What’s in store
Pure, fragrant Alpine air, sunshine from dawn to dusk and clear views over the Matterhorn and the other proud four thousand metre peaks in the Valais, that’s Bettmeralp in the heart of the Aletsch Arena in Switzerland.
The village in the winter
Bettmeralp is situated high above the Rhone valley on a sunny plateau at over 2,000 metres above sea level. The harmoniously developed village with 300 residents and 5,000 guest beds is the heart of the Aletsch Arena. The altitude and also state of the art snow-making equipment operated exclusively using natural resources guarantee snow from December to the end of April even in winters with not much snow. Guests and luggage are transported by snow groomers or skidoos. Otherwise the snow-covered roads belong to pedestrians and skiers. As what is unique to Bettmeralp: you can ski down from every single building.
Maria zum Schnee chapel
Bettmeralp’s landmark is the Maria zum Schnee chapel built in 1697. The name recalls the legend of a wonderful snowfall in August that showed where the chapel was to be built. The chapel has been a listed building since 1979.
Ski slopes
104 perfectly prepared kilometres of ski slopes with 35 state of the art ski lifts invite you to carve or snowboard in the Aletsch Arena. Anyone who likes to take things a bit easier can stroll over winter hiking trails or have fun at après ski. The Bettmeralp ski resort is linked to the Riederalp and Fiescheralp. In the “Best Ski Resort 2012” ranking the Aletsch Arena was awarded a sensational third place by the way. Bettmerhof guests can strap on their skis right in front of the hotel and swish right down to the Wurzenbord or Schönbiel chairlifts!
Snowboarding
Besides a snow park there is also a halfpipe in Bettmeralp for all snowboarders looking for an adrenaline kick.
Snow sports schools
Be it skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing or cross-country skiing – the Bettmeralp Swiss Ski and Snowboard School (www.schneesportbettmeralp.ch) teaches all kinds of snow sports. Anyone who prefers exclusive private lessons will be well looked after at the Snow-Passion ski school(www.snow-passion.ch).
Après-Ski
On the Bettmerhof sun terrace you can round off your day’s skiing perfectly with fine liqueur coffees, wonderful cakes or a glass of fine wine. Anyone who likes parties and being sociable meets for après ski when the slopes close at Q-Stall, the Scappatina Bar, Albi’s Mountain Rock Café or Dancing Alpfrieden. The Bachtla disco is the hot spot for young night owls.
Indoor pool at the Bachtla sports and leisure centre
You will not be bored at the newly renovated and wheelchair-accessible indoor pool with giant waterslide, whirlpool and children’s paddling pool.
Sports hall at the Bachtla sports and leisure centre
The sports hall can be used for tennis, volleyball, badminton, football, trampolining and other kinds of sports.
Ice skating
Blades instead of skis. The natural ice rink located just beneath the cable car to Bettmerhorn is usually open Sundays to Fridays from 2.00 – 9.00 p.m.
