
Elm im Sernftal
40km of piste, 1085m vertical drop, UNESCO Sardona setting. Family skiing in Switzerland's authentic Glarnerland region.
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.
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.
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.
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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Live open status isn’t available right now.
Scroll for the full outlook · Open-Meteo
Days 1–7
7.0cm
Days 8–14
0.0cm
Live snow from the resort feed; forecast from Open-Meteo, via Supabase.
Our snow reports measure snowfall in centimeters over multiple time windows — last 24 hours, last 7 days, and the season total. Base depth reflects accumulation at the 1020m base area, while summit depth captures conditions 1085m higher at 2105m, where snow typically stays colder and lingers longer. Imperial conversions are shown alongside for convenience.
Wind and temperature swings matter as much as fresh snowfall. Cold, calm conditions hold snow quality well, while wind-loading or a warm-up can change things quickly — especially given the elevation spread between Elm im Sernftal's base and summit.
Snowfall and depth figures for Elm im Sernftal come from official mountain sources; weather and outlook data comes from independent forecasting services. The mountain is served by 6 lifts, including 2 6-person chairlifts and a gondola.
Snow reports are typically updated early morning and late afternoon. For the most current conditions, check back regularly, especially if a winter storm is approaching.