Grindelwald/ Wengen, Skiing
In the south of Switzerland lies the Jungfrau region one of the most stunning parts of the alps. Here is the Eiger, which climbers will know is one of the most difficult peaks to climb in Europe to the backdrop of the Eiger, the Schilthorn and the Jungfrau lies one of the largest ski areas in Europe. The Jungfrau region is split into three resorts: Grindelwald, Wengen and Murren. We stayed in Grindelwald which is the most rounded of the three resorts as has easy access to two ski areas.
Top of First
The First (pronounced Fi-erst) region can only be accessed from Grindelwald and offers fantastic offpiste and a great snow park. This region is normally very uncrowded and boasts over 40 km of piste with challenging black runs. My favourite was a run that ran all the way down to Grindelwald village which was over 10 kms long. This was a fantastic descent through wooded paths although cross country skiing is required toward the end of the piste.
View as you come down to Grindelwald
The other ski area we visited was the famous Kleine-Scheiddegg ski area which has over 100km of piste and is probably better than First. We normally took the rustic old mountain train to the Kleine-Scheiddegg station and then skiied for the whole day up there. This area is more challenging and boasts the famous Lauberhorn run which is featured in the world cup circuit. Another highlight was skiing down to Brandegg and having apfelcuflen (warm apple donuts) in the jolly swiss cafe.
Kleine Scheiddegg Station
The father
The scenery up there was incredible. I was constantly skiing in the backdrop of the stunning North Face of the Eiger. Almost every time we stopped I was tempted to get out my camera. This resort had the sense of skiing tradition rather than a man-made monster such as la plagne. Despite this tradition the ski lifts were first class with the exception of the slow Mannlichen lift which goes from Grindelwald to one of the peaks of Kleine Scheidegg.
The train !
Railway to the backdrop of the Eiger
Grindelwald itself felt like a village set in a time long ago. The locals were out in force and all the wooden buildings made it feel like a chocolate box town. Chocolate was one thing the village was not short on with chocolate shops every hundred yards or so. The locals were very friendly and everyone we met seemed delighted to serve us. If you are planning on getting the train from Grindelwald to Keline Scheiddegg make sure you are punctual because the Swiss will not let their railway get one second behind schedule. The trains leave at 17 past and 47 past on the dot every day from 8.00.
Piste Map
