Grindelwald

Grindelwald is the oldest and largest, yet least known of the three Jungfrau ski resorts. Accessible from Berne and Zurich, it offers spectacular views of the north face of the Eiger, Wetterhorn, Jungfrau and Monch peaks. Located to the east of Bern, Grindelwald lies at the base of the magnificent Eiger. A Mecca for mountaineers, this picturesque resort has access to 150 km of well groomed skiing slopes.

Grindelwald has its own skiing area and the mountain trains offer easy access to the skiing in Wengen. It is also linked with Murren, the skiing area being reached by cog railway and the gondola. As a popular family ski vacation resort, its longest downhill run is an impressive 15kms. About half the skiing area is suitable for intermediate skiers and snowboarders, while beginners and advanced level skiers share the rest. There are 22 lifts, including eight funiculars and three cable cars. The Oberjoch is the highest skiable point reached by lifts serving Grindelwald/First.

Grindelwald also boasts being home to Europe’s longest sledge run of fifteen kilometers. It also offers seven kilometers of skating tracks, 80kms of hiking trails, and heli-skiing, mountaineering, snow rafting, snowshoeing and curling. There is also a well-equipped sports centre. There is plenty to do off the snow, with the train helping you to get around. Après-ski is pretty laid-back with a few reasonable bars and a couple of clubs. One can always take the train to Interlaken for more vibrant entertainment.

With most of the skiing between 1000m and 2000m, Grindelwald’s biggest problem is a lack of guaranteed snow. Grindelwald really comes into its own when there is ample snow. A good time to visit Grindelwald is in January when there is better chance of snow. The World Snow Festival takes place in Grindelwald each year for six days in January each year. Sculptors and artists from all over the world are invited to express themselves within the medium of ice. The centre of the town is transformed into a surreal landscape of stunning ice sculptures, usually based on a common theme. Visitors can watch the masterpieces being created, strike up a conversation with the artists and sometimes you are even allowed to participate in the work!