When the mountains call, a group of friends answers with laughter, light laundry of daypacks, and a plan to mix adrenaline with easy, sunny downtime. Davos and the Prättigau/Davos District in Grisons, Switzerland, offer a magnetic blend of alpine scenery, chalet-style vacation rentals, and holiday rentals that feel like a home away from home—whether you’re planning a full-on ski escape, a hiking-and-wondrous summer break, or a long weekend spent exploring local culture with your favorite crew. From the refined, boutique chalets perched above Davos to cozy farmstead stays tucked into the Prättigau valley, this corner of Switzerland is built for memorable group trips, weekend getaways, and festive holidays with friends.
Why Davos and the Prättigau District are a top pick for chalet holidays
The Davos region combines high-altitude air with a warm, welcoming vibe. Here you can start the day with sunrise over the mountains, slide into a slopeside morning coffee, and finish with après-ski that lasts late into the evening. The terrain suits every level, from first-timers learning to carve to seasoned powder hounds chasing fresh tracks. The surrounding Prättigau valley delivers quiet, traditional towns, alpine meadows, and secluded spots where nature feels intimate and unhurried—perfect for days when you want to trade crowded resorts for a more relaxed, scenery-filled vacation rental experience.
Chalet accommodation in this region ranges from modern, sunlit lodges with panoramic views to traditional Swiss chalets with wooden beams, roaring fireplaces, and cozy nooks for long evenings with friends. Whether you’re booking a group-friendly apartment in Davos Platz, a river-adjacent chalet in Klosters, or a hillside retreat in Susch, you’ll find vacation rentals designed to maximize togetherness while offering private corners for quiet moments. And with searchandstay.com, you can filter by “vacation rentals in Davos” or “holiday rentals in Prättigau” to find options that fit your crew, your budget, and your preferred vibe.
Seasonal highlights: what to do in winter and summer
The Alps aren’t just a winter playground here; they’re a destination all year round. In winter, Davos becomes a snow-lover’s dream with world-class ski areas and a long tradition of hosting international sports events. In summer, the same mountains turn into playgrounds for hikers, bikers, and climbers who crave dramatic landscapes and fresh mountain air.
Winter activities in Davos and Prättigau
- Skiing and Snowboarding on Parsenn and Jakobshorn: From gentle beginner zones to challenging steeps, the area offers runs for every level and spectacular alpine scenery at every turn.
- Cross-country skiing on groomed trails that wind through forests and open fields, ideal for a scenic cardio session with friends.
- Snowshoeing and winter hiking to scenic viewpoints, with cozy mountain huts for hot drinks and light bites along the way.
- Tobogganing on family-friendly runs that are perfect for a playful evening with the group.
- Ice skating and curling in village rinks, adding a dash of classic Swiss fun to your itinerary.
Summer activities in Davos and Prättigau
- Hiking and alpine tours through high meadows and dramatic rock faces, with routes suitable for beginners and seasoned hikers alike.
- Mountain biking on scenic trails that wind through pine forests and alpine pastures.
- Paragliding and tandem flights for those who want to see the peaks from a new angle—an exhilarating shared moment with friends.
- Stand-up paddleboarding or swimming in mountain lakes and Davosersee, with beach-like spots great for sunbathing and picnics.
- Gastronomy-focused days, sampling local cheeses, fresh Alpine produce, and regional specialties at mountain huts and village eateries with sweeping views.
Local experiences you can’t miss
Davos and the Prättigau valley offer more than adrenaline-fueled adventures. They are places where cultural experiences glow in the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. A few favorites for a group itinerary include:
- Chef’s table and fondue nights at alp-side restaurants—sharing melted cheese with friends while watching the sun dip behind the mountains is a quintessential Swiss memory.
- Guided dairy farm visits and cheese tastings to learn how the region’s famous cheeses are made, often followed by a tasting board that pairs cheeses with local wines or herbal teas.
- Village markets and seasonal fairs where locals sell handmade crafts, fresh honey, and farm-fresh produce—great for a relaxed morning stroll and a playful souvenir haul.
- Traditional Swiss music and dance evenings at cozy inns or cultural centers—immerse yourselves in the local vibe and leave with stories to retell on the next trip.
- Wellness and spa days in luxury hotels or wellness retreats that offer a restorative break after a day on the slopes or trails, rounding out a balanced vacation rental experience.
Chalet and vacation rental options in Davos District
The Davos District and the Prättigau valley present a spectrum of chalet and vacation rental styles. From contemporary alpine lodges with floor-to-ceiling windows to time-honored Swiss chalets with carved railings and stone-clad walls, there are accommodations designed to host groups of friends in comfort. Look for features like multiple bedrooms, open-plan living spaces ideal for shared meals, large dining tables, saunas or steam rooms, fully equipped kitchens for in-house cooking, and easy access to trailheads, lift stations, or village centers.
