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Having skied across the finest resorts in Europe, I can confidently say that the Jungfrau Region is my home turf. It is a place of dramatic limestone cliffs, world-record-breaking cable cars, and some of the most iconic views in the Alps.
If you are planning a trip to this corner of the Bernese Oberland, there are a few things you need to know to navigate it like a local.
The Jungfrau skiing region is divided into three main areas, totaling over 211 kilometers of pristine slopes.
Interestingly, these areas are operated by two different companies: Jungfraubahn and Schilthornbahn. While your lift pass usually covers the entire region, a healthy sense of competition exists between them. For instance, after Jungfraubahn launched the state-of-the-art Eiger Express (cutting travel time to the glacier to just 15 minutes), Schilthornbahn responded with their own massive infrastructure project, “Schilthorn 20XX,” to upgrade their cable car system. For visitors, this “arms race” is great news—the region is constantly modernizing.
One thing that surprises newcomers is the infrastructure. Because the terrain is so rugged—defined by the massive Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks—connecting the three resorts with a single lift system is physically impossible.
The Local Pro-Tip: Commuting between the three resorts often involves a mountain train or a bus. This means you can’t simply “ski” from Mürren to Grindelwald. Because these transfers can be time-consuming, most locals pick one resort per day and stick to it. Don’t try to see all three in one afternoon, or you’ll spend more time on a train than on your skis!
Altitude: 1,034m | Best for: Nightlife, Après-ski, and easy access.
Grindelwald is the heart of the valley. It’s the best place to stay if you want easy access to two different ski areas (First and Wengen) and a vibrant social scene.
Events: If you enjoy a party, look out for “Les Bains” (The Baths), where they set up outdoor heated pools, DJs, and food—nothing beats a warm soak in freezing air with a drink in hand..
Altitude: 1,274m | Best for: Families, “Ski-in/Ski-out” vibes, and history.
Wengen is a car-free village perched on a sunny shelf 300m above the valley floor. It is only accessible by the Wengernalpbahn train from Lauterbrunnen.
Timing Your Trip: A warning—the Lauberhorn race usually takes place around January 18th. If you aren’t there for the race, avoid these dates. The village is packed, and parts of the resort are closed for the competition.
Altitude: 1,650m | Best for: Steep slopes, stunning views, and peace.
Mürren is the highest village in the region, sitting on a cliff edge looking directly across at the Eiger. With only 300 permanent inhabitants and no cars, it is arguably the most romantic spot in the Alps.
The Best Apple Pie in the World: I have a secret for you. At the bottom of the Gimmeln T-bar lift, you’ll find Berghaus Gimmelen. Most tourists ski right past it, but they serve the best apple pie (Apfelkuchen) you have ever tasted. It is a local mandatory stop.
No matter which you choose, the Jungfrau region offers a “Swissness” that is hard to find anywhere else in the world. See you on the slopes!