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. It features three car-free villages and 104km of mostly easy skiing on well-groomed slopes between 1,925m and 2,869m, so it has just a 944m vertical elevation, and scenically it’s beautiful.

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 cannons 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 the 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 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 with limited vertical descent and only 15km of ski routes, there are few challenges available. Runs down to the valley are only possible via two ski routes from Fiescheralp to Fiesch,  either ski route 79 (also a toboggan run) to Rittina 1,234m or the more challenging ski route 80 from Hiematt to Fiesch 1,049m.

It’s hard to find a ski resort that doesn’t boast spectacular mountain scenery, but the views 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 with over 40 peaks over 4,000m, including the Matterhorn, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. On a clear day, you can see Mont Blanc. Also, an efficient lift system and 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.

For families and beginners, base yourself in Bettmeralp or Riederalp. For experienced skiers, consider staying in or near Fiescheralp while still having full access to the entire Aletsch Arena via lifts and ski connections. Fiescheralp is a better fit for intermediate to advanced skiers. It offers steeper red and black slopes, easy access to the Eggishorn for high alpine skiing and stunning glacier views, off-piste and freeride zones ideal for more adventurous skiers, and fewer beginner runs and less infrastructure for small children.

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Beginner Skiing in the Aletsch Arena

Riederalp and Bettmeralp are ideal for families with young children and novice skiers. Both are car-free villages with excellent ski schools, easy ski-in/ski-out access, and wide, gentle slopes, making them perfect for those just starting out.

Located in the heart of the ski area, Bettmeralp is ideal for families. It features Kinderland Bettmeralp – a dedicated children’s area with magic carpets and beginner lifts – and plenty of easy blue runs and beginner lifts directly accessible from the village. Bettmeralp also has a more vibrant après-ski and family-focused infrastructure with playgrounds, snow play zones, and short distances between hotels, ski rentals, and slopes. Both Bettmeralp and Riederalp’s top-rated ski schools offer group and private lessons tailored for kids.

With easy blue runs making up 40% of the groomed runs, confident beginners benefit from that whole of mountain experience skiing between Riederalp and Bettmeralp, including the glacier views from both the Hohfluh and Moosfluh viewpoints and easy high-altitude blue runs from Moosfluh to Riederhorn. Similarly, beginner-friendly blue runs fill the lower slopes between Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp, and the transition from blue to red runs is quite gentle.

Intermediate Skiing in the Aletsch Arena

The Aletsch Arena is an intermediate skiers’ playground, but with limitations. Just 104km of skiing, limited vertical elevation and relatively few long runs, means one can easily spend as much time riding lifts back up the mountain as skiing down.

With blue and red runs accounting for nearly 90% of 104km of marked runs and none of the black runs being particularly challenging, experienced intermediate skiers can easily ski the whole area in a couple of days. The Eggishorn offers more vertical elevation, and therefore steeper slopes following the fall line, and hence the slopes above Fiescheralp are a little more challenging compared with Bettmeralp and Riederalp. What it lacks in extent and severity is more than made up for by the natural beauty of the ski area, and when you are done with skiing, there are plenty of other activities such as winter walking, snowshoeing and snow-tubing. Great for families and mixed ability groups, but not enough skiing to keep experienced skiers entertained for a whole week.

Advanced & Expert Skiing in the Aletsch Arena

While advanced skiers can enjoy Aletsch Arena for its off-piste pockets, scenic value, and serenity, it’s not a high-octane resort for experts seeking extreme terrain, significant vertical, or adrenaline-fuelled challenges.

Although there are a few black runs and a few steeper slopes near Eggishorn and Fiescheralp, the number and difficulty of black pistes are limited, and none are particularly challenging. Also, with vertical elevation typically less than 1,000 meters, which is respectable but not long by Alpine standards, advanced and expert skiers will find the runs shorter than they’d like. Ski route 83 from Eggishorn 2,869m is more than 1,000m vertical to the bottom of the Heimatt chairlift, with the option of skiing down to Fiesch (1,049m) for a more respectable 1,640m vertical. Access to ski route 83 is by tunnel at Eggishorn, which takes you away from the main ski area. A local guide is recommended.

Off-Piste Skiing & Freeriding in Aletsch Arena

There is some off-piste and freeriding in the higher alpine areas, mostly accessible from Eggishorn, but it’s relatively tame. That said, they still require good local knowledge or a guide because the off-piste areas are not as extensive and less well marked.

Snowparks & Freestyle in Aletsch Arena

The Aletsch Arena is recognised with 4-5 stars for its “Top Snow Park Offering”, with multiple parks catering to different skill levels, and ideal for progression from beginner tricks to advanced freestyle.

Parks are maintained by a dedicated shaping crew. While there are no major terrain parks with large jumps, rails, or halfpipes aimed at expert riders, facilities for beginner to advanced freestyle and families are good. With two snowparks, a halfpipe, and a family fun slope, Bettmeralp is the freestyle hub, whereas Fiescheralp offers fun parks for beginners. The ski map highlights as many as nine dedicated fun and snow parks, plus speed runs and racing gates.

Highlights in Bettmeralp are the Aletsch Snowpark, 65 m with both S‑ and M‑lines, rail lines and kicker lines along the Kanzel and Salzgäb pistes, including jumps, jibs, banks, and a 130 m halfpipe (3 m high); the Halfpipe located near the Schönbiel chairlift, expertly shaped via “PipeMagician” grooming for smooth rides and 360° spins; the TFI Snowpark at the Schönbiel chairlift with jumps and obstacles, forming a freestyle playground; and the fun-filled Gletschi Family Funslope with rollers, speed boosters, tunnels, and banked turns—designed especially for kids and families.

