🇨🇭 Switzerland · Obwalden canton

Melchsee-Frutt

36 km of piste
2255 m top altitude
Night skiing

Altitudes: 1920m - 2255m
Km of piste: 36 km
Lift pass / day: 60-70 CHF (~62-72€)
Airport: Zurich (ZRH) — ~1h30-1h45

Switzerland · Obwalden · 1,920m - 2,255m · 36 km of pistes · Frozen mountain lake

Summary

Melchsee-Frutt is a family resort at almost 2,000m in the canton of Obwalden, known for its frozen mountain lake (Melchsee) which in winter becomes a natural ice-skating rink and photogenic setting. With 36 km of gentle pistes and modest vertical drop (335m), it’s ideal for families and beginners.

The high-altitude plateau setting (no forests, entirely open) offers wide panoramas and plenty of winter sunshine. Accommodation at altitude with ski-in/ski-out.

Technical details

Detail	Value
Resort	Melchsee-Frutt
Km of pistes	~36 km
Altitudes	1,920m - 2,255m
Vertical drop	335m
Snowpark	Yes (funslopes)
Night skiing	Yes (selected evenings)
Season	December — early April
Lift pass	~60-70 CHF/day (~62-72€)

Why ski here

Frozen lake — the frozen Melchsee is a unique sight, natural ice-skating
Resort-level altitude guaranteed — at 1,920m, reliable snow without relying on snowmaking
Ski-in/ski-out — accommodation at altitude with direct access
Affordable for Switzerland — lift pass and lodging below the major resorts

Giora’s tip

Melchsee-Frutt is the perfect 2-3 night getaway for families with young children who want guaranteed snow, a frozen lake and tranquillity. Not for skiers seeking kilometres or vertical.