Melchsee Resort Overview
Melchsee is a charming and tranquil resort, located in the heart of Switzerland’s picturesque Obwalden canton. Sitting at an altitude of 1,920m, the highest ski lift reaches 2,255m. The resort offers 60km of diverse, skiable terrain, providing exhilarating skiing experiences for enthusiasts of all levels.
Built with a traditional Swiss aesthetic in mind, Melchsee offers a range of cosy, ski-in-ski-out style accommodation including hotels, chalets, apartments and guesthouses. The resort is renowned for its dependable snow conditions, maintaining a good coverage from December through until April.
Skiing in Melchsee
Melchsee offers an impressive range of skiing options for skiers of all abilities. The resort has 36km of blue runs for beginners, 14km of red runs for intermediate skiers and 10km of black runs for advanced skiers, all served by 8 ski lifts.
Beginners will find plenty of gentle slopes to learn on, including the wide, forgiving runs down to Stöckalp. Intermediate skiers will relish the variety of red runs, with the ones around Bonistock being particularly recommended for their stunning panoramic views.
Advanced skiers are also well catered for in Melchsee, with challenging black runs available. For an adrenaline-pumping experience, we recommend the Tällibahn run. If you’re seeking more off-piste skiing, the Fruttli area offers some thrilling opportunities.
Is Melchsee Family-friendly?
Melchsee is a great ski resort for families, offering a safe and welcoming environment. With a pedestrianised centre and a range of ski-in-ski-out accommodation, it’s a convenient and stress-free choice for families. Additionally, the resort offers a host of family-friendly amenities, including kid-friendly restaurants, a tobogganing park and a fun snow playground for children.
Après-Ski Scene in Melchsee
Melchsee has a relaxed après-ski scene, perfect for those looking for a quieter nightlife. There’s a handful of bars and restaurants in the resort centre where you can unwind with a drink after a day on the slopes. For a cosy, traditional experience, the Distelboden Restaurant is a highly recommended spot.
Dining in Melchsee
Melchsee boasts several excellent dining options, both on the mountain and in the resort. On the slopes, the Cheselen Restaurant offers a tempting menu and excellent views. In the resort, the Hotel Alpenrösli serves traditional Swiss cuisine in a warm, inviting setting, while the Pinte Restaurant offers a range of hearty dishes.
How to Get to Melchsee
Melchsee is easily accessible from several major airports. The closest airport is Zurich, which is approximately 1h 15m away by car. Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg and Geneva airports are also within reach, at about 1h 45m and 2h 30m drive respectively.
Melchsee Insider Tips
- For a unique dining experience, book a table at the Fondue-Igloo Erzegg, where you can enjoy a traditional Swiss fondue in the setting of a real igloo.
- Take a break from skiing and try out some other winter activities such as snowshoeing, winter hiking or ice fishing.
- End your day with a visit to Distelboden Restaurant’s terrace for a spectacular sunset view over the mountain peaks.