Grindelwald: skiing between First, Männlichen and the Eiger

Introduction

Grindelwald lies at approximately 1,034 metres above sea level in the Bernese Oberland. This Swiss mountain village is located at the foot of the Eiger and is surrounded by famous peaks such as the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, Mönch and Jungfrau.

From Grindelwald, you can reach two different ski areas: Grindelwald-First and Grindelwald-Wengen, including Männlichen, Kleine Scheidegg and Eigergletscher. They form part of the Jungfrau Ski Region, which offers approximately 211 kilometres of pistes across three ski areas.

For a convenient start to your holiday, reserve your ski hire in Grindelwald online in advance with SKiSET. Choose skis, boots, a helmet or a snowboard suited to your ability and planned activities.

A Swiss village beneath the Eiger

Grindelwald combines traditional wooden chalets with hotels, apartments, restaurants and sports shops. The village extends across the sunny slopes on the northern side of the valley and offers views of the Eiger north face from almost everywhere.

Trains connect Grindelwald with Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Kleine Scheidegg and the surrounding villages. Local buses operate between the centre, the Firstbahn, Grindelwald Grund, the Bodmi Arena and Grindelwald Terminal.

Because the different ski areas are not always directly connected by pistes, it is advisable to decide in advance whether you wish to spend the day at First, Männlichen or Kleine Scheidegg.

The Jungfrau Ski Region

The Jungfrau Ski Region includes Grindelwald-First, Grindelwald-Wengen and Mürren-Schilthorn. The complete selection includes beginner pistes, long red descents, steep competition runs, snowparks and freeride opportunities.

A ski pass covering the entire region also allows you to visit Wengen, Lauterbrunnen and Mürren during the same holiday. Travelling times between the individual ski areas should, however, be included in your daily planning.

Check the current piste and lift status every morning. Wind, snowfall and reduced visibility may cause temporary closures, particularly at First, Eigergletscher and in the higher parts of Männlichen.

Grindelwald Terminal and the Eiger Express

Grindelwald Terminal is the modern transport hub on the western side of the village. The Eiger Express to Eigergletscher and the gondola to Männlichen both depart from the terminal.

The Eiger Express reaches Eigergletscher station at approximately 2,328 metres in around fifteen minutes. From the cabin, you can enjoy views of the valley and the impressive north face of the Eiger.

The terminal is connected to the railway and includes parking, shops and ski storage. Day visitors can therefore leave their equipment close to the main gondolas.

Eigergletscher and Kleine Scheidegg

From Eigergletscher, red and blue pistes descend towards Kleine Scheidegg, Fallboden, Wixi and Brandegg. The routes pass directly beneath the Eiger and provide views of the Mönch, Jungfrau and surrounding glacial landscape.

Kleine Scheidegg lies at approximately 2,061 metres and forms an important junction between Grindelwald and Wengen. Mountain trains, chairlifts, restaurants and several pistes meet here.

From Kleine Scheidegg, you can return towards Grindelwald via Brandegg. The complete valley descent is long and may become more demanding later in the day because of softer snow, visitor numbers and developing bumps.

Männlichen and Holenstein

The gondola from Grindelwald Terminal reaches Männlichen in approximately nineteen minutes. The mountain lies between Grindelwald and Wengen and offers an extensive panorama of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

The pistes around Männlichen are mainly blue and red. The broad slopes suit families, recreational skiers and visitors who enjoy making long turns on easy-to-read terrain.

Via Holenstein, you can descend towards Grindelwald or continue in the direction of Kleine Scheidegg. Check the condition of the lower piste sections before returning.

Grindelwald-First

The Firstbahn departs from the eastern part of the village and climbs via Bort and Schreckfeld to First at approximately 2,166 metres. This sunny mountainside has a more sporting and playful character.

The pistes around Oberjoch, Schilt, Grindel and Hohwald range from accessible blue runs to red and black descents. From the open slopes, you have direct views of the Eiger and the surrounding peaks above 4,000 metres.

First is also known for freestyle, skicross and winter activities. The sector is not connected by pistes with Männlichen or Kleine Scheidegg, so changing ski areas requires travelling through the village.

Grindelwald for beginners

The Bodmi Arena is centrally located above the village and is specially designed for beginners. A conveyor belt, drag lift and easy terrain provide space to practise stopping, turning and maintaining balance.

In addition to ski and snowboard lessons, the area offers tobogganing, snowtubing and snow play. The easy-to-manage environment suits children and adults using skis for the first time.

After their first lessons, beginners can progress to easy pistes at First, Männlichen or Kleine Scheidegg. Ask an instructor which route contains the fewest steep or narrow passages.

Families and children

Grindelwald has several ski schools, children’s areas and family-friendly mountain restaurants. Lily’s Fun Slope is located at First, while additional Lily Slopes with playful obstacles are prepared at Kleine Scheidegg.

Children can hire lightweight skis, small boots, snowboards and helmets. A correct fit is important because unsuitable boots can reduce comfort and slow progress during longer lessons.

For day trips, agree on a clear meeting point. First, Kleine Scheidegg, Eigergletscher and Männlichen are far apart and cannot always be reached quickly.

Pistes for intermediate skiers

Intermediate skiers will find the widest selection around Kleine Scheidegg and Männlichen. Long red pistes connect the upper stations with Wengen, Brandegg, Holenstein and Grindelwald.

At First, you can combine several red descents around Oberjoch and Schilt. The open terrain is ideal for long turns, but navigation may become more difficult in fog.

