If you are after a family ski holiday with a picture postcard Swiss alpine village, loads of pristine piste trails, stunning scenery and non ski activities, Aletsch Arena is for you. Made up of three alpine villages (Bettmeralp, Riederalp, Fiescheralp) and linked to several others in the valley below, Aletsch Arena visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. Bettmeralp is one of the loveliest alpine villages in Switzerland. Views across to the Monte Rosa massif and Matterhorn to the south add to the glorious vista that presents itself every morning when you wake up in your snow covered chalet.

Perched high above the valley on sunny south facing slopes, the majority of Aletsch Arena's 104km of perfectly groomed ski trails are above 2000m elevation - guaranteeing quality snow conditions. The gentle rolling terrain across much of the resort is great for beginners and intermediate skiers, the many viewpoints to Aletsch Glacier are a bonus (the Alps largest/longest glacier!).  The terrain also lends itself to a vast network of winter walking trails which are sensational for non skiers to reach the highpoints on their own steam and enjoy mountain restaurants. The network is 72km long, which is extraordinary in the context of one ski resort.

Advanced riders will enjoy more serious challenges via the tunnel off Bettmerhorn, the summit of Eggishorn, in the off piste and several freeride routes. We easily found delightful off piste powder with very few people hunting it. But let's not kid ourselves, Aletsch Arena is not about advanced and expert freeriders. Whilst the snow quality is amazing, the terrain lends itself to fun family ski holidays, not huge freeride adventure - and that's OK because there are plenty of other mountains for that. 

Aletsch Arena has one of the best public transport / cable car interfaces in the world. At this stage we rate it second only to Kronplatz in Italy. At Betten, the cable cars to Bettmeralp are integrated into the train station complex. Further along at Fiesch, plans are well advanced for an even smoother transition from train to gondola (Editors note - it opened in 2019, so it is now ranked equal number with Kronplatz!), allowing swift and efficient access to Fiescheralp, Aletsch Arena's highest village. Could elevate Aletsch Arena to joint first place with Kronplatz!

Visit Aletsch to ski a classic Swiss resort, with easy access, beautiful alpine villages plus lots to see and do.


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