Interlaken, Swiss Alps

Interlaken: 4 things to know before you go

Swiss Alps, Switzerland 🇨🇭

Interlaken is the classic lake town set between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, beneath the famous trio of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. It is the gateway base for the Jungfrau Ski Region, with frequent train connections climbing up to Grindelwald, Wengen and Murren. From the town you reach three linked ski areas without ever needing a car.

1.Is the snow reliable in Interlaken?

Generally yes. From 568 m at the base to 2970 m up top, the profile holds snow well across a normal winter (score 84/100).

2.Do you need a car, or can you ski in and out?

This is more of a valley base than a slopeside village, so expect a lift, train or shuttle to the snow each morning. Staying central, near the main lift, saves the most time.

3.How big is the ski area, and who is it for?

At 210 km of piste on 50 lifts, it is a substantial mountain that rewards a multi-day stay. The terrain is balanced (6 green, 18 blue, 28 red, 8 black), which suits a mixed-level group skiing together.

4.When is the best time to go?

The season usually runs Dec 7 to Apr 13 (about 18 weeks). For the most dependable cover, the deep-winter window of January to February is the safe bet. Conditions soften as spring arrives, so earlier in the window is the safer call.

The full Interlaken guide

Hotels, piste breakdown, snow month by month, lift and rental info, map and more.

See the full Interlaken guide

More questions, answered

How much vertical drop does Interlaken have?
About 2402 m of vertical, from a 568 m base to 2970 m at the top.
Is Interlaken part of a larger ski area?
No, it is a self-contained resort with its own 210 km of piste rather than part of a linked domain.
Is Interlaken good for beginners?
It can work: 6 green and 18 blue runs are enough to start, though the area rewards skiers who can already link turns.

Where to stay

Hotels we like for ski access and value. Prices are indicative; check live availability.

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
4.62.9k reviews
185
Top pick

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

Excellent · 2.9k reviews

Why we like it

A long-standing favourite in Interlaken, trusted by thousands of guests before you.

Guests rate this hotel as excellent (4.6/5 from 2,855 reviews). A upper-scale option for Interlaken, with live nightly rates shown for your exact dates so you always see the best price.

Upper-scale
From
185/ night
Check availability
Hotel Royal St. Georges Interlaken - MGallery Collection
4.62.5k reviews
190

Hotel Royal St. Georges Interlaken - MGallery Collection

Excellent · 2.5k reviews

Why we like it

Moments from the lifts in Interlaken, so you can ski back to the door and skip the morning queues.

Upper-scale
From
190/ night
Check availability
Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof - Hostel Interlaken
4.71.4k reviews
180

Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof - Hostel Interlaken

Excellent · 1.4k reviews

Why we like it

Moments from the lifts in Interlaken, so you can ski back to the door and skip the morning queues.

Upper-scale
From
180/ night
Check availability
Hotel Interlaken
4.51.3k reviews
175

Hotel Interlaken

Very good · 1.3k reviews

Why we like it

Moments from the lifts in Interlaken, so you can ski back to the door and skip the morning queues.

Mid-range
From
175/ night
Check availability

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