Family Ski Holiday in Switzerland? Consider Adelboden

Although we were able to ski at epic Swiss ski resorts including Davos, Zermatt, Grindelwald, Verbier, St. Moritz, and Crans-Montana during our two years in Switzerland, one of my regrets is that we never got to Adelboden for a family ski holiday. Located at the end of a glorious valley in the Bernese Alps, Adelboden feels remote, yet it is easily accessible from both Zurich and Geneva via car or train.

Home to the famous FIS World Cup race at Chuenisbärgli, Adelboden is legendary in the professional ski world. For families, they offer comprehensive kids’ ski school programming, as well as package pricing where kids under 6 years old ski and snowboard for free.

Adelboden is a true village compared to other popular Swiss ski resorts; the center of town is small and can be crossed in a 5-minute walk, yet there is 210 kilometers of skiing between the connected areas of Adelboden and Lenk.

We enjoyed a marvelous summer weekend at the exceptionally well-designed The Cambrian with stunning views and an outstanding restaurant. It makes a cozy winter home-base for families.

If I still lived in Switzerland, Adelboden would be on my 2013 ski list. If you are lucky enough to have a family ski holiday in Europe planned and want something off the main tourist track and popular with Swiss families, Adelboden fits the bill. Let us know how it goes!

Photos by Amie O’Shaughnessy and The Cambrian

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino review of The Cambrian hotel for families

Family-friendly boutique hotel in St. Moritz

Tips for skiing in Davos with kids

Tips for skiing in Zermatt with kids

Tips for skiing in Grindelwald with kids

Tips for skiing in Crans-Montana with kids

Tips for skiing in Verbier with kids