Grindelwald in winter at a glance
Grindelwald is part of the Jungfrau Ski Region, which links Grindelwald-Wengen, Grindelwald-First and Mürren-Schilthorn. The Jungfrau railways count 211 kilometres of pistes, Grindelwald Tourism lists 214. First alone has more than 50 kilometres of runs and a snowpark, and the Männlichen gondola and the Eiger Express lead into the Grindelwald-Wengen area.
You do not need to ski to enjoy the season, though. Grindelwald has around 50 kilometres of sledging trails and 70 kilometres of winter hiking paths, including a long run down from the Faulhorn. Because the village is reachable by car and train, it is also a practical base for a short winter break.
Ski region and ski pass 2026/27
The ski pass is valid from 21 November 2026 to 25 April 2027. The Jungfrau railways had not fixed the actual season start when we checked in October 2026. Until the end of November, expect weekend operation only.
| Ski pass 2026/27 | Adult price | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Day pass, regular season | CHF 79 | weekdays outside the peak periods |
| Day pass, peak season | CHF 83 | 19 December 2026 to 3 January 2027 and 30 January to 28 February 2027, plus weekends in the regular season |
| Winter hiking and sledging pass | from CHF 61 | 1 to 7 days, 21 November 2026 to 25 April 2027 |
Grindelwald-First
The sunny side of the valley, with more than 50 kilometres of pistes and a snowpark. The gondola leaves from the village centre, 8 to 10 minutes on foot from the station.
Grindelwald First →Grindelwald-Wengen
Reached by the Männlichen gondola and the Eiger Express from the Grindelwald Terminal, which has ski depots and lockers. This is the area between Grindelwald and Wengen.
Männlichen →Our picks: Grindelwald in winter
A first ski afternoon, the gondola to First and sledging for children in the village.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in Swiss francs (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency. We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Beginner ski afternoon in Grindelwald
2.5 hours of ski lessons with ski, boot and helmet rental, on the beginner slope at the Bodmi Arena.
Check availability →Gondola ride to Grindelwald First
The gondola to First in winter, for the cliff walk in the snow and winter walks. First is closed for revision until 27 November 2026.
Check availability →
Sledging at the Bodmi Arena
Admission to the sledging area at the Bodmi Arena in the village, good for younger children.
Check availability →Winter tours and activities in Grindelwald
Sledging, winter excursions and cable car tickets, with live prices and availability.
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Sledging in Grindelwald
Sledging is the winter activity most visitors remember. These are the four main runs, from a full-day adventure to an easy family descent.
| Run | Start | Finish | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Pintenfritz | Faulhorn, 2,680 m | Bussalp, or Lochsteinen in good conditions | 2.5 hours on foot from First to the start, over 1,000 m descent, around 15 km |
| Bussalp Family Run | Bussalp, 1,800 m | Lochsteinen via Rasthysi | easier run, night sledging after fondue on reservation |
| Männlichen to Holenstein | Männlichen, 2,225 m | Holenstein, to the village with enough snow | two runs: Ritas Speedway and Easy |
| First to Bort | First | Bort via Schreckfeld, to Grindelwald in good conditions | simplest option on the First side |
Big Pintenfritz
The classic. Walk up from First to the Faulhorn, then sledge down to the Bussalp or Lochsteinen and take the bus back. The sledging ticket First to Faulhorn, with the gondola up and the bus from Lochsteinen, costs CHF 55, or CHF 29 with a Half Fare Card or GA, and CHF 29 for children (as of October 2026).
Bussalp
The Family Run leads from the Bussalp at 1,800 metres via Rasthysi to Lochsteinen. In the evening you can book fondue at the mountain restaurant and sledge down afterwards. The run is not lit, so bring a head torch and reserve in advance.
Männlichen to Holenstein
Two runs start at the Männlichen top station: Ritas Speedway for the faster ride and Easy for families. With enough snow you can continue all the way to the village. The Männlichen gondola runs in winter from 12 December 2026.
First to Bort
The sledge run from First via Schreckfeld to Bort is the simplest option on the First side, and in good conditions it continues to Grindelwald.
Winter hiking
Grindelwald maintains around 70 kilometres of winter hiking paths. The area between Bussalp and First alone has 48 kilometres of groomed trails. They are a good way to see the mountains in snow without skis.
The best-known route is the winter hike from First to the Faulhorn, about 2.5 hours on foot and also the approach to the Big Pintenfritz. The Berghotel Faulhorn went into its winter break on 5 October 2026, and we could not confirm a reopening date, so check before you plan a stop there.
Wear winter boots with good grip, take sunglasses and sun cream, and start early: the days are short, and the last gondola down sets your limit.
