Aletsch Arena

The Great Aletsch Glacier characterizes the landscape of the Aletsch Arena. With a length of 23 km, the glacier is the longest ice stream in the Alps. For thousands of years it shaped the Aletsch Arena. During the last ice age, the entire region was buried under the ice and only the peaks of the Bettmerhorn and the Eggishorn rose above the thick ice cover. When the giant glaciers slowly melted, they left behind a landscape that appears as if it had been polished and is characterized above all by a rather young vegetation. At the Konkordiaplatz, the ice cover of the glacier is today about 900 m thick. The water of the glacier could supply the entire world population with one liter of drinking water a day for 4.5 years. In the valley, the landscape is characterized mainly by stone pine and larch forests, wild rivers and lush mountain meadows.

The car-free Aletsch Arena invites families to explore the nature of the Valais mountains in a very special way. Easy hikes with breathtaking views, some of which can also be walked with a stroller. On themed trails, there is something for young and old to discover and learn about the nature and culture of the Swiss region. In rope or bike parks, children and adults can put their courage to the test.

Families will also have fun in the Aletsch Arena in winter. The family-friendly ski resort offers ski schools for beginners, slopes from easy to difficult and snow parks for the daredevils. Those who prefer to travel without skis under their feet can discover the region on easy winter hiking trails or whiz down the mountain slopes on toboggans.

The Aletsch Arena is characterized by its many small mountain villages. Among the most beautiful villages are Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiesch-Eggishorn. In the rustic mountain villages, most of the houses were built of larch wood and are now burnt brown-black by the sun. Riederalp and Bettmeralp are car-free places and provide a particularly clear and fresh air. But the valley villages around Fiesch are also worth a visit. The traditional village centers allow visitors to immerse themselves in history. In all villages there are numerous beautiful accommodation options that guarantee a pleasant stay.

The Aletsch Arena features a small but well-developed infrastructure. Thanks to the many cable cars, you can get to the viewpoints on the glaciers without much effort. But active vacationers also have fun on the 300 km long hiking trail network. The 100 km long mountain bike trail network is especially exciting for bikers with a lot of stamina. Far away from the hustle and bustle, alpinists cross the lonely peaks.

In winter, the Valais mountains can be explored on snowshoes and touring skis as well as winter hikes. Cross-country ski trails, ski slopes and toboggan runs offer fun activities and magnificent views.