Grindelwald Wengen is one of a handful of ski resorts where one’s eye is constantly distracted from skiing and instead drawn to the impossibly spectacular surrounds. And regardless of how many times you have been, you cannot help but admire the grandeur of this place. Our latest visit in February 2025 was no different.

It is always interesting to get a feel for a ski resort at the busiest times of the year, and so we found ourselves at Grindelwald during the height of the Swiss, UK and Dutch mid-term school holidays. For economies sake, we stayed at a fantastic bed and breakfast in central Interlaken (Arnolds). Taking the train up in the morning, there were far more tourists heading on up to the Jungfrau than skiers. Alighting at Terminal, we beat the crowd to the Eiger Express gondola and headed up well ahead of the seemingly disorganised pack of humanity behind us. With no overnight snow, we enjoyed several top to bottom runs on and off piste before the crowd at the bottom finally got a little hectic from 9.30am. Even so, the lift line at Terminal for the gondola to Männlichen was barely a few minutes, and up on the mountain, waits for chairlifts were measured in the seconds. That’s a huge pass mark for a ski resort in peak season.

A fairytale destination for vast numbers of skiers & sightseers, Grindelwald is set in a truly stunning location. The name alone evokes all kinds of winter purity. Whilst the sunnier parts of the village may lack the expected natural snow cover for the entirety of winter these days, the surrounding peaks, long valley trails, incredible train and lift system, make it an outstanding location for lovers of riding on snow. Particularly intermediate skiers, Grindelwald and it’s connected opposite number in Wengen (arguably the better village!) are rightfully popular. For novices, Wengen provides the best base. It’s village slopes and tows are a wonderful spot for taking one’s first turns. For advanced freeriders, the higher altitudes around Kleine Scheidegg are the go-to zone. For progressing beginners & intermediates anywhere is fine.

For progressing beginners the long run from Eiger station to Grindelwald is beautiful. Gosh even I loved it. First thing in the morning when you can push the speed out it was pure pleasure. Fully in shadow though it is quite cold, so rug if considering this as a ‘first track’. The world Cup piste was its usual fun heading into Wengen for anyone wanting a longer, and at times steepish run.

One thing we noted this time as a concern was the many piste crossings where ‘out of control ‘intermediates going super-fast were intersecting with ‘barely in control’ beginners. The conflictions are compounded by pedestrian traffic crossing pistes on the winter walking paths, creating a few chaotic scenes. The issue is particularly prevalent as one skis from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg. We saw some quite unpleasant interactions particularly toward the Gummi chair base, and on the lower runs under the Henegg chair. Take care here.

We find Wengen village so pleasant in the late morning sun. Shaded early in the day, the novice lifts & terrain in front of the cable car station are lined with a few bar-restaurants and when the sun arrives, they provide a welcome rest point for weary skiers and anxious parents alike. Sit in front of the Schneebar Figeler for a warming alcoholic tee & simple, tasty food, and then later it is the place to enjoy some après ski.

If we had to choose where to stay on a trip to this ski resort, it would be Wengen (or probably far-flung Mürren as the terrain suites our proclivities more, but that’s in the broader Jungfrau ski region so it doesn’t count!). Wengen is compact, snow-laden and more charming than Grindelwald (despite its location), plus has better direct connectivity to the skiing. Unless skiing at First, most Grindelwald accommodation requires a bus (or train) to get to the lifts, which is fine, but why do it if a short stroll or ski can get the same result in Wengen.

You cannot put a price on a first time visit to Grindelwald & Wengen. Everything about it is just too breathtaking. By the second visit you are ready to concentrate on the skiing! See you the train…… And remember the early bird catches the worm.

