Switzerland, Europe
Grindelwald
102km terrain, iconic Eiger views, Lauberhorn downhill course. Grindelwald skiing in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland.
Season 2025 - 2026
Opens
15 Nov 2025
Closes
26 Apr 2026
Days open
162
Annual snow
13m
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Grindelwald serves as the primary access point to the Jungfrau Ski Region, offering 102 kilometres of marked trails across 108 runs from a base elevation of 796 metres to a summit of 2,500 metres. The resort divides into two distinct sectors: Grindelwald-First with 56 kilometres of terrain accessed via a 6-seater gondola, and the larger Grindelwald-Wengen sector with 103 kilometres spanning Kleine Scheidegg and Männlichen. The tricable Eiger Express gondola, opened in December 2020, delivers skiers from Grindelwald Terminal to Eigergletscher in 15 minutes, cutting 47 minutes from the journey to Jungfraujoch. The 2025-26 season runs from 15 November to 26 April, with day tickets priced at CHF 79.
The terrain breakdown favours progression, with 32 per cent beginner runs, 55 per cent intermediate, 10 per cent advanced and 3 per cent expert. Long cruising reds dominate Kleine Scheidegg, whilst the tree-lined slopes of Männlichen offer more challenge. Grindelwald-First delivers sunny intermediate terrain and hosts the White Elements Snowpark with a 130-metre halfpipe. The Lauberhorn downhill course, the longest in World Cup racing at 4.48 kilometres, opens to the public from late January following the mid-January race weekend. The Bodmi Arena provides dedicated beginner terrain with surface lifts, whilst high-altitude runs from Oberjoch stretch 7 to 8 kilometres back to the village through forest and meadow.
Grindelwald village sits at 1,034 metres beneath the Eiger North Face, maintaining traditional chalet architecture alongside modern facilities. The car-free resort relies on efficient bus and train connections, with trains departing Interlaken Ost every 30 minutes. On-mountain restaurants cluster at Kleine Scheidegg, Männlichen and the First summit, whilst the village offers supermarkets, sports shops and equipment rental. Saturday lift tickets include free skiing for up to three children aged 6 to 15 when an adult purchases a full-price day pass. Peak crowds appear during Christmas, February half-term and the Lauberhorn race weekend in mid-January.
The Jungfrau Ski Region pass covers Grindelwald-First, Grindelwald-Wengen and Mürren-Schilthorn, totalling over 200 kilometres of terrain accessed by trains, cable cars and chairlifts. The CHF 949 AlpsPass adds Adelboden-Lenk, Aletsch Arena and Engelberg-Titlis. Grindelwald suits confident intermediates seeking long cruisers, families wanting varied progression terrain, and advanced skiers chasing off-piste below the Eiger. Limited expert piste terrain makes this better for volume than vertical challenge, though the extended season and reliable mid-station snowmaking counter the south-facing exposure of Grindelwald-First.
1604m
Vertical
108
Runs
102 km
Piste
13m
Annual snow
Watch
See Grindelwald in motion
The Terrain
108 runs across 102 km of piste
Grindelwald spreads 108 runs across 102 km of piste of terrain. It leans intermediate at 55%, with 35 beginner runs to find your feet and 14 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
108
runs
108 runs across 4 grades
Beginner35 runs · 32%
Intermediate59 runs · 55%
Advanced11 runs · 10%
Expert3 runs · 3%
Time it right
When to visit Grindelwald
The 2025-26 Jungfrau Ski Region season operates from 15 November 2025 to 26 April 2026, with individual sectors maintaining slightly different schedules. Kleine Scheidegg runs 15 November to 27 April, Männlichen operates 13 December to 6 April, Grindelwald-First opens 20 December to 6 April, and Mürren-Schilthorn extends 22 November to 26 April. Early season relies on weekend operations depending on snowfall, with full daily service typically commencing in mid-December. The Eiger Express faces maintenance closure from 20 to 24 April 2026. Late November opening represents optimistic scheduling, as natural snowfall rarely provides adequate coverage before December.
