No one has ever heard of Rinerhorn. And that's a good thing, right? You betcha, because while everyone else is skiing the other Davos-Klosters sectors, you will be one your own, with no stress skiing fresh lines in blissful silence at Rinerhorn.

Rinerhorn ski resorts main strengths are fivefold.

1. the first is a big one. On the worst (or best?) winter storm days when the wind is howling, the snow is blowing and the upper mountain ski lifts elsewhere are closed, Rinerhorn will be open and likely all lifts running.
2. The second is it is uncrowded to the point of emptiness on many days. The quiet is wonderful.
3. Next is the multiple full vertical descent options. At least four or more top to bottom varieties for all abilities
4. The ski area is quite big with 58km of fantastic trails, making for a fun, full day.
5. Lastly, it is the cheapest of all the ski areas in the Davos Klosters region.

The valley trails are a highlight of skiing Rinerhorn. Not just a way to end the day, but a way to spend a whole day. Able to be done with a full 1,030m of vertical on each decent from the top of the Nüllisch T-bar, there are valley trails for all abilities. Piste number 8 into 2 for beginners, number 9 into 4 for intermediates, and both 9 into 10 or 8 into 1 for advanced and experts. They are all rollicking good fun in their own way. Good to know that the lower sections of numbers 1 & 10 can get a tad bony and spicy, so take a care.

There is plenty of off-piste in the alpine with the best terrain into very lightly gladed sections. Be careful to watch your exits and traverse back to the lifts in a timely fashion.

The lifts at Rinerhorn are rated as the region's worst (just 2 paws); not because they are necessarily rubbish, it’s just they are old and uncomfortable in comparison to the other Davos Klosters ski sectors. We count there as being 5 lifts - an aging gondola, two double and one single T-bar, plus a newer J-bar for kids & novices make up the lifts. Others call it 7 lifts by contending the double T-bars are each two separate lifts but we disagree! Regardless, all the lifts do a fine job during windy weather and that is the point. The longest T-bar, Nüllisch I & II heads up a hefty 550m vertical from below the treeline to the highest lifted point in the ski area of 2,490m

Snow-wise, Rinerhorn has a northwest-aspect allowing for snow quality to hold just the way we like it.

Three main restaurants are on the hill. Top of the gondola at Jatzmeder is the main restaurant. Ok but …meh! Alternatively the higher Hubelhütte sits at 2,280m and comes with spanking views in good weather. It was a blessed refuge from the cold during our visit. The best place to eat is lower down the valley trail 4 at the slopeside at Restaurant Spina Davos. A fourth option for a drink or snack is at the top of Nüllisch, at Nülli Bar, but it was closed when we were there. Probably too cold 7 blowy for its predominantly outdoor seating arrangements.

There is an accommodation option at the top of the gondola called Berghostel Rinerhorn. You might be sharing with a school group though! The village at the base of the ski area is Davos Glaris, not Rinerhorn! Accommodation can be nearby in a chalet or holiday rental apartment, but they are limited in number. The RinerLodge, across the road from the gondola base, has dorm beds which may appeal to budget travellers of groups, but in reality most will find themselves in staying in Davos. And with transport easy in all directions from Davos, why not?

To get to Rinerhorn, take either the train or bus from Davos to Davos Glaris (Rinerhorn) /Bahnhof Glaris bus or train stops. Arriving by train is a fabulous way to start a ski day. Buses are more frequent though.

See our thoughts on the resort’s pros & cons via the Rinerhorn overview page.