Klewenalp Stockhütte
40km of piste above Lake Lucerne. 1,199-1,938m elevation, 15 lifts, CHF 58 day pass. Family terrain in Nidwalden, Switzerland.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
19 Dec 2026
Closes
21 Mar 2027
Days open
92
Annual snow
1.3m
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Klewenalp Stockhütte operates across 40 kilometres of piste between 1,199 and 1,938 metres elevation, with 739 metres of vertical drop spread over 17 marked runs in the Canton of Nidwalden. The terrain splits 38 per cent beginner and 63 per cent intermediate, creating a family-focused profile above the southern shore of Lake Lucerne. Annual snowfall averages 4.3 metres, with north and east-facing slopes preserving snow quality through the season. Day tickets cost CHF 58, and the resort participates in the Schneepass Zentralschweiz covering 15 central Swiss areas for CHF 695.
The ski area divides between two access points: Klewenalp reached via aerial tramway from Beckenried, and Stockhütte served by gondola from Emmetten. Slopes favour progression, with wide intermediate cruisers dominating the Klewenalp sector and gentler terrain around Stockhütte. The Klewenstock summit at 1,938 metres anchors the upper area, whilst the 9-kilometre toboggan run claims status as central Switzerland's longest. Off-piste possibilities exist between prepared runs when conditions allow.
The dual-village base creates a relaxed atmosphere distinct from purpose-built resorts, with Beckenried sitting lakeside at 435 metres and Emmetten perched higher at 780 metres. Mountain restaurants include Alpstubli, Tannibüel and the PanoramaBar, all capitalising on panoramic views across Lake Lucerne to the Rigi massif opposite. Crowds remain moderate outside peak weekends, and the 44-kilometre cross-country network adds winter variety beyond alpine skiing.
Access via Swiss Travel Pass includes Klewenalp's cable car at no surcharge, positioning the resort within easy day-trip range of Lucerne and Zurich. The 2025-26 season ran 14 December to 22 March, typical for this elevation band. The terrain suits intermediates seeking mileage without intimidation, families requiring varied progression zones, and skiers prioritising lake views over vertical extremes or expert challenge.
739m
Vertical
17
Runs
40 km
Piste
1.3m
Annual snow
The Terrain
17 runs across 40 km of piste
Klewenalp Stockhütte covers 17 runs and 40 kilometres of piste above Lake Lucerne, falling 739 metres from 1,938 metres down to 1,199 metres. The grading is dominated by beginner and intermediate runs, with next to nothing steeper, which points to a gentle, cruising-focused profile. The area is split between two access points: an 80-person aerial tram from Beckenried serves Klewenalp, while a six-person gondola from Emmetten serves Stockhütte. Chairs and seven T-bars link the sectors, and snow quality depends on the season at this modest elevation. The Beckenried tram dates to 1972.
The Wangiboden-Klewenstock quad chair is the main on-mountain lift, serving upper intermediate terrain beneath the 1,938-metre Klewenstock summit, and views reach across the lake to the Rigi. There are no famous named descents, so the appeal is easy mileage and scenery rather than challenge. A 9-kilometre toboggan run is billed as the longest in central Switzerland, and the area sits within the Schneepass Zentralschweiz. It suits families, beginners and intermediates who want a relaxed day within reach of Lucerne and Zurich. Day tripping suits it best.
Terrain split
17
runs
17 runs across 4 grades
Beginner6 runs · 38%
Intermediate11 runs · 63%
Advanced0 runs · -1%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit Klewenalp Stockhütte
The 2025-26 season opened 14 December 2025 and closed 22 March 2026, delivering 99 operating days typical for this mid-elevation central Swiss profile. Neighbouring resorts Stoos and Neusell occasionally open earlier following heavy November snowfall, as occurred in November 2024 when Klewenalp advanced its scheduled start. Season length remains dependent on natural accumulation at the 1,199-metre base elevation, with no artificial snowmaking limiting early or late-season extension of lower runs.
Annual snowfall averages 4.3 metres at mid-mountain elevations, with north and east-facing aspects preserving cover longer than sun-exposed sectors. The position above Lake Lucerne creates microclimate effects: winter inversions frequently leave the resort above valley fog, whilst the lake's thermal influence occasionally moderates extreme cold. Current base depth reached 80 centimetres in mid-season 2025-26, following 46 centimetres in the prior week and 335 centimetres season-total accumulation. Reliable coverage typically establishes by late December and holds through mid-March at upper elevations.
January through early March offers optimal timing, with consistent coverage, stable temperatures and fewer fog days than December. Weekends draw Zurich and Lucerne day-trippers; midweek visits encounter lighter crowds. Spring conditions arrive by late March when south-facing terrain softens, though shaded upper runs maintain quality longer. The resort's intermediate focus means powder gets tracked quickly on-piste after fresh snowfall, but off-piste stashes linger in less-travelled zones between marked runs.
