The first ski area in the Jungfrau Ski Region to see the sun in the morning, First makes a great place to start your skiing adventure when staying at Grindelwald. with the region's most user-friendly novice area at its base just above town, First also has ample terrain on the piste for all abilities. More crowded with non-skiers than skiers due to its array of sledding & winter walking trails, the ski slopes and off-piste are deserted and powder lays untracked for days. The biggest danger might be that it gets baked by the sun before you get to track it out!

From the top of the gondola system at First or higher up at Oberjoch, great views all the way across the Jungfrau massif and Schilthorn allow one to fully scope the huge potential of the region. Whilst some of the off-piste free ride terrain is protected wildlife habitat, there is more than enough here to keep one interested on a powder day.

The lift system is older than the rest of the Grindelwald Wengen sector but does an admirable job moving skiers up the mountain. The potential skiable vertical is nearly 1,500m, however given its sunny disposition, the reality is more often than not less than that, particularly away from the groomed pistes.

Whether skiing here or not, the Cliff Walk is definitely worth the time to wander around and take in the views. You might see a few chamois resting below the walkway. A full day adventure of the non-ski variety is the 15km sledding trail from the 2,681m summit of Faulhorn. It will take you up to 3hr to walk up to the summit (lugging your sled) from the top gondola station at First. The 500m+ of vertical is reasonably gentle but sustained. The descent would be great fun, just like all sledding in the Alps!

There are 4 valley trails that get one within striking distance of Grindelwald township. Each has a variety of potential après ski stops along the way. The most snow-sure and bar friendly is piste 22. Buses get one back to the gondola or town centre. We recommend staying in Grindelwald for a few nights if you can afford it and there is availability. It is a lively town in an amazing location.

One can ski First easily as a day trip on the train from Interlaken, but you will need to buy a full Jungfrau Ski Pass to get a free train ride. It is only a few extra Swiss Francs and worth it for the transport alone! First gondola valley station is a 10 minute walk from the Grindelwald train station. The ski resort is a great introduction to the Jungfrau Ski Region and is our pick as the first place to ski when at Grindelwald. From First, progress to Maennlichen, Kleine Scheidegg, Wengen and then across to Murren-Schilthorn once you have your ski legs sorted!