Kandersteg in winter
Small but perfectly formed — and right outside the door
One of the finest cross-country regions in Switzerland begins directly opposite the hotel, alongside natural ice on Lake Oeschinen and a sledge run with a reputation.
The surrounding mountains work a different kind of magic in winter: snow-covered peaks, biting air, snow creaking under your skis. Kandersteg is one of the most extensive cross-country regions in Switzerland, offers a manageable ski area, and turns Lake Oeschinen into one of the largest natural ice surfaces in the country — and the first trail starts directly opposite Chalet-Hotel Adler.
Cross-country skiing right outside the door
Kandersteg maintains ten trails of its own totalling more than fifty kilometres, embedded in the roughly seventy-kilometre network of the Adelboden-Lenk-Kandersteg region. The trail begins directly opposite Chalet-Hotel Adler — for the first few kilometres you need not even put your skis in the car.
Good starting points are the Red trail at 5.4 kilometres or the Blue Heart trail at 3.4 kilometres, both flat and well groomed. For more, take the Yellow trail over 13.6 kilometres or the Black over 10.4. Things get demanding on the high-altitude trails at Sunnbüel, reached by cable car.
One speciality is the night trail: 5.6 floodlit kilometres you can head out on after dinner. And for guests with a dog there is a dedicated dog trail of 5.9 kilometres — the only route where your companion may run alongside you.
Natural ice on Lake Oeschinen
When the winter is cold enough, Lake Oeschinen freezes over and becomes one of the largest natural ice surfaces in Switzerland. Skating on clear black ice, surrounded by sheer rock faces and UNESCO World Heritage on every side, is not something you forget.
Important: the ice may only be entered once it has been officially cleared, and only during the stated hours — usually 09:00 to 16:00. Ask at our reception whether the lake is currently open.
Whatever the weather, the village has an artificial ice rink and an ice hall. In cold winters a natural rink is prepared as well.
Sledging from Lake Oeschinen
The Oeschiwald run is considered the fastest sledge run in the Bernese Oberland: 3.5 kilometres from the mountain station down into the valley. Sledges can be hired at the valley station, from plastic models to the classic wooden design — or take the legendary Oeschiflitzer.
Things are gentler on the paths around the village, which work well with younger children too.
Ski and snowboard
Small but perfectly formed is the motto in Kandersteg: the ski area at Lake Oeschinen is compact, has no queues, and is ideal for families and anyone looking for slopes without the crowds. It is also the closest — the gondola is a ten-minute walk away.
For larger areas, travel a little further: the Lauchernalp in the Lötschental is reached via the car shuttle train, and Adelboden lies down the valley. Both are comfortable day trips.
Winter walking
Kandersteg is a fine starting point for walking in winter too. Cleared winter paths run along the valley and up to viewpoints looking out over the snow-covered Bernese Alps. The classic leads from the Oeschinen mountain station through snow-laden forest to the lake.
And plenty more
Ski touring on the surrounding peaks, snowshoe walks, ice fishing or a fat-bike ride through the snowy landscape — Kandersteg has something for every taste in winter, before you return to the warm 30°C pool at the Adler.