Brilliant white blankets of snow drape the Alps and they glisten with tiny crystals of light as the snow catches the morning sun. Snowbunnies, powderhounds, and downhill daredevils flock to Switzerland’s beautiful Jungfrau ski region each season to experience challenging snow-filled adventures. Both beginners and advanced skiers, along with non-skiers, fall in love with the Jungfrau ski region each season.
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There are multiple mountain peaks to ascend each offering breathtaking scenery and a variety of challenging slopes for every winter sports enthusiast. Even non-skiers need to take a trip up the maze of trains, lifts, and gondolas where they, too, can take in the snow-covered panoramic landscape.
Note: Some information in this piece was obtained during a sponsored press trip, but all recommendations are my own.
1. Know The Range Of The Jungfrau Ski Region
The Jungfrau Ski Region encompasses a variety of peaks and runs that are accessed through a maze of lift and rail networks. Downhill skiers, intrepid snowboarders, sledging (sledding) daredevils, and winter hikers will all find their happy place in the Jungfrau ski region.
Kleine Scheidegg
Kleine Scheidegg is a skier and snowboarder’s dream area. The Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains loom before you as you test your mettle on a variety of on-piste runs. Sledgers and winter hikers will also find friendly paths to explore the white-washed winter wonderland.
Grindelwald-First
Grindelwald-First sits above the charming hamlet of Grindelwald and is home to freestyle piste runs, sledging runs, a halfpipe, and two parks for adventurous riders. Of course, the views are everything you would expect in the Swiss Alps — they do not disappoint.
Männlichen
Männlichen is stiuated between the Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen Valleys. Offering downhillers a variety of slopes and trails, you can make your way to Lauberhorn and then down to the village of Wengen.
Mürren-Schilthorn
Mürren-Schilthorn towers majestically above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The sheer height of this area makes for perfect long on-piste runs, stunning off-piste terrain, and plenty of snow-covered vistas.
2. Get A Jungfrau Region Pass
The maze of ski passes available can be mind-boggling. Take your time deciphering which ski areas you wish to tackle. Multiple-day passes are a good value if you plan to ski several days in a row. You will find the price of the ski passes very reasonable.
Many passes have senior discounts, making them even more attractive. It will be easier to navigate the region if you purchase a pass that includes the trains, especially if you are staying in Grindelwald, Wengen, and Interlaken.
The Jungfrau Region Pass covers Kleine Scheidegg, Mannlichen, Grindelwald-First, and Mürren-Schilthorn. It is the most comprehensive ski pass for the region. If you are skiing for more than a day or two, you will want to experience all the slopes, making this pass a great option.
3. Visit The Jungfraujoch UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Jungfraujoch is a UNESCO World Heritage site offering stunning views of the Aletsch glacier. The Jungfrau Railway transports you to the top while offering views of skiers gliding down snowy trails. At the top is the Sphinx Observation Terrace where, on a clear day, you can view mountain tops in Italy, France, and Germany.
4. Understand Your Equipment Rental Options
Transporting your skis and boards is one option if you are planning on participating in multiple days of on-the-slopes adventures. If you are extending your vacation beyond skiing, then you may want to consider equipment rentals.
In Interlaken, Outdoor has all your ski needs covered. They provide everything from skis and snowboards to parkas and goggles.
In the Grindelwald Wengen ski area, Intersport Rental Network offers several location options with rentals that fit your needs.
5. Make Time For Adventures Beyond The Ski Slopes
The Jungfrau ski region can be a bit overwhelming — after all, it comprises two valleys and three mountain ranges. With 211 kilometers (over 130 miles) of groomed slopes, there is a lot of ground to cover. Taking a tour is a great way to get a handle on the area, make new friends, and try something new. Consider a snowshoe tour or a night sledding adventure — the perfect way to take your Swiss Alps vacation to the next level.
Well-equipped wanders will enjoy the many winter hiking trails. Miles of pristine fields of snow broken only by footsteps and snowshoes offer crisp mountain air and a great workout.
Sledding, sledging, or tobogganing, however you label it, is a superfast way to get down to snow level. Watching the local children navigate the sledging runs at top speed is fascinating. They have acquired great skill in navigating the slick, downhill course. It could be your newest intrepid adventure.
6. Consider Paragliding
When you need a break from the slopes, satisfy your wild side and take a leap of faith. Paragliding Interlaken lets you soar over the city in a tandem harness with an experienced pilot. Your jump group is transported to the designated lift-off location where you will fly along the thermals in a heart-thumping adventure.
They provide all the gear you need to fly over the beautiful city of Interlaken. If you are not participating, it is fun to sit in the center green and watch the gliders float across the bright blue sky. They sail back and forth across the mountainous backdrop and land with pinpoint precision.
It is an experience you will never forget.
7. Plan For A Beautiful Swiss Alps Stay
A ski holiday in Switzerland is a bucket-list vacation for avid ski and snowboard aficionados. Spread across quaint resort towns dotted with classic charming chalets, the area draws visitors year-round. The Swiss know how to enjoy life; it is easy to fall into the rhythm of their work and play balance.
Imposing mountains, a plethora of leisure activities, excellent restaurants, and a wide range of hotels make the Jungfrau Region and resort towns of Wengen, Grindelwald, Muerren, and Lauterbrunnen a highly desirable vacation destination.
Interlaken
The beautiful town of Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It is a popular location for families or groups with skiers and nonskiers. Interlaken has a thriving downtown area perfect for strolling, dining, shopping, and entertainment.
The Ost train station offers access to the ski lifts. In winter, you will see many train travelers carrying their skis or boards as they ride the train to the lifts.
Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is nestled in a quintessential Alps valley offering views of towering mountain peaks, massive waterfalls, and beautiful views at every turn. The ski lifts are easily accessible, making Lauterbrunnen a good choice.
Wengen
Wengen is an adorable, car-free village perfect for a dreamy Alpine winter getaway. The village is accessible by a cogwheel train ride from Lauterbrunnen. Step off the train and step back in time.
When you stay in this beautiful little hamlet, you can easily sink into vacation mode. Your day would start with a hearty breakfast followed by plenty of exciting ski runs. After skiing, finish off with an adult beverage and a wonderful dinner. Next day — repeat.
Grindelwald
The village of Grindelwald is a bustling ski-in ski-out area desired by snow enthusiasts. Easy access to the mountains, the hip après-ski scene, and panoramic vistas make Grindelwald one of the best ski resort destinations in Switzerland.
If you don’t stay in Grindelwald, make a plan to stop and visit for a few hours, it is perfectly charming.
Muerren
James Bond fans will love Mürren, a delightful village at the base of the Schilthorn. The Piz Gloria, Bond’s nemesis Blofeld’s headquarters in the movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” sits at the summit of Schilthorn. The Piz Gloria is a revolving restaurant where you can enjoy a panoramic dining adventure inspired by the legendary James Bond.
Exploring The Jungfrau Ski Resorts In The Swiss Alps
Indulging in a ski trip to Switzerland is like winning the downhill lottery. Exploring the Alps in the wintertime will fill you with awe at the sheer majesty.
