Wengen in Switzerland
Resort Guide
Wengen's presence in the lists of 'most favourite resorts' for those who have visited it is an unusual one. Most other entrants will be there because of their fantastic skiing, Wengen will be there because of the how it makes you feel just being there, even before you put your skis or 'board on. The awe inspiring mountainscape above and below borders on a spiritual experience for many which makes even the most bland skiing experience seem marvelous. Not that Wengen's skiing is bland - far from it, nearly 100 miles (160km ) of trails, shared with neighbouring Grindelwald, are lift-linked from the village, with further 40km or so (25 miles) also on the Jungfrau top ski Lift pass across the valley at Mürren. The main ski area shared with Grindelwald is the Kleine Scheidegg. It is reached by the cog railway from Wengen to Wengeneralp in about 25 minutes (this may also be busy with non-skiing tourists on their way up to the Jungfraujoch, especially later in the season). The second main area is Männlichen, reached by cable-car from the village or accessed from Kleine Scheidegg. Beginners will find nursery slopes in Wengen proper with friendly and efficient English-speaking schools and another area up at Wengeneralp . Intermediates will be most impressed by all that the Jungfrau top ski area has to offer, with many long, wide open runs above the tree line. Highlights include a trip over to Grindelwald for the 8km (5 mile) run down from the Oberjoch to that resort on its separate First ski area. Grindelwald itself can be reached by another popular 8km (5 mile) run down from Männlichen. Experts will not want to miss the opportunity of a descent of the Lauberhorn, even if they can't match Franz Klammer's pace. This is now reached by a new chairlift from Scheidegg, above which the tough trails include the succinctly named 'Oh God!' off-piste descent. Many skiers and 'boarders tend to end the day with the 7km (4 mile) run down from the top of the Lauberhorn back to Wengen, perhaps calling at Mary's for a pre-après ski drink en route. A day trip over to Mürren on the train should not be missed in order to try another legendary run, the 6km ( 4 mile) black down to the resort from the famous Schilthorn revolving restaurant.
Resort Statistics
- Resort Height : 1275
- Top Station : 2320
- Bottom Station : 1274
- Vertical Descent : 1046
- Drag Lifts : 8
- Chair Lifts : 3
- Opens : December-April
- Expert Rating : 7
- Intermediate Rating : 8
- Beginner Rating : 6
Lift Pass Prices
- Adult One Day Pass : 55 CHF
- Adult Six Day Pass : 254 CHF
- Child One Day Pass : 28 CHF
- Child Six Day Pass : 127 CHF