Our favourites for the winter holidays in Grindelwald
Our favourites for the winter holidays in Grindelwald
In winter, the Grindel ski run leads from the first ski area at the gates of Hotel Gletschergarten up to 50 m with good snow conditions. The first gondola lift is also only 150 m away and the local bus takes you comfortably to the Grindelwald railway station and terminal, the starting point for the Jungfraujoch and the Männlichen – Kl. Scheidegg.
The winter adventure with skiing, tobogganing, winter hiking and much more can begin! Find out here our very personal tips for the next winter holiday in Grindelwald.
Gaby’s tip
Bussalp-Bort hiking trail
For me, the 1600 m high runway is a highlight, even in winter! The bus tour of the Bussalp with its tight curves is already an experience for everyone! Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with a unique view of the mountains. The hike to Bort is very varied, passing snow-covered alpine huts and forest clearings. Between the fir trees, the Wetterhorn and the Schreckhorn shine in a run. Halfway along the way, you can have a snack at the Rasthysi and relax for a while. Sometimes we even take the sleigh with us. There are a few racy runs, but in between you have to pull the sled. The sled can also be used as a seat in the solitude of the winter forest. The Bort station is the end of this beautiful visit. You can return to Grindelwald by gondola lift or on foot, and in good snow conditions even with the sledge.
Gery’s tip
Ice hockey
I started playing ice hockey in Grindelwald more than 40 years ago. I’ve been playing the sport ever since. Even when I am over 50 years old, I still play this exciting sport regularly, once a week, at the Grindelwald sports centre. In order to be able to practice this sport, you have to have different skills, skating, balance, tactics, speed, strength, etc. In the ice rink at the Grindelwald sports centre, it is possible to go skating every day during the winter months (free entry with our guest card). Skates can be rented on site. On a separate part of the ice field you can also try your hand at ice hockey for everyone. The alternative, if the weather is not perfect, is to do other outdoor activities.
Matthias’ advice
Curling
I’ve had curling fever since the third grade. This sport is part of our family history: my great-grandfather Dani Füllemann (2nd generation) was president of the Grindelwald Curling Club from 1957 to 1966 and my grandfather Ueli Michel, on my father’s side, was a world-famous ice-cream maker. I played with my team in the junior league for several years and I still enjoy playing a few bits with friends today. At the Grindelwald sports centre, beginners can also take their first steps on the ice with a coach. If the weather is not in your favour, curling is a great alternative and will bond your group together. Because “curling is about being a comrade, being disciplined on the ice and honouring your fellow players and every winner”. (Closing remarks by Dani Füllemann in the annual report of the Swiss Curling Club Grindelwald 1959)
Lars’ advice
Velogemel
When friends from the hinterland or abroad visit me in the winter, there is a compulsory programme: a tour of velogemel. A Velogemel is a sports equipment from Grindelwald which was patented by Christian Bühlmann in 1911. It is a mixture of bicycle (Velo) and Gemel (Grindelwald for sleigh). My favourite route goes from the Faulhorn to Grindelwald via Bussalp. The best way is to take the Firstbahn to the First Mountain station, where the ascent of the Faulhorn starts. The mountain hotel is not open in winter, but the ascent to the summit is always worthwhile. From here, the world’s longest toboggan run starts 15 km from the village. By the way, part of the run is the official race track for the Velogemel World Championship. After a bend at the Weidli resort, you can make your way to the resort if the snow conditions are good. By the way, the track can also be used with a conventional toboggan, which you can rent in the village.
The Nils Council
Snowpark Grindelwald First
As soon as the snow has fallen in Grindelwald, I prefer to do freestyle skiing on Oberjoch or Bärgelegg in the Grindelwald First ski area. Together with my friends, we have been daring new and more complex tricks for many years on the many kickers (jumps), rails and tubes in the White Elements Park. The snowpark is built in such a way that there is something for everyone: On Oberjoch there are small waves, jumps and boxes for beginners to familiarise themselves with freestyle skiing, and larger kickers and tubes for more advanced riders. The Pro Park is located on the Bärgelegg, where it takes a certain amount of experience and skill to safely master kickers with up to four seconds of airtime and complex metal rails.