Mürren Schilthorn Ski Resort

Mürren – Schilthorn is the highest ski area in the Bernese Oberland, boasting some incredible terrain across 54 km of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Beginners and those looking to take it easy have no less than 29 km of blue-marked runs to enjoy some relaxed carving. The 24 km of red-marked runs are outstanding for intermediate skiers and experts can look forward to 10 km of challenging slopes as well as the permanent mogul run. 16 well-equipped modern lifts carry skiers up to the 2,970 m peak of the Schilthorn from the four valley stations. Due to the ski area’s altitude, it would be fair to say that it’s usually blessed with good snow conditions.

There’s also plenty for youngsters to discover here. In Snowlys Kinderland, a lovingly designed nursery area, kids can get to grips with life on two skis under the watchful eyes of the professionals from the local ski school.

The Skyline Snowpark by the Gimmeln lift is a dream-come-true for all freestyle skiers and snowboarders. A dozen or so jumps, rails and boxes offer variety and plenty of adrenaline-fuelled action. When the snow is deep, an expert line is shaped for the pros and experts to show off their latest tricks. Freeride fans will love the outback surrounding Piz Gloria – accessible via the Luftseilbahn cable car. Powder runs don’t get much better than this! And if you want to record your route as a memento, there’s even a movie-making system available at the Gimmeln lift. Just hold your ski pass under the sensor and the camera starts rolling! Every January, Mürren plays host to the world’s longest amateur ski race– the international Inferno Race. Meanwhile, in March, the resort holds the Whitestyle Open – a fixture in the calendar of numerous free skiers and snowboarders.

When it’s time for a meal, there are no less than 12 lodges and mountain restaurants to choose from in the ski area. One undoubted highlight among them is the 360° rotating restaurant Piz Gloria perching on the top of the Schilthorn. From here, guests are treated to incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, most notably the famous trio of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Panoramarestaurant Allmendhubel is another excellent option, if only for the traditional fondue evenings alone. The Schilthornhütte and the sun deck of the Schiltgrathüsi are also great places to enjoy regional delicacies. The Bergrestaurant Gimmelen is also widely known to have the best apple cake in the entire region.

Proficient skiers shouldn’t miss the chance to try the Schilthorn run (no. 10). As the highest and steepest run in the ski area (with a dizzying 75 percent gradient), it is a unique groomer and an unbeatable kick.

Mürren – Schilthorn also has plenty to offer away from the slopes. The Skyline Walk, a platform not for the faint-hearted, hangs over a near vertical drop and offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains. James Bond fans should also check out the “Bond World 007” interactive exhibition which follows in the footsteps of the famous secret agent and offers background information on the filming work that went into making the film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”. The array of sled runs through the ski area offer fun for all the family, such as the Apollo run which winds its way down from the Schiltgrat mountain station via Gimmeln to Mürren. Ice skating options are also available nearby. There can also be few better ways to unwind than with a peaceful walk along one of the many winter hiking paths which cut through the untouched snowbound landscape.

And it goes without saying that a great day on slopes deserves a fitting conclusion. For cocktails and much more besides, head for the Tächi Bar in Mürren. Mürren’s most well-known bar is, however, undoubtedly Blümlichäller. DJs keep the beats moving here to ensure the party goes on well into the early hours.

Foodies should make for the restaurant in the Hotel Alpenruh in Mürren. The kitchen is overseen by Martin Göschel – who is widely considered to be among the top 50 chefs in Germany and Switzerland, something his Michelin star and 18 Gault Millau points certainly attest to. In nearby Wengen, the restaurant in the Hotel Schönegg, which was rated with 13 Gault Millau points, is also delicious. Head chef Hubert Mayer reinterprets classic Swiss dishes with high-quality produce in this rustic restaurant.

By car: If you want to drive via Bern, take the A6 to Spiez and then join the A8. Exit the motorway at the Wilderswil exit and continue on via Gündlischwand and Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg. Guests then have to take the cable car for the last leg from Stechelberg to Mürren. Skiers coming from the Luzern direction should also follow the A8 to Wilderswil and then follow the route described above to Mürren.

By public transport: The closest airport is Bern-Belp, some 60 kilometres from the ski area. From there, skiers can take the train to the station in Lauterbrunn. The Postauto service then covers the last five kilometres to the valley station in Stechelberg.