See our thoughts on the pros and cons of this ski region via our Grindelwald Wengen overview page.
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I grew up watching the Lauberhorn downhill race in Wengen and with that i knew about the town 30+ years before I ever went there myself. The race is one of the oldest ski races still ongoing and it kinda cements the tradition and history of Wengen as a ski destination. I've skied there twice now, both times in February and the first thing that hit me is that Wengen is old from a ski destination standpoint, yet it never struck me as dated. It's got a cool old school aura to it and you can really feel the 100+ skiing history in the town as walk amongst the old, yet classy hotels in streets with no cars, and where the train is only connection between the bliss in Wengen and the modern world down in the Valley. And while the lift system is quite modern and up to speed, the train is still an integral part of the infrastructure of the ski resort. Quite cool!
Although Wengen is home to the Lauberhorn downhill slope, and skiing down this run is an absolute MUST at least one time when visiting, the terrain is in general not the most advanced. Most of the runs fit in the blue category, and you can cruise from run to run, and stop for a drink when you feel like at one of the many bars and restaurants on the mountain. The view is breathtaking, both on the Wengen and on the Grindelwald side, and I don't think i can ever get tired of looking at Mount Eiger.
Snow conditions in Wengen are good, but not necessarily great. The resort sits at a fairly low altitude for Switzerland, with the peak being only at about 2300m and with a fair amount of the terrain facing the sun for large parts of the day. The better snow and also far better offpiste conditions are found across the valley in Murren. But that's also a much steeper mountain. Wengen is chill. You ski around, you enjoy the scenery, you talk to your friends on the lifts, and you stop for a drink here and there when you feel like it. At the end of the day, skiing back down to Wengen is a fun end of the day run. Highly recommend stopping by the patio at Hotel Brunner as you ski into town for the best Aperol Spritz that i found.
Pairing nicely with the overall fairly easy runs, Wengen is a great family destination as well. The beginner area in town is great for kids to learn to ski.
Perhaps some of the most competent ski-techs I've ever had work on my skis are at Central Sport Wengen. You never want to have issues with your gear, but when it does happen at least you can rest assured that the best guys in the business can fix your skis for you.
Although I'm unlikely to do a trip solely to Wengen, I will definitely ski there again when visiting the Jungfrau Region.
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We spent a cheeky day here again in February 2022, ostensibly to check out the new ski lifts from the 'Terminal' in Grindelwald. To be able to ski in such a splendid place is one of life's absolute pleasures. Whilst the snow was good on piste, the off-piste wasn't awesome, however we scored some powder over in Muerren the day before we were in Grindelwald Wengen, so all good! Do yourself a favour and cruise around here for a few days before you die. It is absolutely worth it, and better now with the new lifts. Leave it to the Swiss to undertake such impressive engineering and do it so perfectly. We rate it 5-paws for value, simply on the basis of what one gets for the price of a lift pass. Most people would pay to simply ride the cable cars, yet alone ski as well. Oh ..... and POW (Protect Our Winters).... take the train!
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The Jungfrau ski region is an awesome Swiss ski destination. Grindelwald Wengen is the largest resort of the area and has everything you could ever want in a ski resort. We skied three days in mid December and were lucky enough to have three straight bluebird powder days. The ski area is massive and the crowds were minimal. The views are incredible. The lift infrastructure is among the best in Europe. The Eiger cable car might be the most impressive cable car I have ever ridden in (definitely the most expensive). There was a good variety of freeride terrain off the Eigergletcher and lauberhorn peaks and powder seemed to last for days. We lapped this area most of the time and were scoring fresh powder in lift served terrain, with minimal traversing, days after a storm. The only downside was the lack of an easier connection to Murren Schilthorn which is a smaller resort but seemed to have more expert freeride options.

There are several good restaurants on the mountain, especially in the kleine scheidegg area. The town of Wengen is a car free ski town. There are several options for accommodations and a handful of bars and restaurants. Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg can only be assessed by a cog train from Lauterbrunnen, which is included in the ski pass. We stayed in Lauterbrunnen and were blown away by the scenery. Lauterbrunnen is tucked below Wengen in a narrow valley with huge cliffs and waterfalls on each side. It is a small area with only a few hotels and restaurants but is only a 30 min train ride to Interlaken if you are looking for more options.
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Grindelwald is one of those names that immediately conjures up images of cutesy gingerbread houses nestled in a valley amongst snow-clad forest & below towering peaks. The reality is not quite the same as imaged (no gingerbread houses!) but that’s ok, it is close enough. As a place to visit in Switzerland during winter, Grindelwald (& Wengen) are almost second to none. Its strength as a winter destination comes from a combination of landscape, ski terrain, lifts, villages & activities that simply do not exist anywhere else. Zermatt is the next best, putting this region amongst lofty company indeed as a fantastic all-round winter snow holiday destination.

