Adelboden-Lenk, Kandersteg

Adelboden-Lenk is Switzerland’s third-largest ski area and is ideal for families, novices and intermediates, while tiny Kandersteg, on the same ski-pass, offers a wintersports experience with a real difference.

Details: Written by: Mike Walker; Last Updated: 29 Dec 2019

Adelboden-Lenk

Resort 1,353m
Summit 2,362m
Vertical 1,102m
Ski area 205km
Parks 1

/Overview

A classic Alpine resort, the lift-linked domain of Adelboden-Lenk is mainly based on two pretty villages either side of the same mountain ridge, with some other offshoots. Both are filled with authentic Swiss charm. Lenk village is also a certified family resort.

/Ski area

Seventy modern lifts provide fast access to 205 km of pistes with around 60% of the main areas guaranteed snow. The majority of slopes are easy reds and cruising blues: the Chuenisbargli zone is home to Adelboden’s famously tough Alpine World Cup slalom and giant slalom run, and further challenging descents can be found higher up in the sectors beyond mid-altitude Geils. On the opposite flank of Lenk is the sizeable family-orientated Lenk-Betelberg area. Off-piste, the high Engstligenalp plateau above Unter dem Berg features a designated freeride zone and is a popular ski-tour access point.

/Off the slopes

Nightlife in Adelboden is generally laid-back and upmarket, although when the Ski World Cup comes to town, so do 40,000 excited fans, determined to party. In general, you’ll find a nice selection of bars and tea rooms. There’s lovely winter hiking, cross-country skiing trails along the Simme, and toboggan runs plus curling and ice-skating on the open-air ice rink in Lenk. Adelboden is also an accredited alpine wellness resort and both it and Lenk have some excellent spas, if you fancy some pampering.

Kandersteg

Resort 1,200m
Summit 1,680
Vertical 480m
Ski area 12km
Parks 0

/Overview

Skiers looking for a more rounded winter holiday will find Kandersteg a delight because it is not a conventional Alpine ski resort. Over 50 km of cross-country trails (classic and skating) make it one of Switzerland’s largest cross-country ski areas. Add a host of winter hiking and snowshoe trails and you’ll find scenic Kandersteg is a world away from mass tourism.

/Ski area

The compact downhill at Kandersteg is centred on Oeschinen and Sunnbuel. However, the resort is on the same lift-pass as the neighbouring large Adelboden-Lenk domain. The two small downhill ski areas above Kandersteg are easily accessible by the Oeschinen gondola and the Sunnbuel cable car. Significantly, for experienced downhill skiers, Kandersteg is fantastic for ski touring. Around 10 itineraries of between two and nine hours give plenty of opportunity for powder skiing in tranquil scenery.

/Off the slopes

Après is relaxed and family-orientated. And a highlight is Kandersteg’s annual Belle Epoque week (see page 4). But it’s as an all-round resort that Kandersteg appeals most. Walkers have a superb trail network, and snowshoe trails are also popular.

The brand new ski jumping centre of the Nordic Arena will host the Nordic Junior World Championships in January, attracting international top athletes. The Kandersteg ice rink is ideal for skating and curling; mountain bikers can have a go at fat-biking; there are sleigh rides and tobogganing too. As a ‘hot’ spot of Europe’s ice climbing scene, Kandersteg offer a genuine challenge on the region’s frozen waterfalls.

Holiday Highlights

Lenk: Ski touring

Qualified mountain guides offer visitors to Lenk their own personalised ski tour. After skinning your way up you will be rewarded with a breathtaking descent through untouched powder.

Dine out on high…

At 2,100m, Berghaus Standhütte, at the top of the Stand-Xpress gondola, is the highest restaurant in the entire Adelboden-Lenk ski area, and offers a delicious range of regional dishes.

...and on the slopes

Chüjer-Stuba, Geils, Adelboden is a warm-hearted, slopeside family-run restaurant where skiers can enjoy fresh ravioli, cheese slices, punch, fine fruitcakes and some top wines from the Valais and Ticino.