
Aletsch Arena
Resort Overview
Aletsch Arena delivers an extraordinary alpine experience alongside the Great Aletsch Glacier—Switzerland's largest ice flow stretching 23km through the Bernese Alps. This car-free destination combines 104km of impeccably groomed terrain with breathtaking views across 4,000m peaks. From wide, gentle slopes perfect for families to challenging sections above Riederalp and Bettmeralp, the area caters to varied skiing abilities while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere away from mass tourism. The UNESCO World Heritage setting creates a skiing backdrop that transcends typical resort experiences, with ancient ice formations providing a constant reminder of the Alpine landscape's majestic scale.
Trails & Terrain
Trails
Total Runs
0
Total Area
104km
64.6 miles
Aletsch Arena Lift System
Rising directly from the Rhône Valley via cable cars to the car-free villages, Aletsch Arena's lift system exemplifies efficient Swiss engineering. Thirty-five modern installations serve varied terrain across three distinct sectors—Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp—with minimal waiting even during peak periods. The system's thoughtful design creates natural skiing circuits with vertical drops approaching 1,000m, while maintaining the area's environmental integrity within its protected UNESCO setting. Skiers particularly appreciate the panoramic viewpoints accessed throughout the network, offering some of Switzerland's most spectacular Alpine vistas across the Bernese Oberland.
Lifts
Total Lifts
32
Lift Types
6
Lift Breakdown
Location & Getting There
The Upper Valais region cradles Aletsch Arena approximately 200km from Bern and 180km from Zurich, positioned above the historic Rhône Valley. This spectacular location borders the UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting the Great Aletsch Glacier and surrounding landscape. The car-free villages of Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp occupy sunny terraces at elevations between 1,800m and 2,000m, creating an environmentally sensitive mountain sanctuary accessible only by cable car. This elevated position delivers exceptional views across the Valais Alps while preserving traditional Swiss mountain culture evident in timber architecture, local cuisine, and the region's distinctive German dialect.
Aletsch Arena
, switzerland
Hotels & Accommodation near Aletsch Arena
⛷️ Season opens Nov 30, 2025
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Season Info
Winter transforms the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Aletsch Arena from December through April, with January through March delivering the most reliable skiing conditions. What sets this area apart is its elevation advantage—all villages sit above 1,800m, ensuring snow-covered access throughout the season. The south-facing orientation captures abundant sunshine while maintaining excellent snow quality on higher slopes, creating the rare combination of reliable conditions with exceptional solar exposure. Late-season visitors appreciate how the glacier's cooling influence preserves piste quality into spring, when warming temperatures elsewhere affect snow consistency.
Current Season
2025 - 2026
Opening Day
11/30/2025
Closing Day
4/21/2026
Days Open
143
Annual Snowfall
Metric
4.3m
430cm
Imperial
14.1ft
169in
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