Jungfrau Ski Region
Bernese Oberland, Wengen, Mürren, Grindelwald
Some of the finest skiing in the Alps is spread out below the mighty Eiger and Jungfrau mountains which tower 4,100m above the vast Kleine Scheidegg ski area. To the east are the sunny slopes of 'Grindelwald First' whilst to the west is the superb 15km run from the 2,970m summit of the Schilthorn down to Lauterbrunnen. The whole area is available to you with just one lift pass! The Jungfrau region boasts over 214km of prepared pistes of which about 49% are for the intermediate skier whilst 16% offer slopes for those looking for the challenge of 'black' runs. The rest are easier runs not only suited to beginners but also offering further enjoyable runs for the intermediate skier.
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Kleine Scheidegg Ski Area
This superb ski area is situated between Wengen & Grindelwald and is reached by the frequent sports trains from the two villages in 25 minutes. Once up at Kleine Scheidegg you will find a several number of restaurants and snow bars dotted all over the slopes. A number of ski runs fan out in different directions from Kleine Scheidegg, well suited to the beginner or intermediate skier, or you can take the four seater express chair lift up to the Lauberhorn at 2,472m from where there is an exciting choice of runs back down to Kleine Scheidegg or you can take the alternative run down to Wixi where a chair lift will bring you back up to the Lauberhorn. A second two seater chair lift from Wixi can take you up to Fallboden from where there is a wonderful ski run below the north face of the Eiger. If you are looking for a challenge then take the lift up to Eigergletcher and try the 'Black Rock' run or the exhilarating piste that answers to the name of 'Oh God'! From Kleine Scheidegg you can also work your way across to the Männlichen with a series of long runs and various lifts, stopping en-route for a drink or a bratwurst at one of the snow bars. A 5km run from Kleine Scheidegg brings you down to the restaurant at Brandegg (where the apple fritters are not to be missed!). This is a pleasant, easy run ideal for beginners. From here the ski run continues on down to Grund for the train back to Scheidegg or the gondolas up to the Männlichen (or you can return to Grindelwald if it's the end of the day). From Kleine Scheidegg you can ski back to Wengen at the end of the day, usually with a 'pit stop' en-route at Mary's Cafe or Allmend.
The Männlichen Ski Area
This popular ski area is set at 2,230m and is reached by a cable car in just a few minutes from the centre of Wengen. Wide open slopes above the tree line with a choice of either easy runs or some steeper slopes with moguls. From the bottom of these runs two fast chair lifts bring you back up to the Männlichen or you can continue on the 8km run all the way down to Grindelwald Grund. From the Männlichen a series of exhilarating runs and chair lifts bring you across to the Kleine Scheidegg ski area.
The Grindelwald 'First' Ski Area
The fast six seater gondolas start in Grindelwald immediately opposite the Hotel Sunstar or just a few minutes from the Fiescherblick. This is a sunny and attractive ski area with open south facing slopes and a high point of 2,500m (Oberjoch). A series of interconnecting lifts and runs offer 50km of prepared pistes and there are three different 8km runs back down to Grindelwald one of which is a bit fierce but the other two are relatively easy. The gondolas stop at Bort and Schreckfeld and both have excellent restaurants with sun terraces and spectacular views across the valley towards the Eiger and Wetterhorn mountains.
Mürren & Schilthorn Ski Area
A funicular from the village takes you up to Almendhubel where there's a drag lift and an easy run for beginners or you can take the piste to the lift which brings you up to Maulerhubel for the runs down to the restaurant at Winteregg. At Schiltgrat there's a choice of two lifts with a variety of runs for all grades of skier, firstly on open slopes and then through the woods. Here you will also find the 'Kanderhar' run which is a steep 'black' piste that will test your skills. You can ski back to the centre of the village. The Schilthorn at 2,970m is reached by a cable car up to Piz Gloria with its famous revolving restaurant which is where the James Bond film 'On her Majesty's Secret Service' was made. The first part of the long run from the Schilthorn has some sheepish moguls so it's probably for the more proficient skier. If you find this too testing then after enjoying the fantastic view from the Schilthorn take the cable car back down to Birg and enjoy the various runs on the sunny slopes on the Engental where there are three fast chair lifts. From Birg there is a run back to Mürren or you can also come back to the village by cable car. The run from the Schilthorn back to Mürren is 11km! Lift passes are also valid for the slopes of Wengen (there is also a ticket just for the resort of Mürren/Shilthorn) and the train in front of the Hotel Eiger takes you to Grütschalp where you have a cable car connection to Lauterbrunnen where a cogwheel railway will then take you up to Kleine Scheidegg. For details of this vast ski area see the Wengen or Grindelwald pages.
Mountain Restaurants of the Jungfrau Area
At Kleine Scheidegg the restaurant is particularly good with a very large sun terrace with spectacular views of the Jungfrau. The service is fast, the food is excellent and varied, the atmosphere lively and the unique 'rostizas' are well worth trying. Here you will also find a lively 'tepee' bar which is a popular meeting point. The terrace of the restaurant up at Eigerletcher affords stunning views and good food. Just above Scheidegg is the Grindelwaldblick restaurant which has a large terrace and to reach it you take the Lauberhorn chair lift and then ski the piste that leads down on the left to the Grindelwaldblick. The two restaurants at the Männlichen are amongst the best and although it is usually quite busy there are plenty of seats inside and out. On the Grindelwald side there's the Brandegg restaurant. Two thirds of the way down there's a large restaurant at Aspen as well as the nearby Jäggerstubli. If the slopes are a bit busy one day then ski down from Männlichen towards Grund and about three quarters of the way on the left of the piste there's a sign that points to Waldrand, follow the path through the farmyard and there in the trees is a restaurant! On the Wengen side of Kleine Scheidegg is the beautiful old restaurant and hotel at Wengeneralp (the oldest hotel of the area). For lunch you're advised to book in advance. At the end of the day take the chair lift up to the Lauberhorn for the 6km run back to Wengen. Firstly down to Innerwengen for a lively half hour at Mary's Cafe from here a chair lift takes you up to Allmend for the final run back to the village perhaps with a stop en route for a 'special coffee' at the restaurant just below Allmend or a beer at the 'snow bar' of the Brunner. Back in Wengen there's a great choice of après ski bars to distract you as you stroll back to your hotel.
Jungfrau Region Hotels
