Eischoll Ski Resort Switzerland
The underrated ski resort at Eischoll in the Swiss Valais is a certified 'Secret Stash', worthy of exploration in combination with the adjoining Unterbach. As we said in our review, if you are after: untracked powder alongside groomed trails days after a snow fall; empty, perfectly groomed runs and no lift lines; easy access to incredible backcountry peaks & huge freeride descents; affordable in all aspects; quant, authentic Swiss mountain village; and an unpretentious, relaxed vibe - then Eischoll is your perfect home.
Pros & Cons for Eischoll Ski Resort
Pros
- Cold, north-aspect terrain, with excellent quality snow in the upper mountain.
- Around 900m of skiable vertical off the ski lifts, and 1,200m if including Unterbach (which we should as it is the same lift pass.
- Longest run of over 8km (in the Unterbach side).
- Varied upper mountain freeride terrain for all abilities, including trees.
- Uncrowded & blissfully quiet, particularly during the week.
- Exceptional lift-assisted backcountry ski-touring access to numerous 3,000m+ alpine peaks with skiable freeride descents including tree skiing.
- Affordable lift pass price that includes the lifts & pistes of neighbouring Unterbäch.
- Non-ski activities include sledding & winter walking.
- Free car parking for day trippers.
- Public transport is not only easy but incredibly interesting via the cable car from Raron.
- Combined with Unterbach, it is an honest, comfortable ski area that pleasingly reminds us that the world still has wonderful, quiet places in which to experience our exhilarating sport.
Cons
- Slow, dated lift infrastructure (but it all works just fine and limits numbers on the hill!).
- Linking trails between Eischoll & Unterbäch (and vice-versa) have flat sections that will likely require snowboarders to walk.
- Small ski area that, if you are not ski-touring (we recommend that you do!), might struggle to keep your interest over more than a few days.
- Unlike neighbouring Unterbäch, Eischoll only has limited snowmaking on its lower piste slope.
Pro or Con (depending on your perspective!)
- Despite the ski map trail designations, the 600m vertical from the upper T-bar to Erez is not suitable for kids & beginners.
- On the cold, shaded side of the valley, which we love, but others hate. Sun lovers apply elsewhere or at least come later in the season in March!
- Village is quiet in general, and quieter after dark with just a few restaurants providing some vibrance.
- Lowest part of the resort and village may not have natural snow at either end of the season.
- Accommodation at the ski area base is limited during peak season, and staying in neighbouring Unterbach is better, or alternatively in the valley is easy enough.
- Car park spaces can be limited if arriving too late in the morning - but why would you be late if reading this website!!
- On Magic Pass, which if you have makes it feel like one is skiing for free. If you don’t have one that’s OK because the lift passes are cheap and the resort will appreciate your cash!
More information about this European ski resort is coming soon, in the meantime check out the Eischoll Ski Trail Map below.
Eischoll Accommodation
The small village of Eischoll (or as it is spelt in Valais German, 'Eyschol'), is a tranquil place of two distinct parts - an old & new. Below the main road, the old original village clings to the mountainside in a labyrinth of laneways lined with stone & timber houses, barns & garages. The tranquillity of the village is mostly unsullied by vehicles in winter, with at most any noise being the stream cascading through its centre or the sound of footsteps. In the old village centre along the Dorfstrasse you will find the curious Restaurant Pöstli but otherwise all the services are outside its confines in a newer sector close to the cable car station from Raron. At the eastern end the lane emerges onto the main car park, with a small but useful supermarket on one side, BnB Eischoll & Restaurant Schwarzhorn on the other, with the lane to the Raron cable car station in between. On and above the main Kantonstrasse, more modern additions rise up the hill toward the base of the chairlift. Lodging options include a handful of chalet & apartment holiday rentals.
Search & book a place to stay via the Eischoll Ski Accommodation Listings.
With accommodations in Eischoll quite limited, it may be best staying in Unterbäch at either of two main hotels or one of the many chalets & apartments. The Hotel Alpenhof is superbly situated in the main village between the top station of the cable car from Raron, and the ski lifts. Alternatively, in the lower end of the village, 10 minutes’ walk to/from the ski lifts, the convivial Sporthotel Walliserhof is where we stayed once due to last minute availability. A lovely room, fantastic hospitality, wonderful food (the breakfasts in particular are excellent) and friendly hosts made it truly enjoyable.
Search & book a place to stay via the Unterbäch Ski Accommodation Listings.
Down in the valley at Raron, the superb Kapitel 7 Boutique-Hotel is only 800m walk from the cable car station where one can choose ascents to either Eischoll or Unterbäch.
Nearby Ski Resorts
Aside from interlinked Unterbäch, the ski area Moosalp above the village of Bürchen has loads of possibilities including an 8km top to bottom run, and advanced runs in the upper mountain served by a T-bar that climbs a hefty 650m vertical. It is a short 10 minute from Eischoll village. See the local ski map below.
Reviews & More Info
The Powderhounds reviewed Eischoll in early February 2025 and were blown away. Untouched powder on the edge of perfect pistes, access to amazing backcountry peaks & no one there. Click on the review link in the left column (or top of the page if on a mobile) to read all the reviews.
See how Eischoll 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 & snowboarding in Eischoll or elsewhere in Europe, CONTACT US.