Accommodation
Quick answer: Grindelwald suits families and intermediates wanting long, scenic cruising runs with some of the most spectacular mountain views in the Alps, those wanting a genuine bucket-list ski trip beneath the Eiger, and visitors who want excellent non-ski attractions alongside the skiing. It is less suited to hardcore freeriders seeking the intensity of Engelberg or Andermatt.
Quick resort facts
Ski area: Jungfrau Ski Region, 210km of pistes, 41 lifts · Altitude: 1,034m, skiing up to 2,970m on the Schilthorn · Ski pass area: Jungfrau Ski Region · Nearest airport: Geneva (152km)
Grindelwald is one of Switzerland’s most scenic and best-loved ski resorts, set at 1,034m in the Bernese Oberland directly beneath the mighty Eiger North Face. Together with Wengen, Mürren and Lauterbrunnen, it forms part of the Jungfrau Ski Region, offering over 200km of pistes across three linked areas: Grindelwald–Wengen, Mürren–Schilthorn, and First.
Few resorts anywhere can match the drama of skiing beneath the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and Grindelwald backs up that scenery with genuinely big skiing, a lively village atmosphere, and some of the best non-skiing attractions in the Alps, including the Jungfraujoch railway to the “Top of Europe”.
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Terrain split: long, scenic reds and blues from Kleine Scheidegg and Männlichen down towards Grindelwald or Wengen, with tougher terrain including the famous Lauberhorn downhill course and steeper pistes and off-piste around the Schilthorn.
Best for: families and intermediates wanting long, scenic cruising runs with some of the most spectacular mountain views in the Alps; those wanting a genuine bucket-list ski trip beneath the Eiger; visitors who want excellent non-ski attractions alongside the skiing.
Not for: hardcore freeriders seeking the intensity of Engelberg or Andermatt – Grindelwald excels more in variety and scenery than extreme terrain.
Grindelwald is a traditional Swiss alpine village of wooden chalets and church steeples, with dramatic peaks rising directly above the village itself. Its size gives it plenty of shops, restaurants and nightlife while retaining genuine charm, and it forms one part of the wider Jungfrau Ski Region alongside Wengen, Mürren and Lauterbrunnen – together one of Switzerland’s most scenic and varied ski domains.
Recent investment has modernised the resort considerably: the Eiger Express gondola now links Grindelwald directly to the Eigergletscher station beneath the Eiger, cutting transfer times dramatically, while charming cog railways continue to connect Grindelwald with Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg.
The Jungfrau Ski Region spans over 200km of pistes across three areas: Grindelwald–Wengen, Mürren–Schilthorn, and First. The Eiger Express gondola gives fast, modern access from Grindelwald up towards the Eiger, while further gondolas and chairlifts serve First and Kleine Scheidegg. Altitudes reach up to 2,970m at the Schilthorn, providing solid snow conditions through the season, backed up by snowmaking where needed.
The White Elements Snowpark at Grindelwald–First offers freestyle lines for all levels, while natural terrain features across the wider region add extra appeal for confident skiers and boarders. Comparing options before you book? Our ski holiday deals and ski resort search tools make it easy to weigh up Grindelwald against other Swiss bases.
Beginners have excellent nursery slopes at Bodmi and First, backed by good local ski schools. Intermediates will find Grindelwald a genuine cruiser’s paradise, with long reds and blues running from Kleine Scheidegg and Männlichen down towards Grindelwald or Wengen, all with unforgettable views of the Eiger and Jungfrau.
Experts should head for the famous Lauberhorn downhill course above Wengen, plus steeper pistes and off-piste routes around the Schilthorn; hiring a guide unlocks excellent freeride opportunities across the wider Jungfrau Region. Freestylers have the White Elements Snowpark at First for jumps and rails of all levels.
With lift-served terrain up to 2,970m at the Schilthorn and reliable snowmaking across key pistes, conditions in the Jungfrau Region hold up well through the season. January and February typically bring the coldest, most reliable snow, while March offers longer days for enjoying the spectacular scenery in good light.
The Jungfrau Ski Region pass covers Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren and First, with an adult day pass costing around CHF 75 and a 6-day pass around CHF 370. Children aged 6–15 get roughly 50% off and under-6s ski free, with family discounts available and regional passes also covering rail and mountain transport.
Grindelwald has several well-established ski schools offering lessons for all levels, including strong beginner programmes at Bodmi and First, and numerous hire shops throughout the village cater to all abilities and budgets. Our ski gear guides are worth a look if you’re buying your own kit.
Grindelwald offers a wide range of lodging, from budget guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catered apartments, through 3–4-star family hotels like Hotel Kreuz & Post and Hotel Bernerhof, up to luxury stays including the Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof, Hotel Aspen and Eiger Selfness Hotel. Browse the full range via the Grindelwald accommodation search.
Mountain restaurants including Berggasthaus First and Brandegg serve rösti, fondue and other hearty Swiss classics, while village dining ranges from pizzerias to gourmet, with Barry’s Restaurant and Restaurant Belvedere among the local highlights. Après-ski is sociable and relaxed rather than rowdy, with Avocado Bar and Mescalero Club popular, though most visitors are just as happy with long dinners or drinks in cosy hotel lounges.
Grindelwald excels for non-skiers and families alike, with world-class winter attractions including the Jungfraujoch railway up to the “Top of Europe” at 3,454m, the First Cliff Walk by Tissot suspension bridge, extensive winter hiking and snowshoeing on panoramic trails, sledging runs including Europe’s longest at 15km from Faulhorn back to Grindelwald, and ice skating and curling in the village. Planning a family trip? Our family skiing guide has more advice on choosing the right base.
The closest airport is Zurich, around 2 hours from the resort. By train, take the scenic route via Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald, a journey of around 2 hours 20 minutes. Drivers should allow around 10 hours from Calais.
Grindelwald offers spectacular scenery, modern lifts and access to one of Switzerland’s greatest ski regions. It doesn’t have the freeride intensity of Engelberg or Andermatt, but it excels in variety, family-friendliness and off-slope activities – for many, skiing beneath the Eiger makes it a true bucket-list destination, and for families, intermediates and anyone seeking a classic Swiss alpine experience, it’s a top choice.
The Jungfrau Ski Region, which includes Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren and First, offers over 200km of pistes across three linked areas.
Yes, there are excellent nursery slopes at Bodmi and First backed by good ski schools, plus a huge range of family-friendly, non-ski attractions in and around the village.
The Jungfraujoch is a railway station at 3,454m known as the “Top of Europe”, reachable by a spectacular mountain railway and one of Switzerland’s most popular winter excursions.
Fly into Zurich, around 2 hours from the resort, then take the scenic train route via Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald, a total rail journey of roughly 2 hours 20 minutes.
There’s good expert terrain, including the famous Lauberhorn downhill course and steeper pistes and off-piste around the Schilthorn, though it’s not as extreme overall as dedicated freeride resorts like Engelberg.
The Eiger Express is a modern gondola linking Grindelwald directly to the Eigergletscher station beneath the Eiger, dramatically cutting transfer times into the higher ski areas.
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