All those powder hounds looking to take to the freshies between groomers should head over to the mountain station of the Eigernordwand chairlift for a range of decent options. The images for this test category include a number of these routes highlighted on the trail map, particularly those in the Männlichen area that we enjoyed and that can be skied and reached easily if you take the avalanche situation into account:
- V1: Simply choose a line between the two prepared groomers 41 and 41a below the mountain station of the Lauberhorn lift.
- V2: At the mountain station of the Eigernordwand left, instead of taking run no.26, head over to the other side of the chairlift. From there, you first head through a steeper passage before the terrain flattens out and you can enjoy some laid-back powder as you return towards run no. 26. The distance you want to venture from the actual chairlift is completely up to you. However, you should ensure that you return to the run before you reach the tracks of the cog railway.
- V3a / V3b: Another route from the mountain station of the Eigernordwand chairlift first requires you to take runs 27 and 32 and then head off-piste at the right spot. We only recommend taking this route if visibility is good! You should cross over back to the run before reaching the valley station of the Fallboden lift.
- V4: Follow the prepared winter hiking route from the mountain station of the Männlichen chairlift for around 100 metres uphill. When you find a good spot to drop in, you should then head east. Please make sure that you do not stray too far from the chairlift. After initially passing through steep terrain, the run flattens out before a short steep section just before the valley station of the Männlichen chairlift.
If you head out with a guide, the Jungfrau region is one of Switzerland's freeride hotspots
The true freeride mecca in the Jungfrau region is the Schilthorn above Mürren (the valley station of the Schilthorn is approx. 30 minutes by car from Grindelwald). The outback surrounding Piz Gloria is home to numerous freeride runs. There are also abundant powder routes directly below the north face of Eiger, though we expressly recommend enlisting the help of a local guide. You can get more information on guided freeride tours around Grindelwald-Wengen here or here.