Aletsch Arena in winter: discover the paradise of Europe's largest glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

If you're looking for a destination that combines epic alpine scenery, snow activities for the whole family, and the tranquility of a less crowded environment than other Swiss destinations, Aletsch Arena in winter will win you over.

This domain is unique for being home to the Aletsch Glacier , the largest in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , which stretches majestically between the snow-capped peaks.

Our experience at Aletsch Arena was unforgettable, a perfect blend of sport, nature, and total relaxation. And throughout this entire area, the three villages in the different sectors are car-free ! You can only access them by gondola.

This was our penultimate destination on our Christmas route through Switzerland, and what a way to continue the trip: skiing with views of the glacier, walking on the snow among magical forests and enjoying picture-postcard villages without cars or wheeled vehicles such as Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiesch.

As I said, this was our third stop on our Christmas tour of Switzerland , which also took us to Bern at Christmas , Interlaken and its surroundings, Grindelwald and other areas of the Jungfrau Region ski area , continuing with a visit to Riederalp and Bettmeralp in the Aletsch Arena ski area , finally ending our route in Crans-Montana.

Here you can see our video summary of this Christmas trip through Switzerland with footage of everything we enjoyed at Aletch Arena: https://youtu.be/5szf71TG1S0

But let's start from the beginning: What is it about Aletch Arena that captivates you in winter in Switzerland?

I'll tell you everything you need to know to plan your visit: how to get there, where to sleep, and what to do in Aletsch Arena in winter.

Why choose Aletsch Arena in winter in Switzerland?

Aletsch Arena is a winter gem, ideal for those looking for something beyond the big ski resorts like Zermatt or Verbier, and especially ideal for families with children.

 Here you will find:

• The largest glacier in Europe: 20 km long and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
• Car-free villages to ski through: The villages of Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiesch are accessible only by cable car, ensuring absolute tranquillity and fresh air in both winter and summer.
• Skiing and snowboarding for all levels: with stunning views of the glacier and iconic peaks such as the Matterhorn and the Jungfrau.
• Activities for non-skiers: winter hiking, sledding, and much more.
• And the best thing is, perfect for families: you'll find Specific activities for children (sledding slopes, indoor pool, children's park, ski schools), ice rink for skating, snow tubing…) easy blue slopes and a relaxed atmosphere ideal for families.

How to get to Aletsch Arena

By train and cable car

The easiest way to get there is by train to Mörel, Betten Talstation or Fiesch , where you can take a direct cable car to the mountain villages of Aletsch Arena: Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp, which can only be accessed this way and there are no road vehicles.

From Mörel you can reach Riederalp, from Betten Talstationa to Bettmeralp and from Fiesch to Fiescheralp.

You can get there by train from Zurich: 2,5 hours by train; from Geneva: about 3 hours; and from Interlaken: 1,5 hours.

SUPER TIP KUCAVANA!

To travel by public transport and save money, we recommend purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass, which offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and ferries throughout Switzerland. You'll also have access to over 500 museums. Guaranteed savings compared to the cost of any individual journey.

By car

If you prefer to drive, Aletsh Arena is accessible only via cable cars, but you can drive to Mörel, Betten or Fiesch and leave your car in the designated car parks before taking the cable car. 

Keep in mind that you will need special snow gear at Christmas and a vignette (a mandatory sticker for driving on Swiss motorways, which is currently also available online and does not require a physical copy), which costs CHF 40 and is valid for one year.

I recommend buying it online before you go so you don't have to wait in line at the border. Also, be careful with websites; this is the official website to buy the Swiss e-vignette , unlike others that charge higher prices because they're intermediaries and take a commission.

In addition, parking in the centre of small towns in the valley can be limited and expensive, so it is recommended to use park-and-ride car parks and travel by public transport.

If you need to rent a car, here's a tip: do it through this car rental comparison site. You'll definitely save money, based on our experience.

Where to stay to visit Aletsch Arena?

The magic of Aletsch Arena is that, as it is a car-free area, you will sleep in villages that seem straight out of a Christmas story.

Our recommendation is to stay in Bettmeralp , which has a perfect location for exploring the area and a welcoming atmosphere, with no cars and within easy reach of any ski lift, viewpoints, or a path for walking or sledding.

You have fairytale-like wooden cabin apartments like this one called Charming Studio , or if you prefer hotel amenities, the Hotel Boutique La Cabane is ideal for staying in this area.

If you're looking for a cheaper option, we recommend staying in the valley below in Mörel at the Aletsch Hotel Restaurant , which is a small village, or in Fiesch, where the Fiescherhof Hotel has good prices.

