Kandersteg ski resort guide Ski area, apres-ski, things to see & do in the Kander valley
Resort review
Kandersteg sits at 1200m in the Kander valley close to Lake Thun near Interlaken in the Bernese-Oberland. An authentic and sophisticated Swiss ski resort, Kandersteg is off the radar for most downhillers. However, the resort is high on the list for those who enjoy the peace of cross-country skiing and snow shoeing.
Après-ski
The apres-ski is distinctly on the quieter side where the focus is on quality - the bars and restaurants are very friendly and welcoming and you will not have to book a few days in advance like in some ski resorts.
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 1200m |
| Top lift | 2000m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Piste (km) | 26 |
| Longest run | km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | 55 km |
| Season | All year |
| Snowboard parks | 0 |
| Heli Skiing | ✘ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ? |
| Creche | ? |
| Apres ski | Relaxed |
Kanderstag ski area guide
Ski holidays in Kandersteg appeal to beginners, laid-back skiers, families and cross-country enthusiasts. The 2 ski areas of Oeschinen and Sunnbühl are both small, but perfect for for beginners and intermediates with wide pistes. The ski pass covers both and there is free bus that connects them. Oeschinen is a lovely area centered around Lake Oeschinen with 9km of pistes and a childrens zone served by 2 lifts. Sunnbühl is located at the southern end of the village, a ten minute walk from the Centre. The 6km of pistes top out at 2000m and again, is ideal for beginners and families.
Beginners
Skiing in Kandersteg is ideal for beginners with wide open pistes.
Intermediate
Early intermediate skiers and boarders will like the gentle slopes to practice their turns but may find the lack of diverse terrain frustrating.
The 12km run from Plaine Morte to Les Barzettes starts with stunning views of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn and ends up in the forest.
Advanced
Kandersteg ski resort is not for advanced skiers with just 1 black piste from the plateau back to the village.
Cross-country skiing
The combination of snow sure high trails and a wonderful open plateaux make cross country skiing in Kandersteg an ideal choice for all ages and abilities.
There are 4 local circuits plus a floodlit 6km night track and in total, provide 55km of cross country ski trails through the forests. Looking for more? - the Kander valley forms one of the largest networks of trails in Switzerland providing the opportunity to go touring.
Winter walking
Winter walking is very popular and the beautiful hike from Sunnbühl to the Gemmipass is well known passing through the thermal spa resort of Leukerbad. Another fantastic short winter hike is to the Oeschinensee. An oval lake in a crater surrounded by 3600m peaks of the Blümlisalphorn, the Fründenhorn and the Doldenhorn. This is where you can go ice fishing for perch.
Things to see & do in Kandersteg
- 800m toboggan run in the lower part of the ‘Oeschiwald’ which offers night sledging
- Ice skating and curling
- Ice climbing in the Kander valley
- Horse riding
- 30m, 60m and 90m ski jumps
- Ice fishing
Our view on Kandersteg ski resort
The resort is great value for money and ideal for families who want a holiday in the snow with an excellent atmosphere, and plenty of extra activities but where the skiing may not be the most important part of their trip.
