Black slopes

Ski the Lauberhorn downhill yourself. Taking on the legendary World Cup course on skis or snowboard is a true challenge for expert riders. From the iconic start gate to the speed measurement, every section delivers pure adrenaline, with the breathtaking Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau as a dramatic backdrop.

The steepest slope in the Jungfrau region is Run No. 9 «Direttissima». Starting at the Birg summit station below the Schilthorn, this 400 metre long and 50 metre wide run drops straight into the Engetal with gradients of up to 88 percent. A short but intense descent delivering a pure adrenaline rush.

Even the ride on the chairlift from Geils to the Luegli is an experience in itself, as you soak up the stunning views of the Bernese Oberland. Then you ski back down to Geils on one of two sensational black slopes. Along the way, the trendy Chumi Hut will tempt you to stop off for refreshment.

The ride up to the Elsighorn brings you magnificent views of the Niesen mountain range. Then you go back down to the Elsigenalp on the Aeglere or the Chrinde slope. If you have the time and courage to look around you as you whizz down one of these two black slopes, you may be lucky enough to spot a ptarmigan.

The slope that beats all others in the Gstaad skiing area is the Tiger Run. This marked black slope starting from the Wasserngrat has an average gradient of an impressive 45 degrees and descends 660 metres over a distance of 2.5 kilometres. No other ski slope in the resort is steeper or more challenging.

The family-friendly skiing area in Habkern offers slopes of all levels of difficulty, and views of the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and Hardergrat as well. The two black runs both begin with a steep slope on the Sattelegg. They divide at the Allmi ski hut and take two different routes back to the valley station.