33 km
1419 m - 3111 m
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Test report Loetschental/Lauchernalp
Skiresort.info Test of the ski resort Loetschental/Lauchernalp
Total result: 3.4 out of 5 stars
Test Loetschental/Lauchernalp
The review Loetschental/Lauchernalp 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 Loetschental/Lauchernalp
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
The main slopes of the ski resort stretch from the Lauchernalp at 1968 m up to the Hockenhorngrat at 3111 m.
Runs/slopes
Altitude difference
1692 m (Valley 1419 m - Mountain 3111 m )
Lifts/ cable cars
6
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 4 ← 1
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 4 ← 1
Photos
The Lauchernalp ski resort offers slopes of all difficulty levels from simple blue runs to challenging black runs. There is a beautiful view from the sunny slopes of the 3934 m high Bietschhorn as well as the imposing mountain landscape of the 4000 m peaks of the Valais region.
Runs/slopes
Total 33 km
Easy
9.5 km
(29 %)Intermediate
16 km
(48 %)Difficult
7.5 km
(23 %)
Longest run
10 km
Run location
above tree line
Worth knowing
- Valley run available
The Wiler-Lauchernalp aerial cable car lift brings guests up to the ski resort every 20 minutes from Wiler to the Lauchernalp at 1968 m. As the valley run doesn't lead to the valley station, so most of the guests take the aerial cable car back down again in the evening. The highlight in the ski resort is the gondola from Gandegg up to 2720 m to the Hockenhorngrat at 3111 m. A detachable and a fixed-grip chair lift as well as t-bar lifts transport guests between Lauchernalp at 1968 m and Gandegg at 2820 m.
Number of ski lifts
6
Total capacity
6800 Passengers / hour
Length of all lifts
5.8 km Total
Lifts and cable cars
1
1
2
2
Additional
1
Photos
Due to the altitude level (up to 3111 m), the ski resort is very snow reliable. A comprehensive snow-making facility supports this in the lower area up to the Lauchernalp. The valley run to Wiler is only open when there is sufficient snow.
Worth knowing
- Artificial snow-making
28 Snow canons
30 % of the slopes have snow-making capabilities
- The valley run is often open.
Season 2008/2009
130 Days open
90 Days when valley run open
90 Days when valley run open
Photos
The slope preparation is very good.
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 ski resort is located in the Loetschental, one of the most beautiful valleys in the Valais region. The access from the North is via the Loetschberg auto train (Kandersteg-Goppenstein). From Goppenstein, it is only 6 km to the ski resort. It is also possible to access the resort from the West, South and East via auto trains or mountain passes. There is a parking lot and a parking garage located directly at the cable car lift (fee for parking).
Access via A8 Spiez-Interlaken, Ausfahrt Spiez
- Lauchernalpbahn (Wiler (Lötschen)), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 47 km · approx. 74 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
- Lauchernalpbahn (Wiler (Lötschen)), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 31 km · approx. 33 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 A2, Ausfahrt 40 Göschenen
- Lauchernalpbahn (Wiler (Lötschen)), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 108 km · approx. 134 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Side road, Mountain road, well-developed, with significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Car park, Tarred parking lot, for a fee
Access via E62 Strada del Sempione, Domodossola
- Lauchernalpbahn (Wiler (Lötschen)), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 79 km · approx. 105 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
Trail map and overview maps:
The trail map depicts the ski resort generally very well. They could add additional information such as detailed lift and slope information, restaurants, etc.
The trail map depicts the ski resort generally very well. They could add additional information such as detailed lift and slope information, restaurants, etc.
Information boards and sign-postings on the slopes:
The slope markings are exemplary. Arrows clearly mark the location of the slopes. Information boards, some with current status information, help with orientation. Sign-postings could be added on the slopes. Skiers enjoy the panorama maps on the Hockenhorngrat at 3111 m that include the names of the surrounding mountains.
The slope markings are exemplary. Arrows clearly mark the location of the slopes. Information boards, some with current status information, help with orientation. Sign-postings could be added on the slopes. Skiers enjoy the panorama maps on the Hockenhorngrat at 3111 m that include the names of the surrounding mountains.
Photos
The train access from Thun, Bern and Biel is very encouraged with the Snow & Rail programme. In about 20 minutes, you can travel from Bern to the ski resort with the train. The accommodations in Lauchernalp at 1968 m are car-free. Protected forest areas are blocked off.
Public transportation/ on-site mobility
- No direct train connection
The Goppenstein train station is about 6 km from the ski resort. The Loetschberg auto train (Kandersteg-Goppenstein) begins and ends here. Scheduled trains depart regularly from Bern to Goppenstein. From Goppenstein, the Post bus brings guests right to the cable car lift. - Ski busses
- Scheduled busses
Car-free city
Lauchernalp
The personnel is very friendly and usually helpful at the lifts.
