It would be easy to dismiss Belalp as just another small Swiss ski resort and not ski it. But on the premise that every ski resort is good on its day, after a 30ish cm snow fall, we did! Happy to report that the experience was thoroughly enjoyable.

A painless bus trip from Brig up the wining road to Blatten bei Naters and we were deposited at the combined gondola /cable car base. For skiers, avoid the cable car and jump on the gondola. On the way up, numerous chalets, some good looking lower off piste terrain, the long sled trail plus winter walking trails are in full evidence.

Alighting at over 2000m elevation you get a sense of being in for a good day. An excellent learn to ski area which a witch theme (Hexenland), ski rental, repairs, ski school and a few bar/restaurants that double as ski n ski out accom are all located at the top of the gondola. Three chairlifts extend over rolling terrain to service the bulk of the piste trails which are mainly intermediate and in parts unnecessarily narrow. Whilst of little interest to Powderhounds, they are perfect for family groups and children.

The top of the long Sparrhorn 6seater fully displays the possibilities. Long groomed pistes extend down, and for the more advanced, two T-bars extend up. Groomed trails off the T-bars include several marked ‘black’, but they are anything but. Advanced riders main interest here is the off piste.

The Hohstock T-bar tops out at over 3100m elevation and opens up the chance to see uninterrupted over 1700m vertical and 14km back down to the base in Blatten, albeit with a little bit of pushing along one long flat section. Save it til later because on a powder day the more worthwhile option is to lap the freeride terrain to the skiers right of the T-bar all the way down to the Sparrhorn chair (a not too shabby 1000m vert). it would be easy to spend the day doing this, particularly if the ‘tunnel of love’ is open. The tunnel, at the top of Hohstock, opens up easy access to another huge bowl extending the freeride possibilities even further. Unfortunately, the tunnel was closed due to extreme avalanche hazard, so it remains ‘unsampled’ by Powderhounds. Navigation in the off piste in reasonable visibility at Belalp is relatively easy for the uninitiated. We were lucky enough to hook up with a fun expat crew that were happy to explore.

A worthwhile lunch expedition is the ski from Sparrhorngrat (2860m) down to the historic lodge, Aletschbord (2100m). Not only is the traditional fare at Aletschbord delicious, but the views over the snout of the Aletsch glacier and into the Rhone valley are sensational. Whilst in good snow it would be possible to ski off piste into Blatten from Aletschbord, the usual return to the ski area is via a winter walking trail (skating) and the Farrichlift.

An après ski session in the afternoon at Chalet Sepp saw us undertake the Belalp rite of passage. As the sun disappeared and the gondola stopped turning for the day, the only way down was via the 8km long sled run. The sledding trail is heavily utilised during the day by skiers and sledders alike. By the afternoon, even though rated ‘blue’, it more closely resembles a double black diamond run. With a 6 pint handicap in fading light, the run is super fun and a tad frightening. Bring a headlamp. You have been warned! Of course you could forgo the ski down and stay the night at the Sepp or the nearby Hamilton Lodge.

On mountain accommodation is very well priced and usually available. Otherwise Blatten has several good hotels at the resort base. Alternatively, Brig is only a 20min bus ride away.

Pick your days and you will find Belalp ski resort a pleasant surprise and well worth the trip.
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