Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg)
50km of skiing across 1362m vertical in eastern Switzerland. Award-winning Herzog & de Meuron summit building at 2262m.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
28 Nov 2026
Closes
11 Apr 2027
Days open
134
Annual snow
4m
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Chäserrugg – Unterwasser operates between 900 and 2262 metres across 1362 vertical metres in eastern Switzerland's Toggenburg region. The resort distributes 50 kilometres of piste across 23 marked runs serving the linked villages of Unterwasser, Alt St Johann and Wildhaus. Terrain breaks down as 16 per cent beginner, 80 per cent intermediate and 4 per cent advanced, with 2 kilometres of additional ski routes for freeriders. Annual snowfall averages 4.3 metres, supplemented by snowmaking coverage across key sectors.
Intermediate skiers dominate the clientele, drawn to the area's cruising terrain spread beneath the seven-peaked Churfirsten massif. The Chäserrugg East Run descends 5 kilometres through largely untouched terrain from the 2262-metre summit to Espel pavilion. Valley runs to both Unterwasser and Alt St Johann provide genuine top-to-bottom skiing across the full vertical. A funpark operates for freestylers below the Chäserrugg summit, whilst practice slopes at Iltios and Alt St Johann cater to families.
The resort distinguishes itself through architecture rather than extreme terrain, with six Herzog & de Meuron structures integrated since 2015. The award-winning timber summit building at 2262 metres exemplifies the collaboration between Swiss design and mountain infrastructure. Toggenburg received Landscape of the Year 2021 recognition for infrastructure renewal that emphasises landscape preservation over commercial visual pollution. The area maintains agricultural traditions alongside tourism, creating an atmosphere closer to working mountain communities than purpose-built resorts.
Chäserrugg operates independently without major pass affiliations, though the Chäserrugg Pass covers summer and winter access across the network. The 2025-26 season runs 30 November to 6 April with typical mid-November to mid-April operations. Night skiing operates Fridays 18:30 to 21:30 from late December through February at Alt St Johann-Sellamatt. The resort suits intermediate skiers seeking uncrowded terrain, families prioritising manageable scale, and visitors valuing architectural merit alongside skiing.
1362m
Vertical
23
Runs
50 km
Piste
4m
Annual snow
The Terrain
23 runs across 50 km of piste
Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg) spreads 23 runs across 50 km of piste of terrain. It leans intermediate at 80%, with 4 beginner runs to find your feet and 1 advanced or expert run when you want to push.
Terrain split
23
runs
23 runs across 4 grades
Beginner4 runs · 16%
Intermediate18 runs · 80%
Advanced1 run · 4%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg)
The 2025-26 season operates 30 November 2025 to 6 April 2026, closing 12 April for an 18-day maintenance period before summer operations commence 1 May. Typical season length extends late November through mid-April, delivering approximately four and a half months of skiing. Lift operations run 08:30 to 16:30 daily, with earlier 08:15 starts during weekends and holiday periods. The resort benefits from north-facing valley orientation despite its position as Switzerland's most northerly major ski area.
Annual snowfall averages 4.3 metres, with eastern Switzerland's snow belt delivering reliable winter storms throughout the season. Elevation advantage between 900 and 2262 metres ensures snowpack longevity even during marginal periods at lower altitudes. Snowmaking covers 10 kilometres of piste with 24 cannons, concentrating on key runs and valley approaches. Current season data shows 190-centimetre base depth with 185 centimetres accumulated season total, reflecting above-average early-season conditions for the 2025-26 winter.
January through March delivers most consistent powder conditions, whilst spring skiing extends into April with reliable coverage on higher aspects. December and early January suit visitors avoiding peak crowds, though snowpack depth may vary year to year. North-facing slopes preserve powder longer than southern exposures, allowing strategic terrain selection throughout the day. The Chäserrugg massif's varied aspects create microclimates where skiers can follow optimal conditions between sun-warmed southern runs and powder-preserving northern bowls.
Friday night skiing operates 18:30 to 21:30 from late December through February end on the 3-kilometre floodlit Alt St Johann-Sellamatt run. March events include NostalSki vintage equipment races and live music at Espel Pavilion on Saturday afternoons. August brings Federal Day sunrise celebrations with 05:00 first lifts and 23:30 final descents. The traditional Stöfeli alpine service in August features yodelling and alphorn performances at 1662 metres, accessible via special gondola operations.
Season 2026 - 2027
28 Nov 2026
Opens
11 Apr 2027
Closes
134
Days open
4 m
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg), and where to stay
Chäserrugg – Unterwasser occupies the upper Toggenburg valley in canton St Gallen, eastern Switzerland, between the Säntis massif and the seven-peaked Churfirsten range. Base villages sit at 900 to 911 metres elevation, with Unterwasser and Alt St Johann separated by approximately 300 metres and Wildhaus positioned 1.2 kilometres west. The Thur river drains the valley, which forms part of the broader Obertoggenburg region characterised by working farms and traditional wooden architecture. The easternmost Churfirsten peak, Chäserrugg itself, rises to 2262 metres with dramatic southern cliffs plunging toward Walensee.
