Aletsch Arena
The Aletsch Arena is a Swiss holiday destination in the canton of Valais, close to Brig and the Goms region, centred on the Great Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps and the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch. High on the sunny Valais plateau sit the car-free resorts of Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp, while the idyllic villages of Mörel-Filet, Lax, Fiesch and Fieschertal lie in the Rhône valley below, with further settlements at mid-altitude. The region is dominated by high mountains and glacier scenery rather than lakes, though crystal-clear mountain lakes such as the Bettmersee and Blausee dot the landscape. It is a rural, nature-focused destination with a family-friendly, car-free character, offering extensive hiking, mountain biking and glacier tours in summer and skiing in winter. The car-free villages and the ecological orientation of the region reflect a strong commitment to gentle, sustainable tourism.
Summer activities
In summer and autumn the Aletsch Arena is a paradise for hikers, with 300 kilometres of prepared and secured trails through the UNESCO World Heritage, including the UNESCO high-altitude trail from Bettmerhorn to Eggishorn, the ancient Aletsch forest and spectacular suspension bridges. Mountain bikers find over 100 kilometres of trails, including the demanding Stoneman Glaciara with 127 kilometres and 4700 metres of elevation gain, plus flow trails and e-bike routes. Guided glacier tours onto the Great Aletsch Glacier run daily between June and October, and the four View Points Hohfluh, Moosfluh, Bettmerhorn and Eggishorn offer panoramic views. Further summer offers include climbing, via ferrata, paragliding, swimming in mountain lakes, golf on Europe's highest 9-hole course, and family activities such as the Gletschiland indoor playground and goat trekking.
Winter activities
In winter the Aletsch Arena is a snow-sure ski destination with 104 kilometres of well-prepared pistes between 1925 and 2869 metres, offering ski-in/ski-out access from the car-free villages of Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp. Highlights for sporty skiers include the steep black Eggishorn piste, the Gletscher-Panorama-Tour across the whole ski area, the Aletsch Snowpark with halfpipe, and night skiing. Beyond the pistes there are 72 kilometres of winter walking trails, snowshoe trails including full-moon tours, toboggan runs such as the 11-kilometre descent to Lax, and cross-country skiing. The region is snow-sure from December to Easter thanks to its altitude.
