Skiing

Grindelwald has two main ski regions of First and Kleine Scheidegg, the latter providing direct access to Wengen and Mürren. The area totals 160 kilometres of pistes with around 30 lifts reaching up to an altitude of 2,500 metres. The Schilthorn, near Mürren, reaches up to 2,971 metres and is famous for the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant featured in the James Bond film, On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The most spectacular piste of the region is without doubt the Lauberhorn, near Wengen, a classic race on the World Cup circuit.

The resort is well catered for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The First area is sunny and has a lovely bowl for cruising blues and reds and it also has good off-piste terrain. Kleine Scheidegg is predominantly used as the main access to the numerous ski areas. Chairlifts feed off the main train station and from here you have easy access to ski over to Wengen, Männlichen and Mürren.

For those looking for adventure off the skis, choose from 80 kilometres of winter walking trails with views across seven 4,000 metre peaks and majestic glaciers. In addition there are 60 km of toboggan runs, including, at 15 km, one of the longest toboggan runs in the Alps which runs from the Faulhorn into the valley.

Another fantastic attraction is the Jungfraujoch. Often referred to as The Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch is the ultimate train ride through the face of the Eiger, climbing to 3,454 metres to a viewing platform that has stunning panoramic views. The Eiger North Face is one of the most spectacular and difficult faces to climb in the world; successfully climbed for the first time in 1938.

Gletscherschlucht (Glacier Gorge) is located at the village end of Grindelwald and is a wildly romantic, thunderous glacier. Adorned with glacial mills and striations, as well as stunning blocks of pink and green, a path leads over man-made footbridges and through rock galleries and tunnels.

The town of Grindelwald has a great range of restaurants and shops. There is also a sizeable ice skating and curling centre with a large indoor swimming pool for those white out days.

Alternatively visitors to the resort can head over to Mürren, Wengen or Interlaken on the rack and pinion mountain train. This is a wonderful alpine experience and Mürren and Wengen are non car towns and very traditional alpine villages.

Pure Destinations says...

"Grindelwald is arguably the most picturesque ski location in the world. Skiing under the north face of the Eiger and its surrounding 4,000m peaks is something I will never tire of. The resort caters for all our clients, depending on whether you want to ski, walk, shop or make use of the fabulous spa or restaurants. Taking the train up the mountain enables non skiers to sample the alpine scenery and fresh air.

My tip would be to ski the Lauberhorn run from Kleine Scheidegg but break it up with a lunch stop at the Wengenalp restaurant. It has a beautiful terrace under the dramatic Jungfrau peaks. In the village make sure you head to Tom's Hutte Pizzeria - wonderful little chalet with amazing food."

Chris