- Details
- Written by: Jim Walker
- Last Updated: 27 Sep 2013
Leukerbad's curative waters have been well known since Roman times. Every day 3.9 million litres of thermal water flow into the private and public pools. With a total of 22 thermal pools (indoor and outdoor) Leukerbad is home to the largest thermal pool offer in the Alps. In the impressive "Burgerbad" complex visitors can enjoy 11 pools with temperatures between 28° C and 44°C, looking up at the mighty peaks all around, such as the magnificent Balmhorn (3699m) from the outdoor pools. Winter sports haven't been around so long, but there have been ski lifts here for more than 50 years. They've recently been upgraded in part but with a large part of the clientelle of this resort here for the hot water, not the snow, the slopes are often delightfully quiet. The mixed ages of clientelle, give Leukerbad coupled with the smart town and impressive scenery make Leukerbad a rather cosmopolitan destination.
It doesn't matter whether you're sports mad, a wellness fan, in search of peace and quiet, or more family-oriented. The largest thermal spa and wellness resort in the Alps offers a wide range of relaxation options and activity programs amidst the fascinating Valais mountains at approx. 1,400 metres above sea level.
Mountain
There are two drag lifts by the village so most skiers and boarders past beginner level take the cable car across the valley up to the bigger ski area above with 50 km of slopes of all levels of difficulty (but mostly reds and blacks), including some World Cup training runs. Six drag lifts a chair and a cable car connect the skiing areas of Torrent and Albinen. From the top at 2610m there are spectacular views over the Alps with their 4.000m peaks. The heart of the ski area is the Rinderhutte, above the treeline at 2340m in the centre of a giant powder field, where seven lifts arrive or depart, including the top of the main cable car up from resort. Most of the ski lifts from here are drags. Experts should carry on up lifts F to the top where they'll find a succession of black trails (Numbers 3, 4 and then as you hit the treeline, hopefully not literally, 5) that can take them quickly down the full 1,200 metre vertical to resort. Intermediates can do the same thing over a longer, less steep route, from the top of lift F - taking red runs 7, 11 and 12 in succession. There are plenty of off piste and tree skiing opportunities around Leukerbad's slopes. The best route up to get maximum vertical is to take the cable car up to Rinderhutte, then drags F and H in succession to reach the top ridge. From there, after a little hike, it's possible to make a variety of top to bottom descents, starting with the open powder field before dropping down in to the trees above the resort. To find your way, hire a guide. Leukerbad operates a 18km high altitude cross country loipe at Gemmipass at 2350m, served by its own cable car separate to the downhill ski area. There are three different access points to the main slopes, a cable car and a gondola at separate departure points. Ask the ski bus driver to take you to the best on the day. In December 2008 a new detachable six-seater chairlift was be introduced on the Torrent as a replacement for the two existing ski lifts. What's more, we shall be making a couple of adjustments to the slopes which will result in a brand new blue piste.
Families
Leukerbad has everything for a perfect family holiday: a magnificent natural landscape where you and your family can practice different kinds of sport, and family-friendly rates and varied leisure activities will make your family holiday a memorable and eventful one. At 1'411m, in the middle of a majestic mountain scenery surrounded by the Valais' fresh mountain air your children will feel completely contented. The thermal baths and the taste Valais food will also contribute to your well-being and relaxation. Take some time out and treat yourself: your kids are in the best of hands in Leukerbad. Under 8s in Leukerbad benefit from free use of the Gemmu and Torrent winter sports areas (though not the Erli skiing area) plus free admission to the Burgerbad, to the Lindner Alpentherme (here children from age 6 are allowed in) thermal baths and to the Sportarena (excluding material rental).
Eating Out
From regional specialties to international dishes and haute cuisine - all kinds of culinary delicacies can be found in Leukerbad and the surrounding area. And with a glass of fine wine, a good meal tastes even better. All specialties in the 50 restaurants in total are listed in the restaurant guide "Gastrofuhrer Leukerbad" - available at the office of Leukerbad Tourism.
Apres
After an active day on the ski runs you can lie back in the outdoor pool and relax in the warm thermal water and let the snow flakes dance all around you: this is the perfect way of experiencing winter in Leukerbad!
Boarding
Fun Park with 3 kickers, 4 rails, a box and various other obstacles in natural terrain.