Groundelwald receives 13.4 metres of snowfall annually, though the south-facing First sector suffers in warm periods despite snowmaking down to Bort at 1,570 metres. The north-facing Eigergletscher slopes retain coverage better, with reliable conditions above 2,000 metres from December through April. Kleine Scheidegg and Männlichen sit between 1,600 and 2,300 metres, delivering consistent mid-winter conditions but requiring caution in early December and late April. The data shows current base depth at 122 centimetres, with 66 centimetres falling in the past week and 368 centimetres season total as of May 2026. Spring skiing excels on shaded Eigergletscher runs, whilst First becomes slushy by midday in March and April.
January and February deliver peak powder, with January temperatures cold enough to preserve snow quality on all aspects. March offers longer days and settling snowpack ideal for off-piste exploration, though freeze-thaw cycles demand early starts. Christmas week and February half-term bring maximum crowds and peak pricing at CHF 89 per day versus CHF 79 regular rate. Saturdays offer free skiing for up to three children per adult, making weekends busier than midweek. Quieter periods span early December, mid-January outside race week, and late March when university schedules create gaps. Late April delivers spring corn snow on north aspects whilst south-facing terrain closes progressively.
The International Lauberhorn Races dominate the calendar, held 16 to 18 January 2026 with Super-G Friday, downhill Saturday and slalom Sunday. The 4.48-kilometre downhill course, the longest in World Cup racing, closes for preparation from early January and reopens to the public from 19 January. The annual event attracts 30,000 spectators and transforms Wengen into a festival atmosphere, with accommodation requiring booking months ahead. Grindelwald hosts the Season-End Party at First in late April with a treasure hunt across the slopes. Night skiing operates at Bodmi Arena on selected evenings, with illuminated slopes and extended lift hours advertised via the resort website and local signage.
Season 2025 - 2026
15 Nov 2025
Opens
26 Apr 2026
Closes
162
Days open
13 m
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Grindelwald, and where to stay
Grindelwald occupies the Lütschental valley in the Bernese Oberland at 1,034 metres elevation, positioned between the Wetterhorn massif and the Eiger North Face 13 kilometres south of Interlaken. The village of 3,800 residents spreads along the valley floor with the dramatic north walls of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau rising 3,000 vertical metres to the south. Grindelwald Terminal sits 2 kilometres from the village centre, connected by frequent buses and a 5-minute train ride. The UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch designation covers the surrounding glacial landscape, with the resort functioning as the eastern gateway to this protected zone whilst Wengen and Mürren occupy the western valley accessed via Lauterbrunnen.
Interlaken lies 20 kilometres north at the junction of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, serving as the transport hub for the Bernese Oberland with connections to Bern, Zurich and Geneva. The region centres on the Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald valleys, car-free villages perched on terraces above deep glacial troughs. Grindelwald retains road access unlike Wengen and Mürren, supporting a larger permanent population and visitor infrastructure. The village developed as a mountaineering base in the 19th century, with the 1893 Wengernalp Railway establishing winter sports tourism. Traditional chalets predominate in the Dorfstrasse area, whilst modern hotels cluster near Grindelwald Terminal and the First gondola base station 600 metres from the centre.
Road access from Interlaken follows Route 6 through Wilderswil, turning south at Gündlischwand for the winding 15-kilometre climb to Grindelwald taking 30 to 40 minutes. Winter conditions demand snow tyres or chains, with black ice risk on shaded corners. Parking at Grindelwald Terminal costs CHF 12 to 15 daily in the 1,032-space garage, with village parking charging similar rates. From Bern, the 80-kilometre drive via Interlaken takes 90 minutes on the A6 and A8 motorways. Zurich sits 140 kilometres northeast requiring 2 hours via the A1 and A8, whilst Geneva lies 220 kilometres west involving 3 hours on the A1 and A6. The Brünig Pass route from Lucerne remains open year-round, whilst Grimsel and Susten passes close November to May.
