It’s a question I’m often asked. My answer, my own hotel, The Cambrian Adelboden, usually produces a blank look from whoever asked me the question, followed by the response,
“Where’s that? …I’ve never heard of it.”
Well I am not too depressed by that reaction because I know that if you live outside Switzerland, or fail to follow the world’s elite men’s slalom and giant slalom racers who ski here each January, it’s quite understandable that you might not have heard of Adelboden.
One of Switerland’s classic resorts, it’s fair to say that whilst other Swiss destination names have dominated the international ski consciousness, over recent decades Adelboden has remained (to the international tourist) one of Switzerland’s best kept secrets.
There’s an irony in that because a century or so go, back in the early 20th century, Adelboden was at the epicentre of a new pastime referred to as winter alpine sports.
It even hosted the world’s first ever organised ski trip organised by the great ski travel pioneer Henry Lunn who went on to form one of the leading travel agencies in the U.K responsible for helping millions of people go skiing over the years.
Anyway from that moment on Adelboden’s growth as a winter sports destination was assured from the tweed clad English middle classes being pulled up the mountains in horse drawn slays to today’s world class lift system. Although it may have dropped out of the list of best known Swiss resorts in recent years, Adelboden has remained the choice of those that know where to find some of the Alps best pistes with views and hospitality to match.
Indeed many glory in the fact that they have found this ‘secret’ resort and escaped the masses crowding the slopes of better known but perhaps actually less impressive ski areas.
I first visited Adelboden as child some four decades ago and have returned ever since to a village that has retained its authenticity and reputation for quiet but perfectly groomed pistes as well as offering an abundance of other ways to explore the picturesque Bernese Oberland where it is located, all year round.
With over 210Kms of piste to choose from and accessible and abundant off piste areas Adelboden remains a popular choice for not only the international traveller but the Swiss. Over 70% of our hotel guests, so to speak, ‘stay at home’ to ski in their own country, so you don’t have to take my word for it but that of those that really do know their stuff.
Adelboden is the Swiss resort where the Swiss choose to ski. “Go Figure” as our American friends say.
Following an extensive refurbishment The Cambrian has built a reputation as Adelboden’s most popular place to stay with 71 rooms an 800m2 spa with indoor pool , treatment rooms and one of the world’s best “pools with a view” . Once again don’t just take my word for it I’m after all bound to be biased but The Cambrian was repeatedly voted in the top 10 in surveys such as the Conde Best pools.
So if you’d prefer to unwind in the spa as opposed to hurling yourself down the slopes on skis, board or toboggan you’ll be very well catered for. Although you can of course do both.
What you’ll experience at The Cambrian is a relaxed atmosphere, comfortable modern surroundings and attentive intuitive, friendly and knowledgeable hosts. We encourage as many locals as possible to work for us and simply ask that they share their local knowledge in the hope that our guests will get the most from their stay. We are proud to have built a reputation for welcoming back returning guests year on year.
Adelboden’s not trying to compete with Gstaad or St Moritz , you’ll certainly not see a parade of fur coats or poodles on the high street or have the opportunity to buy a luxury handbag. If that’s what you are looking for Adelboden’s definitely not the place for you.
Anyway an abundance of leather goods would be really upsetting for the cows and there’s a lot of them in Adelboden. In fact you are far more likely to see them parading down the high street on their way to or from the alpine meadows high above the village if you visit at the start of end of the season. they certainly do lead a charmed life …
However if the chance to meet the local artisan cheese maker, baker or 7th generation farmer is of your interest, Adelboden definitely is the place for you.
“So what’s your idea of luxury … ” another question I’m often asked. Space to breath and connect with the surroundings and encounter original experiences… oh and of course a comfortable bed.. you’ll be in need of that…
