104 km
1848 m - 2869 m
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Test report Aletsch Arena
Skiresort.info Test of the ski resort Aletsch Arena
Total result: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Test Aletsch Arena
The review Aletsch Arena was created by Skiresort.info, the world’s largest test portal for ski resorts.
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
Further evaluation criteria
Evaluation criteria for special interests
In detail: Test report for ski resort Aletsch Arena
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
The Aletsch Arena stretches across Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiesch-Eggishorn and is one of the largest ski resorts in Valais.
Runs/slopes
Additional runs
15 km Marked ski routes
Altitude difference
1021 m (Valley 1848 m - Mountain 2869 m )
Lifts/ cable cars
35
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 5 ← 5
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 5 ← 5
The Aletsch Arena offers a good mixture of easy, intermediate and difficult runs above the tree line. They are integrated interestingly into the landscape. From the viewing points at Moosfluh/Hohfluh, Berrmerhorn and Eggishorn, there are fantastic views of the 23 km long Great Aletsch Glacier, the longest ice stream of the Alps and the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Swiss Alps' Jungfrau-Aletsch. The breath-taking natural landscape can also be enjoyed from some of the panorama slopes. The clear view of the most beautiful 4000 metre peak in Valais is also very impressive.
Runs/slopes
Total 104 km
Easy
42 km
(40 %)Intermediate
50 km
(48 %)Difficult
12 km
(12 %)
Additional runs
Marked ski routes
15 km
Longest run
4.6 km
Run location
above tree line
Worth knowing
- Valley run not available
- Speed measurement course offered
- Public race course with time measurement
- Skiline
Cable car lifts bring the guests from the valley up to the ski resort and to the accommodations in the ski villages of Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp. The feeder lifts also run late into the evening according to the set time schedule. The many modern chair lifts (most with weather protectors) and modern gondola lifts in the ski resort will please skiers and snowboarders. Practice lifts for beginners located in the villages complete the offering.
Number of ski lifts
35
Total capacity
40409 Passengers / hour
Length of all lifts
37.4 km Total
Lifts and cable cars
1
7
4
8
14
1
Additional
1
The Aletsch Arena is very snow reliable due to its altitude and comprehensive snow-making capabilities.
Worth knowing
- Artificial snow-making
234 Snow canons
52 % of the slopes have snow-making capabilities
Season 2009/2010
140 Days open
Season 2010/2011
141 Days open
Photos
The slope preparation is very good.
Most of the slopes are optimally prepared. The grooming could be slightly improved on some parts of the slopes.
Tip: By new snow, an optimal slope prepartion is not always possible, even with a large effort. In addition, the new snow can not combine with the snow lying underneath and moguls are created quickly. For safety reasons, usually no slope preparation is possible during operating times.
Photos
Further evaluation criteria
The Aletsch Arena can be accessed with private and public transportation. The ski resort is accessed via Moerel, Betten Talstation or Fiesch by car or train. Cable car lifts take guests from there up to the ski resort and the villages of Riederalp (Moerel), Bettmeralp (Betten Talstation) or Fiescheralp (Fiesch), which are located directly at the ski resort. The ski villages of Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp are car-free. The cars remain at the valley stations where the fees for parking spaces start at CHF 5 per day. It is possible to arrive by car from various directions.
From Germany: Travel from Basel-Bern-Thun-Kandersteg (Loetschberg car transport train)- Goppenstein–Brig continuing in the direction of Furka or via Zurich in the direction of Gotthard- Furka car transportation train (Realp-Oberwald)-continuing through the Goms in the direction of Brig.
From Western Switzerland: Travel via the A9 from Lake Geneva in the direction of Brig-Furka.
From Milan/Italy: Travel via the Simplon Pass (open all year) or the Brig-Iselle car transportation train.
Access via A8 Spiez-Interlaken, Ausfahrt Spiez
- Riederalpbahnen (Mörel), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 78 km · approx. 108 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Mountain road, well-developed, with significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Car park, Tarred parking lot, for a fee
Access via A9 Autoroute du Rhone, Autobahnende bei Sierre
- Riederalpbahnen (Mörel), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 43 km · approx. 44 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Side road, well-developed
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Car park, Tarred parking lot, for a fee - Bettmeralpbahnen (Betten), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 46 km · approx. 47 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Side road
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Car park, Tarred parking lot, for a fee
Access via E62 Strada del Sempione, Domodossola
- Riederalpbahnen (Mörel), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 49 km · approx. 68 Minutes driving time
Roads: Side road, well-developed
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Car park, Tarred parking lot, for a fee
Access via A2, Ausfahrt 40 Göschenen
- Fiescheralpbahnen (Fiesch), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 57 km · approx. 76 Minutes driving time
Roads: Side road, Mountain road, well-developed, with significant incline
Parking spaces: enough available, Tarred parking lot, for a fee
Winter Closure
The Furka Pass and the Oberalp Pass are closed during the winter. Access from the north and west via the Furka car transportation train (Realp-Oberwald) or Loetschberg.
