Axalp Ski Resort Switzerland
Axalp is an authentic Swiss ski resort perched spectacularly overlooking Lake Brienz near the town of Interlaken, plus the Jungfrau Ski Region and Meiringen Hasliberg ski area.
A visit to Axalp is perfect for those that lament the loss of the ‘good old days’ of skiing when resorts were small village-based affairs loaded with families enjoying themselves on a few surfaces lifts & a chairlift thrown in for good measure. The simple pleasures of Axalp include an obligatory tricky road up (to say the least), the steepest start to a sledding trail going round, a few tasty off-piste powder options, and incredible views across the glacial-blue coloured waters of Lake Brienz.
Pros & Cons for Axalp Ski Resort
Pros
- Delightful ‘old school’ ski area that oozes authenticity.
- Excellent novice/children’s learn to ski area.
- Very good beginner piste trails
- Fun options for tree skiing & off-piste adventures in powder.
- North-aspect for good snow & cold temperatures.
- Stupendous views.
- Very quiet during the week (but check lift operation).
- Great après ski activities at the numerous base areas;
- A fabulous distraction for a day.
- Regular buses travel up from Brienz for anyone nervous on narrow mountain roads!
- Range of non-skiing winter activities including lots of winter walking trails and the steepest sledding trail section we have ever done!
Cons
- Limited terrain overall (15km of pistes on just 500m of skiable vertical).
- Flat (almost uphill) connecting trails out wide on the mountain.
- Awkward skier, winter walker & sledder intersections in parts.
- Extremely narrow access road (if driving).
- Parking requires payment (WTF!) (We didn’t pay because we are naughty.... and are also tightarses. There appears to have been no consequence for our ‘tightarsedness’!)
- Lift pass is too expensive for the amount of lifts/terrain (but this is Switzerland so….).
Pro or Con (depending on your perspective!)
- Traditional, quiet, rural mountain village.
- As per above, whilst there are bars & restaurants, after-dinner entertainment is limited.
- Ski lifts are mostly surface tows.
- Part of the incredible number of ski areas covered by Magic Pass so if you have one, awesome. If you don’t, pay up sucker!
Skiing & Snowboarding, Lift & Terrain
The Axalp skiing & snowboarding terrain rises above & drops below the village of the same name, providing 15km of pistes for all ski & snowboard abilities.
Effectively two sectors: the upper alpine sector served by the chairlift has 380m of vertical holds the majority of interest. Pistes are available for all abilities. Don’t expect anything too dramatic though. Toward the village there are several ‘sporty’ trail intersections where sledders, walkers, beginners & more advanced sliders all converge making for a few ‘Warren Miller movie worthy’ outcomes. The lower village sector is perfect for novices, park rats & families on gentle open slopes in delightful rural environs.
Off-piste skiers will enjoy the 3km of ski-routes, with route number 6 to the lowest point of the ski area the most interesting. Away from them, some steep trees & open faces will provide enjoyment on a powder day, but it takes some local knowledge to truly hunt out the best bits.
Check out the Axalp Ski Trail Map below.
The ski lifts at Axalp include 3 T-bars (including a superfluous one up on the summit), a ponderous triple chair that is way better than getting dragged up on T-bar (and allows sledder to get to the goods), and a rope tow for novices. The speed of the lifts encourages one to relax, look around and take in the views.
Lift Passes
Lift tickets at Axalp are not the cheapest (given the limited lifts & terrain), but a visit here is going to be about more than that, so paying a few francs for the privilege of the place getting some funds to operate into the future may not be a bad thing. Alternatively the Magic Pass is valid here, giving Axalp a cut of the funds as well.
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Axalp Accommodation
If planning on visiting for a day at Axalp ski resort, you could do worse than spend a night or two in this pretty alpine location overlooking the lake. The village of Axalp has a traditional, rural vibe that is a century away from the larger ski resort villages in the Alps. Numerous apartments & chalets are available for holiday rental. Note that Axalp village is on the shaded side of the mountain in winter, co it will be chilly!
Search & book here for all Axalp ski accommodation.
Alternatively, if skiing a variety of resorts in the area & wanting some sun, the pretty lakeside village of Brienz can make a wonderful base. Brienz is central to skiing Axalp, Jungfrau Ski Region and Meiringen Hasliberg ski area. A wide selection of excellent hotels, apartments & chalets usually have availability throughout the winter season.
Search & book here for all Brienz lakeside accommodation.
Activities
Axalp has lovers of winter walking on prepared trails plus sledders covered. Winter walking trails on groomed surfaces wind their way from bottom to top via the village. The 3km sled trail from up on Windegg via Chrutmettli to Axalp is a real ‘doozy’ at the start. Steep, but we did it and were only slightly traumatised. Be brave and let it rip. Some walking is required after Chrutmettli on a flat section of track.payment for sled rental & the chairlift is at the ticket office next to the base ofthe chair. The sled is collected at the top of the chair from the lift attendant.
Reviews & More Info
The Powderhounds reviewed Axalp in late February 2025. Armed with our Magic Pass we found it a step back in time when skiing was perhaps a little more wholesome, but at a price point and with better views! Click on the review link in the left column (or top of the page if on a mobile) to read the latest inciteful & droll postulations!
See how Axalp compares to the rest of the Swiss ski resorts on the Switzerland ski resort ratings page, or compare to the rest of Europe on the European ski resort ratings page.
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If you have a question about skiing or snowboarding at Axalp or elsewhere in Europe, CONTACT US.