A Classic Swiss Ski Experience
Indulge in the piste de resistance of an original ski resort in Adelboden
Review by Marion Barnham
Skiing in Adelboden is a classic Swiss ski experience. Wide open slopes, prepared pistes and a plethora of off piste terrain all connected by gondolas, trams and chairlifts. The Bellevue Park Hotel and Spa in Adelboden is an ideal hotel when you are skiing and staying in Adelboden. Originally built in 1931 and perched high on the hillside overlooking the delightful ski town of Adelboden, the Bellevue (justly named) provides stunning scenery and beautiful decor within as well. Recently renovated to bring modern elegance to this timeless natural setting, the hotel is now in third generation management.
After a day on the slopes at Adelboden and Engstligenalp you can return to the Hotel, a brief walk from the transport tram lift up a hill, place your ski gear in the ski room complete with boot dryers, and head to your mountain view balcony or to the outdoor saltwater pool at the spa. The Bellevue Spa features both indoor and outdoor salt water pools, a Finish Sauna, fitness facility, beauty salon and many spa treatment rooms. The Parkhotel Bellevue & Spa was one of the first in Switzerland to follow the wellness trend. In 2001, a 1700 m2 spa was built, and in 2009 the existing indoor pool with sauna and thermal baths underwent a complete renovation. Glass, terrazzo floors, spruce wood and exposed concrete create a unique atmosphere. The broad spectrum on offer considers the current trend for individual, ritualised treatments.
With half board, The Belle Vue restaurant serves gourmet dinners each night and a bountiful buffet breakfast with Swiss meats and cheeses, muesli, fruit and nuts and delicious fresh baked breads - just what a skier needs. The Bellevue has a beautiful bar where aperitif is served for après ski and nightcaps, along with a weekly reception for guests with the hoteliers. Since 2003, Jürgen Willing has led the Bellevue kitchen with joy and passion. The “Gault-Millau” guide has awarded the “Belle Vue” restaurant 14 points. The Swiss cuisine with French touches is founded on well-mastered techniques and excellent produce, of which many regional fresh products such as organic veal from Adelboden, sturgeon from Frutigen, mushrooms from the surrounding forests and rare, forgotten vegetables. Premium grilled meats from the “Green Egg” charcoal grill are another house specialty.
The wine list includes over 800 items. Including famous names Romanée Conti, Anne Leflaive, François Raveneau, Meo-Camuzet, Clos des Lambrays, Armand Rousseau and Domaine Du-jac.
The Parkhotel Bellevue is both family friendly and pet friendly with over 50 rooms in total, and three room-categories: “Classic”, “Nature” and “Privilege”, to correspond to a variety of lifestyles. The “Classic “double rooms and junior suites, entirely renovated in 2015, have a gorgeous view of the mountains and are sunny and light-filled. An attractive oak parquet, loving details and popular mid-century classic furniture make each one unique. High-quality box spring beds from a Swiss manufacturer ensure a good night’s sleep. The South-facing junior suites and suites in the “Privilege” line, decorated in elm and walnut wood, are impressively comfortable and spacious.
The “Nature” rooms, the young, simple line, cheer guests with light beech wood and Scandinavian furniture classics from the 1950s.
Adelboden Stats: Elevation 7,217′, Base 4,133′, Vertical drop 3,084′. 72 lifts including total, 210-kilometers prepared trails plus off-piste at five separate ski areas.
Adelboden can be reached by train via Spiez to Frutigen from Zurich or Geneva Airport, followed by a 20-minute bus from Frutigen.
Fly with Skywork, which operates two flights daily from London City airport to Berne-Belp, return flights cost from £190.
Room rates start from £115 
Enquiries: Parkhotel Bellevue & Spa, Bellevuestrasse, 3715 Adelboden, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland/ +41 33 673 80 00/ [email protected]/ www.parkhotel-bellevue.ch/en/