The Stoos Alpine Region is a wonderful place for a family winter adventure, located less than an hour’s drive from Zurich. The car-free alpine village of Stoos is accessible via the world’s steepest funicular railway—an unforgettable experience in itself. Once you reach the mountain, you can enjoy a wide range of winter activities such as hiking, sledding, skiing, dining, or playing in the large indoor bounce house. Plan for a full day of fun or extend your stay for a relaxing family getaway surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
Tickets, Funicular, and Arrival
The Stoos funicular boasts a remarkable 110% gradient (47 degrees), making it the steepest in the world. Its distinctive circular cabins tilt to keep passengers level, offering breathtaking countryside views during the ride. Visitors can drive to the valley station or take a connecting bus from nearby towns. Parking is available in a large garage and along the road, though spaces fill up quickly on sunny weekends, so arriving early is recommended. Day parking tickets can be purchased online in advance. Public transport connections via Schwyz Bahnhof make Stoos easily accessible for visitors without cars. Funicular and chairlift tickets are available both online and at the cashier, where staff are helpful in advising on the best ticket options for your plans. Discounts apply for Half-Fare, Swiss Travel Pass, Junior Travelcards, and Swiss Coupon Pass holders (for the chairlift to Fronalpstock). Expect longer queues at the cashier on weekends.
Fronalpstock Panorama Trail
From the village center, it’s just a five-minute walk to the Fronalpstock chairlift station. Two consecutive chairlifts take you to the summit at 1,922 meters. The Fronalpstock Panorama Trail is an easy 1.5 km loop, perfect for families and children of all ages. With mostly flat terrain, gentle inclines, and sweeping views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding peaks, the trail takes about 30–60 minutes to complete. Conveniently, it begins and ends near the playground and summit restaurant, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating with local dishes. The observation deck at the top provides a breathtaking panorama of ten lakes and countless peaks.
Tobogganing
Tobogganing is a beloved Swiss winter pastime, and Stoos offers a thrilling 2 km run from the Fronalpstock summit to the middle chairlift station, descending 397 meters. Wooden sleds can be rented at the middle station; you carry them up the chairlift to the summit and then follow the purple-marked trail. The route crosses a few ski slopes, so caution is advised. The run can be repeated as many times as you like before returning the sleds. For us, it was more challenging than expected and better suited to adults and older children. For younger kids, there’s a bunny slope with a magic carpet in Stoos village—a safe and fun introduction to sledding.
Other Activities in the Mountains
Stoos offers plenty of other winter attractions to keep families entertained. You can ski in various family-friendly zones, take a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride through the village, or head indoors to Bounce House Stoos. This large bouncy castle hall lets kids climb, jump, and slide in a safe environment—perfect for burning off energy on snowy days. Spending several days here lets you truly experience everything Stoos has to offer.
Dining Options
Close to the village, Restaurant Balmberg serves traditional Swiss dishes with stunning alpine views. Its terrace overlooks the funicular track, and in the summer months, children can enjoy the small playground. The restaurant has a children’s menu and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an excellent spot for a hearty meal after exploring the mountain.
Conclusion
Stoos in winter is a truly family-friendly destination that blends breathtaking scenery with fun activities for all ages. Whether you’re riding the world’s steepest funicular, hiking the Panorama Trail, sledding down Fronalpstock, or relaxing over a Swiss meal, the memories made here will last a lifetime. From adventurous outings to cozy indoor fun, Stoos offers everything needed for an unforgettable winter getaway.