The 5 best ski resorts in the Bernese Oberland

Winter is a poem. At least in the Swiss Alps. When the white winter dress covers the mountains, they unfold their full splendor. Then it's time to unpack your skis, snowboard, sled or snowshoes. You will experience the majestic mountain world in your very own way. In the ski resorts of the Jungfrau region you are very close to the ice giants Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. In the Gstaad ski area, a unique glacier world is waiting to be conquered in the Glacier 3000 Arena. Even James Bond went skiing in Switzerland at the Mürren Schilthorn ski resort on behalf of his majesty. Thanks to the trains of the Bernese Oberlandbahn, you can reach the most important ski areas of the Jungfrau region every half hour. With the Jungfrau Region Ski Pass, you can enjoy all the ski areas in the Bernese Oberland.

Ski area Grindelwald-First

The Grindelwald First region is a popular year-round destination for hikers, climbers and paragliders. Every year from about mid-December the winter sports operation starts and lasts until mid-April. The exact date is set depending on weather conditions.

Mountain railroads in the Grindelwald-First ski area

From Grindelwald Terminal, the Grindelwald First cable car takes you up to the First in about 25 min at over 2000 m above sea level. From the villages of Stählisboden, Mühlebach and Klusi shuttle buses take you to the valley station in Grindelwald. Passionate freeriders take the chairlift from the First mountain station to Oberjoch, where they jet down the unprepared slopes. For leisurely skiers, the varied slopes further down at Schreckfeld await. These either start directly from the mountain railway station of the same name or can be reached via several chairlifts.

Slopes in the Grindelwald-First ski area

The Grindelwald-First ski area offers the right slopes for beginners and pros alike.In total, you can look forward to a slope length of 49 km of varying degrees of difficulty. The multifaceted ski area Grindelwald-First is not only a paradise for skiers, but also for snowboarders and freeski fans. The two snow parks Bärgelegg Park and Oberjoch Park offer everything a snowboarder's heart could dream of. In addition, a 130 m long halfpipe provides a lot of momentum. In addition, an attractive ski cross course is created every winter at the Schilt ski lift. For this, the ski area was certified as "Audi Skicross Gold Park Destination" by the Swiss Ski Association.

Families with children can take advantage of exciting entertainment programs at the Grindelwald First ski area. These include an exciting treasure hunt in the snow or adventurous piste bully rides. After an eventful day on the slopes, the nostalgic Après Ski Bus is already waiting at the Grindel valley run. This takes you to the hottest après-ski locations in the Grindelwald-First ski area. Here the atmosphere is regularly exuberant with live music.

Other offers in the ski resort Grindelwald First

There are numerous other offers in this ski resort. Over 40 km of winter hiking trails and toboggan runs are prepared every season for active holidaymakers, nature lovers and families with children. Adrenaline junkies will also get their money's worth here on the spectacular First Flieger zipline. With up to 84 km/h you whiz well secured from the First on a 800 m long steel cable down to Schreckfeld.

Almost as fast is a flight with the First Glider. Four of you will hang like a bird below the flying machine, which has been designed to look like an eagle. With a speed of 70 km/h the bird is pulled from Schreckfeld to the ridge. From there you race back towards the valley at 80 km/h at a height of up to 50 m as if in a nosedive.

Skigebiete Berner Oberland Snowpark Grindelwald First Pipe KidsSnowpark Grindelwald First (Foto: Jungfraubahnen Management AG)
Skigebiete Berner Oberland Grindelwald First Winter Skifahren Freeride PanoramaGrindelwald First Freeride (Foto: Jungfraubahnen Management AG)

Ski area Grindelwald-Wengen

Also from the Grindelwald terminal the cable cars start to the ski area Grindelwald-Wengen. The ski area goes up to 2472 m.a.s.l. and connects the Männlichen and the Kleine Scheidegg.

Mountain railroads in the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area

The feeder lifts include the Wengernalpbahn Grindelwald - Kleine Scheidegg and the Wengernalpbahn Lauterbrunnen - Kleine Scheidegg. In between, you can get off or on at any number of stations as well as use the various chairlifts to the individual slopes.

In 2019, the new Grindelwald - Männlichen mountain railroad was put into operation. This also starts at the Grindelwald Terminal and takes you up to Männlichen in less than 20 min. The Eiger Express has also been running since the 2020 winter season from Grindelwald Terminal via Kleine Scheidegg to the Eiger Glacier.

Slopes in the ski area Grindelwald Wengen

From fast-paced steep sections to leisurely glides, there is everything on the approximately 100 km of groomed slopes in the Grindelwald Wengen ski area.

The incredible panorama of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau is just one of the reasons for the popularity of the ski area. World famous in the ski resort of Grindelwald Wengen is the Lauberhorn downhill. With a track length of 4.5 km, the Lauberhorn run is one of the longest slopes in alpine ski racing. It has been the venue of the Lauberhorn race since 1930.

