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    Switzerland, Europe

    Elm im Sernftal

    40km of piste, 1085m vertical drop, UNESCO Sardona setting. Family skiing in Switzerland's authentic Glarnerland region.

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    Live Elm im Sernftal conditions, webcams & maps. Opens straight here.

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    Live Elm im Sernftal conditions, webcams & maps. Opens straight here.

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    Season 2026 - 2027
    Opens
    5 Dec 2026
    Closes
    28 Mar 2027
    Days open
    113
    Annual snow
    2.2m
    Snow record
    39cm
    2026-27 so far
    18% of a typical winter223cm
    Explore 10 winters of snowfall→
    The Overview
    MF
    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
    2.2m
    Annual snow
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    The Terrain

    16 runs across 40 km of piste

    Elm is a quiet, car-free area in the Glarus Alps, with 16 runs over 40 kilometres of piste dropping 1,085 metres from 2,105 metres to a valley base at 1,020 metres. The split leans gentle: 50% intermediate, 38% beginner and 12% advanced, with no expert terrain. A gondola, two six-seat chairs, a double chair and two T-bars cover the mountain, with the six-person gondola climbing to Ämpächli mid-station. This is a mountain for steady cruising and learning rather than high-end steeps. The sheltered Sernftal position keeps wind exposure low.

    The black Steinibach valley run is the standout, a scenic descent of over 900 metres of vertical that gives intermediates a genuine step up, and the long Steinböden-Elm route returns the full 1,085 metres. Above the groomed network, Elm has deep-snow and freeride areas, with the Kärpf game reserve close by, so guidance on conditions and protected zones is sensible. A terrain park sits at Bischofalp, and the area lies within the UNESCO Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona. It works well for families, progressing intermediates and advanced skiers who want a few steeper laps without big-resort queues.

    Terrain split
    16
    runs
    16 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner6 runs · 38%
    Intermediate8 runs · 50%
    Advanced2 runs · 12%
    Expert0 runs · 0%
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    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 2026 - 2027
    5 Dec 2026
    Opens
    28 Mar 2027
    Closes
    113
    Days open
    2.2 m
    Annual snow
    The record

    Historical snowfall at Elm im Sernftal

    Daily snow reports at Elm im Sernftal go back to 2017, 10 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.

    100 cm
    Snowiest day
    16 Mar 2021
    39 cm
    This winter · 2026-27
    so far
    223 cm
    Typical winter
    average of complete seasons
    Explore historical snowfall →
    Winter totals
    cm
    Past wintersThis winter
    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.

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    Elm im Sernftal Lift Tickets

    Elm im Sernftal lift tickets & passes

    Opening day for the winter 2026 - 2027 season is scheduled for Dec 5, 2026 (subject to change). Lift tickets at Elm im Sernftal typically go on sale well before the start of the ski season.

    Day passes start from CHF 25, with peak rates up to CHF 69.

    Prices on the go

    Check Elm im Sernftal lift tickets anytime. Opens to this page.

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    Prices on the go

    Check Elm im Sernftal lift tickets anytime. Opens to this page.

    Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
    9 pass options
    Buy passes ↗

    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 pass
    Youth 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 pass
    Child 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 pass
    Child 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 pass
    Senior 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 pass
    Adult 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 pass
    Adult 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 pass

    Half-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 pass
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    Multi-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 pass

    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.

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