The Furka Pass and the Oberalp Pass are closed during the winter. Access from the north and west via the Furka car transportation train (Realp-Oberwald) or Loetschberg.
Trail map and overview maps:
The trail map depicts the ski resort very well and a lot of information is provided. Some detailed information (for example, which chair lifts have weather protectors) could be added.
The trail map depicts the ski resort very well and a lot of information is provided. Some detailed information (for example, which chair lifts have weather protectors) could be added.
Information boards and sign-postings on the slopes:
Eight interactive information boards in the ski resort and a slope guidance system ease orientation. A smart phone solution for on-site guests also provides information: m.aletscharena.ch
Eight interactive information boards in the ski resort and a slope guidance system ease orientation. A smart phone solution for on-site guests also provides information: m.aletscharena.ch
The ski resort is very clean and the cable cars are routinely swept out after use.
Photos
The direct connection to public transportation via the train stations is very positive. All villages in the ski resort (Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp) are car-free (Association of Car-free Swiss Tourism Resorts- GaST). The Swiss Alps' Jungfrau-Aletsch is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and investment is made in environment-oriented education.
Public transportation/ on-site mobility
- Train connection
Direct train connection with the Matterhorn Gotthard line (MGB) via Brig and Goeschenen to the train stations of Moerel (100 metres to the cable car), Betten Talstation (50 metres to the cable car) and Fiesch (400 metres to the cable car. Transportation to Brig and Goeschenen with the Swiss Federal Railway (SBB): Basel-Bern-Brig, Geneva–Lausanne–Sion–Brig, Zurich–Luzern–Goeschenen. - Ski busses
- Scheduled busses
Car-free city
Bettmeralp, Fiescheralp, Riederalp
Photos
The staff is exceptionally friendly and very helpful in answering questions. They could show a bit more initiative at some of the lifts.
Ski huts and mountain restaurants are distributed throughout the entire ski resort. Valais specialties and ski menus are offered in most restaurants. There are also many restaurants in the villages of the ski resort.
10 Mountain restaurants & Ski huts
Mountain hut tip
-
Bättmer-Hitta
Between Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp beneath the Schoenbiel chair lift.
Valais specialties are offered. Rustic dining rooms on the upper floor.
-
Chüestall
At the Blausee and Moosflueh lifts
The cow stall built in 1962 was transformed with extensive handcraft into the current Chueestall mountain restaurant. Valais specialties entice guests as well as a large sun terrace with bar.
-
Heidis Hütte
On the Fiescheralp at the Heimatt chair lift
Small, cozy hut with sun terrace.
-
Horli Hitta
At the Eggishorn mountain station
Small ski hut with a view of the Aletsch Glacier.
Photos
Après-Ski is generally more calm in the Aletsch Arena. The bars at the viewing points for the Aletsch Glacier are to be recommended.
-
Buvette
On the Moosfluh
An old cable car serves as a bar. Beautiful view of the Great Aletsch Glacier.
-
Bähnli Bar
On the Bettmerhorn
Après-Ski bar with view of the Great Aletsch Glacier. A cable car has been transformed into a bar.
-
Tipi Bar
In Fiescheralp
Indian tent with built-in bar.
Photos
The motto is "from the bed to the skis". The car-free villages of Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp are located directly at the ski resort and almost all accommodations can be accessed on skis. The ambiance of the quiet, rustic mountain villages is a highlight. The car-free villages are accessed via cable car and luggage service is provided. The village of Fiesch in the valley also provides an accommodation alternative.
Ski-in/Ski-out
Almost all accommodations have direct access to the slopes and to lifts (Ski-in/Ski-out)
Towns/villages
- Bettmeralp
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 4000 - Fiesch
Distance to ski resort fewer than 0.5 km
Guest beds 4600 - Fiescheralp
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 800 - Riederalp
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 5000
Note: For the evaluation, only the accommodations which are located directly on the slopes and lifts, or have very easy access to the ski resort have been considered.
