Ski Guide to Adelboden

Loved by the freestyle fraternity, Adelboden in the Swiss canton of Bern is a real beaut and authentically quaint, and skiing on the slopes there is like being let into a secret—a locals-only spot where the allure of the Swiss Alps is matched in abundance by adrenalin-packed slopes and a deeply embedded mountain culture. Unless you happen to be here in January – and in this case it feels very much like the whole of the international ski community has its eyes firmly trained on Adelboden’s well-groomed pistes. That’s because the world’s best ski racers congregate to test their agility and speed in the FIS Ski World Cup Giant Slalom, known as one of the most difficult slalom slopes on the circuit; equally, the Slalom race is defined by its particularly steep finish slope. 

When the flurry of daredevil skiers depart, Adelboden returns to its under-the-radar status, and those in the know regain the slopes. Adelboden-Lenk has more than 200km of pistes and is a gateway to its six resorts Elsigen-Metsch, Tschentenalp, Engstligenalp, the main Adelboden-Lenk ski resort and Betelberg making its appeal wide-ranging from ski speed demons to those who love a gentle carve down wide, well-maintained runs. A constant is the chance to drink up epic Bernese Oberland panoramic views, and with more than 63 lifts and cable cars, it’s easy to get up and away in the mountains. For the ultimate image capture on the mountains, take the gondola to the Giant Swing at the top of  Tschentenalp where you can launch out of the peaks for that great shot for the ‘gram. Those with a penchant for tricks and jumps will love to play in the Gran Masta snowpark, located at the Brenggen ski lift below the Hahnenmoospass. With an array of kickers, spins and creative obstacles, freestyle boarders and skiers can catch air and perfect their style. Afterwards, the freestyle community head to the sun-infused loungers and laid-back drinks spot at the Grand Masta Bar.

For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, Adelboden offers traditional mountain hut pitstops and après-ski pastures. These include gourmet pitstops, adorable Stube offering Schnapps and Schnitzels, and panoramic sun terraces, perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes. 

If you still have energy after a day’s skiing and a hearty après, try a little night skiing on the flood-lit Chuenisbärgli slope or take it easy with a stroll along Adelboden’s artistic lantern trail. Over 100 lights illuminate the trail, creating a sense of magic and wonder over this special Bernese Oberland spot of Adleboden.