From the first ski slopes to the adventure mountain: Madrisa turns sixty
Published : 17. December 2025
On New Year's Day 1966, the first guests rode up to Madrisa in silvery gondolas. Sixty years later, the gondolas are blue – and the area's popularity remains undiminished. To mark the anniversary, Madrisa offers various attractions – and the reopening of a legendary ski lift.
“Everyone’s skiing, everyone’s skiing…” sang Vico Torriani in 1963. But for the whole nation to actually ski, enough slopes were needed. In Klosters, several mountains were examined in the 1960s to develop new ski areas. The Madrisa was ultimately chosen: its sunny location, gentle hills, and manageable size made the area below the Madrisahorn ideal for families.
In addition to several T-bar lifts, winter hiking trails were also created from the outset. The Madrisa cable car opened on January 1, 1966. “The operators had to open and close the doors of the silvery gondolas manually. In the first season, a construction barracks was also converted into a restaurant because the construction of the Albeina restaurant – later Saaseralp – was delayed,” explains Nadja Rollier, deputy managing director of the Klosters-Madrisa cable cars.
Always New Experiences
Sixty years later, the gondolas are blue, and Madrisa offers a wide range of experiences year-round. The winter and summer offerings have been continuously developed: from slopes for all levels and overnight stays in the first treehouse in the Swiss Alps to the Madrisa-Land adventure playground and the Öpfelsee reservoir, which features a Kneipp path and a floating event stage in the summer.
Anniversary Specials
To celebrate its 60th anniversary this winter, Madrisa is taking a look back: various stations along the slopes invite visitors to delve into the history of the Madrisa mountain railway. Restaurants are also joining in the celebrations, offering culinary specialties. Adding to the nostalgia is the Madrisa Post: the popular newspaper, which used to be published twice a year and provided information and stories about Madrisa, is being revived for a one-time event. It is available for two francs at the valley station ticket office. An anniversary guestbook is also available at the Madrisa Alp, just to the right of the entrance. Here's a place for stories and memories.
Glatteggen Ski Lift Reopens
Nostalgia buffs can also rejoice at the reopening of the Glatteggen ski lift. After more than ten years, the completely overhauled and state-of-the-art tow lift is back in operation. The Glatteggen ski lift also creates a new slope, adding more kilometers of pistes to the Madrisa area. It also relieves pressure on the area when the Schaffürggli chairlift has to be closed due to wind. However, operation is snow-dependent, as the Glatteggen ski lift area cannot be artificially snowed.
Info: Madrisa opens on December 19th.