Customer review
Ski area Grächen/Hannigalp
Information about the ski area
| Highest point: | 2,868 m | Gondola lift: | 1 |
| Lowest point: | 1,619 m | Pistes in total: | 44 km |
| Altitude ski resort: | 1,617 m |
Pistes:
|
9 km |
| Lifts in total: | 15 |
Pistes:
|
33 km |
| Tow lifts: | 9 |
Pistes:
|
2 km |
| Chair lifts: | 5 | ||
Ski area Grächen/Hannigalp
The family-friendly ski area Grächen stretches over two mountain peaks and offers 44 km of pistes that can be accessed with the lift pass "Skiarea Hannigalp". The destination was awarded the Swiss quality seal "Families welcome" and offers a textbook example of a family ski area: access to Hannigalp (2,114 m) is possible with an extraordinary fairytale gondola. Ten of the 8-person gondolas are designed in colourful fairytale themes, and you can listen to audio plays of Grimm's fairytales inside, shortening the transfer times especially for children. No worries: you will always get to the end of the story, as all fairytales are just as long as one ride with the gondola.
Once arrived at the top, families can look forward to a true children's paradise on the easy slopes at Hannigalp, that are also suitable for beginners. The family park SiSu is located right next to the day nursery and offers four magic carpets, two children's lifts and several practice hills for a fulfilled day on skis. The mascot, "SiSu" the snow bird, is always around. SiSu has their own children's cinema in their igloo, takes children on the snow-tubing run or on the ski carousel. The childcare centre "SiSus Spiel- und Schlafnest" (SiSu's playing- and sleeping-nest) at the mountain station takes care of children from 2 years on for up to 2 hours per days, so that parents can go skiing on their own. But that's not all. More courageous children can look forward to the Family Funslope, with boxes, jumps, steep curves and a snail for additional skiing fun. In addition there's a ski movie slope, where kids or adults can test their ski racing skills. The trip down is recorded and can be watched back at the end. After carving or letting off steam, the whole family can visit the family restaurant Hannigalp, with its indoor play paradise "SiSu Wolkenland".
Asides from all the child-friendly services, experienced skiers will still not come off badly. Experienced skiers can look forward to the 2 km black piste down to Bärgji hut. At Seetalhorn (2,868 m), a demanding area with only red pistes is available. A four-person chairlift takes you to the neighbouring mountain where you can enjoy the demanding pistes.
Once arrived at the top, families can look forward to a true children's paradise on the easy slopes at Hannigalp, that are also suitable for beginners. The family park SiSu is located right next to the day nursery and offers four magic carpets, two children's lifts and several practice hills for a fulfilled day on skis. The mascot, "SiSu" the snow bird, is always around. SiSu has their own children's cinema in their igloo, takes children on the snow-tubing run or on the ski carousel. The childcare centre "SiSus Spiel- und Schlafnest" (SiSu's playing- and sleeping-nest) at the mountain station takes care of children from 2 years on for up to 2 hours per days, so that parents can go skiing on their own. But that's not all. More courageous children can look forward to the Family Funslope, with boxes, jumps, steep curves and a snail for additional skiing fun. In addition there's a ski movie slope, where kids or adults can test their ski racing skills. The trip down is recorded and can be watched back at the end. After carving or letting off steam, the whole family can visit the family restaurant Hannigalp, with its indoor play paradise "SiSu Wolkenland".
Asides from all the child-friendly services, experienced skiers will still not come off badly. Experienced skiers can look forward to the 2 km black piste down to Bärgji hut. At Seetalhorn (2,868 m), a demanding area with only red pistes is available. A four-person chairlift takes you to the neighbouring mountain where you can enjoy the demanding pistes.
Après ski Grächen
Valais is one of the most distinct and most beautiful landscapes in Switzerland. 38 km of winter hiking paths and 23 km of snow shoe hiking paths invite you to explore the wonderful nature in and around Grächen. Apart from classic leisure time activities, fun sports are up and coming at Hannigalp: on snow bikes, for example, you ride on two skis that are fixated one after the other, and hold your balance with short skis. Sitting down, you often race down the piste at a rapid speed. The local ski schools offer lessons for this extraordinary type of skiing fun.
But also off the piste Grächen has sportive specialities for families. In Grächen sports centre, children can let off steam in the huge indoor play park with bouncy castle etc., while parents can try out the climbing wall or play badminton. Families also should not miss out on ice skating on the natural ice rink. After an exciting day on pistes, children are tired and adults are longing for peace and quiet - you will find both in the cosy local restaurants when eating raclette, fondue and more, or when taking a swim and relaxing your muscles in the public indoor pool in St. Nicolaus.
Even though the resort is rather small, there is still quite a lot to do in the evening. Various après ski bars both in the ski area and the resort invite you to have a drink or two. Cocktails, wine, snacks, music - everything is available. At a very late hour, night-owls are recommended to go to "Sigis Bar". The modern and still quaint location always has the best parties.
But also off the piste Grächen has sportive specialities for families. In Grächen sports centre, children can let off steam in the huge indoor play park with bouncy castle etc., while parents can try out the climbing wall or play badminton. Families also should not miss out on ice skating on the natural ice rink. After an exciting day on pistes, children are tired and adults are longing for peace and quiet - you will find both in the cosy local restaurants when eating raclette, fondue and more, or when taking a swim and relaxing your muscles in the public indoor pool in St. Nicolaus.
Even though the resort is rather small, there is still quite a lot to do in the evening. Various après ski bars both in the ski area and the resort invite you to have a drink or two. Cocktails, wine, snacks, music - everything is available. At a very late hour, night-owls are recommended to go to "Sigis Bar". The modern and still quaint location always has the best parties.
Snowpark: Funslope Grächen Grächen
In Grächen, everything is directed at junior skiers. Even the fun slope with boxes, jumps, steep curves and a snail is primarily tailored for children. Freerider who prefer the adult version can use the snowpark in Zermatt that is approx. 1 hour away. The drive is worth it - "Snowpark Zermatt" in Zermatt has everything experienced freestylers and semi-professionals could ever wish for.
Is the Grächen/Hannigalp ski area not right for you? Then have a look here instead: Ski areas Switzerland