Your guide to Grindelwald Ski Resort in Switzerland

(1034m - 3454m)

With beautiful scenery, 3 decent sized ski areas, (2 of which are shared with Wengen) and the nearby resort of Murren combining to make a total area of 213km of skiable piste, Grindelwald seems the perfect Swiss resort. However this unfortunately is not the case. Getting to the slopes can be a real drag, and Grindelwald’s low altitude means that snow may not always be in plentiful supply.

Great for…

  • Village charm Village charm
  • Intermediates Intermediates
  • Scenic Scenic

Resort at a glance

★★★Beginner
★★★★Intermediate
★★★Advanced
★★Off-Piste
★★★Snowboarding
★★★Snow Reliability
★★★Extent
★★★Apres-Ski
★★★Mountain Restaurants
★★★★★Scenery
★★★★★Village Charm
★★★Non-Skiers
Ski Lifts40 (area)
Resort Altitude1034m
Pistes160kms
Ski Range1034m – 3454m
Green Runs
Blue Runs23 (area)
Red Runs34 (area)
Black Runs19 (area)
Local Lift PassCHF 283
Area Lift PassCHF 314
Transfer TimeGeneva 3hrs 30mins, Zurich 3hrs 30mins
Transfer DaySaturday and Sunday
Tourist BoardWebsite
Weather
Snow Report
WebcamWebcam
Piste MapPiste Map

The Slopes

grindelwaldGrindelwald’s two main ski areas, Kleinne Scheidegg and Mannlichen are shared with the resort of Wengen. From the centre of town a slow mountain railway takes you up to the Kleine Scheidegg area. This sector consists mainly of blue and red runs, with the occasional black piste.

From Kleinne Scheidegg you can make your way over to the famous Lauberhorn World Cup run here that goes all the way back down to the village of Wengen, a good challenge for those who are wanting some tough stuff. There is however an easier blue run to Wengen for those who want to take it a bit easier.

Grindelwald’s Mannlichen area can be accessed from the slopes at Kleinne Scheidegg, or from a 2 stage gondola that starts from the edge of the village at Grund. The slopes of Mannlichen are similar in difficulty to those at Klein Scheidegg and have good intermediate terrain, with runs going all the way back down to Grund.

Grindelwald’s third skiable area, First is accessed via gondola from the other side of town. Once again the terrain here will predominantly suit intermediates, and experts will find off piste opportunities providing the snow is decent enough. There is also a nursery slope at the bottom of First.


Apres-Ski

Grindelwald is far better for apres ski than the other neighbouring Jungfrau villages, it is quite laid back but there is something here to suit most tastes whether you are looking for something quiet or more lively.

On your way back down the slopes make sure you pop in to the Tee Pee bar at Kleine Scheidegg, it has DJs and live music so well worth a visit, as is the Lauberhorn Bar too.

More music can be found at the lively Espresso Bar in the Hotel Spinne, at the Challi Bar in the Hotel Kreuz and in the Hotel Regina too. Quieter options worth a visit are the Gepsi Bar in the Hotel Eiger, the C&M café with tasty cakes and the cafe in the Hotel Central Wolter.

There are also a couple of nightclubs in Grindelwald - the Mescalero in the Hotel Spinne and the Plaza Club in the Hotel Sunstar if you are looking for a boogie.


Eating Out

Grindelwald has a variety of restaurants to sample, many are hotel based and there really is something to suit every taste and pocket.

Starting at the top, there are some gourmet and fine dining options available. The Restaurant Français at the Hotel Belvedere has a 6 course gourmet menu or à la carte if you prefer. The Föhrenstube at the Hotel Derby again has a delicious à la carte menu, as does the Restaurant Schmitte at the Hotel Schweizerhof and La Pendule d'Or at the Hotel Grand Regina has a wide variety of French and local specialities.