Photos
Evaluation criteria for special interests
The Valais ski resort surrounding Fiescheralp, Bettmeralp and Riederalp is a very nice family ski resort. There are well-equipped children's areas provided by the ski schools in all three villages. Children can take their first steps in the snow in the children's area and then begin with the practice lifts in the neighbouring beginner areas. The Blausee chair lift in Bettmeralp is also equipped with child safety restraints. Over 40 km of slopes are easy and families enjoy the three car-free villages. The exhibit about the Aletsch Glacier on the Bettmerhorn will fascinate both the young and old. The Aletsch Arena (Riederalp, Bettmeralp, Fiesch-Eggishorn) has also been distinguished with the "Families Welcome" quality seal by the Swiss Tourism Association.
Information for families and children
- Kid's Land/ separated area for children
- Merry-go-round
- Wave ride for children
- Adventure course
- People mover
- Children's lifts
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Ski kindergarten
- Ski school for children
- Child care
- Playground / park
Special tips for children
-
BOBO's children's club of the Ski School Riederalp
Located directly in Riederalp at 1925 metres. Very large and optimally equipped children's area with character obstacle course, magic carpets and Pinocchio lift. The area can be accessed (with a fee) outside of the ski courses.
-
Children's areas of the Ski School Bettmeralp
Two children's areas in Bettmeralp at approx. 1950 metres. Children's area Snowgarden at Tanzbode for the smallest guests (as of 3 years old) with magic carpet. Children's area Prinzenland for a bit older children with two tow ropes.
-
Snowli Park of the Ski School Fiesch
Located directly at the Kuehboden in Fiescheralp at approx. 2200 metres. Children's area with magic carpet and tow rope. Childcare for children as of 2 years old is also offered by the ski school.
Photos
The Aletsch Arena is very suitable for beginners. Practice lifts await beginners in all three villages of Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp. There are over 40 km of easy slopes available. At many of the lifts, easy slopes lead down to the valley, so beginners can ski from Riederalp to Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp and back on easy slopes.
Information for beginners
- Easy and manageable slope offering, which is easy to achieve
- Wide slopes
- Beginner's area
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
Photos
Black slopes are especially found at Eggishorn and Bettmerhorn. There are no extremely difficult runs. Freeriders will find their slopes at Eggishorn and there are also some short, but difficult variations there.
Information for advanced skiers, freeriders
- some freeride / deep snow areas
- few mogul slopes
- no extremely difficult, steep and unprepared runs (Double Diamonds)
Slope offering advanced skiers
Runs/slopes
Total 104 km
Difficult
12 km
(12 %)Additional runs
Marked ski routes
15 km
Note: Always mind the avalanche warnings and barriers, please. Never ski into a closed and unsecured area.
Photos
There is an excellent halfpipe, a large snowpark and a boarder cross course on the Bettmeralp. A small snowpark is located on the Fiescheralp.
Information for Snowboarders
- few cat tracks
- few runs with ascent
- some freeride / deep snow areas
Snow parks
- Snowark an der Bettmeralp
Large snowpark at the Schoenbiel chair lift with jumps and obstacles.
- Halfpipe an der Bettmeralp
Perfectly prepared halfpipe at the Schoenbiel chair lift
- Boardercross an der Bettmeralp
At the Schoenbiel chair lift
- Snowpark Fiescheralp
Small snowpark at the Fiesch chair lift with small jumps and obstacles
Offering snow parks
- Snow park/ Fun park
- Halfpipe
- Kicker (Jump/ Ramp)
- Rails/ Slides
- Boxes
- Boardercross
- Waverides
- Medium Line
- Beginner/ Easy Line
- Cross-country trail offering
Total trail length: 11 km
Cross-country skiers can find snow reliable, short, high altitude trails in Riederalp on the Riederalp Golf Course (at 1950 m altitude) and in Bettmeralp around the Bettmer Lake (at 2050 m altitude). Additional trails are offered in the valley in Fiesch. The trails of the cross-country mecca of Goms are about 5 km away from Fiesch and offer about 100 km of cross-country trails. The Goms trails connect a total of 12 picturesque villages from Oberwald to Niederwald.
Photos
Conclusion
Car-free ski villages, natural integration into the landscape, view of the Aletsch Glacier, snow reliable, modern lifts and great slopes
No valley runs to Moerel and Betten (ski route to Fiesch) parking fees
Test Report issued on 2012-03-22
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Highlights
Highlights
Hotel Garni Slalom
In the heart of the Aletsch Arena in Bettmeralp
3992 Bettmeralp
50 m to ski resort Details »
In the heart of the Aletsch Arena in Bettmeralp
3992 Bettmeralp
50 m to ski resort Details »
