Grindelwald Ski Resort
Grindelwald is the largest of the Jungfrau ski area ( also sometimes referred to as the Interlaken ski area) in the Bernese Oberland Alps in Switzerland. A place of absolutely stunning beauty, Grindelwald is also one of the Jungfraus most visited ski resorts. Grindelwald is one of the Alp's oldest resorts and has been welcoming skiers to its village for over 100 years. The beauty and awe of the surrounding mountains are truly a sight to behold, with the Eiger towering over 3,000 metres high. Grindelwald is regarded to have some of the best panoramic views in Switzerland. The village looks like it is taken straight out of a postcard with its traditional, Alpine-style houses, old railway station and rolling hills lending it a fairy tale ambience.
Beauty aside, Grindelwald is a great skiing destination for beginners and intermediate-level skiers thanks to its long cruisy blues and gentle reds. Advanced skiers do have several blacks they can look forward to as well as numerous off-piste opportunities. There are up to 215 kilometres of pistes available to explore at Grindelwald; some of which is shared and connected with its neighbouring Wengen and Murren. The area is serviced by an impressive network of modern lifts, that connect skiers to the slopes. Although part of the Jungfrau area, Grindewald shares some of its slopes with the Kleine Scheidegg ski area, allowing access to an additional number of pistes for its visiting skiers.
Beauty aside, Grindelwald is a great skiing destination for beginners and intermediate-level skiers thanks to its long cruisy blues and gentle reds. Advanced skiers do have several blacks they can look forward to as well as numerous off-piste opportunities. There are up to 215 kilometres of pistes available to explore at Grindelwald; some of which is shared and connected with its neighbouring Wengen and Murren. The area is serviced by an impressive network of modern lifts, that connect skiers to the slopes. Although part of the Jungfrau area, Grindewald shares some of its slopes with the Kleine Scheidegg ski area, allowing access to an additional number of pistes for its visiting skiers.
What makes Grindelwald so special is also its wide array of non-ski activities. A popular hiking village, snowshoeing is also big here as well as sledding and tobogganing. The resort also has a 4.5km banning slope called the Family Run which is popular among skiers looking for a bit of additional fun. Separate pedestrian lift passes are also available for non-skiers looking to access hiking trails and sled slopes. For additional dramatic entertainment take a ride on the old cog rail line up to Jungfraujoch for more stunning views.
Grindelwald mountain area is made up of and flanked by the Oberjoch ( 2,500 metres) and Kleine Scheidegg (2,069 metres) as well as the skiing areas at the resort. The additional connecting areas of Wengen and Murren are also accessible from Grindelwald.
With a Jungfrau ski pass, there are no shortages of slopes to explore no matter what ski ability level you are. The ski area is predominantly filled with blues and reds but advanced skiers have a number of exciting black runs in Oberjoch, Murren and Kleine Scheidegg
Beginners should go to the two nursery slopes at the village before progressing unto the gentle blues on Oberjoch to gain some confidence. Additional easy blue runs can be found on both Kleine Scheidegg and the connected resort of Wengen.
The most famous challenge for intermediate level skiers is the 8 kilometres run to Grindelwald from Oberjoch. The Jungfrau ski pass also grants access to over 200 kilometres of pistes with a large number of reds available at different levels of both the Oberjoch and Kleine Scheidegg.
The Lauberhorn World Cup Ski downhill run is one of the few challenges advanced skiers can look forward to at Grindelwald. Pros and advanced skiers can also take on the Black Rock run from the Eigergletscher station. There are also lots of off-piste opportunities available in the area.
The terrain on Grindelwald ski areas is great for free-riders - although not particularly for beginners due to the winding terrain. Nevertheless, there are a good number of wide-open blues beginners can take advantage of. The area has countless off-piste opportunities for advanced freeriders bored with the easy blues. The Jungfrau ski area has 3 snowparks, with the biggest at Oberjoch. It's the perfect place for beginners and intermediate freestylers. It comes equipped with small kickers, a variety of rails and boxes of different sizes and a few more obstacles. The Skyline Snowpark Schilthorn is suitable for more experienced boarders and freestylers; featuring a wider array of rails, larger kickers and even an acrobag to facilitate soft landings. The Balis Park Hasliberg was recently completed and is a pro and advanced freestylers dream. It is the perfect combination of a snow park and ski cross circuit.