By no means the world’s most perfect ski resort (there is no such thing, or at least perfect for one person is not necessarily perfect for others!), Grindelwald-Wengen, with its Jungfrau Ski Region neighbour Miürren-Schilthorn, does comes close. Dominated by the Eiger & its glaciers, skiing the upper mountain can be seriously interrupted by constant gawping at the views or even the Jungfraujoch train trundling across the high alpine snowfields before disappearing into a tunnel. A vertical line of cliffs above Wengen is the area’s biggest limiting factor, making all ski journeys in the resort from the village require a little more planning than just about anywhere else in the world.

For family groups Grindelwald Wengen is alpine heaven. There are some many lovely ski journeys to undertake plus massive top to bottom sledding (sledging) that is serious fun for all ages & abilities. It may not be the cheapest ski holiday ever (it is Switzerland after all), but we would be surprised if it wasn’t the most memorable.

The skiing at Grindelwald Wengen is excellent & for most, way more approachable than Murren-Schilthorn. Lovers of super-long groomers, spectacular surrounds & incredible train journeys will adore it. For long intermediate cruisers, Männlichen is the place. The lengthy valley trails into Grindelwald are fantastic too. Something for both intermediates & progressing beginners, the trails have multiple options for stopping for a brew along the way, particularly below Holenstein. We particularly liked the Quicky Bar because let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy a quickie?

Kleine Scheidegg is the hotspot for powderhounds on a clear powder day, particularly up & around the Lauberhorn. Delightful, approachable & fun, without the perilous steeps & intricacy of the Schilthorn side. There is the possibility for advanced riders to ski the longest World Cup course from Lauberhorn to Wengen. Our arrival just after the race weekend allowed us to indulge. Be ready for some super-steep, fast drops & long, long schusses. At the end of the course, the frightening last pitch requires superior braking! An ascent of the Innerwengen chair allows for a gentle end to a day. A classically Alps entry into Wengen sees one sliding past bars, amongst houses & dairy cows, then ending abruptly at a railway crossing just above the station. Encapsulates everything we love about skiing Europe.

Novices skiing in the Alps for the first time could do worse just hanging around Wengen. A nice mountain village with particularly good, sheltered beginner slopes & lifts. Wengen has plenty of bars & restaurants, plus you can catch the cable car up top to Männlichen to check out the views & progress onto bigger things on the slopes down to Grindelwald, or catch the train to Kleine Scheidegg & do the same.

If the sun is out, après ski is fabulous up at Spycher on Männlichen. Expansive 360-degree views from its jutting clifftop perch makes everything seem good in the world. Shame the loungers cost extra – ignore them, they are more for those (wankers!) of the sun-soaking variety. Rule number one in the mountains – NEVER, EVER PAY FOR A SEAT WITH A VIEW. Be wary of over-indulging at the bar. The ski back down to Grindelwald or Wengen is long (extremely long). However, the walking distance to the cable car download for Wengen is not! There is an option to stay in the simple rooms of Berghaus Männlichen, right at the best bars. We say it often ………. next time we come we will.

We never got around to skiing the Grindelwald First sector. It has a longer skiable vertical than the Kleine Sheidegg-Maennlichen side of the Grindelwald valley, plus an extraordinary looking sledding route of over 1650m vertical off the Faulhorn. The sledding trails & non-ski infrastructure in Switzerland continually blows us away. From our observations whilst skiing the opposite side, Grindelwald First is the sunniest of the ski areas near the Jungfrau & may have broad appeal for that reason alone. We prefer the colder, darker recesses of ski resorts, but will be back soon to check it out!

We love that Wengen is centrally located in the ski region, so can be a base to conveniently explore both sides of the valley. Grindelwald village is in an undeniably spectacular setting but was a little too disconnected from the best skiing during our visit. We know that since our visit, new gondolas & an integrated station at Grund (under construction when we were there) have changed the game considerably in the town & resort. As an alternative to Interlaken, staying in Grindelwald makes a lot of sense if accommodation is available, which we found it often is not! But these places are popular for a reason. Everyone should come & find out the reasons for themselves.

You can see our thoughts on the pros and cons on the Grindelwald-Wengen overview page and also see our European ski resort ratings regarding how we score it compared to other skiing areas.

See our video here