Aletsch Arena, a family paradise

Families welcome

The Aletsch Arena at the heart of the fabulous Valais mountain scenery is the perfect place for family holidays in Switzerland. In winter, kids zip down the beginner’s slopes of the beautiful ski area, and in summer they and their parents go for hikes and walks on the hiking paths or themed trails specially tailored to families. But that’s not all, by any means. There’s so much more awaiting you and your family in the Aletsch Arena.

Just watch your children’s eyes light up with excitement!

Winter Family-friendly businesses Events Local map Kids on ski Ski schools Gletschi Kids' activities Gletschi programme Youth programme Summer

They’ve won many awards between them, the three resorts of Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiesch. For years now, they have earned the right to bear the “Family Destination” label of the Swiss Tourism Federation. This stamp of quality is awarded to holiday resorts and destinations that cater specifically to the needs and wishes of children and the adults looking after them.

Welcome to the paradise for family holidays

So what makes the Aletsch Arena with its resorts Riederalp, Bettmeralp, Mörel-Filet, Lax, Fiescheralp, Fiesch and Fieschertal so perfect for adventure-filled family holidays? That’s easy – for instance, there’s a huge range of activities for kids. Another plus: Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp are all car-free! This makes the villages safe places for children to play. What’s more, some of the 300 kilometres of walking and hiking trails in the Aletsch Arena are pram- and stroller-friendly. In winter, you and your family are hardly out of bed before you’re back having fun on the slopes. Because they’re right on your doorstep or just a few steps away.

As you can see, the Aletsch Arena has created ideal conditions in the areas of infrastructure, experiences and services for unforgettable, action-packed family holidays in Switzerland.

Welcome to the Aletsch Arena

The Aletsch Arena welcomes you and your whole family to the Valais holiday paradise. The following experiences await you:

Optimum family skiing area with beginners’ slopes

Ski schools

Children’s skiing areas

Kids’ activity programme

Aletsch Arena

Winter adventures

Lasting memories are created in the family ski area of the Aletsch Arena. Be it the first uncertain metres on skis, building a snowman or a snowball fight. Given its altitude, there’s guaranteed snow in the Aletsch Arena, making it the perfect place for skiing holidays in Switzerland.

Family welcome

Family-friendly businesses

For years, the Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiesch resorts have proudly displayed the Swiss Tourism Federation’s “Family Destination” label. This stamp of quality is awarded to holiday resorts and destinations that cater specifically to the needs and wishes of children and the adults looking after them. A number of partner businesses in the Aletsch Arena, such as hotels, holiday flats and restaurants, also boast the label and help to make the Aletsch Arena one of the most popular destinations for family holidays in Switzerland.

Book family accommodation Family restaurants

what's up?

Events for families

Holidays are all about experiencing fantastic things together with the whole family. The Aletsch Arena is the perfect place for you and your family: special family events take place all year round. The programme is designed specifically with kids in mind and promises fun, games and adventure. Boredom doesn’t get a look in here, that’s for sure!

15Dec 23

Join in the winter season opening party!

20Jan 24

Erlebt einen unvergesslichen Familienskitag auf der Riederalp.

22Jun 24

Classic run in a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

experience together

Family offers

When you’re spending your holidays in the Aletsch Arena, you and your family benefit not only from the positive energy of the breathtaking Valais mountains, but also from many special offers for families.

from27.50CHF

The day pass for hiking, sightseeing and more.

from119CHF

Flying like a bird - the dream of every child. Suitable for children from 4-10 years.

Free skiing every Saturday for everyone under twenty.

“Ski for free” – your bonus

from37.50CHF

Downhill fun for the whole family in just one ticket.

Family discount: from the 3rd child free of charge

“Ski for free” – your bonus

Local Map

for families

There is so much for children to discover and explore throughout the Aletsch Arena. Whether following in Gletschi’s footsteps on the Gletschi Tour, sledging, ice-skating or having endless fun in the snow parks – kids can let off steam and experience the Aletsch Arena in the way that suits them best.