No night skiing operates, and the events calendar remains modest compared to larger resorts, emphasising family programming over competitive racing or freestyle competitions. The Schneepass Zentralschweiz provides access during each member resort's operating window, meaning passholders can chase snow across the 15-area network as seasonal conditions shift between December and April across varying elevation bands.
Season 2026 - 2027
19 Dec 2026
Opens
21 Mar 2027
Closes
92
Days open
1.3 m
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Klewenalp Stockhütte
Daily snow reports at Klewenalp Stockhütte go back to 2017, 10 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
80 cm
Snowiest day
16 Jan 2021
19 cm
This winter · 2026-27
so far
128 cm
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
cm
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Klewenalp Stockhütte, and where to stay
Klewenalp Stockhütte sits in the Canton of Nidwalden on Lake Lucerne's southern shore, with base access from Beckenried at 435 metres and Emmetten at 780 metres. The resort lies 20 kilometres south of Lucerne, 50 kilometres from Zurich, and occupies mountainous terrain rising directly from the lake through alpine pasture to the 1,938-metre Klewenstock summit. The panoramic position overlooks Vierwaldstättersee's Urnersee basin, with views north to the Rigi massif and across water to Vitznau and Weggis opposite.
Beckenried serves as the primary gateway, positioned where the A2 motorway's exit 35 provides direct access from the Basel-Gotthard route. The village sits immediately north of the 9.3-kilometre Seelisberg Tunnel, completed in 1980 as Switzerland's second-longest road tunnel. Emmetten occupies higher terrain reached via the winding Emmetten-Beckenried road. Both villages retain traditional Innerschweiz architecture and agricultural character rather than purpose-built resort infrastructure, with hotels, restaurants and services integrated into existing settlements dating centuries.
The A2 motorway links Basel 180 kilometres north and Chiasso 150 kilometres south, placing Klewenalp on the primary north-south axis through the St Gotthard. Drive time from Lucerne measures 20 minutes via the A2 southbound to exit Beckenried. From Zurich, the journey covers 72 kilometres in roughly 50 minutes via the A4 to Brunnen, then A2 southbound. Public transport requires rail to Stans, then bus 311 to Beckenried, totalling 35 minutes from Lucerne or 2.5 hours from Zurich including connections.
Zurich Airport lies 93 kilometres northeast, approximately 90 minutes by car or 2 hours 50 minutes by train-bus-gondola combination. Bern Airport sits 120 kilometres west. Rail passengers reach Stans station on the Lucerne-Engelberg line, connecting to Beckenried via AutoPostal bus 311 departing hourly. Lake Lucerne passenger ships stop at Beckenried's landing stage, offering scenic but slower connections from Lucerne requiring 1 hour 15 minutes. The Swiss Travel Pass covers both the Beckenried-Klewenalp tramway and Emmetten-Stockhütte gondola without surcharge.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Klewenalp Stockhütte, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Klewenalp Stockhütte's ski season?
Klewenalp Stockhütte's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from December 19 through March 21. That window is roughly 92 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in Switzerland, Europe often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Klewenalp Stockhütte have?
Klewenalp Stockhütte lists about 40 km of piste of marked terrain spread across 17 named runs. That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Klewenalp Stockhütte?
Trail grading at Klewenalp Stockhütte breaks down roughly as 38% beginner, 63% intermediate. With a strong beginner share, Klewenalp Stockhütte suits families and first-time visitors who want forgiving warm-up terrain before exploring further upslope.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical metres. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Klewenalp Stockhütte have?
Klewenalp Stockhütte operates 15 lifts across 7 lift types. The fleet includes 7 t-bars, 2 double chairs, 2 surface lifts, 1 aerial tram, 1 gondola, 1 6-person chair, and 1 quad chair.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Klewenalp Stockhütte?
Base elevation at Klewenalp Stockhütte is about 1,199 m (3,934 ft), with the summit around 1,938 m (6,358 ft), giving roughly 739 m (2,425 ft) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Klewenalp Stockhütte get each season?
Klewenalp Stockhütte averages about 128 cm (50 inches) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Where can I buy Klewenalp Stockhütte lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans CHF 26 to CHF 58, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Multi-day products (multi-day passes, season passes) usually lower the per-day cost if you are staying several days. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Klewenalp Stockhütte before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 6 live mountain webcams, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Klewenalp Stockhütte so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Klewenalp Stockhütte have a trail map?
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Klewenalp Stockhütte. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Klewenalp Stockhütte located?
Klewenalp Stockhütte sits in Switzerland, Europe. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
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