Klosters

Klosters is a small, upscale resort displaying a classic Alpine village appearance, relatively low-key and unassuming in character. Nevertheless, its status as the favourite resort of Britain's Prince Charles brings with it waves of publicity, high-profile visitors, and regular invasions by hoards of paparazzi.

In combination with nearby Davos it offers a wide range of top-notch skiing. If you want to hit the bars after hitting the slopes, you're better off basing yourself at its larger neighbour. But if its scenery, succour, comfort and old-world charm you want, Klosters fits the bill.

Resort elevation: 1,179m (3,868ft).

Top elevation: 2,844m (9,331ft).

Base elevation: 1,100m (3,609ft), or 834m (2,657ft) including Küblis.

Number of lifts: 56 (Davos/Klosters).

Number of runs: 99 (Davos/Klosters).

Average annual snowfall: 3.1m (10.2ft).

Klosters is situated towards the southern end of the Prättigau Valley, within the remote Swiss canton of Graubünden, 8km (5 miles) from Davos. Between Klosters and Davos is the route southeast to the Flüela Pass and the Engadine.

The season runs from late November until April.

Klosters is linked with Davos under the same ski pass. The large Parsenn area is easily accessible from both resorts, albeit with the likelihood of queues from the Klosters side via the Goshna cable car. The runs from Parsenn dropping down to Klosters tend to be steep and fairly demanding, with plenty of moguls.

The ski area accessible only from Klosters is Madrisa, where lifts go up to 2,602m (8,537ft). Intermediate and beginner skiers have good options on these smooth, sunny slopes (no moguls here!). The snow cover is reliable too. Off-piste possibilities include long descents to Jenaz and Fideris, though some sections will need to be climbed. You can get back to Klosters by train.

If you exhaust the possibilities in Klosters, a trip to Davos might be worth considering. Around 35km (22 miles) of cross-country trails span out along both ends of the valley from Klosters, suitable for all ability levels.

The village has a new cultural centre, the Kulturschuppen Klosters (Äussere Bahnhofstrasse 3), which has a theatre and a cinema - feature films are often shown in the original language.

Sportzentrum Klosters (Doggilochstrasse 11) has skating (free for resort guests), ice hockey and curling.

On Madrisa there's a crèche (two years and above) near the gondola, as well as a children's ski park. Ski and snowboarding tuition is available from several ski schools, including dedicated classes for children. The sports centre (see Beyond the Slopes above) has hockey and curling classes for teenagers.

A few hotels have indoor swimming pools. For a public facility, look to nearby Davos.

Shops in Klosters include fashion and sports shops, mostly found in the vicinity of the train station. Im Spinnänetz (Äussere Bahnhofstrasse 1) is good for handicrafts. A wider range of shopping opportunities is available in Davos.

Klosters is generally a laid-back, sleepy kind of place. What nightlife there is, is mostly in the Platz area of the village, and based in hotels or restaurants. Chesa Grischuna (Bahnhofstrasse 12) attracts an après-ski crowd with its piano music and ambience, and Wynegg (Landstrasse 205) is popular with beer drinkers. The Gotschnabar (Gotschnastrasse 21) is also good.

For late-night dancing, try the disco Casa Antica (Landstrasse 176). The piano bar in the Silvretta Parkhotel (Landstrasse 190) has a more restrained atmosphere.

Sonne (Landstrasse 155) serves affordable yet tasty regional fare. Wynegg (Landstrasse 205) is a lively location for filling food, and is also good value. Fellini (Bahnhofstrasse 22) is drinks oriented, but is good for cakes and pizzas. Chesa Grischuna (Bahnhofstrasse 12) is a casual, cosy, yet efficiently run place offering quality fare.

For the ultimate gourmet feast, make for Walserhof  (Landstrasse 141). Meticulous presentation is evident both on the plate and in the dining area. Two Michelin stars and Prince Charles's patronage probably say it all.

Klosters is quite spread out for a small village, but buses (free for guests) link the two areas, Platz and Dorf, to each other and to the ski lifts. Regular trains connect Klosters to Davos.

Maybe you've fantasised about soaring weightlessly and effortlessly over the mountains, with the wind caressing your face, and no engine roar to distract from the serenity of your surroundings... If so, you have a chance to make it a reality. Flugcenter Grischa (Murastrasse 16) offers paragliding taxi (ie tandem) flights over the Prättigau valley, taking off from the Gotschnagrat.

Luxury

Alpina
Large, well-run chalet-style hotel by the train station, with swish bathrooms and slightly cheaper rooms in annex buildings.

Bahnhofstrasse
Tel: (081) 410 2424.
Website: www.alpina-klosters.ch

Moderate

Rustico Hotel
This small hotel is, as you might expect from the name, rustic in style, but elegant with it. There's a sauna and parking.

Landstrasse 194
Tel: (081) 410 2288.
Website: www.rusticohotel.com

Budget

Bündnerhof
Family-run hotel five minutes from the Parsenn lift, offering orderly rooms yet with some individual touches.

Doggilochstrasse 2
Tel: (081) 422 1450.
Website: www.bhof.ch

Nearest airport: Zurich (ZRH).

Distance to resort: 150km (94 miles).

Driving time: 2 hours.

Nearest railway station: Klosters station is in the resort centre, 2 hours from Zurich.

Intermediates, Families, Beginners, Snow reliability, Non-skiers