MapToggle map

Fabulous skiing fun for young and old: wide, sunny slopes, the best bits of the Gletschi Experience and detours to the view points combine to make this panoramic ski tour a real highlight.

closed easy 38,7 km 2,3 h

Fast-paced stretches, idyllic forest sections, fabulous mountains views extending as far as the Matterhorn: the superbly prepared sledge run offers 11km of sheer downhill pleasure.

medium 11,0 km 0,6 h

5.3km of unparalleled sledging fun, accompanied by fantastic views of the Valais mountains: from the mountain station of Gletscherbahn Moosfluh (at 2,333m) down to Riederalp.

medium 3,2 km 0,3 h

High-speed sledging fun from the mountain station of Gletscherbahn Moosfluh (at 2,333m) down to Bettmeralp. With a fabulous vista of the Valais mountains thrown in for free.

medium 2,7 km 0,3 h

so good

Family skiing

With the "Ski for free" promotion, Aletsch Bahnen offers children and young people up to the age of 20 a free ski pass for fun on the slopes every Saturday during the winter season.
Families benefit from attractive discounts when buying family ski passes during their holidays in the Aletsch Arena. The pass for the third child and each additional child up to 16 years of age living in the same household is free of charge – regardless of whether one or both parents are present.
If parents or a babysitter are taking turns to look after small children under 6 years, they can use the same ski pass (1–21 days).
Families benefit from individual ticket options at the trainer lifts. For more information, please contact info@aletschbahnen.ch.

Off to the slopes

Kids' activities

Children’s eyes are guaranteed to light up during the supervised children’s activities in the Aletsch Arena in Switzerland. There’s a huge range for the youngest guests to choose from. Whether it’s a swimming course or a circus workshop: there’s a kids’ activity to cover practically every need. Good to know: the children are professionally supervised the whole time they are taking part, so there is no need for their parents to be present.

from15CHF

A varied children’s programme at ski school Bettmeralp with activities that change daily

from30CHF

Learn the basic techniques of off-road mountain biking in this course.

from15CHF

Our childcare is located in the St. Michael Center on the lower floor and is open during the winter season from Monday to Friday from 9.30-13.30 o'clock. Children from the age of running are welcome.

from40CHF

In this riding technique course, the kids learn the basic techniques for safe biking.

from130CHF

Learn lots of tricks in a five-day workshop and show off your skills in the big gala performance at the end of the week.

from160CHF

No matter if you are an artist or a clown. A week full of exciting moments in the circus awaits you.

Listen to the exciting stories she tells us.

Aletsch Arena

Summer adventures

See the imposing Great Aletsch Glacier with your own eyes, even touch it on an exciting glacier tour, learn something new on one of the themed trails or grill a sausage or two with family and friends at one of the many barbecue areas: summer holidays in the Aletsch Arena are packed full with experiences and adventure.

Treasure hunting with Gletschi

Treasure hunts are great fun and a very special adventure for kids. In the Aletsch Arena, there are eight tricky puzzles for children to solve on the dwarf-themed Gogwärgiweg trail. Gletschi’s treasure map helps you work out the code that will open the legendary treasure chest.

to the itinerary

Gletschi

the mascot

Blue skin, bright red shoes and, on his equally red nose, a Swiss cross: Gletschi, a glacier flea, is the mascot of the Aletsch Arena. Gletschi is there for the kids during their unforgettable family holidays in the Aletsch Arena.

learn more about Gletschi

summer

Gletschi programme

Tons of fun, a hint of adventure and new friends – that’s what the Gletschi programme is all about. Join in the kids’ activities in the Aletsch Arena for a whole lot of exciting adventures with new friends, e.g. goat trekking, a miniature golf tournament, the herb tour and much more.

Admission to the programme, which changes weekly, is free of charge for all children aged 4–12 on presentation of the Guest Card. Registration is possible at any of the Aletsch Arena Info Centres.

The Gletschi programme only takes place in summer.

Youth Programme

Teens are usually bursting with energy, and the holidays are no exception. So it’s a good thing that action, thrills and adventure await teenage guests in the Aletsch Arena. Tailored especially to them, the youth programme is packed with fun and entertainment for the family holiday in Valais in Switzerland. For instance, how about a fast-paced mountain cart ride from the Lake Blausee Station down into the valley?

The youth programme takes place twice a week and is for kids and teens between the ages of 11 and 18. Below you can see which activity takes place on which day. The programme is free of charge, however some activities involve rental or material costs.