ONE OF THE MOST CHARMING SKI VILLAGES IN THE ALPS, WITH A GREAT SENSE OF TRADITION AND TRANQUILITY

Murren, in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, is quite simply one of the most special ski resorts in the world. It is also one of the oldest. Skiing has been going on in Murren since the early part of the last century and it was here, in 1922, that the world’s first slalom races were held, organised in part by the great British ski pioneer Arnold Lunn. Holidaying here you always feel in touch with he origins of skiing as we know it today.

Murren is a tranquil, car-free ski resort built mainly in the chalet style. It has truly awesome views across the valley to the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains. The pace of life is slow and change here happens very slowly, if indeed it happens at all. There is a very small year-round population of local residents, all of whom hold their British visitors in high regard and most of whom speak our language.

There are many better places to go if you purely want a ski holiday with bright lights and lots of action, but if you are seeking a quiet, restful break with some challenging skiing in spectacular surroundings then Murren is the perfect choice.

Access to the skiing in Murren is via a cable car from Lauterbrunnen station (which in 2007 replaced the century-old funicular, mourned by some, but speeded up the journey) and then a mountain railway along the plateau from Grutschalp. Alternatively, a cable car runs directly up from the valley hamlet of Stechelberg, beyond Lauterbrunnen, to the opposite end of the village. The Stechelberg option runs later into the evening.