Grindelwald: piste guide
The major area of slopes is shared with Wengen and offers a mix of a few wooded runs and much more extensive open slopes. The smaller First area is mainly above the treeline. Several areas are designated as wildlife reserves, where you may well spot chamois. Piste marking and the piste map are poor; the Männlichen slopes, in particular, can be tricky to navigate.
Extent of the slopes
The area shared with Wengen spreads broadly beneath the Eiger. From Grund, near the western end of town, you can get to Männlichen by an appallingly slow two-stage gondola, or to Kleine Scheidegg by an equally slow cog railway (with some trains starting in the centre of town). The slopes of the separate south-facing First area are reached by a long, slow gondola starting a walk or short bus ride east of the centre.
Fast lifts
Getting up into the main area from the village is seriously slow (the planned new gondolas will speed things up but not till 2019/20 at the earliest). But once up, you can spend most of your time on fast chairlifts.
Snow reliability
Grindelwald’s low altitude means that natural snow is often in short supply or in poor condition. First is a bit higher than the Männlichen area, and may have better snow in cold midwinter; but it is sunny, and less snow-sure as spring approaches. Snowmaking has been increased recently and the resort claims that some 60 per cent of its slopes are now covered. The last couple of times we have visited were not in bumper snow periods, but most slopes were in good condition.
For experts
The area is quite limited for experts, but there is some fine off piste if the snow is good. Heli-trips can be organised. We have enjoyed the splendid Bort Direct black run on First. This turns into a downhill route between Bort and town and is quite tough, especially when the snow has suffered from the sun.
For intermediates
In good snow, First makes a splendid intermediate playground, though the general lack of trees makes the area less friendly than the larger Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen area. Nearly all the runs from Kleine Scheidegg are long blues or gentle reds – great cruising terrain. On the Männlichen there’s a choice of gentle but not very varied runs down to the mid-station of the gondola – and in good snow, down to the bottom. For tougher pistes, head for the top of the Lauberhorn lift and the runs to Kleine Scheidegg, or to Wixi (following the World Cup downhill course). The north-facing run from Eigergletscher served by the Eigernordwand six-pack often has the best snow late in the season.
For beginners
The Bodmi nursery slope at the bottom of First is scenic but not particularly convenient. Snow quality can also suffer from the sun and the low altitude, and fast skiers and tobogganers racing through are off-putting. Kleine Scheidegg has a better, higher beginner area and splendid long runs to progress to, served by the railway. There are no free lifts, but a points card is available.
For snowboarders
Intermediates will enjoy the area most, while experts will hanker for Mürren’s steep, off-piste slopes. First is the main snowboarders’ mountain and has the terrain park and snowcross, plus open freeride terrain near the top. There are still a few draglifts but most are avoidable.
For cross-country
There are around 10km of prepared classic trails and another 10km of skating tracks. Almost all are on the valley floor, so it’s shady in midwinter and may have poor snow later on.
Where to Ski and Snowboard
This guide is taken from Where to Ski and Snowboard, edited by Chris Gill and Dave Watts. Chris now produces Where to Ski guides to individual countries. Find out more and receive an exclusive book discount.
