Aletsch Arena Ski Area

Skiing in Aletsch Arena

Aletsch Arena Ski Area Overview

Home to the biggest glacier in the Alps and proud of its UNESCO World Heritage status, the Aletsch Arena offers snow-sure skiing from mid-December until the end of March. Featuring three car-free villages, and 104km of mostly easy skiing on well-groomed slopes between 1,925m and 2,869m, so just 944m vertical elevation, and it’s very pretty!

The Aletsch Arena ski area facts and stats include 104km of well-groomed slopes of which 40% are blue runs, 48% red runs and 12% black runs. Also, 15km of designated ski routes (yellow) for freeriding off-piste. With 35 ski lifts and over 250 artificial snow canons for snowmaking on 75% of slopes at the beginning and end of the season, the ski area is well-managed and fun for beginners and intermediates especially. Also, cross-country ski trails on one of the highest golf courses in Switzerland, winter walking and snowshoe trails overlooking the glacier, are all part of main ski area which makes it more inclusive for non-skiers.

Only 944m of vertical descent across a ski area extending 11km from east to west means that the slopes are ideal for mixed ability groups. Beginners and intermediates can easily explore most of what is on offer, and experienced skiers have several snow parks and speed runs for more adrenaline-filled entertainment. Advanced and expert skiers can enjoy skiing the groomed runs but there with limited vertical descent and only 15km of ski routes there are few challenges available. The main exception being the long freeride route from the Eggishorn (2869m) and in good conditions (mid-season) continuing all the way down to Fiesch (1,049m), a respectable 1,640 vertical metres, but not particularly difficult.

It’s hard to find a ski resort that doesn’t boast spectacular mountain scenery, but the views on offer in the Aletsch Arena are something else! The visual feast on offer includes four viewing points overlooking the largest glacier in the Alps, and a landscape that includes over 40 peaks over 4,000m, including the Matterhorn, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. And on a clear day you can see as far as Mont Blanc. Also, the lift pass prices are cheaper than at better known nearby ski resorts in the Valais, which makes it a popular choice for families, including non-skiers.

Enjoying this unspoiled splendour means arriving and departing by gondola or cable car from lift stations in the Rhone Valley 1,000 metres below. Baggage carts and luggage services are available to help you, including snowmobile taxis in winter at the top lift stations in Riederalp and Bettmeralp and a luggage transport service in Fiescheralp.

Open the Aletsch Arena Interactive Ski Area Map >

Beginner Skiing in the Aletsch Arena

Intermediate Skiing in the Aletsch Arena

Advanced & Expert Skiing in the Aletsch Arena

 

Mountain Restaurants in Aletsch Arena

Restaurant Chüestall, Riederalp

Originally a working cowshed built in 1962, Restaurant Chüestall has been reborn as a beloved alpine retreat perched at 2,200 meters. Its rustic character remains intact, enhanced with modern comforts and a panoramic sun terrace ideal for a midday meal or a laid-back après-ski drink. Located near the Blausee and Moosfluh mid-stations, it’s easy to reach by ski or on foot. The menu features hearty Swiss classics with an emphasis on regional ingredients. A standout is the Fondue Barrel experience—perfect for groups looking to enjoy cheese fondue in a private, barrel-shaped cabin, paired with wine and dessert. Open daily in winter from 09:00 to 16:30. Address: Postfach 632, CH-3987 Riederalp. Tel: +41 27 927 15 91. Web: www.chuestall-blausee.ch

Restaurant Riederfurka, Riederalp

Located next to the historic Villa Cassel and overlooking the Aletsch Glacier, Restaurant Riederfurka blends gourmet dining with eco-conscious values. Under the leadership of chef Pietro Catalano, the restaurant follows the Slow Food philosophy, emphasising seasonal and organic ingredients. The menu includes house-made pasta, local cheeses, sustainably sourced vegetables, and Italian-inspired dishes that pay tribute to Catalano’s roots. The Gourmet Mountain Breakfast Deluxe is a must-try, which includes eggs, bacon, and a glass of Prosecco—available until 10:30 am. Open daily from 09:00 to 16:30; hot meals served 11:00 to 14:00. Tel: +41 27 928 66 42.