Cross-country skiing in Kandersteg
From the short, easy trail to the challenging panoramic trail, every visitor will find the right route for them.
Kandersteg is one of the best-known destinations in the Bernese Oberland when it comes to Nordic skiing, and offers a network of trails that is as diverse as it is exciting: from flat, broad valley bottoms through to the high-altitude trail at around 2,000 metres above sea-level, there are 55 kilometres of classic trails and 52 kilometres of skating trails to be explored. Whizzing through the snow-decked forest, past the banks of the burbling River Kander, traversing planes or the upland plateau of Sunnbüel – the magical mountainscape forms an incomparable backdrop to your cross-country adventure.
Cross-country trail
The Kandersteg trails
- 3 km Classic (blue signposts, “Herzloipe” Classic cross-country ski course, signposted)
An easy trail that leads along the River Kander. It is ideal for the leisurely cross-country skier wanting to enjoy the landscape.
- 5 km Classic & Skating (red signposts)
A Nordic circular trail which, at its half-way point, leads past the northern Lötschberg approach. Slight inclines and descents give the trail its particular appeal.
- 7 km Classic & Skating (green signposts, of which 5 km of the Classic and Skating routes are marked as the “Herzloipe”)
The trail leads up the village towards Kandersteg and to the ski jump, and is a beautiful circular route that is also suitable for skaters. Those who wish to can take the “Oeschigässli” shortcut.
- 10 km Classic & Skating (black signposts)
This challenging trail is suitable for athletic cross-country skiers. The Oeschiwald in winter and the incline towards Höhwald are challenging.
- 14 km “Höh” panoramic trail, Classic & Skating (yellow signposts)
The route includes the diverse trails surrounding Kandersteg. The highlight is the “Höh” at 1,318 metres above sea level. The trail demands a good level of fitness and confident descent technique.
- 6 km evening trail, Classic & Skating
17.30 to 21.00 hours, illuminated evening trail. Open daily during the winter season. Starting point: Hotel des Alpes
- 8 km Sunnbüel high-altitude trail, Classic & Skating
From the mountain station of the Sunnbüel aerial cableway, the trail leads to the plane of the Spittelmatte. The diverse circular trail leads past farm huts and the Arvenwald forest and back to the vicinity of the ski lift. This route is groomed from Christmas to Easter.
Season pass
The Kandersteg cross-country season pass is also valid in Lötschental.
Equipment hire
Grossen Sport, phone +41 33 675 00 16, e-mail info@grossen-sport.ch
Käthy Sport & Mode, phone +41 33 675 16 09
Trail starting point with changing room
Hotel Des Alpes
Additional trail information
Availability
Please observe the current trail report.
Rates
Cross-country passes, Kandersteg
- CHF 160.00 Season pass, Switzerland
- CHF 90.00 Season pass, Kandersteg and Lötschental
- CHF 40.00 Week pass, Kandersteg*
- CHF 45.00 Week pass, Kandersteg**
- CHF 10.00 Day ticket, Kandersteg*
- CHF 12.00 Day ticket, Kandersteg**
* With guest ticket
** Without guest ticket
The cross-country passes and day tickets are available from the BLS Travel Centre Kandersteg, the car park of the Hotel des Alpes (the trails’ starting point), the office of Kandersteg Tourismus, in the sports shops, and at various hotels in Kandersteg.
Prices in CHF incl. VAT / Prices and products subject to alteration
Nordic Days & Volksskilauf 4 & 5 February 2023
The cross-country skiing experience in the Bernese Oberland: On the first weekend in February, the fun and joy of cross-country skiing takes centre stage in Kandersteg. At the Nordic Day Challenge and the Volksskilauf half marathon, cross-country skiing enthusiasts can compete in teams with their friends, work colleagues or family members and cheer each other on.
Registration for the Nordic Day will close at 10.00 a.m. on 27 January 2023.
Saturday programme, 4 February 2023
Kandersteg Pick&Pack
The new cross-country ski orienteering for work, club and family teams, where fun and team spirit take centre stage. The event is suitable for everyone, whatever your proficiency level and age, beginner or expert. Discover the beautiful network of cross-country trails in the Kandersteg winter wonderland whilst searching for the nine different stations. Every station has a little surprise, while the various culinary stations ensure your physical well-being is taken care of and you have enough refreshment for your adventure.
| From 10.00 a.m. | Issue of the start numbers for Müllermatte start/destination. Please send just one person per team to collect the number. |
| 12.00 midday – 4.00 p.m. | Start at any point (for example ski jump, Hotel Des Alpes or Bären) The stations are manned from 12.00 midday until 4.00 p.m. |
Sunday programme, 5 February 2023
51th Kandersteg Half Marathon
The half marathon in the impressive mountain world of Kandersteg. Thanks to the easy course, also suitable for hobby runners!
| by mail | Issue of the start numbers |
| from 11.15 a.m. | Start Kandersteg Volksskilauf |
| from 4.00 p.m. | Rankings available online |
Craft-Kids-Cup
On an easy, between 3 and 10 km long course (depending on age), the children compete and at the latest when they receive the well-deserved finisher prize, they will say: "That was a cool day!"
| from 12.45 p.m. | Start Craft Kids Cup |
| 2.00 p.m. | Rankings available online |
The event will take place in any weather.
19th Kandersteg Nordic Day
- CHF 40.00 Volksskilauf entry fee
- CHF 10.00 Craft-Kids-Cup entry fee
- CHF 45.00 Pick&Pack incl. backpack adults
- CHF 30.00 Pick&Pack incl. backpack children
- Children/Young people*
- kandersteger.ch Further information on the programme
- Registration form datasport.ch
BLS Tip
Destination by candlelight
From 1 December, more than 30 restaurants at the destination Adelboden–Lenk–Kandersteg will be offering candlelit dinners once a week. From that date, every Thursday it will be lights off and wicks lit. The establishments involved range from the multi-award-winning cuisine at the Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort to the restaurant by Lake Blausee and the Berghotel Engstligenalp.
Arrival
