Aletsch Arena

Riederalp, Bettmeralp, Fiescheralp – these three stations enjoy one skiing area with 35 state-of-the-art lifts, linked by 104 kilometres (64 miles) of outstandingly groomed pistes. At between 1845 and 2869 m, the resort has ideal skiing conditions from December to April. A range of beginners’ slopes, snow parks, half-pipes and floodlit night runs are available as well. Those who are looking for bigger challenges can get their adrenalin rush in one of the many snow & fun parks in the destination. However, what every skier and snowboarder loves about the Aletsch Arena is that carrying your skis is a no-go. Out of your front door and straight onto the ski slopes.

It’s idyllic, especially for children. Family-friendliness is a top priority in the Aletsch Arena. Day nurseries, babysitting services and rental of children’s items can be arranged through the local tourist offices. Here, they start early: The Swiss snow sports schools familiarise children as young as two and a half with skis in taster courses. For children three years of age and older, there are group lessons in the colourful, child-friendly snow gardens. And saving the best until last, kids & youth up to 20 years ski for free every Saturday.

Image – Aletsch Arena © Christian Pfammatter

The impressive winter world can also be experienced far away from the madding crowds here, in solitude and quiet. Try the 72km of marked winter hiking trails, for example, or the small but exquisite cross-country run around the lake known as Bettmersee or on the run at the golf course in Riederalp. Do your rounds on the natural ice rink in Bettmeralp or on on the 3km snow-shoe trail between Bettmeralp and Riederalp. A 13km sledding run from Fiescheralp down to Lax in the valley offers sheer action.

Winter vacation in the Aletsch Arena is also a time to pamper yourself. Relax in style in the brine bath in Breiten, the numerous wellness oases of the hotels, or at the sports centres. The varied restaurants in the area will ensure your culinary well-being. Whether they offer local specialties, typical Swiss dishes or international cuisine, the restaurants are known for their good quality and fair prices.

The Great Aletsch Glacier is a vision of primeval beauty. High up on the Moosfluh, Bettmerhorn and Eggishorn viewpoints is the best place to admire the scale and unique magic of the Great Aletsch Glacier. This huge river of ice that stretches over 23 km from its formation in the Jungfrau region (at 4000 m) down to the Massa Gorge, around 2500 m below, fascinates and inspires every visitor.

Image – Aletsch Arena © Christian Perret

The the three holiday destinations at the heart of the Aletsch Arena, Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiesch-Eggishorn, are car-free. You can access the Aletsch Arena safely and easily by car or by railway at any time of year, but for the last part of the journey, you must take the local cableways from the Mörel, Betten or Fiesch base stations. The cableways take 7 to 10 minutes to reach the plateau.

In February, SWISS offers direct flights from London Heathrow to Sion, in the heart of the Swiss Alps. In less than 2 hours, you can be in the Valais, a winter wonderland between heaven and earth.

Image – Aletsch Arena © Karin Bittel

Ski for free
Children and teenagers can ski or snowboard for free at the Aletsch Arena. The offer applies every Saturday throughout the entire winter. This is not wishful thinking but the new Saturday “ski for free” offer from the Aletsch Arena cableways. Children and teenagers up to the age of 20 (year 2000 – 2013) can enjoy a free, one-day ski pass. What’s more, the “ski for free” offer includes even more fantastic benefits!

Aletsch + winter hiking pass
The ideal cableway ticket for all winter hikers and snowshoers: 72 km of winter walks and 14 km of snowshoe trails make the sunny Aletsch Arena plateau an absolute winter walking paradise. The Aletsch + winter hiking pass takes you to almost all starting points – a handy way to access wonderful hikes and magical snowshoe walks through unspoilt nature.

Image – Aletsch Arena © Chtantal Stucky