Grindelwald First Ski Resort

A Mecca for fans of all winter pursuits, with over 60 kilometres of immaculate groomers and 40 kilometres of hiking paths and sled runs: Grindelwald-First has just about the perfect option for every taste. Oh, and did we mention that Grindelwald-First is the sunniest ski area in the region?

First is within easy reach via a gondola from Grindelwald. The ascent is rewarded with incredible views of the surrounding peaks. A firm favourite among regulars to the area in winter is the hike to the idyllic lake Bachalpsee, while the undoubted highlight for skiers and boarders are the runs down from Oberjoch (2,500m), where the ski area tops out.

You have a choice of both simple blue-marked runs or more challenging red-marked trails from this peak. Beginners can look forward to exploring plenty of other blue-marked terrain, which is well distributed across the entire ski area. The longer runs, like the Grindel and Stepfi valley run, are both intermediate and require a good level of stamina. If that all sounds like a little too much effort, take it easy on the “Tempo 30 Skipiste”. On this slow slope, you should take your foot off the gas and savour your surroundings.

Freestyle skiers should look no further than the White Elements Snowpark. Two terrain parks serve up some testing lines for freestylers of all skill levels: from the Beginner Park at the Oberjoch mountain station to the 850 m Pro Park at the Bärgelegg ski lift. If you wanted to know what it feels like to fly 25 meters off a jump – this is where to come! Hop off the Schilt lift to try out the ski area’s very own skicross course. Here, up to four skiers and snowboarders can race down and round banked turns, over jumps, rollers and dips.

Grindelwald First is also home to plenty of cosy lodges and ski bars. Expect traditional Alpine lodge charm with stunning views at Adi’s Skibar above the valley station of the Oberjoch chair lift. Berggasthaus First is also a great place for hungry skiers to stop and refuel. This is also perhaps one of the best vantage points in the entire ski area to enjoy the Bernese Alps.

You can then ski back down to Grindelwald with a full belly via a blue or two red-marked valley runs. The intermediate Stepfi trail plunges down some 1,209 vertical meters and is, at around six kilometres, the longest run in Grindelwald First.

Visitors shouldn’t miss the chance to take run no. 22 down from Oberjoch (2,500m) to Grindelwald. Once a year, this trail plays host to the annual King of the First Hill Event.

The area is also a fantastic destination for hikers, with memorable winter hiking routes up to the 2,681 meter Faulhorn as well as around the 2,168 meter First and the 1,800 meter Bussalp peaks. You can even trade in your skis for a sled and take to the white-knuckle run from the mountain station of the First gondola to the Bussalp, where it connects to a smaller run.

The Grindelwald First ski area doesn’t disappoint when it comes to ski bars either. The Bus Stop Apres Ride Bar at the end of the Grindel valley run is particularly unusual. It is housed in a repurposed bus from 1960, offering skiers and snowboarders the chance to take a quick trip back in time in the middle of their descent back into the valley – think motor oil coffee, café la chauffeuse and hot mojitos.

Grindelwald also offers up plenty of good options for the connoisseurs among you. Creative gourmet menus and culinary specialities await guests to the Restaurant Francais in Hotel Belvedere. The Restaurant Aspen alpin lifestyle in Hotel Aspen is a particularly popular spot in the region. The restaurant’s top-notch fine foods are excellent, as is the unique atmosphere which strikes a balance between modern design and rustic Swiss charm.

You can reach the Jungfrau region from Basel, Zürich or Geneva via Bern and Luzern/Prünigpass. If you are travelling from the south, take the Grimselpass or Sustenpass. It is also possible to access the region by taking the Simplonpass and the Lötschberg-Autoverlad. The Jungfrau region is also served by the IC train service from Basel. If you are travelling from Zurich or Geneva, you have to change trains in Bern.