Wengen - slopes
Ski highlights for all levels
Beginners: there are nursery slopes in the heart of the village, but when the snow here is not so good, many novices hop on the train and make for the beginner slopes up at Kleine Scheidegg (about half an hour's journey) which has plenty of flattish terrain and is high enough to be more snow-sure, especially with its newly improved snowmaking.
Intermediates: the skiing - mainly long blue and red runs on which intermediates will thrive - is delightful and relaxed, although there are challenges if you seek them.
Experts: everyone wants to say they've skied the celebrated Lauberhorn run. At 4.5km, it's the longest and oldest downhill race in the World Cup calendar. Most of it is open to the public, and the steepest section (the 40m-high Hundschopf jump) has an alternative route for those who want to avoid the run's most challenging feature.
Off-piste
Some of the best off-piste skiing can be found below the Eigerwand beneath the Eiger's north face - reached by traversing from the Eigergletscher station or the top of the new Eigernordwand chairlift.. The White Hare is an excellent run but snow conditions need to be checked first as the area is avalanche-prone. Heliskiing in Wengen is also a possibility.
Ski schools and guides
The main company is the Swiss Ski and Snowboard School (00 41 33 855 20 22).
Others include the Privat Snowsports school (00 41 33 855 50 05), the Kleine Scheidegg ski and snowboard school (00 41 33 855 15 45) and Altitude Snowsport School, Wengen's English speaking ski and snowboard school (00 41 33 853 00 40). Guiding is available through the Swiss Ski and Snowboard School as well as the Privat Snowsports School.
Lift system
Wengen shares 27 lifts with neighbouring Grindelwald (the trains provide an extra means of uphill transport, particularly handy when the ski lifts are closing). Many of the lifts are being upgraded, including the Eigernordwand 6-seater chairlift with bubbles replacing the Salzegg T-bar.
Snow reliability and snowmaking
Around 50% of the 100 miles of runs is covered. There's particular emphasis on improving snowmaking at Kleine Scheidegg where the establishment of a new artificial lake will bring a big improvement.
Terrain park
Traditionally Wengen's terrain park is near the Bumps draglift below Wengernalp, but the resort doesn't make it a permanent fixture so one must wait and see. However there are usually terrain parks at First (Grindelwald) and Mürren.