Rating overall
7/10
Wengen / Michael Whittaker
Freeriding
Kleine Scheidegg is the biggest of the three areas and riding under the Eiger's north face is a truly special experience. It’s mostly reds here and a lot of wide pistes where riders can get some good carving in. There are some flat and narrow sections between pistes that may overwhelm beginners or frustrate riders who want to ride non-stop.
The famous ‘Lauberhorn’ black run is definitely worth ticking off as most of the terrain is more like an easy red with only a few steeper areas. Speed is optional on here but you will have fun blasting down if you are of intermediate level.
The Lauberhorn Steep Section
Michael Whittaker
The off piste here is ok but there’s not too many open faces without a long hike in, apart from off the west face off the Salzegg drag which also has a good but short blast off its north side, it’s a bit of a traverse but at least you can say you boarded on the Eiger’s north flank is under the Gummy chairs is good and can be made longer if you pick your way through the rocks and trees down to the Tschuggen drag. There is also some cool tree runs lower down but it does tighten up so it’s best to get out of the trees before you get to low.
Freestyle
Wengen is not a resort for Freestylers and there is no park of any substance in the resort which is a shame, as it is a big market that seems to have been untapped. A basic beginner’s park can be found at the base of Wengen but this will provide no challenges for the serious free rider.
Having said that riders prepared to ride down to Grindlewald will find a well maintained 850 metres long park with the Pro, Public and Easy Line Kickers,
4 Rails, 7 Boxes, 1 Corner Hip. There is also a Boarder Cross run This park goes some way towards rectifying the lack of features in Wengen itself, but it may be worth setting a day aside in Grindlewald if you are making the trip.
Pistes
Wengen has a variety of Pistes to suit riders of all abilities and there is plenty of terrain to access. Absolute beginners would be advised to look elsewhere as the resort is more catered to intermediate and advanced riders, with limited beginner pistes in quite a daunting environment.
Access to the slopes can be gained by taking the Train from Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg or by taking the Mannlichen Gondola.
Wengen Train
Michael Whittaker
From each of these areas a wide variety of blue, red and black runs can be found that are ideal for carving, but be warned access between pistes can involve, narrow ski tracks, uphill and flat section which are more geared towards skiers.
Wengen Snowboarder
Michael Whittaker
The feeling or riding alongside the ‘Eiger’ is something not to be missed and the addition of the brand new 6 seater Sesselbahn Wix chair has helped improved the speed of getting around the resort.
Beginners
Wengen has a beginner’s area at its base but it is small with very short hills, this area has a magic carpet, poma lift and a beginner’s fun park, but is it not ideal for learning as higher up has nothing to progress too of a similar level. Beginners should take this into consideration and perhaps revisit the Jungfrau region after a few weeks on the mountain they will get so much more out of the terrain.