Wildhaus lies 5 kilometres from Alt St Johann along the valley floor, connected by PostBus services included with lift passes. Nesslau municipality encompasses both Unterwasser and Alt St Johann within a merged administrative unit created in 2013. The area maintains authentic Toggenburg culture, with Wildhaus notable as reformer Ulrich Zwingli's birthplace in 1484. Traditional mountain restaurants like Berggasthaus Stöfeli and facilities at Iltios serve regional specialities alongside standard mountain fare.
Road access follows Route 16 through the Toggenburg valley from Wattwil, continuing southwest from St Gallen. Driving time from Zurich measures approximately 1 hour 15 minutes covering 95 kilometres via the A1 motorway to Wattwil, then secondary roads through the valley. From Basel, expect 2 hours over 179 kilometres. St Gallen lies roughly one hour northeast, providing the nearest major city access. Free parking operates at Unterwasser valley station.
Zurich Airport sits 90 kilometres distant with 90-minute transfer times by road. St Gallen-Altenrhein Airport lies 20 kilometres from St Gallen city, roughly 50 kilometres from the resort. Train connections reach Nesslau-Neu St Johann station via the S2 service on the Bodensee-Toggenburg railway from St Gallen, with PostBus route 790 continuing to Unterwasser valley station in approximately 10 minutes. Total journey from Zurich by public transport requires roughly 2 hours with changes at Wattwil. The Voralpen-Express offers scenic routing from St Gallen via Rapperswil, though transfers remain necessary for final valley access.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg), powered by Stay22.
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Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg) Lift Tickets
Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg) lift tickets & passes
Opening day for the winter 2026 - 2027 season is scheduled for Nov 28, 2026 (subject to change). Lift tickets at Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg) typically go on sale well before the start of the ski season.
Day passes start from CHF 28, with peak rates up to CHF 75.
9 pass options
Single-day passes
Adult 17–99
Adult Full Day
CHF 55up to CHF 75 peak
Full day skiing at Chäserrugg Unterwasser in Toggenburg with dynamic pricing based on booking date and demand. Experience 50km of slopes beneath the seven Churfirsten peaks.
Buy passYouth 12–16
Youth Full Day
CHF 42up to CHF 58 peak
Youth daily ticket for Chäserrugg with discounted rates for ages 12-16. Enjoy carving slopes, ski routes for freeriders, and fun park features in eastern Switzerland.
Buy passChild 6–11
Child Full Day
CHF 28up to CHF 40 peak
Children's lift ticket at Chäserrugg Unterwasser for ages 6-11. Family-friendly slopes with Junior Card benefits and access to beginner areas in Toggenburg.
Buy passChild 0–5
Child (5 & Under)
Free
Free skiing for children 5 and under at Chäserrugg when accompanied by an adult. Kids enjoy complimentary access to all lifts in this scenic Toggenburg resort.
Buy passSenior 65–99
Senior Full Day
CHF 47up to CHF 65 peak
Senior lift ticket for Chäserrugg with discounted rates for skiers 65+. Experience sustainable skiing beneath the dramatic Churfirsten mountain range in eastern Switzerland.
Buy passAdult 17–99
Chäserrugg Ticket
CHF 35
Mountain excursion ticket for Chäserrugg providing ascent and descent from Unterwasser or Alt St. Johann. Flexible start and end points with spectacular Alpine views.
Buy passChild 6–15
Junior Card Benefits
Free
Free travel for children 6-15 with Junior Card when accompanied by adult ticket holder. Valid for summer hiking and winter sports activities at Chäserrugg.
Buy passHalf-day passes
Adult 17–99
Half Day
CHF 42up to CHF 58 peak
Half day skiing at Chäserrugg starting from midday. Perfect for shorter visits to enjoy panoramic views of over 500 mountain peaks across 6 countries.
Buy passMulti-day passes
Adult 17–99
Multi-Day (3-Day)
CHF 140up to CHF 195 peak
Three-day lift ticket package at Chäserrugg with dynamic pricing benefits. Extended skiing in Toggenburg with Herzog & de Meuron designed base station.
Buy passLift tickets FAQ
How much does a Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg) day pass cost?
Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg) day passes range from CHF 28 to CHF 75 depending on the date and advance booking.
Can I buy Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg) lift tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
Are there discounts for multi-day passes?
Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
What is included with a Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg) lift ticket?
Full access to all lifts and trails at Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg), including mountain safety and patrol services.
What is the difference between Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg) lift tickets and ski passes?
"Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg) - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
When should I buy Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg) lift tickets for the best price?
Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
Does Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg) offer group discounts on lift tickets?
Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg) directly for group booking information and rates.
How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?
Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg).
More Chäserrugg - Unterwasser (Toggenburg) intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.