Grand Hotel Belvedere, Wengen

Wengen, which shares the Jungfrau pass with Grindelwald and Murren, is most famous for its dramatic downhill course, the 'Lauberhorn'. It's also known as one of those classic Swiss ski resorts that is relaxed and has stunning scenery. Don't come here solely to bash as many pistes as possible. Wengen is traffic free and only accessible only by train from Lauterbrunnen. Many skiers will then take the train on up to Kleine Scheidegg, so a good knowledge of the timetable is vital to avoid queues although the newly renovated cable-car to Mannlichen provides a quicker alternative into the main area. As with Grindelwald, the views of the Eiger and the surrounding mountains are awesome. Both resorts share the problem of unreliable snow, as the pistes don't go much higher than 2000m. The skiing is very good for intermediates and beginners and the ski schools are excellent. Advanced skiers and boarders don't have too many pistes to try, but off-piste is adequate.

Many people go to Wengen simply for the atmosphere. It's sedate, stress- and traffic-free and 'old-school'. The village has excellent hotels that provide most of the dining, with some superb mountain eateries to boot. Nightlife is fairly restrained but non-skiers have plenty to occupy themselves with. In particular there is the option of the train, providing access to the valley below, to Murren, and to Interlaken. When the weather is fine, many people are happy just to sit out, enjoy the scenery and soak up the ambience of the place. It isn't just skiing in Wengen, you know.