Thrill-seekers and ski enthusiasts have a new reason to visit Interlaken and Mürren in the picturesque Swiss Alps this winter. The world’s steepest gondola has recently opened just outside of Interlaken offering an exhilarating ride from Stechelberg to Mürren, followed by the opportunity to tackle the infamous Diretissima, the steepest ski slopes in the world.
The World’s Steepest Gondola
The journey begins in the quaint village of Stechelberg, nestled in the Lauterbrunnen valley. As you board the state-of-the-art cable car, prepare for a breathtaking ascent up the vertical walls of the Mürrenfluh. This engineering marvel boasts an incredible gradient of 159.4%, making it the steepest cable car in the world.
The four-minute ride covers a vertical distance of 775 meters over a track length of nearly 1,194 meters. Each cabin, suspended from an 11-meter-long arm to cope with the extreme incline, can accommodate up to 85 passengers. The fully autonomous system, monitored by cameras and sensors, ensures a safe and smooth journey without onboard staff. More info about this engineering marvel here.
This ride is indeed a thrilling experience on par with the close-by Gelmerbahn the highest and steepest alpine rollercoaster in the world.
Arriving in Mürren
As you disembark in the car-free village of Mürren, you’ll find yourself at an elevation of approximately 1,638 meters (5,374 feet) above sea level. The charming alpine setting offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. It is a true winterwonderland at the heart of the Schilthorn skiing area.
Skiing the Diretissima
For those seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush, the Mürren-Schilthorn ski area presents the Diretissima, one of the world’s steepest ski slopes. This challenging run boasts an intimidating 88% gradient, making it the steepest descent in the Jungfrau region. There is also a slightly less steep run from the top of the Schilthorn that makes for a good warm-up ski at ‘just 75% gradient’.
The Diretissima is part of a vast network of slopes that spans from 1,600 meters up to nearly 3,000 meters above sea level. This impressive altitude range ensures excellent snow conditions throughout the season, with the upper Birg-Schilthorn section often remaining open until late April.
The Mürren-Schilthorn Ski Experience
Beyond the Diretissima, the Mürren-Schilthorn area offers a diverse range of skiing options:
- Beginners: Gentle slopes near the Maulerhubel and Winteregg lifts provide perfect terrain for those new to skiing or snowboarding.
- Intermediate and Advanced: The Schiltgrat area offers more challenging runs for those looking to push their limits.
- Freestyle: The Skyline Snowpark features jibs, rails, boxes, and a kicker line for freestyle enthusiasts.
With a total of 54 kilometers of groomed pistes and an additional 3 kilometers of ski routes, there’s something for every skill level in this traditional Swiss Alpine village.
Beyond Skiing in Mürren
The Mürren-Schilthorn area isn’t just about skiing. Visitors can also enjoy:
- Winter hiking trails with panoramic views
- A thrilling sledding safari including day sledding and night sledding experiences.
- The Thrill Walk, a cliff pathway at Birg station.
For James Bond fans, a visit to the 360° Restaurant Piz Gloria at the Schilthorn summit is a must. Here, you can enjoy a “Bond Brunch” while taking in spectacular views of the surrounding Alps.
As you descend back to Stechelberg on the world’s steepest gondola, you’ll have experienced not just one, but two record-breaking attractions in a single day. The combination of cutting-edge technology and natural beauty makes the Mürren-Schilthorn area a truly unique destination for winter sports enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.