Grindelwald: the rebirth of the classic Swiss ski resort

When you hear the name Grindelwald, the first thing that springs to mind for most people is JK Rowling’s magical character from her enduringly popular Harry Potter books/films/mega-franchise. In fact, if you Google the name Grindelwald you have to scroll two-thirds of the way down the page before references to the revered wizard give way to descriptions of a charming Swiss mountain village of the same name. Embedded in a unique alpine landscape under the imposing north face of the Eiger, this is the Grindelwald we know and love and the very first Powder Byrne ski resort back in 1985.

Grindelwald has a long and rich mountain history, the allure of its dramatic peaks and fabulous skiing drawing adventurers from far and wide since the early pioneers in the 19th century. The first person to ski here was Englishman Gerald Fox who put his skis on in his hotel bedroom in 1881 and walked out through the hotel bar to the slopes wearing them. Construction of the Jungfrau Railway commenced a few years later in 1896 under the guidance of entrepreneur and engineer Adolf Guyer-Zeller. After years of construction the Jungfraujoch railway station, the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 metres, finally opened in 1912 heralding a new age of Swiss mountain tourism. Firmly established throughout the 20th century as a popular destination for skiers in winter and hikers and sightseers in summer, Grindelwald even featured in the 1969 Bond movie, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, when the revolving restaurant Piz Gloria on top of the Schilthorn made a prominent appearance as the lair for villain Blofeld.

Rory Byrne would go on to select Grindelwald as the resort from which to start Powder Byrne after many happy years spent skiing there as a child. However, as other resorts have invested in speedy new lift systems and glitzy marketing campaigns, Grindelwald’s network of quaint mountain trains and ageing gondolas has given it a yesteryear feel. Plenty still flock when the snow falls, but slower access to the skiing was stifling interest. Fortunately times are changing in Grindelwald, with phase one of the ambitious V-Bahn Project, decades in the planning, newly opened at the start of this season, transforming access to the slopes and sparking interest in the rebirth of this iconic resort. 

The first cable car in Grindelwald

‘The V-Bahn project is the most innovative and exciting construction project in the Alps, one of the biggest lift projects worldwide and true to the tradition of visionary pioneering achievements in the construction of the Jungfrau Railway between 1896 and 1912.’

Remo Käser, Jungfrau Railways

The CHF 470million V-Bahn Project includes the construction of two new modern high capacity ski lifts and an integrated railway station. The first lift, a 10 person gondola, opened on December 14th 2019 runs from the new railway station in Grindelwald to the Männlichen peak and reduces the journey time from 30 to 19 minutes. The second lift, a 3S cable car, due to open in December 2020 will run almost 6.5km to the Eigergletscher, shortcutting the existing rack and pinion railway, reducing the journey time from 40 to 15 minutes and significantly increasing capacity.

V-Bahn Project in Numbers:

Männlichenbahn

• 111 gondolas each with capacity for 10 people

• 19 minute journey time

• 1,800 people transported hourly

• 6.1km route length

  2,225m summit station

Eigerexpress

• 44 cabins each with capacity for 26 people

• 15 minute journey time

• 2,400 people transported hourly

• 6.5km route length

• 2,328m summit station

The vast and ambitious V-Bahn Project has put Grindelwald back on the map, breathing new life into the entire Jungfrau region and restoring its reputation as one of the finest ski resorts in the Swiss Alps. With many charming family-run hotels and a pretty, historic village, Grindelwald is an excellent choice for families and offers amazing skiing for all abilities, with access to 591km of downhill skiing on 131 pistes across the linked ski areas of Grindelwald, Wengen and Murren. We particularly recommend Grindelwald for families who are new to skiing due to the excellent beginner slopes and facilities and our exclusive programmes for novice skiers, Learn to Ski in Style and SnoZone Beginners.

After 35 years of Powder Byrne heritage in Grindelwald we’re delighted that this pioneering alpine region is marching into the new decade with confidence and a spring in its step. Grindelwald is a much loved and hugely popular part of the Powder Byrne Original Skiing programme and with the impressive new V-Bahn Project we expect its popularity to grow and grow. Grindelwald is back!