Start early when you want to explore several sectors. Distances, train journeys and gondola connections take more time than the piste map may suggest.

Lauberhorn and sporting descents

From Kleine Scheidegg, experienced skiers can travel towards Wengen and the Lauberhorn. After the annual World Cup race, parts of the famous competition course are opened to the public.

The descent passes well-known sections such as Hundschopf, Minschkante and Haneggschuss. Exact access depends on competitions, piste maintenance and snow conditions.

Steeper runs are also located around Eigergletscher, Wixi and First. Hard snow and shaded sections may considerably increase the technical difficulty.

Snowpark Grindelwald-First

Grindelwald-First is the main freestyle sector of the Jungfrau Region. Depending on conditions, the snowpark includes a halfpipe and several lines with kickers, rails, boxes and other features.

A skicross course is also prepared near the Schilt lift. Its combination of rollers, banked turns and changes of speed suits recreational skiers as well as experienced participants.

Inspect every feature before using it, wait until the landing area is clear, maintain sufficient distance and always wear a helmet.

Freeride and safety

The open slopes around First, Eigergletscher and Männlichen attract freeriders. Outside the open pistes, however, the snowpack and avalanche danger are not fully controlled.

An avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel are essential safety equipment. Check the latest avalanche bulletin and remain aware of crevasses, rocks and sudden weather changes.

In unfamiliar terrain, travel with a qualified mountain or ski guide whenever possible. Respect all closed pistes, warning signs and prohibited areas.

First Flyer, First Glider and Cliff Walk

First also offers activities without skis. The First Flyer allows you to reach speeds of approximately 84 kilometres per hour while travelling on a cable towards Schreckfeld.

The First Glider allows up to four participants to fly above the mountain landscape in an eagle-shaped construction. Availability depends on wind, visibility and technical conditions.

The First Cliff Walk is also located near the upper station. A walkway attached to the rock face leads to a viewing platform suspended above the valley.

Tobogganing and Big Pintenfritz

The Jungfrau Region has an extensive network of toboggan routes. From First, a varied descent travels via Schreckfeld to Bort and combines steep passages with quieter sections.

Big Pintenfritz begins on the Faulhorn and, at approximately fifteen kilometres long, is one of Europe’s longest toboggan runs. The starting point can only be reached by a winter hike from First.

The excursion requires reasonable fitness, suitable clothing and favourable weather. Check in advance that the complete route is open and safe to use.

Winter walking and snowshoeing

The Jungfrau Ski Region offers approximately 100 kilometres of winter walking trails. Popular routes connect Männlichen with Kleine Scheidegg and First with Bort via Waldspitz.

Snowshoe hikers can follow routes including Holenstein–Brandegg, which provides continuous views of the Eiger north face. Use only open and marked itineraries.

Sturdy winter footwear, warm clothing and possibly walking poles are recommended. Temperatures on the mountain may be considerably lower than in the village.

Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

From Eigergletscher, the Jungfrau Railway travels through the Eiger and Mönch to the Jungfraujoch. The high-altitude station provides access to viewpoints, exhibitions and a landscape of snow and glacial ice.

A visit can be combined with a ski day but requires several hours. Check the timetable, ticket conditions and weather forecast in advance.

The Jungfraujoch is not part of the standard ski pistes. Take warm clothing even when conditions in Grindelwald are sunny and relatively mild.

Mountain huts, gastronomy and après-ski

Traditional huts and modern mountain restaurants are located at First, Kleine Scheidegg, Eigergletscher and Männlichen. Their terraces offer views of the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and the Grindelwald valley.

Typical dishes include cheese fondue, raclette, rösti, Älplermagronen and schnitzel. The village also has pizzerias, international restaurants, cafés and hotel bars.

Après-ski is distributed between the village and the valley stations. First has several lively terraces, while Grindelwald also offers quiet restaurants and wellness hotels.

The SKiSET shop in Grindelwald

In Grindelwald, you can collect your equipment from Buri Sport Main Shop. The shop is located at Dorfstrasse 160 in the centre of the village.

This family-run business was founded in 1962 and hires skis, snowboards, boots, helmets and toboggans. The multilingual team helps visitors select equipment for different ability levels and skiing styles.

The professional workshop provides edge sharpening, waxing, repairs and technical adjustments. Buri Sport also offers private lessons for skiers and snowboarders of different ages.

Why book online with SKiSET?

By booking online, you can provide your preferred equipment category, sizes and requirements in advance. The shop can then prepare and check your equipment before your arrival.

When you collect the equipment, the team checks the fit of the boots. The bindings are adjusted according to your height, weight, age and experience.

If the equipment does not feel comfortable during the hire period, you can return to the shop for assistance, maintenance, a replacement or a technical adjustment.

Other SKiSET destinations nearby

Wengen lies on the opposite side of Kleine Scheidegg and provides access to Männlichen, the Lauberhorn pistes and the shared ski area with Grindelwald.

Lauterbrunnen lies in the valley below Wengen and provides access to Wengen, Kleine Scheidegg and Mürren.

Gstaad lies farther west in the Bernese Oberland and combines several ski areas with a famous chalet village and a varied selection of winter activities.

Conclusion

Grindelwald combines a traditional Swiss mountain village with access to First, Männlichen, Kleine Scheidegg and Eigergletscher. Beginners benefit from the Bodmi Arena, while experienced skiers can discover competition pistes, snowparks and long day trips.

Reserve your ski hire in Grindelwald online with SKiSET, collect your equipment from Buri Sport Main Shop and combine your ski days with tobogganing, winter walking and a visit to the Jungfraujoch.