The Grindelwald Wengen ski area is also a very family-friendly ski resort. One of the highlights is the children's paradise Männlichen. Here the little ones can practice their first turns on the creative magic carpet under the supervision of professional ski instructors. A beginners' run has also been constructed on Kleine Scheidegg.

Other offers in the Grindelwald Wengen ski area

In the shadow of the mighty Eiger, you can whiz down the Eiger Run on a toboggan, which has a proud gradient of 36%. The 3.5 km long toboggan run from Alpiglen is easily reached by the Wengernalpbahn.

A special experience is the descent on the Eiger Run at night, when the toboggan run is atmospherically illuminated. The mountain railroads run until 22:40 in good weather.

Other toboggan runs are the Easy Männlichen Holenstein, Rita's Speedway and the Fox Run on the Wengernalp.

Of course you can also bring your snowshoes to the skiing area Grindelwald Wengen. There are several fantastic snowshoe trails here, such as the fantastic Royal Walk Männlichen and the Eigertrail.

Skigebiete Berner Oberland Maennlichen-KinderparadiesMaennlichen Kinderparadies (Foto: Jungfraubahnen Management AG)
WengenWengen (Foto: Jungfraubahnen Management AG)

Skiing area Mürren Schilthorn

The Mürren Schilthorn ski area is a snow paradise of superlatives. Not only is it one of the highest ski resorts in the Bernese Oberland, but it is also home to the steepest slope in the Jungfrau region. It also offers numerous highlights not found in every ski resort. On slopes with a gradient of up to 88%, you'll hurtle down from the Birg station into the Engtal valley.

Cable cars in the Mürren Schilthorn ski area

The journey to the Schilthorn can be made comfortably by public transport from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen. From there a shuttle bus takes you to the valley station Stechelberg. From there you can take a modern funicular and the gondola up to the Schilthorn at 2970 m.a.s.l. In between you can get off and change trains as you like. The entire ski area is networked with lifts that are perfectly coordinated.

Slopes in the Mürren Schilthorn ski area

Snowboarders and freeskiers can enjoy creative obstacles in various sections and lines in the Skyline Snowpark. A highlight in the ski area is the Swisscom Skimovie course. Here you can practice yourself as a professional racer and be filmed in the process. If you can show a valid ski pass for the ski lifts, the video is free of charge for you. If you register online in good time, you will even be cheered on by "fans". The new skicross course is also fast-paced, with waves and steep turns awaiting you. On the Allmendhubel you will find the fun runs of the also newly designed Lilly's magic Kidsslope. It brings even the youngest skiers closer to the magical winter world of the Swiss Alps.

Other offers in the ski resort Mürren Schilthorn

Away from the slopes, several kilometers of winter hiking trails are prepared. These stretch through the fantastic snowy landscape and offer an incredible panorama with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau Over the Sonnenberg, which did not get its name by chance, you can go down the bobsled run to the Schiltgrat lift. There you can change to the toboggan and ride the adventurous Apollo toboggan run. At the top, Bond World opens up, because the slopes in the Mürren Schilthorn ski area have already been made unsafe by James Bond. One of the scenes was shot in the panorama restaurant Piz Gloria, which bears its name in honor of the film. A small, fine Bond museum has been set up there with paraphernalia from the film. You will also find a small cinema where you can see key scenes from the Bond film "In the Name of Her Majesty".

Skigebiete Berner Oberland Muerren SchilthornMuerren Schilthorn (Foto: Jungfraubahnen Management AG)
Skifahren Schilthorn MürrenSkifahren am Schilthorn Mürren (Foto: Schilthornbahn AG)

Ski resort Meiringen Hasliberg

The excursion and snow sports area Meiringen Hasliberg is known for its family-friendly and culinary offers.

Cable cars in the ski resort Meiringen Hasliberg

To get to the slopes, the mountain railroads from Alpbach Meiringen, Hasliberg Reuti Bidmi Mägisalp and Hasliberg Twing Käserstatt go up to the 2250 meter high Alpen Tower. All feeder buses are free of charge with a valid Meiringen Haslingen Bahnen pass and with the Top4 ski pass of the Jungfrau region. The Häsli Taxi, which runs between the mountain villages of Reuti, Bidmi, Twing and Hag, operates in winter as well as in summer.

Slopes in the Meiringen Hasliberg ski area

In Skihäsliland, one of the most beautiful children's ski areas in Switzerland, young skiers are looked after by the professionals of the snow sports school. Skiers of all levels can also enjoy 60 kilometers of varied pistes. At night, the slopes at Mägisalp Reutli are transformed into a brightly lit snow paradise. This offers a fantastic contrast to the dark night sky during night skiing. Freeriders and snowboarders have also been thought of in the Meiringen Hasliberg ski area and some sections have been prepared accordingly. In the Avalanche Training Center, freeriders can train in advance with emergency equipment before heading to the Alpen Tower. From there, there are no limits to the freeriding experience. Only the signposted wildlife rest zones are off limits. The modern Balis Park on the Balisalp is the right place for ski crossing and snowboarding. Passionate freestyle athletes have been at work here and have created creative courses.

