Adelboden

Popular with the Ski fraternity for its high-altitude snow, the village resort of Adelboden in the Bernese Oberland region is cradled in a densely forested valley, dissected by the Engstlige River and overlooked by mountain panorama and its snow-dusted peaks.

Adelboden, at 1,350m above sea level, is most renowned for hosting the FIS Ski World Cup every January in the ski resort of Adelboden-Lenk, beckoning skiers and snowboarders to its 200 kilometres of downhill, with guaranteed snow on 60% of its pistes due to its high altitude, connected by over 70 ski lifts and mountain railroads. You can ski the original course of the FIS Ski World Cup, with a photo finish included; alternatively, head for the 5.5km and 700m drop run from Lavey to Aebi for fabulous views and an adrenaline-fused descent. And while you're here, dip into traditional mountain huts for raclette and fondue, as well as the twinkling night skiing and light show on the iconic Chuenisbärgli slope. Romantics may like to wander the Adelboden lantern trail, lit up by over 100 lights and allowing a magical night-time walk under the stars. Adelboden makes for an excellent basecamp with easy access to five separate ski areas: Sillerenbuhl, Tschentenalp, Engstligenalp, Elsigenalp and Lenk.

In summer, the surrounding Bernese Oberland region transforms into a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. It opens up to a wide range of fun in the sun from hiking and biking to swimming in mountain lakes and wandering wildflower meadows. The eye-catching natural lake of Blausee or Blue Lake is a beauty spot to be admired – but it is prohibited to swim in. And come winter or summer, the giant swing that juts out over the mountainous scenery at Tschentenalp is hard to resist for that epic Insta shot or new LinkedIn profile pic. It's a season that offers a different kind of charm, one that is equally captivating and inviting.

Down in the village, tranquil scenes await. Explore the 15th-century church of Adelboden with its famously artistic Augusto Giacometti windows. Traditional alpine timber architecture populates the village scene; make a pitstop at the local museum of Adelboden to gen up on local folklore with examples of artisan pastimes such as woodcarving. With plenty of spots for apres-ski and some of the best design hotels in Switzerland, famed for its food culture, picturesque resort and irresistible Swiss allure, powder-hunters will find Adelboden ticks the boxes of adventure, style and nature.