Other restaurants serving local specialities are the Hirschen, Au Rendez-Vous, the Jägerstube in the Hotel Grand Regina, Central Wolter, the Gaststübli in the Hotel Schweizerhof and of course the Restaurant Grund at the Grund train station serving delicacies like horse entrecote or cheese fondue.

Speaking of cheeses and meats, fondues and raclette’s can be found at the Hotel Alpenhof, Restaurant Bella Vista in the Hotel Bodmi and Barry's Restaurant in the Hotel Eiger - do look out for their more unusual fondue specialities such as Truffle champagne cheese fondue, yum.

There are other cuisines available in Grindelwald, Italian specialities can be found at Bar Ristorante Latino, Ristorante Pizzeria Da Salvi in the Hotel Steinbock, pizzas are available at Ristorante Pizzeria Mercato and Onkel Tom's Hut, with Asian and vegetarian at Kirchbühl.


Other Activities

There is plenty to keep you occupied off the slopes in Grindelwald. You can visit nearby Bern, Lucerne or Interlaken for a day out of the resort.

There is ice skating, curling, snowshoeing and snow tubing and also the longest toboggan run in Europe which is 15km and a definite ‘must’ to try. There is also a bowling alley and cinema if you want something less outdoorsy.

If you are in need of a pampering session then there is a sports centre with pools and a wellness area too offering steam baths, showers and a sauna, the Hotel Belvedere also has an outdoor salt whirlpool.

Now for something a a little different... Why not take a train trip to the Jungfraujoch World Heritage Site, it is at 3454m and the highest railway station in Europe, admire the north face of the Eiger on your way up and then visit the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant on top of the Schilthorn for the most amazing 360 degree views of more than 200 peaks.

There are also a number of events held in Grindelwald throughout the year such as The World Snow Festival where you can watch artists creating snow sculptures, the Velogemel World Championship - a snowbike event and the SnowpenAir event too, to name a few.


Ski School

There are a few ski and snowboarding schools to choose from in Grindelwald, offering tuition to all ages and abilities. The biggest school here is The Swiss Ski and Snowboard School, group lessons start from CHF 259 for 5 half days with 2 hours per day, private lessons start from CHF 85 per hour, they also offer tuition in freestyle, telemark and cross country, with taster sessions available too. Check your meeting point on booking as it depends on your ability level.

The Altitude Ski and Snowboard School offer group and private lessons, heli skiing and also instructor training too. Group lessons start from CHF 270 for 5 half days with 3 hours per day, private lessons start from CHF 190 for 2 hours tuition.

Then there is the Buri Sports Ski and Snowboard School offering private tuition, half a day starts from CHF 190 which is 2 and a half hours, with a full day of 5 hours starting from CHF 320, you can add extra people to your group at CHF 10 per person and they also do off peak 1 hour tuition starting from CHF 75 per hour.

Where to stay in Grindelwald, Switzerland

Hotel Spinne

Hotel Spinne

★★★★

Located in the centre of Grindelwald, this charming hotel is only 5 minutes walk from the gondola, it has a cosy lounge, traditional dining room with stunning views and a small wellness area.

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Hotel Eiger

Hotel Eiger

★★★★

This stylish hotel is only 4 minutes walk from the lifts and has stunning views of the Eiger, centrally located it also has an extensive wellness area with sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.

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Hotel Belvedere

Hotel Belvedere

★★★★

Set amidst stunning scenery, this comfortable 4 star hotel has easy access up the mountains, there is a comfortable lounge, terrace and a lovely wellness area with pool, jacuzzi and sauna.

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Hotel Derby

Hotel Derby

★★★★

A charming traditional hotel centrally located by the station and right in the heart of the resort, a 10 minute walk to the gondola or 1 minute to the bus stop, there is also a spa too.

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Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof

Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof

★★★★★

This lovely spacious 5 star hotel is beautifully decorated in an Alpine style with extensive wellness facilities including a jacuzzi, pool, saunas and tepidarium to ease your tired muscles.

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