Nearby in Fiescheralp is the Funpark Konkordia, a smaller terrain park beside the Konkordia lift offering jumps, rails, and beginner moguls tailored for freestyle beginners, and Funpark Eggishorn, a compact snowpark by the Flesch chairlift with small jumps and obstacles

Mountain Restaurants in Aletsch Arena

The restaurants listed below are mostly self-service-style restaurants owned and operated by the lift company, and smaller, independent restaurants located slopeside within the ski area, i.e., not in the villages and open during the day only (until the lifts close).

While the Bergstation restaurants may offer the “best” views, the Chuestall, Battmerhitta and Heidi’s Hutte offer a more authentic mountain restaurant experience, and there are plenty more good restaurants lower down in the villages which provide ski-in/ski-out access as well as great food.

Restaurant Riederfurka, 2,230m

Located next to the historic Villa Cassel at 2,230m 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 tribute 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. Accessible by the Riederfurkha chairlift or on foot from Riederalp. Tel: +41 27 928 66 42.

Restaurant Chüestall, 2,200m

Originally a working cowshed built in 1962, Restaurant Chüestall has been reborn as a beloved alpine retreat perched at 2,200m. 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.  Tel: +41 27 927 15 91.

Bar-Buvette Moosfluh, 2,333m

Located beside the Moosfluh viewpoint at 2,333m, the Bar-Buvette is an easy pit stop for a drink or a light bite with breathtaking panorama views of the glacier. The self-service food counter features hot dishes such as bratwurst, toasted sandwiches, pastries and soup of the day as well sandwiches, chocolate bars, hot beverages and juices. Accessible by riding the Moosfluh combi-lift (gondola + chair) from Riederalp. Open daily, weather permitting, from mid-Dec to mid-March between 10:00 and 16:15 and between 10:00 and 15:45 from mid-March to mid-April.

Panorama Restaurant, Bergstation Bettmerhorn, 2,647m

The Bergstation Bettmerhorn at 2,647m features the Panorama Restaurant, resembling a flying saucer on stilts with over 190 window seats and a large sun terrace. It offers regional specialties such as Gommer cholera, hearty beef burgers, homemade goulash soup, Älplermakkaroni with apple puree and everything is grab and go with trays from the self-service counter. No table service, no need for reservations, and when busiest it can be challenging to find an empty table so be prepared to share. Plastic tables and chairs on the terrace, and self-service only make it good enough for a quick meal with glacier views, but not a place to linger for a more leisurely lunch and a missed opportunity in some respects. Open daily from 09:00 to 16:30 during the winter season. Outside, the Bahnli-Bar, adapted from an old cable car with outside seating, serves drinks and snacks and also until 16:30. Accessible by Bettmerhorn gondola from Bettmeralp. Tel: +41 27 928 41 91

Restaurant Battmerhitta, 2,172m

Located slopeside along the Fiescheralp-Bettmeralp winter trail, and accessible by foot or on skis, Restaurant Battmerhitta is a charming mountain restaurant blending rustic charm with delicious regional cuisine. With indoor seating for 110 in a three-stube setting – the Moosij, Edelberts Jäger, and Bergführer‑Stube – each offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere, it’s known for great food, friendly service, relaxing ambiance and great views. The menu focuses on traditional Valais specialities, such as homemade spätzli topped with raclette cheese, three types of cheese slices, dried meats, polenta, fondue, Älplermakkaroni, and apple strudel, paired with local wines. The sun terrace is a peaceful spot to unwind that draws hikers and skiers alike. Other attractions in winter include snow-tubing and avalanche safety training beside the hut. Accessible via the Wurzenbord chairlift or marked winter hiking trail, and open daily in winter from 09:00 to 16:00 depending on weather conditions. Tel: +41 27 928 41 81.

Bergstation Eggishorn / Horli Hitta, 2,869m

Switzerland’s fastest cable car from Fiescheralp to Eggishorn, makes it easy to reach the highest lift station at 2,869m to appreciate the full extent of the 20km long Aletsch Glacier from the highest vantage point. Attractions include the themed “Glacier Trail” – a 20-minute circuit featuring nine “Glacier Lounges” with educational signposts, a panoramic platform with comfortable seating and clear signage including the “Grand Tour of Switzerland” photo marker, and the Horli Hitta terrace restaurant. With its cosy chalet-style interior and seating for 35 guests inside, plus 150 outside on the terrace, the Horli Hitta offers regional Valais dishes and spectacular views. Both table service and self-service options are available. Open daily between 09:00 and 16:30 in winter. Tel: +41 27 971 49 19.

Heidi’s Hütte, Fiescheralp 2,200m

Located directly under the Heimatt chairlift at 2,200m, Heidi’s Hütte is a rustic wooden chalet-style restaurant offering authentic Swiss cuisine in a cosy, laid-back atmosphere. The menu features traditional favourites such as rösti, goulash, cheese fondue, and Älplermakkaroni, and the sun terrace is perfect for relaxing with a mulled wine or homemade dessert while taking in views of the surrounding peaks. Whether you’re popping in for a quick lunch or enjoying an après-ski snack in the sun, Heidi’s Hütte delivers an unforgettable alpine experience with genuine hospitality. Open daily in winter from 09:30–16:00 (weather dependent). Tel: +41 79 433 77 22.

Best restaurants in Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp >