turns. As an added treat, the run stays open later in the evening for a few nights each week, allowing visitors to sled down an illuminated route until 11pm. Rhaetian Railway will drop you off at the starting point. 

Sledding veterans, meanwhile, will want to take the chairlift to the start of the Darlux-Bergün run, which packs in more than 4,500 meters of fast-paced adrenaline-inducing curves. The start is accessible via chairlift.

One of the most famous winter resorts in the world, Davos Klosters offers 300 km of top-class slopes to explore. Its six distinct ski areas cater to advanced and beginner skiers, freestylers, snowboarders, and alternative sports fans. Parsenn – the largest ski area in Davos Klosters (and long considered the birthplace of Swiss skiing) is known for its side slopes and classic runs, including the 12 km Parsenn Descent. Its unique igloo village opens for the season at the end of December.     

Families will want to head to Madrisa or Rinerhorn, a hidden gem for those traveling with kids. In addition to 49 km of slopes, Madrisa offers illuminated runs for nighttime skiing and sledding several times a week. Madrisa’s adventure park also attracts many families.

Jakobshorn is as famous for its 360-degree views and freestyle ski runs as it is for its boisterous party reputation and wild events. Be sure to stop off at Jatzhütte, one of Europe's most famous mountain bars, before taking a dip in the nearby hot tub. 

Schatzalp, a popular Hollywood filming location, is surrounded by all-natural snow and numerous leisurely hiking trails. Its motto is “Slow down.”

Those looking to get away from the crowds will want to head to Pischa, an off-the-beaten-path mountain whose ungroomed slopes have become a playground for alternative sports like fast biking and airboarding.

The Scuol ski region in the Lower Engadin is another popular winter destination, featuring long sled runs, ski tours, lovely snowshoeing paths, and Traumpiste – the “dream slope,” which winds down the 2,710-meter Salavina Mountain to the small village of Sent. Take a mid-mountain break at the Sömmi bar.

Equally impressive, the Samnaun ski resort attracts an international crowd with 239 km of slopes in the Silvretta/Ischgl area.  

Away from the ski runs, the best way to explore this long Alpine Valley is during a fast-paced toboggan ride. There are nearly a dozen different runs in the Lower Engadin, with many village sports shops offering sled rentals.

For a more leisurely look around, book a ski tour or set off on guided snowshoe hike through the Engadine’s many secluded mountain valleys.

After a full day of outdoor fun, head to Bogn Engiadina, where you can relax and recharge in a pure mineral water bath or the spa’s sauna area. Both offer sweeping views of the Alps - the perfect backdrop to your Swiss winter holiday.