There are some cozy restaurants and ski huts in the ski resort.
4 Mountain restaurants & Ski huts
Gastronomy tip
-
Panoramarestaurant Zudili
At the mountain station of the Wiler-Lauchernalp aerial tramway.
The restaurant is divided into a serviced panorama restaurant with a lounge and a self-service area with a large sun terrace. Hearty Valais specialties, homemade cakes and patisserie as well as Rösti specialties (fried grated potatoes) are offered.
Mountain hut tip
-
Restaurant Bärgsunna
50 m above the mountain station of the Wiler-Lauchernalp aerial tramway at 2000 m above sea level.
Serviced restaurant in chalet style with traditional skier's menu and Valais specialties. Nice sun terrace!
Photos
You can let the ski day come to a nice end or take a break during the day at the Après-Ski bars at Gandegg and Stafel as well as at the Restaurant zur Wildi. You can also enjoy the view of the Valais mountain scenery while you're there.
-
Après-Ski Schirmbar
At 2720 m on Gandegg
Umbrella bar with a beautiful view of the 3934 m high Bietschhorn
-
Pfirri Bar
At 2100 m on Stafel at the valley station of the Stafel-Gandegg chair lift
Après-Ski bar with lounge chairs and standing tables
The Lauchernalp is the sunny high plateau of the Loetschental valley. There are about 750 guest beds on the Lauchernalp, directly in the ski resort, at 2000 m. Some accommodations are also located in Fischbiel at 1870 m on the valley run. The valley run does not end directly at the cable car lift, however. Accommodations are offered in all categories from holiday apartments, group accommodations, mountain huts, mountain houses to hotels.
Ski-in/Ski-out
There are many accommodations with direct access to the slopes and to lifts (Ski-in/Ski-out)
Towns/villages
- Kippel
Distance to ski resort fewer than 1 km
Guest beds 250 - Lauchernalp
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 750 - Wiler
Distance to ski resort fewer than 1 km
Guest beds 270
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
Group instruction is offered for children and childcare is offered for the little guests via the Ski and Snowboard School Cool School. A separate children's area (Snowli Land) and the neighbouring practice area between Lauchernalp and Stafel offer good conditions for quick learning. There is a family ski pass for families.
Information for families and children
- Kid's Land/ separated area for children
- Wave ride for children
- People mover
- Children's lifts
- Beginner's lifts in ski resort directly at the feeder lift
- Ski kindergarten
- Ski school for children
- Child care
Special tips for children
-
Children's area of the Ski and Snowboard School Cool School
The Snowli Land is located on Stafel at 2100 m. The large, separate area is equipped with a magic carpet and a tow rope.
Beginners will find their practice area between Lauchernalp and Stafel. A chair lift and a t-bar lift connect this area. The higher slopes demand a bit more ability.
Information for beginners
- Wide slopes
- Beginner's area
- Beginner's lifts in ski resort directly at the feeder lift
Ski schools on-site
Photos
The Lauchernalp ski resort will make freeriders' hearts beat faster. It connects a large freeriding area throughout the whole upper part of the ski resort. There are also numerous black slopes for the advanced skiers.
Information for advanced skiers, freeriders
- very many freeride / deep snow areas
- some mogul slopes
Slope offering advanced skiers
Runs/slopes
Total 33 km
Difficult
7.5 km
(23 %)Most difficult run
-
Petersgrat run · Length 1.2 km · Altitude difference 391 m
Black run beneath the Gandegg-Hockenhorngrat gondola lift
Note: Always mind the avalanche warnings and barriers, please. Never ski into a closed and unsecured area.
Photos
The Lauchernalp ski resort offers a small snowpark.
Information for Snowboarders
- few cat tracks
- no runs with ascent
- the following runs are not suitable for snowboarders
The valley run is not recommended for snowboarders.
- very many freeride / deep snow areas
Snow parks
- Snowpark
Small snowpark with some obstacles and a wave run at the Lauchernalp-Stafel chair lift/t-bar lift.
Offering snow parks
- Snow park/ Fun park
- No halfpipe
- Kicker (Jump/ Ramp)
- Rails/ Slides
- Boxes
- Cross-country trail offering
Total trail length: 24 km
The cross-country trail network leads along the rustic, Loetschental villages to the Fafleralp (Kippel-Wiler-Blatten-Fafleralp). There are classic and skating trails offered. There is no trail directly in the Lauchernalp ski resort; the trails are located in the valley.
Trail tip(s)
-
Night trail - Kippel
Length: 1.5 km ▪
Cross-country skiing style: classic, skating
Conclusion
A lot of freeriding space, varied terrain, snow reliable slopes, panorama view of the Valais mountain landscape, gondola lift leading up to 3111 m.
Parking fees at the valley station, valley run does not end at the cable car lift.
Test Report issued on 2012-03-23
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Highlights