Hiking in Grindelwald →Which lifts open when: revisions autumn 2026
Between the summer and winter seasons, most cable cars close for maintenance. If you travel in November, check this table before you book.
| Lift | Closed in autumn 2026 | Winter operation |
|---|---|---|
| Grindelwald to First gondola | 26 October to 27 November | from 28 November 2026 |
| Männlichen gondola | 26 October to 11 December | 12 December 2026 to 4 April 2027 |
| Eiger Express | 9 to 20 November | after the revision |
| Wengernalpbahn Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg | 26 October to 6 November | after the revision |
| Pfingstegg cable car | winter break from 26 October | no winter service, reopens 5 May 2027 |
| Berner Oberland-Bahn and Jungfraubahn | no revision | run all year |
Spring revision dates for 2027 had not been published in October 2026. Known so far: the Männlichen winter season ends on 4 April 2027, and the ski pass is valid until 25 April 2027.
First Flyer and First Glider in winter
Two of the adventure rides at First also run in winter, which makes a snowy day at First more than a ski day.
First Flyer
The zip line from First to Schreckfeld is 800 metres long and reaches up to 84 km/h. In the 2026 price list it costs CHF 35 for adults and CHF 26 for children aged 6 to 15. In winter it is free with a valid Jungfrau ski pass. Body weight must be between 35 and 125 kg.
First Glider
Four people ride in an eagle-shaped seat, pulled backwards up at 72 km/h and then down at up to 83 km/h. It costs CHF 35 for adults and CHF 26 for children in the 2026 price list. Minimum height 130 cm, maximum 125 kg.
Prices after 12 December
The current Jungfrau railways price list, including the CHF 76 return ticket to First, is valid until 12 December 2026. Prices for the rest of the winter had not been confirmed when we checked.
Best time for a winter trip to Grindelwald
The snow season and the lift calendar decide when a winter trip makes sense.
Mid-December to March
First and Männlichen both run from 12 December, and this is the core of the snow season, although conditions vary from year to year. Expect peak prices and the busiest slopes over Christmas and New Year and in February.
January weekdays
Between 4 and 29 January 2027, weekdays fall in the regular season, with the lower day pass price and quieter pistes.
Late October to early December
The quietest time of year. Many mountain huts and hotels close from mid-October to mid-December, and most cable cars are in revision. Fine for village walks, not for a snow holiday.
Late season
The Männlichen closes on 4 April 2027, while the ski pass stays valid until 25 April. Check which areas are still running before booking a trip in April.
Tips for Grindelwald in winter
Small things that make the season easier.
Use the guest card
Overnight guests get the guest card: the local bus and ski bus are free, the cross-country trail is free, and the sports centre is half price. The Männlichen discount only applies in summer.
Where to stay in Grindelwald →Park at the Terminal
The Grindelwald Terminal car park has 1,032 spaces, is open 24/7 all year and costs CHF 15 for 2 to 24 hours. Ski depots and lockers are in the same building.
Check the timetable
Until the end of November 2026, replacement buses run between Interlaken West and Wilderswil. Check the timetable before you travel.
Getting to Grindelwald →Reserve the evening sledge
Fondue and night sledging at the Bussalp need a reservation. The run is unlit, so a head torch is essential.
Grindelwald in winter: frequently asked questions
When does the ski season start in Grindelwald?
The 2026/27 ski pass is valid from 21 November 2026, but the Jungfrau railways had not fixed the season start in October 2026. Until the end of November, expect weekend operation only. First reopens after its revision on 28 November, Männlichen on 12 December.
How much is a ski pass in Grindelwald?
For winter 2026/27 an adult day pass for the Jungfrau Ski Region costs CHF 79, or CHF 83 in peak season (19 December to 3 January, 30 January to 28 February, and weekends in the regular season).
Where is the best sledging in Grindelwald?
The Big Pintenfritz from the Faulhorn is the classic long run, around 15 kilometres with more than 1,000 metres of descent. For families, the Bussalp Family Run, the Easy run from Männlichen and the run from First to Bort are simpler options.
Does the First Flyer run in winter?
Yes. The First Flyer and the First Glider both run in winter. The Flyer is free with a valid Jungfrau ski pass; otherwise both cost CHF 35 for adults in the 2026 price list.
Is Grindelwald worth visiting in winter without skiing?
Yes. There are around 50 kilometres of sledging trails and 70 kilometres of winter hiking paths. A winter hiking and sledging pass starts at CHF 61.
Which cable cars are closed in November?
In 2026, First is closed from 26 October to 27 November, Männlichen until 11 December, and the Eiger Express from 9 to 20 November. Pfingstegg does not run in winter. The train from Interlaken runs all year.