Worldwide Ski Resorts • Switzerland • Grindelwald
Overview
This traditional village with stunning scenery sits beneath the foot of the Eiger Mountain. There is a long history here for mountaineering and Grindelwald also attracts winter sports fans that are not looking to break any records with few pistes posing a challenge. It is an old village built either side of a road in a narrow valley and in midwinter has very little sun. The hotels are plentiful and some offer self catering apartments. Many are family run and offer a warm welcome with good food and accommodation to visitors. The majority of restaurants and bars are part of the hotels and a cosmopolitan influence provides Mexican, Chinese and Italian options. Of course fondue the meal with a party atmosphere is a family favourite. Even vegetarians will be able to find great meals to suit.
Profile
This resort will be ideal for those who enjoy skiing but not looking to win a gold medal. The broad slopes are mainly gentle with long runs suitable for intermediate standard and also novices. Most of the runs are long blues or gentle reds. To reach the First Area there is a 3 stage gondola, a little patience may be needed as unfortunately this is quite slow with queues especially at weekends. There is a general lack of trees but this does not prevent the fun to be had on the slopes. For a welcome rest and recharging the batteries there are excellent mountain restaurants some with a terrace to soak up the sun and the clean air.
Mountain Information
The majority of the slopes is shared with Wengen and are open and many are wooded higher up. Snow cover can be unreliable and checking the weather reports and making last minute bookings may avoid disappointment. Grindelwald has a low altitude going below 3,500 feet and few slopes go above 6,500 feet. This is certainly a good area for those seeking the middle terrain, with runs down to the valley being great fun. Cross country is catered for with 16 miles on the valley floor with prepared tracks but remember there may be little sun.
For the tough pistes make for the top of the Lauberhorn lift and enjoy the Kleine Scheidegg runs. The pistes are not well marked and it can be difficult to find which run you are on but there is good off-piste sport if the snow is good. The mountain guides often organise Hell-trips for the potential James Bond. There are nursery slopes, a ski school and kindergarten at the foot of the First Area. For beginners the nursery slopes are great for scenery but once again lack sunshine and have a low altitude. Kleine Scheidegg is higher up for new skiers and has longer runs to aim for.
Apres Ski
With traditional style chalet housing this is a great place to explore as it is quite lively and jolly at night. Several bars and hotels have live music but this is more family orientated than dancing til the wee hours of the morning. In January there is an ice carving festival with the main streets lined with sculptures. To really get a flavour of the great outdoors there are amazing walks and at night looking up at the Eiger is must for the camera to dazzle those at home. There are a few discos and a fairly lively Expresso bar. A film may take your fancy at the local cinema or watch a curling match or ice hockey. Walks, watching sport, eating out or enjoying some music with the locals something for all tastes and ages.
Swiss Resort Guide
Resort Information • Grindelwald
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Resort Height | 1034m |
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Top Station | 2468m |
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Bottom Station | 1034m |
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Vertical Descent | 1434m |
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Drag Lifts | 11 |
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Chair Lifts | 6 |
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High Capacity | 4 |
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Opening Dates | Dec - April |
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Rating Expert | 7 |
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Rating Intermediate | 9 |
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Rating Beginner | 6 |
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Apres Ski Rating | 6 |
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Snow Reliability | 7 |
