Switzerland, Europe
Elm im Sernftal
40km of piste, 1085m vertical drop, UNESCO Sardona setting. Family skiing in Switzerland's authentic Glarnerland region.
Season 2025 - 2026
Opens
14 Dec 2025
Closes
28 Mar 2026
Days open
104
Annual snow
4m
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Elm im Sernftal operates across 40 kilometres of piste spanning 1020 to 2105 metres elevation, delivering 1085 metres of vertical drop across 16 marked runs. The terrain splits 38% beginner, 50% intermediate and 12% advanced, with no expert-designated runs but the 4-kilometre Steinibach valley descent offering challenge. The resort averages 4.3 metres of annual snowfall, with the sheltered Sernftal valley position minimising wind exposure whilst maximising accumulation.
Intermediate terrain dominates the upper slopes above treeline between Ämpächli and the 2036-metre Schabell chairlift summit, where sun-drenched south-facing bowls open across alpine plateaus. Three valley runs return to the 1020-metre base, including the scenic black-graded Steinibach and gentler blue and red options from Ämpächli. The resort features a terrain park at 1800 metres on Bischofalp with rails, boxes, kickers and a BigAirBag facility, plus a Globi-themed children's arena with conveyor lifts.
The car-free ski area sits within the UNESCO-designated Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona, where the Martinsloch rock window pierces the Tschingelhörner peaks at 2600 metres. Three traditional mountain restaurants serve the slopes, with free Wi-Fi at Munggä Hüttä, Älpli and Ämpächli. Vreni Schneider, Switzerland's most successful ski racer with three Olympic golds, was born in Elm and operates the resort's ski school.
Elm operates independently without major pass affiliations, with the 2025-26 season running 14 December to 28 March. Adult day tickets cost CHF 59-69 depending on season, with children under five skiing free. The resort suits families and intermediates seeking authentic Swiss atmosphere without international crowds, particularly those exploring the geologically significant Glarnerland region.
1085m
Vertical
16
Runs
40 km
Piste
4m
Annual snow
The Terrain
16 runs across 40 km of piste
Elm im Sernftal spreads 16 runs across 40 km of piste of terrain. It leans intermediate at 50%, with 6 beginner runs to find your feet and 2 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
16
runs
16 runs across 4 grades
Beginner6 runs · 38%
Intermediate8 runs · 50%
Advanced2 runs · 12%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit Elm im Sernftal
The 2025-26 season operates 14 December to 28 March, typical for Elm's 1020 to 2105-metre elevation range. Operations span approximately 14 weeks, with mid-season representing the most reliable period. The resort opens later than higher-altitude Swiss destinations but maintains coverage through spring.
Elm averages 4.3 metres of annual snowfall, with the second week of January historically delivering peak accumulation at 53 centimetres per week across 3.4 snowy days. The sheltered Sernftal position captures substantial snowfall whilst valley walls block wind redistribution common on exposed peaks. Snowmaking covers 8 kilometres across key runs, supporting base-area reliability. March typically offers 188 centimetres of summit snow depth against 14 centimetres at base elevation.
January through March delivers optimal conditions, with north-facing slopes preserving powder quality whilst sun-exposed sectors provide warming spring skiing. The predominantly east-facing terrain catches morning sun then maintains afternoon snow quality, particularly valuable during mild late-season periods. Average summit conditions hold 151 centimetres mid-season depth, placing Elm among eastern Switzerland's better-covered resorts.
The resort offers illuminated evening tobogganing on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until 21:30 on the 4-kilometre Elm track, plus a separate 3-kilometre Matt-Weissenberge run operating Fridays and Saturdays. The nearby Engi area's 1-kilometre piste accepts Elm passes and provides evening skiing. No major events were documented beyond standard seasonal programming.
Season 2025 - 2026
14 Dec 2025
Opens
28 Mar 2026
Closes
104
Days open
4 m
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Elm im Sernftal, and where to stay
Elm sits at 977 metres elevation in the Sernftal, an alpine valley within Glarus Süd municipality in eastern Switzerland's Canton Glarus. The Sernf River, a Linth tributary, carved this valley flanked by the Tschingelhörner peaks and Kärpf massif reaching 2794 metres. The village comprises traditional hamlets including Sulzbach, Schwändi and Obmoos, with working farms maintaining authentic mountain culture within the UNESCO Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona.