When choosing a rental, consider proximity to lifts and public transport, access to grocery stores and restaurants, and whether you want a secluded retreat or a home base near the buzz of a village square. Many chalets in this region offer private balconies, hot tubs with mountain views, and warm, rustic interiors that make everyone feel at home after a day of outdoor adventures.
Booking tips for vacation rentals in the Davos area
- Book early for peak winter and summer periods—the best chalets with great views tend to fill up fast.
- Filtering by group size, bed configuration, and specialty features (hot tub, wood stove, sauna) helps you find a fit that suits your crew.
- Read host or property reviews to gauge how well the space works for groups of friends and what extra touches guests appreciated (coffee stations, welcome gifts, local maps).
- Consider travel logistics: some chalets are car-friendly with parking, while others rely on proximity to bus stops or the railway line between Davos and Klosters.
Finding accommodations in the area: searchandstay.com
For vacation rentals in Davos, Prättigau, and the broader Grisons region, searchandstay.com is a practical resource. The site specializes in chalet accommodation and holiday rentals, making it easier to compare Davos chalets, Prättigau lodges, and other alpine stays all in one place. Use the site to search by location, dates, price range, and amenities—perfect for planning a friends’ trip with precise requirements. Whether you want a ski-in/ski-out chalet near Parsenn or a hillside retreat with a private hot tub and sunset views, searchandstay.com helps you discover options that align with your vacation rental goals.
When you book through a dedicated accommodation platform, you also gain access to flexible cancellation policies, verified listings, and direct contact with hosts who can tailor recommendations for day trips, restaurant reservations, and local experiences—essential for a smooth, social alpine getaway.
Destinations within the Davos District and Prättigau for a memorable stay
The Davos District blends a high-energy resort ambiance with traditional alpine charm. In Davos itself, you’ll find a cosmopolitan base with boutiques, cafes, and a well-connected transport network that makes exploring easy. Klosters-Dorf and Klosters-Platz offer a quieter counterpoint, with winding lanes, boutique chalets, and family-owned restaurants that remind visitors of classic Swiss hospitality.
In Prättigau, smaller villages like Langwies and the surrounding valleys provide a more intimate, bucolic setting. Here, days can begin with a village café breakfast, segue into a gentle hike along a mountain stream, and end with a sunset drink at a terrace overlooking the valley. In Susch and nearby areas, you’ll still find modern amenities but with a noticeably authentic Swiss atmosphere that makes group trips feel special and relaxed.
Sample day itineraries for a group holiday rental
To help you envision how a chalet-based holiday in Davos and the Prättigau region can unfold, here are two sample day plans:
- Winter day: Morning slope time on Parsenn, followed by a lunch break at a mountain hut. Afternoon cross-country skiing on forest trails, returning to a warm, wood-filled chalet with a hot chocolate and a cheese board ready. Evening spa or sauna, then a casual fondue-night dinner with friends.
- Summer day: Sunrise hike along a panoramic trail, picnic on a sunny meadow, a long lunch in a village cafe, and an afternoon mountain-bike ride through woods and switchbacks. Conclude with a sunset barbecue on the balcony and stargazing in clear Alpine skies.
Practical tips for your Davos Prättigau alpine escape
- Pack layers and versatile outdoor gear—mountain weather changes quickly, and quaint chalets often have cozy heating to balance chillier evenings.
- Coordinate with friends on meal planning; many vacation rentals include well-equipped kitchens, so you can enjoy home-cooked Swiss dinners after a day of adventures.
- Take advantage of local transport passes where available for easy access to lifts, trails, and towns—this region’s bus and train services make exploring the whole valley convenient.
- Respect local culture and natural spaces by taking your litter with you on hikes and leaving no trace on the mountain trails.
Plan your Davos stay with confidence
The Davos District and Prättigau region stand out as a destination that caters to travelers who want an active, social Alpine holiday without sacrificing comfort. It’s a place where chalets become the center of a vibrant itinerary—rooms for friends to share, kitchens to cook together, and living spaces designed for laughter, games, and late-night plan changes.
When you’re ready to book your vacation rental, consider the kind of setting that will maximize group experiences. Do you want a chalet with a panoramic terrace for sunset drinks? A wood-fired stove for cozy evenings? A location that makes your daily outings feel seamless? Davos and the Prättigau district have you covered, with a range of chalet accommodations that can meet diverse preferences and budgets.
Ready to start planning your alpine escape? Check searchandstay.com to find vacation rentals in Davos, Prättigau, and the wider Grisons region. Compare chalet types, check guest reviews, and book a holiday rental that makes your group trip both unforgettable and stress-free. Your next adventure in the Swiss Alps—with friends, sunshine, and plenty of memories to make—awaits.