Adelboden’s slopes are split into five varied sectors, widely spread. The main sector stretches across to Lenk, where a bus link takes you across the valley to Betelberg, which is worth the journey.
Extent of the slopes
Village lifts access three of the sectors. A small cable car/gondola hybrid goes up to Tschentenalp, with an itinerary back to the village. An even smaller lift goes down to Oey, where a proper gondola goes up to Chuenisbärgli and then, with a quick change, on via Bergläger to the major sector at Sillerenbühl (taking 15 minutes in total). Sillerenbühl has three discernible sub-sectors – Geils, Aebi and Metsch (above Lenk). There is a pretty run home to Oey.
A new chairlift links Bergläger to the top of Chuenisbärgli from this season, which should encourage more people to make use of its worthwhile slopes.
Engstligenalp, a flat-bottomed, high-altitude bowl, is reached by a cable car from Unter dem Birg, 4km south of the resort; Elsigen-Metsch is 5km away to the north-east.
Fast lifts
The main lifts are fast, but there are still a fair few slow ones.
Snow reliability
Most slopes are above 1,500m, so reliability is reasonable, especially at north-facing Tschentenalp and Luegli. Snowmaking is extensive, and grooming is good.
For experts
The black pistes generally merit the rating, at least in parts, and are great fun unless you crave bumps – they are groomed regularly. Off-piste possibilities are good and don’t get tracked out quickly; the Lavey and Luegli chairs in the Geils bowl access routes to Adelboden and Lenk. Engstligenalp has off-piste potential.
For intermediates
All five areas deserve exploration. There is a lot of ground to be covered in the main sector; at Geils and Aebi the runs are mainly excellent wide reds, but on the sunny Metsch side there is great blue cruising.
For beginners
There are good nursery slopes in the village and at the foot of nearby sectors. But progress to longer runs requires a bit of planning to avoid stressful stretches.
Snowboarding
There are still lots of draglifts. Two specialist schools.
Cross-country
There are trails along the valley to Engstligenalp where there is a high-altitude, snow-sure circuit. There are shorter trails (2km) through forest at Elsigbach.
Where to Ski and Snowboard
This guide is taken from Where to Ski and Snowboard, edited by Chris Gill and Dave Watts. Chris now produces Where to Ski guides to individual countries. Find out more and receive an exclusive book discount.