Although due to the price differences I still recommend any Bettmeralp option to really enjoy the area 100%.

What to do in Aletsch Arena in winter

Skiing with a view of the Aletsch Glacier

The ski area boasts over 100 km of slopes , spread across Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fieschtal . There are options for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers.

There are 3 ski sectors in the area and you can ski to all of them, although if you are not an expert, the Fiescheralp sector is the most difficult to access or exit.

If you are going as a family, the best areas to be with children are Bettmeralp and then Riederalp.

Tip for families: children under 6 ski for free, and children under 16 ski free every Saturday, and there are ski schools with instructors who speak several languages ​​in Bettmeralp.

Winter hiking and snowshoeing excursions

Throughout the Aletch Arena area, there are numerous trails for snowshoeing or hiking. The trails are well-marked, signposted, and well-groomed.

One of the most beautiful is the Bettmerhorn – Riederalp scenic trail : an easy hike offering spectacular views of the Aletch Glacier and the valley. This trail has some steep sections, so we recommend using crampons on your boots or snow boots , or snowshoes (although snowshoes don't require crampons and will tire you out more).

You can also take a very pleasant walk from Riederalp to Bettmeralp. This trail is flatter and easier than the previous one.

Visit spectacular viewpoints

There are many viewpoints both to the Aletch Glacier and to the surrounding valley and mountains. However, I recommend two that we fell in love with:

Bettmerhorn from Bettmeralp: a viewpoint with breathtaking views and a small interactive glacier exhibit next door.

Hohfluh or Moosfluh from Riederalp: viewpoints where the length of the Aletch glacier can be best seen

On the other hand, from Fiescheralp you can reach the Eggishorn viewpoint: the most impressive viewpoint to see the entire Aletsch Glacier from the heights, the highest.

A tip : if you have a ski pass at all these viewpoints there is a machine where you scan the pass and it takes a photograph that you can then download from the website indicated.

 Activities for the whole family

In Aletch Arena it's not all about skiing and hiking, there are many different activities that you can do, ideal especially if you go with children.

Some of these activities:

• Ice skating rinks in Bettmeralp and Fiesch.
• Chiqui park and indoor pool in Bettmeralp
• Snowtubbing in Bettmeralp and Riederalp
• Toboggan runs
• Nordic skiing in Bettmeralp and Riederalp 
• Visit to the frozen lake of Bettmeralp
• Husky sleigh rides

Practical tips for enjoying Aletsch Arena

After spending 3 days in this area on our last trip to Switzerland at Christmas, I'm going to try to summarize a little the advice I would give you for your visit to Eltsch Arena:

• Move in train and cable car whenever you can: Buy the Swiss Travel Pass. It is convenient and allows you to move around Switzerland without worrying about individual tickets. 
• Appropriate clothing: In winter, temperatures drop considerably. Wear thermal layers and waterproof footwear and crampons to keep you from slipping.
• Don't forget about travel insurance: Remember that Switzerland is not in the EU and healthcare can be very expensive. Here is a tip for you.-5% discount on travel insurance.
• Buy one mobile card, There is no roaming in Switzerland. Although if you are a Vodafone user they give you some free megabytes in roaming, check it before you go. Here is a –5% discount on an e-sim for Switzerland to have internet on your mobile. 
• Our super tip for families: If you're traveling with small children, consider staying in Bettmeralp and enjoying the children's snow park near the cable car station. Also, don't miss the Christmas light show in the village.
• Saturday Free skiing for children under 16 years old.
• Try the crazy gastronomyl: From fondues and raclettes to the signature dish of Aletch Arena: the Cholera, so called because it was made during the time of cholera with the food that was available. It has potatoes, leeks and other vegetables wrapped in a kind of puff pastry and all with cheese. The truth is that it is delicious and filling.
• Ski equipment: You can rent everything you need in Riederalp, Bettmeralp or Fiescheralp without any problem, including sledges and other equipment.

My opinion on Aletsch Arena in winter

Aletsch Arena is much more than just a place to hang out skiing. It's the starting point for incredible adventures and a perfect destination for families to enjoy winter and snow in Switzerland . If there's one thing I've learned on this trip, it's that everything here is designed to make every day special, from the trains to the ski slopes.

Would I go back? Definitely! Although maybe next time I'll try something more extreme, like paragliding, which a lot of people do here.

 But in the meantime, this trip to Aletsch Arena in winter will remain engraved in my memory as one of the best experiences I have had as a family in Switzerland.

So if you're planning a winter getaway, don't hesitate: any of the sectors and villages of Aletch Arena in winter are waiting for you with open arms and plenty of snow to discover and activities you'll enjoy like a child.