Ski Facts
- LOCAL AREA: Lenk-Simmental
- CONNECTED AREA: Skiregion Adelboden-Lenk
- SEASON START & END: Late November to Early April
- SKI ALTITUDE IN METRES: Lenk 1068 -2193m / Vertical descent 1125m
- PISTES: 200 km of perfectly groomed slopes connecting the towns of Lenk and Adelboden.
- LIFTS: 63 lifts
- SNOW: 60% of the main slopes have snow-making facilities
- LIFT TICKET PRICES: See Online
- CROSS COUNTRY SKIING: 60 km of Trail in 5 areas. See Online
- LANGUAGE: German
- AIRPORT: Zürich or Geneva
- TRAIN: connections from Lenk train station
- SKI FACTS: As well as skiing, there is plenty of Ski Touring and snowshoeing
There are Alpine villages that dazzle you with glitz, queues, and overpriced vin chaud, and then there is Lenk im Simmental, the quiet, unassuming cousin who doesn’t feel the need to shout about how fabulous they are. At the far end of the Simmental Valley in the Bernese Oberland, Lenk is as charming as they come. A place where snow still squeaks underfoot, cowbells hang proudly from chalet eaves, and the scent of wood smoke and cheese fondue fills the crisp mountain air.
Lenk, The Village
Lenk sits at the foot of the Wildstrübel Massif, a mighty wall of mountain that separates this valley from Crans Montana. It is a geographical quirk that keeps southern weather systems at bay but generously welcomes the snow-bearing ones from the north and north-west. As a result, Lenk enjoys a rather reliable helping of winter white.
The village itself is picture-perfect, a scene of wooden chalets with hand-carved balconies, working farms, and locals who still greet visitors with a cheerful “Grüezi”. Because it is the last village at the end of the valley, it avoids the coachloads of ski crowds that flood more famous resorts. The atmosphere remains peaceful, authentic, and delightfully unhurried, the sort of place where time politely takes a back seat.
A visit to Lenk Milch, the local cheese and fondue shop, is essential. The aroma alone is enough to make you weak at the knees, and their fondue mix is nothing short of divine. After a day in the snow, sitting down to a pot of bubbling cheese and a basket of bread feels like a reward earned.
We stayed at the Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort, a fabulous hotel combining old-world charm with modern comfort. Its location provides direct access to the Betelberg mountain, and the views across to the Wildstrübel at sunset are unforgettable. Top tip: go sit in the warm spa and watch the Wildstrübel Massif receive the last light at sunset, truly stunning.
Lenk The Skiing
Lenk offers access to two main ski areas, Betelberg and Metsch, each with its own distinct character, rather like two siblings who share good genes but have entirely different personalities.
Betelberg – The Friendly One
Betelberg is the more relaxed of the two, ideal for families and anyone who prefers their skiing fun rather than frantic. The gondola ride up is worth it for the views alone, and several of the north-facing slopes tend to hold their snow beautifully. The pistes are cruisy, confidence-building, and perfect for working on your technique without feeling judged by a passing expert.
There is a dedicated nursery area for beginners up at Stoss, complete with a covered lift, which proves most welcome when the weather turns moody. Parents can settle in at Berghaus Stoss, coffee or glühwein in hand, while watching the little ones conquer their first turns.
For those who ski with their stomach in mind, Berghaus Leiterli serves a magnificent kaiserschmarrn, a gloriously oversized shredded pancake that may well tempt you to abandon skiing altogether. And do not miss Hasler Bar, a friendly pit stop at the base of several great pistes.
Metsch – The Adventurous One
A short drive or shuttle ride from the village brings you to Rothenbach, the gateway to the Metsch area. From here, a gondola carries you up into a skier’s playground with wide, flowing pistes that link Lenk with Adelboden via the Hahnenmoos Pass. The views across to the back side of Crans Montana are outstanding, especially on a bluebird day.
Metsch offers something for everyone, from gentle rollers to exhilarating steeps. The natural contours of the mountains create wonderfully varied terrain, so no two runs feel alike. For a lunch stop, Bergrestaurant Metschstand at the top of the gondola serves hearty dishes with a view so impressive you may forget to eat.
Those wishing to refine their technique should seek out Rolf Marmet, one of Lenk’s most respected ski instructors and a former member of the Swiss demo team. He skis with the kind of effortless grace that makes you question every turn you have ever made, but his good humour and precision will have you gliding like a pro before you know it. Just ask at the tourist office in town.
Beginners: Betelberg’s nursery area and gentle valley pistes are perfect for first-timers. The covered lift at Stoss is particularly useful, and the nearby restaurant ensures warmth and sustenance are always close at hand.
Intermediates: The Mulkerblatten–Wallegg red piste (#8) and the Hasler blue (#12) on Betelberg are ideal for carving. The lesser-known Guetfläck red (#20), slightly north-facing with beautifully natural snow, offers playful pistes to perfect your carving on without the crowds.
Experts: Metsch and Adelboden have a fine selection of black pistes. Holzegg (#30) gently winds its way down the mountain, getting steeper as it goes, while Klusi (#40) towards Adelboden delivers thrilling steep sections and a grin that will last all afternoon, we could not help going back again and again.
The Verdict
Lenk may not have the swagger of St. Moritz or the buzz of Verbier, but that is precisely its charm. It is authentic, unhurried, and filled with understated Alpine magic. You come for the skiing, stay for the serenity on the pistes, and leave already planning your return.
For more information, visit Lenk
