JOIN the AFICIONADOS
To receive our world of travel and style delivered straight to your inbox.
Popular with the ski elite for its high-altitude thrills, Adelboden in the Bernese Oberland is a powerhouse of adventure. Carved into a dense alpine valley, split by the rushing Engstlige River and framed by soaring snow-capped peaks, this Swiss resort is where adrenaline and alpine beauty collide.
Perched at 1,350m, Adelboden is legendary for the FIS Ski World Cup, drawing pro skiers and hardcore enthusiasts to its 200 kilometres of meticulously groomed slopes. With 60% guaranteed snow coverage, over 70 lifts and high-speed mountain railroads, it’s a winter beast. Conquer the FIS World Cup course with a pulse-racing photo finish, or hit the Lavey-to-Aebi 5.5km drop for sheer velocity and jaw-dropping panoramas. Night owls? The Chuenisbärgli slope dazzles with a nighttime light show and skiing under the stars. Need a break? Swiss mountain huts serve up bubbling raclette and gooey fondue – fuel for another round of peak domination. Five ski areas await - Sillerenbühl, Tschentenalp, Engstligenalp, Elsigenalp and Lenk – each delivering fresh terrain and endless runs.
Come summer, the region reinvents itself as a sun-drenched outdoor mecca. Think high-altitude hikes, hardcore biking trails and crystal-clear mountain lakes. The iconic Blausee – a turquoise gem – is a no-swim zone, but its picture-perfect scenery is worth every snap. And for thrill-seekers, the giant swing at Tschentenalp is pure gold – an epic Insta shot and an unforgettable adrenaline rush in one swoop. Adelboden’s summer vibe is electric, raw and utterly addictive.
In the heart of the village, history meets high style. The 15th-century Adelboden church stuns with Augusto Giacometti’s luminous stained-glass artistry. Traditional timber chalets line the streets, exuding old-world alpine charm. The local museum unpacks the region’s folklore, showcasing masterful woodcarving and traditional crafts. But make no mistake – Adelboden isn’t stuck in time. The après-ski scene pulses with energy, and Switzerland’s best design hotels add a slick, modern edge to the rustic landscape.
For high-design hospitality, The Brecon Hotel is the place to be. This cutting-edge alpine retreat fuses minimalist architecture with next-level comfort. Eco-conscious, stylish and impossibly cool, it’s the ultimate basecamp for mountain warriors and luxury seekers alike.
Beyond the slopes and trails, Adelboden also boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Whether you’re cooling off in summer or enjoying a post-ski dip, this state-of-the-art facility offers a refreshing way to unwind while soaking in breathtaking alpine views.
Getting here? Smooth. Fly into Zurich, hop on a scenic train to Bern, switch at Frutigen, then take a short bus ride into the heart of Adelboden. The journey? A Swiss postcard in motion – lakes, mountains, rolling countryside – setting the stage for the adventure ahead.
Adelboden isn’t just a resort. It’s a high-octane alpine legend. Powder, peaks, design, and pure Swiss edge – this is where the wild meets the refined, and where adventure is never optional.