Belalp Ski Resort Switzerland
Blatten-Belalp is one of a huge number of classic Swiss Alps ski resorts that sit high in the alpine above the Rhone valley in Switzerland's Valais. Close to the major centre of Brig, the modern lifts, big skiable vertical, easy rolling ski terrain mainly over 2,000m elevation, plus loads of winter-walking and sled trails make Belalp great for families. Powderhounds will love the ski area on a powder day for the extensive off-piste terrain accessible from the Hohstock T-bar & through the 'tunnel of love', plus the lower terrain in between the sled trail down to the main village of Blatten.
Belalp-Blatten ski resort has one of the better on-mountain dining experiences in the region. Skiing down to Aletschbord, checking out the views across to the snout of the mighty Aletsch Glacier and supping on some superb traditional fare in the Hotel Belalp is wonderful. Similarly, enjoying a few quiet après drinks at Hotel Chalet Sepp, then skiing the 8km sled run down to Blatten in the evening twilight is not only serious fun, but a Belalp rite of passage.
Pros & Cons for Belalp Ski Resort
Pros
- High altitude ski terrain guaranteeing quality snow.
- Huge skiable vertical and longest combination trail of 14km.
- Lifts and pistes perfect for novices, beginners, intermediates and families.
- Interesting variety of non-ski activities (sensational 8km sled run!).
- Generally uncrowded.
- Fun freeride terrain from the top T-bars on powder days.
- Well priced ski in ski out accommodation;
- Stunning views across the entire resort.
- Some quality on mountain dining experiences.
- Easy day trip on public transport from Brig.
- Challenging post après ski down the 8km sled run!
Cons
- Limited advanced & expert piste terrain.
- Piste trails are unnecessarily narrow.
- Very quiet après ski.
- Only enough piste terrain for a few days of interest.
Pro or Con (depending on your perspective!)
- Resort villages are quiet.
- Terrain is generally south-facing & sun soaked.
- Road up to Blatten-bei-Naters is challenging to drive if covered in snow (for some!).
Skiing & Snowboard, Lifts & Terrain
Blatten-Belalp ski and snowboard terrain is typical of many resorts on the 'alpine terraces' above the upper Rhone valley in the Valais. Just like its neighbour Aletsch Arena, plus nearby Crans Montana, Belalp ski terrain is all south-facing & mostly above the tree line over 2,000m elevation. Access is via cable car & gondola.
Check out the ski trail map for Belalp below.
The resort’s upper alpine terrain provides over 1,000m of skiable vertical, but is largely gentle rolling piste suitable for beginners, intermediates & families. The exception is the Hohstock T-bar which has a little more 'oomph' to its piste. For freeride in the off-piste, any powder seeker will easily find fresh lines, albeit without long uninterrupted fall line. Again, the terrain off the Hohstock T-bar is the ‘go to’ area, and for longer runs, linking to the Sparrhorn chair.
Below the tree line, there is a combined ski and sled trail leads down to the base at Blatten. Rated a blue trail, be wary of taking beginners down it, other than perhaps early in the day when it is freshly groomed. The 8km run becomes increasingly testing as its tight bends get bumped and scoured by the traffic. In good snow, options to avoid the trail and ski off-piste to the bottom provide the better way down for those determined not to download on the gondola.
It is possible to ski the entire 1,790m vertical by linking several piste trails from top to bottom running a muscle-liquefying distance of a whopping 14km.
See more information on ski lifts, terrain & lift passes, see our Skiing & Snowboarding Belalp page.
Where is Blatten-Belalp, Switzerland?
Belalp ski resort's main base village is the town of Blatten bei Naters, less than 9km north of Brig. Regular buses (route 624) make the 20min journey to Blatten-bei-Naters from Brig's main train, tram & bus station. For intercontinental visitors, Zurich is the best entry point for the region.
Brig is a major Swiss transport hub, easily accessible by direct train or car from the international airports of Geneva (GVA) & Zurich (ZRH) in around 2½hr. Search and book train tickets to Brig . Buy bus tickets to Blatten from the driver or ticket vending machine at the central station in Brig.
For more info on the best way to get to the Valais region, see our Travel to Brig page.
For hints, tips & warnings about getting to Swiss ski resorts in winter, see our Travel in Switzerland page.
Blatten & Belalp Accommodation
A night or two spent at Blatten-Belalp will certainly be an enjoyable Swiss snow experience for all visitors. Numerous lodging options are available to the casual visitor to ski resort.
Several well-priced, ski-in ski-out hotels, lodges & chalets are on the upper mountain at Belalp. Fantastic options include: the Hotel Belalp overlooking the Aletsch Glacier at the glorious Aletschbord; the Hamilton Lodge & Hotel Chalet Sepp at the top of the gondola; plus the Hotel Sparrhorn near the base of the Sparrhorn chair.
In the base village of Blatten bei Naters, the Hotel Blattnerhof is locating next to the bus stop, main car park & gondola base - perfect! Loads of private chalets are available for rent in & around the town with many of them ski-in via the long valley trail.
Search & book all Blatten & Belalp ski accommodation.
If all else fails, Brig is only 20min away by regular bus & always has great value rooms near the station.
Search & book all Brig accommodation Brig accommodation.
Nearby Ski Resorts
A variety of other excellent Swiss ski experiences can be had in nearby ski resorts. Skiing at Lauchernalp, Aletsch Arena & the über traditional Rosswald is easily achievable via the train and/or bus from Brig. Similarly, the larger ski areas of Zermatt & Andermatt are within a few hours travel by train.
Reviews
The Powderhounds reviewed Belalp & Blatten many seasons ago now on a delightful powder day in January and need to head back there soon. 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 Blatten-Belalp 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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