Grindelwald has a good snow record and conditions are usually impressive. It is also very well equipped with snowmaking facilities to provide any fluffy covers with shortages. The resort can call on up to 38 snow cannons covering over 100 kilometres of pistes across the ski terrain, making up 66% of the pistes.
Grindelwald offers a lively apres ski experience thanks to its numerous nightspots which can be found in and around the village resort. Starting from its mountain huts on the slopes and leading back down to its several bars and restaurants in the resort, you enjoy a full apres ski evening. With more than just a handful of options, you can opt for a chilled cosy night or a loud party atmosphere in one of its several bars. We’ve listed a few places below for your consideration.
The Bus Stop Bar
There's really only one place to start at Grindelwald and that's at the Bus Stop Bar. Located on the slopes, you can ski straight to the bar on your way back down to the village or on a pit stop for quick refreshments. The Bus Stop Bar is one of Grindelwald's most famous apres-ski attractions, with its distinct yellow bus conversion standing out as a unique attraction. There is indoor and outdoor seating and the vibes here are absolutely fantastic. It's a very friendly and welcoming place which also offers a stunning view of the Jungfrau mountain range. Open every day of the ski season from 3 pm, stop over and sample any one of the drinks on its amazing menu; the hot mojito and coffee motor oil are very well known drinks associated with the Bus Top Bar. The bar has been known to accommodate big crowds during musical events and similar type events in Grindelwald. It is also known to host live DJ sets within its own Bus Stop Festival. Do stop over for great food, drinks and other forms of entertainment.
Avocado Bar
A resort favourite by both locals and tourists, the Avocado bar offers a true Alpine pub experience. Frequented by all, it's usually calm and quiet when it opens at 4 pm however, as the night grows, the vibe changes into a lively bar with the growth of the crowd and DJ’s music set. It has cosy indoor seating and a lovely outdoor space with amazing views of the mountains. The bar welcomes a mix of old and young, skiers and snowboarders and is very snow sports-oriented. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and the bar is well renowned for its excellent service. They do not make full meals but have fantastic snacks and sandwiches.
Bistro Memory
Another big hit with both locals and visiting tourists, the Bistro Memory allows patrons to the establishment the pleasure of experiencing a typical apres-ski evening. It is a well-known meeting place for locals with visitors always welcomed warmly as well. It is a cosy bar with a rustic and charming interior. You can find a wide selection of drinks and food as well. It is well famed for its Memory Original Burger with homemade Eiger Fries. It is also well known for its wide variety of swiss cheese and potato dishes which are a particularly tasty delicacy. You also get awesome service from the staff here. Perfect for groups and families as well.
Hotel Bars ( Challi Bar, The Espresso Bar)
Apart from its bars and restaurants, Grindelwald is also well known for its hotel bars which also promise a good apres-ski experience. For example, the Challi Bar in the Hotel Kreutz and Post is one of Grindelwald's well-known spots for an evening of live music, DJ sets and an awesome atmosphere. It features a lot of musical acts from live bands, blues and rock. It is especially favoured by music lovers of all ages. The Espresso Bar located in the Hotel Spinne in Grindelwald is a party enclave suitable for all ages. Known to host parties and celebrate festivals, The Espresso Bar is a Grindelwald favourite. Staying within the Hotel Spinne, the Mescalero Disco is an all-night disco and nightclub offering the ultimate party experience. The ideal place for the night animals among us, visit the Mescalero Disco to dance the night away.
As expected, Grindelwald has an array of fantastic facilities to ensure that all visiting ski holiday makers are very well catered to. It is well equipped in all areas required; from very well functioning lift systems, amazing accommodation facilities for families, solo travellers and couples alike, to having a good selection of restaurants, shops and cafes.
Not only is Grindelwald a ski resort, but it is also a very popular tourist attraction and as such, if well equipped with facilities for families visiting with the little ones in tow. There is awesome and engaging entertainment both in and out of the snow, a good amount of creches and childminder options, child-friendly accommodation and much more.