Zurich Airport, Switzerland's largest hub at 140 kilometres distance, connects via hourly trains requiring one change at Bern or Interlaken, taking 2 hours 30 minutes total. Geneva Airport lies 220 kilometres west with trains via Bern requiring 3 hours 30 minutes. Bern Airport at 70 kilometres provides the closest option for private aviation, connected by train in 1 hour 45 minutes via Interlaken Ost. Direct trains from Interlaken Ost depart every 30 minutes on the Bernese Oberland Railway, arriving at Grindelwald Terminal in 29 minutes or Grindelwald village in 35 minutes. The Swiss Travel Pass covers trains to Grindelwald with discounted mountain transport, whilst the Jungfrau Travel Pass includes 3 to 8 consecutive days of unlimited regional transport including lifts.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Grindelwald, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Spain Moves to Ban Smoking at Ski Resorts Under New Tobacco Law
Spain's government has approved a draft tobacco law that would ban smoking across a wide range of outdoor spaces, including sports venues - a category Spanish winter sports media expect to cover ski resorts, potentially extending to slopes and lifts themselves. The rules would also apply to e-cigarettes and vaping devices, even nicotine-free ones. The bill still has to clear the Spanish parliament before any ban, signage, or fines can take effect.
22 July 2026
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21 July 2026
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21 July 2026
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21 July 2026
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21 July 2026
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19 July 2026
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18 July 2026
Lift tickets
10 pass options
Single-day passes
Adult 20–64
Adult Full Day
CHF 79up to CHF 89 peak
Jungfrau Ski Region pass covering Grindelwald-First, Männlichen-Kleine Scheidegg, and Wengen slopes. Ski beneath the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
Buy passYouth 16–19
Youth Full Day
CHF 63up to CHF 71 peak
Youth access to Jungfrau Ski Region including famous Lauberhorn downhill course and First adventure mountain. World-class skiing beneath Switzerland's most famous peaks.
Buy passChild 6–15
Child Full Day
CHF 40up to CHF 45 peak
Children's skiing at Grindelwald with access to Lily Fun Slopes and Männlichen children's paradise. Perfect learning environment beneath the Eiger North Face.
Buy passChild 0–5
Child (Under 6)
Free
Free skiing for children under 6 in Jungfrau Ski Region. Family-friendly mountain access with spectacular views and gentle learning slopes at First.
Buy passChild 6–15
Saturday Kids Free
Free
Up to 3 children (6-15) ski free on Saturdays when adult purchases full-price day or afternoon ticket. Available online and at Jungfrau region stations.
Buy passSenior 65–99
Senior Full Day
CHF 71up to CHF 80 peak
Senior skiing in Jungfrau region with access to Männlichen, Kleine Scheidegg, and First. Includes train connections and mountain restaurant access.
Buy passHalf-day passes
Adult 20–64
Afternoon Pass
CHF 63up to CHF 71 peak
Afternoon skiing in Jungfrau region from 12:30pm with reduced pricing. Perfect for shorter visits to experience Eiger Express and First adventure mountain.
Buy passMulti-day passes
Adult 20–64
6-Day Pass
CHF 385up to CHF 435 peak
Six consecutive days in Jungfrau Ski Region including train connections from Interlaken. Full access to all three ski areas and adventure activities.
Buy passSeason passes
Adult 20–64
AlpsPass
CHF 949
Multi-resort season pass including Jungfrau region plus Adelboden-Lenk, Aletsch Arena, and Engelberg-Titlis with 3 days each at 5 partner resorts.
Buy passAdult 20–64
Jungfrau Season Pass
CHF 570
Unlimited Jungfrau region skiing from CHF 570 early bird pricing. Includes access to Meiringen-Hasliberg, Adelboden-Lenk, and Gstaad areas.
Buy passGrindelwald lift tickets & passes
The 2025 - 2026 season at Grindelwald closed on Apr 26, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.
Day passes start from CHF 40, with peak rates up to CHF 89.
Lift tickets FAQ
How much does a Grindelwald day pass cost?
Grindelwald day passes range from CHF 40 to CHF 89 depending on the date and advance booking.
Can I buy Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald lift ticket?
Full access to all lifts and trails at Grindelwald, including mountain safety and patrol services.
What is the difference between Grindelwald lift tickets and ski passes?
"Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Grindelwald - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
When should I buy Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald offer group discounts on lift tickets?
Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald.
More Grindelwald intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.