Interlaken transforms into a winter sports hub between December and March, offering direct access to skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and alpine trails across the Jungfrau region. This guide covers the activities available, where to find them, and how to plan your winter visit.
Quick answer
Interlaken winter activities span five main categories: downhill skiing and snowboarding at Jungfrau Ski Region resorts, ice skating at the town rink, night sledding on illuminated runs, winter hiking on marked alpine trails, and scenic rail journeys to Jungfraujoch. Most activities run from mid-December through late March, with peak snow conditions in January and February.
Interlaken sits at 570 meters above sea level, yet within thirty minutes you can reach ski slopes at 2,000 meters or higher. The town itself hosts no downhill skiing — its role is basecamp. Three resort areas define the local winter landscape: Grindelwald-First and Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen for varied terrain, and Mürren-Schilthorn for advanced runs and the rotating Piz Gloria restaurant made famous in a 1969 James Bond film. The Jungfrau railway network connects all three zones, and a regional ski pass covers lifts across 206 kilometers of marked pistes. Beginners gravitate toward Männlichen's wide cruising runs; experts take the Schilthorn's north-facing descents. Equipment rental is available at the valley stations and in Interlaken's Höheweg district, where most winter-sports outfitters cluster within two blocks of each other. Non-skiers have structured options. The Interlaken ice rink operates outdoors near Höhematte park from late November through February, lit until 21:00 most evenings. Night sledding runs at Bussalp and Saxeten remain open after dark, with headlamp-equipped sleds available for hire. Winter hiking trails around Harder Kulm and Schynige Platte are groomed and signposted, offering views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau without the need for skis. The Interlaken Tourist Information center at Marktgasse 1 distributes trail maps, arranges guided snowshoe tours, and sells the Jungfrau Travel Pass, which bundles train and lift access. Staff can confirm real-time snow depth at each resort and recommend alternatives when weather closes higher elevations. Entry to the center is free; no appointment is required. Visitors planning multiple days of interlaken winter activities often stop here first to compare lift-ticket bundles and check avalanche bulletins posted near the entrance.
“Interlaken sits at 570 meters above sea level, yet within thirty minutes you can reach ski slopes at 2,000 meters or higher.”
The winter season in Interlaken spans from December to March, with January and February offering the most reliable snow conditions for sledding and snow sports. Planning your activities early in the day is essential to capitalize on optimal snow quality and maximum daylight hours.
Cold, -2°C to 4°C
Early winter snowfall begins to establish base conditions for seasonal activities.
Coldest, -5°C to 2°C
These months provide the most consistent snow coverage and are ideal for night sledding.
Cooling, -1°C to 7°C
Warmer temperatures may affect lower-elevation snow, though higher altitudes remain active.
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Starting early ensures shorter queues and better trail conditions before afternoon congestion.
Verdict: The best period for winter activities is January to February, specifically on weekday mornings to avoid peak crowds.
The Interlaken Tourist Information center provides assistance for planning winter excursions throughout the week. The center is located at Marktgasse 1, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland, and offers free entry for all visitors.
Interlaken serves as the central transport hub for the Bernese Oberland region, with major rail connections providing access to surrounding winter sports areas. The most efficient approach involves using the extensive regional train network to reach mountain base stations.
Berner Oberland Bahn (BOB) from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen
PostBus lines to Iseltwald or Beatenberg from Interlaken West
Zentralbahn (Luzern-Interlaken Express) from Interlaken Ost to Meiringen
Walk from Interlaken West to Interlaken Ost via Bahnhofstrasse
For optimal planning, visit the Interlaken Tourist Information center at Marktgasse 1 during the best arrival window of 09:00–15:00 to coordinate your transit and activity bookings.
Prepare clothing, rental bookings, and safety documents before venturing into Interlaken's winter landscape.
Complement your night sledding experience by exploring these nearby mountain villages and peaks, which offer additional winter perspectives of the Bernese Oberland. These locations provide a range of alpine landscapes that align well with an extended winter stay in Interlaken.
10 min walk to funicular
This peak serves as the local mountain of Interlaken, providing a vantage point to view the town and lakes from above. It pairs well with a visit as it is accessible directly from the center.
35 min drive
Known as the gateway to the Eiger North Face, this village serves as a hub for various winter sports and high-altitude hiking paths. It complements your trip by offering a more rugged mountain environment compared to the valley floor.
20 min drive
This valley is famous for its steep rock faces and numerous waterfalls that often freeze during the colder months. It serves as an ideal stop for those interested in landscape photography and quiet winter walking routes.
Everything you need to know about interlaken winter activities
The region offers a wide range of options, including night sledding, snowshoeing, and skiing in the surrounding Bernese Oberland mountains. Engaging in interlaken winter activities provides access to groomed trails and scenic alpine vistas. Visitors can also enjoy traditional fondue experiences after a day on the slopes. Guests often utilize the local tourism office to organize these winter excursions. The official information center provides guidance free of charge, with an entry fee of 0 CHF. Staff can assist with booking logistics and provide maps for your planned outings. You can find the visitor center at Marktgasse 1, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland. It serves as a central hub for planning your stay and confirming seasonal trail conditions. The center is open Monday through Friday from 08:00 to 18:00 and Saturday from 09:00 to 16:00, remaining closed on Sundays. Please note that the facility is strictly for planning and information services. To avoid mid-day office peak times and ensure you have sufficient assistance, the best arrival window is between 09:00 and 15:00. This timing allows for a more relaxed consultation before the office concludes its daily operations. Beyond organized sports, guests can explore the frozen shores of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. Many people also enjoy winter hiking paths that wind through the valley floor, offering serene views of the peaks without needing specialized equipment.