One day skiing from Zurich

Engelberg scores on the travelling time, less than two hours including the wait at Lucerne as mentioned above. There are trains from Engelberg railway station that leave at 6.01, 7.01 and 8.01 that would get you to the airport in plenty of time for your flight. Everyone in Switzerland speaks good English and the Brunni and Gerschnialp areas of Engelberg are excellent for beginners and improvers. There's also the bonus of the spectacular cable car ride up to Mount Titlis for the views etc. I reckon it could be right up your street.