Schwanden lies 15 kilometres down-valley as the nearest rail hub, with Glarus town 30 kilometres north at the canton's administrative centre. The Glarnerland region remains less developed than major Swiss tourist corridors, preserving slate-roof architecture and agricultural traditions. The Panix Pass at 2407 metres connects the Sernftal with Graubünden's Rhine valley, though this route closes in winter.
Access follows the A3 motorway Zürich-Sargans route to Niederurnen exit, then 30 kilometres of steadily inclining cantonal road through Schwanden into the Sernftal. The drive from Zürich requires approximately 90 minutes covering 101 kilometres. Free parking operates at the Elm Sportbahnen base station one kilometre from the village centre.
Zurich Airport lies 101 kilometres distant, requiring 84 minutes by car. Schwanden railway station, served by S25 trains from Zürich and S6 services from Rapperswil, connects hourly to Elm via Sernftalbus line 541 in 22 minutes. Trains from Zürich Hauptbahnhof reach Schwanden in approximately 90 minutes with connections at Ziegelbrücke. The former Sernftal tramway operated 1905-1969 before bus replacement.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Elm im Sernftal, powered by Stay22.
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Lift tickets
9 pass options
Single-day passes
Adult 17–64
Adult Full Day
CHF 59up to CHF 69 peak
Full day skiing at Elm im Sernftal with access to 40km of snow-reliable slopes up to 2105m. Modern lifts with spectacular views of UNESCO World Heritage Tschingelhörner.
Buy passYouth 13–16
Youth Full Day
CHF 45up to CHF 52 peak
Youth daily ticket for Elm covering teens aged 13-16. Experience varied terrain with snow park, BigAirBag, and freeriding opportunities in the Sernftal valley.
Buy passChild 6–12
Child Full Day
CHF 30up to CHF 35 peak
Children's lift ticket at Elm for ages 6-12 with access to Globi children's area and family-friendly slopes. Magic carpets and conveyor belts for easy learning.
Buy passChild 0–5
Child (5 & Under)
Free
Free skiing for children 5 and under at Elm when accompanied by adult. Kids enjoy complimentary access to family-friendly slopes with geological highlights.
Buy passSenior 65–99
Senior Full Day
CHF 50up to CHF 58 peak
Senior lift ticket for Elm with discounted rates for skiers 65+. Enjoy geological highlights and Martinsloch phenomenon in this charming Glarus village setting.
Buy passAdult 17–64
Snow Park Access
CHF 35up to CHF 40 peak
Access to Elm's renowned snow park on Bischofalp at 1800m featuring five rails, curved S-box, kickers, and special bonk area. Known as best park in region.
Buy passAdult 17–64
BigAirBag Experience
CHF 25
Access to Elm's massive BigAirBag air cushion providing smooth landing after high jumps. Freestyle paradise with new innovation for safe progression.
Buy passHalf-day passes
Adult 17–64
Half Day
CHF 45up to CHF 52 peak
Half day skiing at Elm starting from midday. Perfect for shorter visits to experience this geological wonder with UNESCO World Heritage backdrop.
Buy passMulti-day passes
Adult 17–64
Multi-Day (3-Day)
CHF 150up to CHF 180 peak
Three-day lift ticket package at Elm with access to varied terrain from blue valley runs to challenging black pistes. Extended exploration of geological wonders.
Buy passElm im Sernftal lift tickets & passes
The 2025 - 2026 season at Elm im Sernftal closed on Mar 28, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.
Day passes start from CHF 25, with peak rates up to CHF 69.
Lift tickets FAQ
How much does a Elm im Sernftal day pass cost?
Elm im Sernftal day passes range from CHF 25 to CHF 69 depending on the date and advance booking.
Can I buy Elm im Sernftal lift tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
Are there discounts for multi-day passes?
Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
What is included with a Elm im Sernftal lift ticket?
Full access to all lifts and trails at Elm im Sernftal, including mountain safety and patrol services.
What is the difference between Elm im Sernftal lift tickets and ski passes?
"Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Elm im Sernftal - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
When should I buy Elm im Sernftal lift tickets for the best price?
Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
Does Elm im Sernftal offer group discounts on lift tickets?
Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Elm im Sernftal directly for group booking information and rates.
How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?
Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Elm im Sernftal.
More Elm im Sernftal intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.