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There are ski resorts with great skiing, and then there are places where the mountains themselves steal the show. Grindelwald is firmly in the second camp.
Tucked beneath the legendary Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, this spectacular Swiss Alpine destination combines world-class skiing with scenery that seems almost too dramatic to be real. From the first turns of winter in late November through to the long, sunny days of spring in April, Grindelwald offers an unforgettable mountain escape.
And for skiers looking to make the most of the entire season, it is hard to beat.
A ski season that stretches into spring
The ski season in Grindelwald runs from late November until the end of April, giving skiers plenty of time to enjoy the mountains. Winter brings classic Alpine conditions and beautifully groomed pistes, while spring adds longer days, warmer sunshine and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.
Grindelwald is part of the mighty Jungfrau Ski Region, home to an impressive 211km of pistes. With terrain ranging from gentle, confidence-building slopes for first-time skiers to exhilarating runs for seasoned piste hunters, there’s something to suit every level.
Skiers in Grindelwald have direct access to two distinct areas: Grindelwald-Wengen (103km pistes) and Grindelwald-First (56km pistes). Grindelwald-Wengen is the largest ski area in the Jungfrau Region. Highlights include the Eiger Glacier at 2328m and the world-famous 4.5km Lauberhorn downhill run. Adrenalin seekers favour Grindelwald-First for its snowpark, halfpipe and 11km sleding run.
Big-mountain scenery at every turn
Skiing in Grindelwald is about more than simply chasing the next run. Here, the scenery is impossible to ignore.
The towering peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau provide a spectacular backdrop as you carve your way down the mountain, creating the kind of skiing memories that stay with you long after the snow has melted.
Getting onto the mountain is easier than ever, too. From Grindelwald Terminal, the modern Eiger Express whisks visitors up to the glacier in just 15 minutes. Even the journey up is part of the experience, with unforgettable views towards the mighty north face of the Eiger.
If you visit in January, there is another reason to keep your eyes on the mountains. The legendary Lauberhorn Races take place every year in nearby Wengen, forming one of the great highlights of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup calendar. The downhill course is renowned for being the longest and fastest on the circuit – a spectacular reminder of just how serious skiing is in this corner of Switzerland.
Why spring could be your best bet
For many skiers, spring is the secret weapon of the Alpine season.
In Grindelwald, April skiing combines excellent snow at higher elevations with longer, brighter days and a more laid-back feel across the resort. With fewer people on the slopes, there is more room to enjoy wide-open pistes at your own pace.
It is also one of the few times of year when you can experience two seasons in a single day.
Down in the village, spring may already be making an appearance, with brighter colours and warmer temperatures. Head higher into the mountains, however, and winter is still in full swing. You could spend the morning skiing snowy pistes beneath the Eiger before returning to the valley to enjoy the first signs of spring.
That contrast is part of what makes a late-season trip to Grindelwald so special.
More than just skiing
When legs need a break from skiing, Grindelwald has plenty more to offer.
A network of officially marked winter hiking and snowshoe trails opens up a quieter side of the mountains, while more than 50 kilometres of sledging runs provide an exhilarating alternative to skiing.
For something completely different, try the Velogemel – a wooden snow bike that was invented in Grindelwald in 1911. The unusual two-runnered machine is still handcrafted locally and can be hired for visitors wanting to experience one of the region’s most distinctive Alpine traditions.
The Velogemel even has its own annual celebration: the Velogemel World Championships.
And if sledging is on your list, morning conditions tend to offer the best combination of snow and fast, enjoyable runs.
Your next Alpine adventure
Whether you are planning the first ski trip of winter or looking for somewhere special to finish the season, Grindelwald delivers the full Swiss Alpine experience.
Plan your ski holiday in Grindelwald and the Jungfrau Ski Region and discover the mountains from early winter through to the spring ski season.
