Elsigen-Metsch

Elsigen-Metsch
Elsigen-Metsch is a snow-sure ski area in the Bernese Oberland near Frutigen, Switzerland, known for wide, well-groomed pistes and plenty of room for carving. The family-friendly area offers around 30 km of slopes, a children's paradise with several children's ski lifts, snowparks, skicross, race pistes and a 3.5 km sledging run. It is regarded as a quiet alternative to the region's large resorts.

Families and Kids

The children's paradise Elsi & Vämpi lies directly by the Berghaus Elsigenalp, about 150 m from the cable-car mountain station, and includes three children's ski lifts, a practice platter lift, an XXL bouncy cushion, a children's carousel and a PistenBully simulator. The ski school office is located right in the children's area, and benches and loungers let parents watch from the sidelines or from the sun terrace.

Food and drinks

The area has several mountain restaurants and huts, including the Berghaus Elsigenalp directly on the piste with a served restaurant, a newly rebuilt self-service restaurant and a large sun terrace, the Elsighütte, the Berggasthaus Höchst with restaurant, Sääli and winter garden, and the Schneekurve Metschalp. There is also a public grill at the Elsighorn ski lift, picnic tables in the children's area and heated picnic rooms at the Metsch ski-lift valley station and the cable-car mountain station.
28.0 km11

Status

Information

  • Easy slopes: 10 km
  • Intermediate slopes: 14 km
  • Advanced slopes: 2.6 km
    • Number of snowparks: 2
    • Ski school: Yes
    • Free entrance: No
    • Children activities: Children ski lessons, Sledging, Snow play area

Opening hours

The winter season starts as soon as there is enough snow (usually end of November/beginning of December) and lasts until Easter Monday, 29 March 2027. The Elsigbach–Elsigenalp cable car runs from 08:30 to 17:00 (last ascent for snow sports enthusiasts 16:15), the Elsigenalp ski lifts roughly 08:45–16:15 or 09:00–16:00 depending on the lift, and the Höchst–Metschalp ski lift 09:00–16:30 on weekdays and 08:30–16:30 at weekends.
Monday
08:30-16:15 (End of November/beginning of December to Easter Monday, 29 March 2027)
Tuesday
08:30-16:15 (End of November/beginning of December to Easter Monday, 29 March 2027)
Wednesday
08:30-16:15 (End of November/beginning of December to Easter Monday, 29 March 2027)
Thursday
08:30-16:15 (End of November/beginning of December to Easter Monday, 29 March 2027)
Friday
08:30-16:15 (End of November/beginning of December to Easter Monday, 29 March 2027)
Saturday
08:30-16:15 (End of November/beginning of December to Easter Monday, 29 March 2027)
Sunday
08:30-16:15 (End of November/beginning of December to Easter Monday, 29 March 2027)

Admission fees

Elsigen-Metsch is part of the Adelboden-Lenk ski region, and day and multi-day ski tickets as well as sledging passes are dynamically priced: the earlier you book in the webshop, the cheaper the ticket. A zone ticket is available for the practice and children's lifts plus the platter lift (including the cable car), and a point card lets guests pay only for the lifts they actually use. Season passes for locals, the AlpsPass covering several Swiss ski regions, and a hiking pass are also offered.

Contact

Webpage
elsigen-metsch.ch
Email
info@elsigen-metsch.ch
Address
Alte Adelbodenstrasse 33, 3725 Achseten

Access

Nearby stops

  • Elsigbach (Talstation)0 meters walking distance
  • Elsigenalp0 meters walking distance
  • Achseten, Höchst/Skilift50 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Thun
1h 1m
Bern
1h 23m
Brig
1h 26m
Interlaken Ost
1h 33m
Sion
1h 59m

FAQ

  • Is Elsigen-Metsch a crowded ski area?
    No. Elsigen-Metsch is not part of the Magic Pass and is considered a quiet ski area with noticeably less crowding than the large destinations in the Bernese Oberland.
  • Who is Elsigen-Metsch particularly suitable for?
    Elsigen-Metsch is especially suitable for families with children, carvers, pleasure skiers and day guests who value wide, well-groomed pistes and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • How do I reach Elsigen-Metsch by public transport?
    Take the train to Frutigen, then the ski bus (Rufbus) to the valley station of the cable car or to the Metschalp ski lift. The Rufbus only runs on request and must be ordered at least one hour in advance; capacity is limited.
  • Can I park at Elsigen-Metsch and what does it cost?
    Parking at the Elsigbach cable-car valley station costs CHF 5 per day (including an e-charging station), payable at the machine or via app. Parking at the Metsch/Höchst ski lift is free, except for the Höchst parking space.
  • Can groups arrive by coach?
    No, from the Achseten junction there is a general driving ban for coaches and buses to Elsigbach. Minibuses up to 20 people are allowed if the driver is used to narrow, steep mountain roads and winter conditions; alternatives are the ski bus or an extra trip with Kander Reisen.
  • What can non-skiers do at Elsigen-Metsch in winter?
    Besides skiing, the area offers a 3.5 km sledging run from the mountain station to the valley station (sledges can be rented at the valley station), snowshoeing and winter hiking trails, cross-country skiing, snowbiking, ice mini-golf and ski touring routes.

Included in