Grindelwald is an Excellent Family Ski Destination
The skiing at Grindelwald, Switzerland is perfect for all levels of ability.
Located in Switzerland's Jungfrau region, just 120 miles from Zurich, Grindelwald is one of the oldest ski resorts in Europe.
Don't let its age and quaint Alpine look fool you, however. Grindelwald boasts all the modern amenities of today's ski resorts combined with the look of an old-fashioned village.
This resort in the Bernese Oberland has a long history. Skiers have been flocking here since the late 1800s, when a modern rack-and-pinion mountain railway was built, which provided both access to the mountain and also served as the first ski lift. This train still boasts the highest station in Europe, at 11,300 feet.
Skiing at Grindelwald
Because it's accessible by car, unlike the neighboring ski areas of Wengen and Murren, Grindelwald is a popular ski destination for the locals, many traveling there just to spend a day or two on the slopes.
Beginners and intermediates will feel most welcome here, which is why this is such an excellent family ski destination. There are a total of 50 runs here. About 30% are suitable for beginners, 50% for intermediates, and the remainder for expert skiers.
Excellent skiers, however, shouldn't discount this resort. It does have a number of long runs that can be quite challenging, even for seasoned skiers.
There are some off-piste skiing areas available as well, many accommodated via a drop from a helicopter, a.k.a. heli-skiing. Skiers at this altitude are usually accompanied by a guide.
If you desire, it's not difficult to make your way over to neighboring Wengen and Murren to test out their runs as well. Though not accessible by car, the lift systems of all three resorts are connected and locals are eager to assist you in navigating the sometimes confusing path to the sister resorts.
Other Winter Activities
If you're a not an Alpine skier, you'll still find plenty to keep you busy. Tobogganing is quite popular here, cross country skiers will be treated to miles and miles of excellent terrain with groomed tracks, and snowboarders will find one terrain park and a halfpipe.
Inside Grindelwald's Sportcenter, visitors can go ice skating, try their hand at the unique European sport of curling, or join a game of ice hockey. There's also an indoor pool, fitness center, and sauna.
Lodging
Accommodations here in Grindelwald, Switzerland are quite varied and fit a variety of budgets. Guests can choose the ultimate in luxury at a number of top-notch resort hotels. Others may prefer to stay in an apartment, condo, chalet, small inn, or a mountain hut. Camping facilities are also available.
Getting There
Those traveling to Grindelwald by air can choose from the two closest airports, Zurich or Geneva. Upon arrival, guests who don't wish to rent a car and navigate Swiss roads can catch a train to Interlaken, where they may be picked up by hotel shuttles or taxis that will take them the short distance to the Grindelwald ski area.