Grindelwald Wengen

Grindelwald, nestled at 1,034m in the Bernese Oberland, is a traditional Swiss alpine village renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery. The iconic Eiger north face dominates the skyline, offering breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks and glaciers that truly captivate. This charming village maintains a tranquil pace, characterised by its wooden chalets and a rich history of hospitality spanning over a century.

As part of the Jungfrau ski region, Grindelwald provides access to more than 200km of pistes across three distinct areas: Grindelwald-Wengen, Grindelwald-First, and Mürren-Schilthorn, all covered by a single lift pass. The modern Eiger Express tricable gondola connects the village to the Grindelwald-Wengen slopes in just 15 minutes. This area, ranging from 796m to 2,500m, offers 103km of predominantly blue and red runs. Grindelwald-First features sunnier, south-facing slopes, a 130m halfpipe, and a vibrant freestyle scene. Snowmaking covers 65% of the pistes, ensuring a reliable season from late November to late April.

The skiing and snowboarding experience in Grindelwald is picturesque, with meticulously groomed runs across its three distinct ski areas. Grindelwald-Wengen is known for its long, sweeping descents, while Grindelwald-First provides sun-drenched, south-facing slopes and a relaxed freestyle atmosphere. For more challenging terrain, Mürren-Schilthorn offers steeper, higher altitude runs, peaking at nearly 3,000m.

The lift system combines modern gondolas with historic mountain railways. The Eiger Express provides swift access, while the scenic cog train to Kleine Scheidegg offers a more leisurely journey. With over 200km of interconnected pistes, a snowpark, and considerable off-piste potential on the Schilthorn side, the resort caters to all abilities, from gentle nursery slopes to genuinely demanding terrain.

Grindelwald is an excellent destination for beginners. The Bodmi Arena in the village is a dedicated learning zone, featuring conveyor-belt lifts and gentle gradients, allowing newcomers to master the basics without the complexities of chairlifts. Once confident, learners can progress to the longer green and easy blue runs around Kleine Scheidegg and Männlichen, which are ideal for building confidence with their wide, well-groomed surfaces and stunning views.

Intermediates will discover a wealth of terrain across all three ski areas, with 48 intermediate runs in the Grindelwald-Wengen sector alone. Highlights include the long blue and red runs from Kleine Scheidegg towards Grindelwald and Wengen, offering sustained descents and spectacular scenery. On First, the south-facing reds are perfect for cruising, with sunny terraces for refreshments. More adventurous intermediates can link across to Wengen and experience sections of the famous Lauberhorn World Cup downhill course, often accessible to the public outside race weeks.

Advanced and expert skiers will find their challenge in the Mürren-Schilthorn sector. The Schilthorn summit, at 2,970m, opens up steep black runs, including the renowned Inferno. The Direttissima from Birg boasts an 88% gradient at its steepest. In Grindelwald-Wengen, the 'Oh God' run presents a steep black challenge. Extensive off-piste options from Birg and Schilthorn are available, though a guide is recommended. The off-piste from Kleine Scheidegg towards the Eiger glacier offers accessible backcountry with dramatic views, while the Aletsch Glacier descent from Jungfraujoch is a notable ski touring experience.