Insider tips from the ski patroller
Ski patroller Jürg gives his personal recommendations
Nobody knows the ski resort at Lenk better than he does. The slopes, cross-country skiing trails and hiking trails here are his home. Even at night he can even find his way around like no one else. Ski patroller Jürg is the manager – and now he reveals his personal tips for winter adventure at Lenk.
Cross Park Betelberg
Lenk has played a pioneering role in the history of the Skicross Park. The Cross Park Betelberg stands out thanks to its perfectly prepared piste suitable for the whole family. But FIS competitions have also been organised here on many occasions. The park has also been tested by the world elite and found worthy. Anybody wishing to find out for themselves what ski cross actually feels like cannot go far wrong here. Even though the 920-metre-long circuit is quite hard on your legs. Up to four skiers start at the same time. The first person to cross the finishing line is the winner. A ski pass provides free access to the park. Each year at the end of January a ski cross kids race is also held as part of the Audi Skicross Tour.
Eating in the ski resort
Nobody will have to go hungry on the mountain. There are seven inviting restaurants in this ski area. From a simple bar serving homemade snacks and a self-service restaurant to a restaurant with an à la carte menu, there’s something for everyone here. Ski patroller Jürg’s personal tip: «try to avoid peak times and visit before 12.00 p.m. or around 2.00 p.m.». A useful tip not only because of the waiting times and service. You’ll also have more space on the slopes around midday to practise your turns.
In the evening everyone meets down in the valley for the après-ski. This part of a day on the slopes is also catered for generously with a wide variety of activities. Later on you can repair to one of the many restaurants in the village to make up for the calories burned off on the slopes with a fine supper.
Cross-country skiing
A special challenge and an alternative with guaranteed snow cover is the high-altitude ski trail on the Betelberg. The circuit is located just below Leiterli on a snow-covered upland moor. Despite the altitude (1’800 m a.s.l.) the trail is very flat and provides ideal training conditions which usually last right into spring. There are two trails with different lengths, laid out for skating and classic skiing. An ideal place for altitude training close to the Mittelland and which is often the last cross-country trail in the Bernese Uplands still offering good conditions in spring. You can easily reach the cross-country trail by taking the Betelberg cable car. Cross-country skiers can get special cable car tickets. Use of the cross-country trail is free of charge.
Cross-country ski trail map Lenk (in German)
Kids world
Together with Snowli and his friends the young guests learn to ski in a playful manner at the Swiss Snow Kids Village Stoss. The Kids World can also be reached by foot from the Stoss-Leiterli midway cable car station. Children are cared for and taught by trained skiers. But a fun experience is guaranteed. A wide variety of playground equipment ensures that nobody gets bored and that the mums and dads are able to pick up their children at the end of the day tired but content. The Swiss Snow Kids Village provides an introduction to skiing for children between the ages of 4 and 5.
For parents keen to navigate the pistes more quickly and without the risks of taking children out onto the slopes, a childcare service is available on an hourly or daily basis at the «Alphüttli» for youngsters between the ages of three and ten. The childcare service is open throughout the day. Meals are also provided – at the lunch table the kids are fed and nourished for the afternoon full of adventure that awaits them.
Brochure Swiss ski and snowboard school Lenk
Winter walks
Anyone keen to enjoy the snow on foot at Lenk can choose between various winter hiking routes. The snow crunches under your boots and your gaze sweeps over the Bernese Alps. 2’000 metres above sea level is an ideal altitude, even for amateur hikers. Breathing is easy and the sun shines with sufficient intensity so that the walk does not turn into a frosty hiking tour. All the winter hiking trails at Lenk are properly prepared and easy to complete. There are various routes including short and long circuits or just walks in the snow. The winter landscape around Leiterli is mostly flat and at the end of the walk there is always an inviting mountain inn serving hot drinks. You can use the Betelberg cable car and the 10-person Stand-Xpress cable car without limitation. Use of the local bus is also included, allowing you to conveniently change from one cable car to another.
If you are looking for more action, you can always go sledding. Various toboggan runs start at Leiterli. You can hire wooden sledges, plastic bobs and bobsleighs at the mountain station. You can use a sled day pass or purchase a one-way ticket for the cable car.
You can find further information in our winter activities guide:
Swisscom Skimovie run
Awaken the racing skier in you. On the Swisscom Skimovie run at Lenk you can experience this for yourself. Each morning the run is freshly prepared ready for new best times. The layout of the giant slalom course is quite simple but perfectly suitable for skiing. You need to burst out of the start house and then pick up speed over the first few metres. Now the clock is ticking. With the electronic measurement system, entire groups can organise ski meets here and vie with each other to find out who is the champion. And best of all: you’re automatically filmed on several cameras enabling you to view your performance afterwards on the web. If you like, you can also release your film so that everyone can see how good a skier you are. As in all skiing, keeping a clean line is paramount. Ski controller Jürg’s insider tip: «The run is quickest early in the morning».
The run is always open during the official operating times of the cable car. It is free to use with a valid ski pass.
The big moment can be accessed and shared with friends via the Skiline app or www.skiline.cc.
