Skiing with kids: SnowPark Eriz

Into the winter fairytale! This claims the promotional leaflet of SnowPark Eriz! This leaflet does not really lie. And I’m so glad that our Swiss friend shared with us this secret tip for a friendly family-friendly ski resort on the border of Emmental and Berner Oberland regions.

Getting there

 

From Bern, you reach the SnowPark by car in 45 minutes. At first drive along the A6 motorway in the direction Thun, then take the exit Steffisburg. Approximately after 10 kilometers, in the village of Oberlangenegg, turn right at the direction Eriz (there is a signpost to the Eriz ski area). From Thun, you can also take a bus, line 41, stop Innereriz, Säge (timetable available here).

When you cross the covered wooden bridge over the Zulg River (which gave the name to this long valley), you are on the spot. Parking is 4 francs per day. I don´t know about you, but I prefer those ski areas, where you don’t have to take all your stuff (and believe me, with 3 kids it’s a lot of stuff) with you to ride with a cable car up to the mountain without possibility to get to your car for forgotten piece of ski equipment, snacks etc. Here is the parking lot next to the grounds, which I really appreciate.

Schneechutzli Kinderland

In Switzerland, children under 6 years of age generally have free access to the cable cars, museums etc. Here, however, children of all ages, plus accompanying adults (whether skiing or without ski equipment), must pay to enter the children’s area. On the other hand, for 8 francs, there are 2 cable lifts, magic carpet, teaching elements, slalom, carousel, bouncy castle, picnic tables, “cushioned” pillows – kids can enjoy a lot of fun here while learning the basics of skiing.

Skiing for more proficient skiers

You can find the price list here. Take the ski pass clip with you and attach it to the left (the card is not scanned by the device but you have to insert it into the device that is on your left).

Sledding

The sled runs are free of charge. One slope is right next to the children’s area, the other on the opposite hill (you have to cross the wooden bridge). But do not expect someone to take your sled up the hill, you have to drag it yourself (which is better than fitness :)).

Refreshments

Chutzli Bar & Lounge

Right next to the ticket office, you will find the Chutzli Bar. You can enjoy your hot or cold drinks and other refreshments in the adjacent heated tent.

Another option is the stand just off the ski school or the Gasthof Schneehas. Here, as in Restaurant Säge, Geissegg-Stübli, Restaurant zu Sennerai, or in a local products store, your ski pass can be exchanged for something from the menu (eg. coffee with Baileys :)) worth the deposit.

Other activities

The area offers 10 km of cross-country ski trails for classic style and 12 km of skating. Several winter hiking trails without or with snowshoes (map here). These and all other equipment can be rented (payment possible only in cash!). There are also instructors from the local ski school (contact here).

My tips:

• Don´t be afraid to take a stroller with you – I’ve seen a lot of families going out for a walk on the groomed wanderweg.
• You can find a changing table on toilets for the disabled (next to the local products store).
• If one of the family members doesn´t bear roads with numerous curves, make sure to be prepared for it beforehand (not to end up like we did 😉 )

In my opinion, SnowPark Eriz is a paradise for the whole family and it has everything a skier’s heart desires. And as I wrote in the introduction, I’m very glad we found this nice place.