Abutting the famously rugged Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch peaks, a Grindelwald ski vacation is sure to please anyone in search of a good view. Grindelwald is the largest of the Interlaken-based resorts, known as Jungfrau Top Ski area, in the Bernese Oberland Mountains of Switzerland. Grindelwald is directly linked to Wengen ski area, and the Top Ski lift ticket provides access to the resort's combined 132 miles of ski terrain over 50 pistes. The Jungfrau Top Ski resort accesses pistes above 7,500 feet, ensuring that skiers and boarders experience exceptional snow coverage. And despite being one of Europe’s favorite ski destinations, the Jungfrau region rarely experiences crowds, thanks to its three sprawling base areas, and centrally located Interlaken. Plus, the resort’s 20 chairlifts transport 42,000 passengers uphill in an hour.
Non-skiers and those looking for a variety of activities and experiences, will be incredibly pleased, thanks to the world-famous cogwheel train, which shuttles skiers and sightseers alike to the “Top of Europe,” the saddle between Jungfrau and Monch peak. Those looking to participate in winter activities will be pleased to learn that Grindelwald is home to the longest toboggan run in the Alps, and the Grindelwald Valley features 12 miles of world-class country-country skiing trails.
With so much terrain to explore, a lively and storied base village in Interlaken, and spectacular Alpine peaks, you might as well start planning your Grindelwald ski vacation today.
As aforementioned, Grindelwald is connected to Wengen via trails and lifts, and the ski area they share—Kleine Scheidegg—makes up the largest ski area. But it’s important to note that Grindelwald also serves as an access point to even more skiing. Murren and Wengen each connect to smaller ski areas. Wengen is also home of the longest World Cup downhill course, the Lauberhorn. Mürren's Schilthorn is included on the pass but is not accessible from other areas via chairlift.
Grindelwald is in fact a great place to base a family ski vacation out of, as beginners and children will fancy the gentle Bodmi slopes. Plus Grindelwald's ski school is easily accessed from the base village, which is a huge plus for larger families who have a lot of equipment to schlep. Grindelwald is also a favorite among intermediates, since the majority of the runs are red and blue. Corduroy-lovers will have a blast on the five-mile cruiser from the top of the Oberjoch chairlift back to the Grindelwald base. With the exception of Wengen’s Lauberhorn and Black Rock run, experts will find that most of the on-piste offerings aren’t quite as challenging. But with so much off-piste and glacier skiing to be had, expert skiers and snowboarders will be grinning ear-to-ear on a Grindelwald ski vacation.
Breathtaking scenery all around
Grindewald is a beautiful little town with easy access via train. All 3 ski regions are easily accessible from here and plenty of dining and shopping options. Top of Europe was a wonderful excursion added to the great skiing available.
This vacation keeps getting better and better
The title was an actual quote from one of my 4 friends who shared this vacation with me. We had great weather, great skiing, good snow, skiing and social compatibility, a super hotel, and great food. At the end, I was heard to say "this is a once in a lifetime experience". By the way, we stayed in Grindlewald in January, 2011. The drop down menu does not offer 2011 as a year to choose.
A Swiss town straight out of your dreams
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4.0 NR 4.0 4.0 4.0 5.0 NR 4.0 4.0 4.0 NR 5.0 NR 5.0 NRIf you’re looking for a truly picturesque Swiss town, complete with jawdropping scenery and spectacular mountain vistas, look no further than Grindelwald. When my train from the lively base area of Interlaken pulled up to the train station, I was completely awestruck by this adorable little town. It’s literally right at the base of the Eiger glacier, and features stunning views of the Jungfrau, and though it’s small, it’s certainly a lively tourist destination. Grindelwald is an all-seasons resort – from winter skiing and sledging to summer hiking and biking, this town really does have it all.
Everything in the town is quite close together, and it’s easy to walk from one end of the village to the other in under half an hour, though if you’re feeling tired from your ski day, the bus is always an option. Most lodging is in a traditional chalet style, though, so if you’re looking for five-star posh hotels at a lux resort, you’d best look elsewhere. As Grindelwald is at a noticeably lower altitude than other Swiss resorts, it’s not always the most reliable when it comes to good snow, but on a good day, it transforms into a winter playland. The lifts are definitely slower, so take the time to look around and enjoy the scenery! This is a good resort for intermediates, as Grindelwald’s ski area features a lot of wide open runs as well as a few in the that are in the trees. I loved taking the lift up to the Kleine Scheidigg, and up to the Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe. It’s a great way to spend a slightly chillier day, as you have a panoramic view of the mountains as well as a Lindt chocolate shop to delight everyone in the family.