Other offers in the ski resort Meiringen-Hasliberg

You don't necessarily have to come on skis or a snowboard to experience the winter wonderland at the Meiringen Hasliberg ski resort. You can also slip on your snowshoes and explore the 25 km of groomed winter hiking trails. There are many alpine huts and mountain restaurants scattered around the ski area. Among other things, delicious Swiss specialties such as the regionally typical meringues are served here. There are also regular live concerts of various musical genres.

Hasliberg SnowboardenHasliberg (Foto: Jungfrau Region Patrick Luchs)
Alpentower Meiringen HaslibergAlpentower Meiringen Hasliberg (Foto: Jungfrau Region)

Ski resort Adelboden Lenk

The ski resort Adelboden Lenk is one of the top ski resorts in Switzerland. With 200 kilometers of slopes, it is also one of the largest ski resorts in the country. Whether beginner or professional, here everyone will find his favorite slope in the various sub-areas.

Mountain railroads in the Adelboden Lenk ski area

The Adelboden-Lenk ski area is a unique world of experience. It is interconnected by more than 70 mountain railroads. These start in Adelboden and Lenk and go up to an altitude of 2362 meters above sea level.

Slopes in the skiing area Adelboden Lenk

About half of all slopes are designated as blue slopes. Therefore, they are ideal for beginners and families due to their low gradient of 25%. The Silleren Hahnenmoos Metsch region is home to the freestyle community. The Gran Masta Park delights with creative rails and adventurous obstacles. An extreme fun slope awaits on the Bühlberg. At Chuenisbärgli you can test your ski racing skills on the Swisscom World Cup Skimovie course. In addition, there is an Audi Skicross Park at the Aebi as well as a staked slalom run. For families with children, the Adelboden Lenk ski resort has interesting offers with discounts on ski passes and cable cars. These also apply to grandparents who come skiing with their grandchildren. Children under 6 years of age ski for free with the Snowli card. Groups of 10 or more, associations, clubs and school classes also benefit from reduced prices in the Adelboden Lenk ski area.

Other offers in the ski resort Adelboden Lenk

Every year in January, the Adelboden-Lenk ski area is transformed into a pulsating witches' cauldron. Then around 40,000 ski fans attend the international AUDI FIS Ski World Cup. This is held on the Chuenisbärgli. Another event you should not miss is the Ski-Chilbi. This is the end-of-season party every April, where the winter is bid farewell loudly with concerts.

Skifahren AdelbodenSkifahren Adelboden (Foto: Adelboden Tourismus Roger Grütter)
Skifahren Adelboden LenkrSkifahren Adelboden (Foto: Tourismus Adelboden Roger Gruetter)

Ski resort Gstaad

The ski resort Gstaad also has a respectable 200 kilometers of slopes. It is immediately adjacent to the Adelboden Lenk ski area and extends over 10 mountain peaks. Together with the Glacier 3000 Arena, the Gstaad ski area is the only glacier ski area in the Bernese Oberland.

Cable cars in the Gstaad ski area

The Gstaad ski area can be reached from several valley stations in the villages of Gstaad, Saanen, Schönried, Rougemont, Les Granges, Saanenmöser, Oeschseite and Zweisimmen. Chairlifts run between the individual slopes. Several free shuttle and ski buses shuttle between the valley stations of the villages. A novelty is the panorama lift Gstaad Eggli. The state-of-the-art 10-seater gondolas were designed at the Porsche Design Studio and have been in operation since 2019.

Slopes in the Gstaad ski area

From steep slopes, like the black-marked Tiger Run, to connoisseur runs, there's something for everyone here. At the Rinderberg, the slopes are also illuminated at night and you can ski at night until 22:00. For children there are several learning facilities, which are supervised by the snow sports schools. For families with children, the sub-area on Gstaad's local mountain, the Wispile, is particularly suitable. The longest piste on the summit of La Videmanette covers a difference in altitude of 1160 meters. Here you glide for 7.5 km continuously down into the valley to Rougemont. Of course, there is also a stylish snow park for snowboarders and freestyle fans in the ski resort of Gstaad. You will find it at the Hornberg above Saanenmöser. A highlight in the Glacier 3000 glacier park is the fun park. Another one is located on the Hornberg.

Other offers in the Gstaad ski region

There is also a lot going on off-piste in the Gstaad ski region. Large music festivals, open air parties and atmospheric après ski programs are held regularly. There are more than 500 events every winter. A visitor magnet is the Ride on Music festival. Here, numerous bands of different musical genres make the snow melt. Another special feature in Gstaad are the charming chalet villages, which have a unique charm. Gstaad and the chalet villages are also known as a shopper's paradise, as many luxury brands gather here.

Skigebiete Berner Oberland Ski Kinder Winter(Foto: Destination Gstaad)
Skigebiete Berner Oberland(Foto: Destination Gstaad)

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