Battle of the ski resorts: Grindelwald
We see how Grindelwald measures up in our Battle of the Ski Resorts
Nominated by Martin
Ease of access 7/10
Like all parts of Switzerland, it is superbly linked by train to the airports of Basel and Zurich.
Sense of scale and epicness 9/10
It doesn’t get much more wow than skiing powder in the shadow of the Eigerwand.
Variety and quality of the pistes 8/10
At first sight you wouldn’t expect much, until you realise just how much is linked, from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen and Mürren. Whatever skiing you’re after you will find it here, from sun-kissed cruising to high-speed hero emulation on the Lauberhorn. And that is just the pistes!
Off-piste potential 8/10
Ski the powder under the Eiger or take the Jungfraujoch train to access one of the superlative glacial ski tours in the Alps.
Lapability 8/10
These slopes keep on giving. Cruising down from Männlichen you think it is over when you get in the trees. Then you keep skiing for longer than you thought possible, finally popping out for a long run through the meadows. A few laps and you will be ready for a beer!
On-hill grub 7/10
There is something for everyone and every budget (within a Swiss range, mind), from the station café at Kleine Scheidegg to the James Bond-esque spinning restaurant on the Schilthorn.
Après scene 7/10
Oddly, my personal après fave is the tee-pee at Kleine Scheidegg station. That way the après starts before the skiing stops! After a couple of scoops there, a long run to Grindelwald takes you to all number of bars and clubs as your taste (and wallet) dictates.
Base suitability 7/10
If you can swallow the fare on the Jungfraujoch, this gives access to all the Bernese Oberland has to offer. The day tour through Lötschental is one of the classic off-piste runs of the Alps. But you can easily spend a whole week lost in the massif staying in the huts.
Family friendly? 7/10
The breathtaking scenery and wide cruisey pistes ensure this is a winning formula for a family of any ages.
TOTAL: 68
RANK: 6/29