The Sörenberg skiing region

Sörenberg is a family-friendly winter sports region spanning an altitude of 1,166 to 2,350 metres above sea level. Along with 53 kilometres of varied and well-maintained slopes of all difficulty levels, it presents a whole range of winter sport options – making it ideal for beginners, experts and everyone in between.

The diverse skiing area of Sörenberg is just an hour from Lucerne via largely congestion-free roads or rail. And the best is yet to come: with no fewer than six base stations, lifts transport skiers directly from the car parks to the skiing areas. Having different access points also helps to prevent congestion on the slopes. The broader slopes in the village are perfect for beginners, pleasure skiers and families with children. The young ones have a great time with Snowli, finding their feet in the Kids Village of the ski and snowboarding school before trying out their new skills at the Mooraculum, a kids’ paradise on the Rossweid. Thanks to Lila Luchs and her friends from the moor, skiing becomes a colourful winter festival: the cuddly creatures help kids master their first turns in the snow, start riotous snowball fights and pose for souvenir photos for the picture wall. Those who have got the hang of skiing can then try out their moves on the steeper slopes of the Hundsknubel, the «Grossmutter» descent or the Raiffeisen Speed Check. On the varied terrain of the Freestyle Line, everyone from newcomers to professionals will be challenged by the many boxes, rails, tubes and kickers as well as the stairset. Those who prefer a gentler experience of the slopes can glide in relaxed style over hills and through meadows, forests and moorland before taking a break in one of many mountain restaurants. 

The Eisee skiing area on the Brienzer Rothorn is more demanding. Experienced skiers and freeriders will be tested to the full on Lucerne’s highest peak while savouring breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau (and up to 690 other peaks). Incidentally, this spectacle is not reserved for skiers: for just 10 francs, walkers can pick up a return ticket to enjoy the same panoramic view over coffee and cake. After this detour at the terrace of the peak, skiers can proceed through a tunnel towards Eisee; as you reach the end of the tunnel, the imposing view across the mountains emerges as you squint into the sun. The Eisee skiing area has its leisurely sections too, but the descent into the valley is a real treat for advanced skiers. Even the view of the sheer slopes from the cable car is enough to make people wonder just where the piste is heading. In fact, the precipitous and shaded north-facing slopes run down to Schönenboden. Once at the bottom – no doubt with a burning sensation in the legs – skiers can take a connecting lift back to the gentler hills of the village.

Non-skiers are also assured of experiences sure to excite any winter enthusiast.   Visitors can enjoy 35 kilometres of panoramic views on the cross-country trails from Salwideli to the base station of the Rothorn Railway, glide down sledging runs or crunch along winter hiking and snowshoe trails. Foodies can also savour a «circular culinary tour» or embark on a winter hike to the Kemmeriboden-Bad. The easy winter trails lead through wonderfully white moorland, overlooking the Rothorn range and the snowbound limestone pavement of the Schrattenfluh. Alongside the classic options, the diverse winter sports region of Sörenberg offers many other attractions – including a Detective Trail for young private eyes, a Photo Trail on the circular Rossweid-Schwarzenegg winter hiking path and sporting activity in the shape of Nordic Fit. For more on these offers, see the heading Winter experiences.

Numerous restaurants and welcoming mountain huts invite visitors to stop and recharge in the skiing region, with dining options ranging from picnic areas and self-service restaurants to gourmet eateries. Various evening events include hut gatherings, fondue parties and fondue chinoise. Sörenberg is good for après ski, with many bars and restaurants in which to round off a day’s skiing.