Trip Overview
Join BSSC over the February school break (for most schools) Feb 14-22, 2025. We have lined up an amazing ski trip to Grindelwald, Switzerland, that is fun for families, teachers, or just folks who want to have a blast. With a non-stop flight, private bus to the hotel, and hotel in the center of town and within walking distance to the train station, lifts, literally everything, it could not be better.
For stunning views, great skiing, and things to do for everybody, there are few places to rival Grindelwald. On and off the slopes, the scenery is jaw-dropping spectacular. Located at the base of the world-famous Eiger, which rises next to the Monch and Jungfrau peaks, Grindelwald is a lively, fun, and storied picturesque Swiss village.
Known as the Jungfrau Top Ski Area, the ski region is huge but very easy to navigate and has a modern lift system with no lines. World-class ski school for kids as well as adults for day classes or the whole week. Terrain for all levels with miles of long cruisers, wide-open bowls, and off-piste, there really is something for everybody. And everybody should take their turn out of the starting gate for a run down the longest and most beautiful Downhill course on the World Cup, the Lauberhorn.
For non-skiers and for off-slope activities, the list of ‘must-dos’ is endless. Take the world-famous cogwheel train through the Eiger to the ‘Top of Europe’; have lunch with James Bond at the Piz Gloria, the revolving glass restaurant atop the Schilthorn, made famous in the movie ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ with famous scenes from the movie and restrooms you have to experience; hoot and holler on the longest sledding runs in the Alps; hop on a train to visit charming Swiss cities; stroll the Swiss streets seeking chocolate, cheese, watches, and so much more.
We will be staying at the Derby Hotel, with daily breakfast and dinner, and literally across from the train stop, with so much to do on and off the slopes for kids and adults alike, so easy and convenient, with spectacular Alpine peaks as a backdrop, Grindelwald is THE perfect ski vacation.
Trip Details
Trip Highlights
Trip Includes:
- NON-STOP round trip air Boston/Zurich on Swiss (skis MAY fly free)
- All departure taxes and fuel charges
- Ground transfers airport/hotel
- 7 nights Hotel Derby
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- BSSC escort
- Lift passes NOT included. Approx $390 for a 5-day all area adult pass. Discounts for Seniors and Youths. 16-19 year olds, $240. 6-15 year olds, $180. 62+, $350.
Itinerary Highlights:
Below is an example itinerary for your trip. Your trip leaders will provide an updated itinerary after the group informational meeting just prior to trip departure. A Whatsapp will also be arranged prior to trip to stay up to date with the group itinerary.
Friday/Saturday, February 14/15
Meet everybody at the gate Friday, Feb 14 and depart Logan airport 9:55PM with the BSSC group and arrive approx 11:10AM on Saturday, Feb 15 in Zurich. Clear customs and gather at baggage claim together and follow the trip leader/s to our private bus. It is about 2 hours (without traffic) to hotel. Our rooms may or may not be ready for check-in, but you can leave bags at front desk and explore the town with the group or on your own. Check in as soon as rooms are available. There should be time to rent skis/boards, if need be, sightsee, relax, and unwind. We will have a Welcome Reception at the hotel and then group dinner at the hotel (time to be announced upon arrival) and make plans to meet up for skiing and riding the next day! Head out for nightlife if you have the energy!
Sunday, February 16 – Friday, February 21
Ski, ski, ski! The Derby Hotel is located walking distance to everything! It is literally just steps away from the train or bus taking you to the various ski areas. So roll out of bed at your leisure, enjoy a relaxing breakfast or get out there right away, it is totally up to you. The trip leader/s and the group will decide the evening before at dinner where to go each day. You may join the trip leader/s and the group for skiing and riding or explore on your own. The Jungfrau ski region is quite large, but it is easy to navigate. Every day can be different.
One of the great pleasures of skiing Europe is the lunches…not your usual burger in a cafeteria. The mountains are dotted with great places to dine for lunch. And we mean dine. Enjoy the long lunches and relaxing. Grindelwald has some great après ski scenes and must be experienced first-hand. The ‘bus stop’ at First ski area is a must. Enjoy a different hangout every day or return to your favorites!
Enjoy the town and its many shops, boutiques, cafes, and local hangouts.
A fun après activity to try is ‘sledging’, their version of sledding, and quite the hoot. The hotel has a few sleds for free, or they are easy and inexpensive to rent.
Ski passes are not included nor on any season pass, but relatively inexpensive. Get what suits your needs. Maybe all 6 days, or 4 or 5 days so you have a few days off to explore. We will send emails with more info closer to trip departure for lift passes.
Trip leader/s will plan places to meet for après each day. At dinner each night at hotel plan the next day with the trip leader/s. After dinner, head out on the town to one of many pubs and nightclubs. Keep in mind, the dancing and partying doesn’t get going until about midnight!
Saturday, February 22
After breakfast depart hotel with group for Zurich for 5:35PM flight and your return to the states after one incredible ski vacation! Bus departure time will be announced prior to trip or on the trip by the trip leader/s, but approx 12:00. Arrive back in Boston approx 8:15PM
Tentative flight plan, subject to change.
Swiss Airlines:
February 14 LX53 BOS/ZRH 9:55PM-11:10AM + 1 (February 15)
February 22 LX52 ZRH/BOS 5:35PM-8:15PM
*Skis MAY fly free on Swiss, but BSSC cannot guarantee it due to various rules and regulations per Swiss, such as, but not limited to: departure gates, domestic flights, Swiss/Lufthansa staff, flights operated by Swiss, etc.
If you are arranging your own airfare, you may choose to take advantage of the private group shuttle from the airport to the hotel with the group. If so, you will need to make your travel arrangements as follows:
- Arrive in Zurich (ZRH)) BEFORE 11:00AM on Feb 15 for group shuttle from airport to hotel.
- Depart Zurich (ZRH) AFTER 5:35PM on Feb 22 for group shuttle from hotel to the airport.
- If you cannot meet the group shuttle, you will need to make your own transfer arrangements to/from the hotel at your own expense. The group shuttle cannot wait, nor be responsible for flight changes.
- Please send Randy your flight schedule via email, randy@bssc.com.
- We will send you an email prior to departure with the Boston group’s final flight schedule and where to meet everyone.
Location Detail
Mountain – Jungfrau Region
Approximately 2 hours from Zurich
Skiable terrain – 367 miles, 131 “marked” trails plus off-piste
Base Elevation – 2,612 ft
Summit Elevation – 8,230 ft
Vertical – 5,591 ft
Lifts – 66
Hotel
We will be staying at the Derby Hotel. Beautiful and charming 3-star hotel located walking distance to town and literally next to the train stop to take you to the slopes, a perfect location! Breakfast and dinner daily.
Derby Hotel
Dorfstrasse 75, 3818
Grindelwald, Switzerland
+ 41 33 854 5461
www.derby-grindelwald.ch
Trip Requirements
Trip Pricing & Room Arrangements
The hotel offers traditional standard rooms for 2 people. For groups of 3, be it one adult and two children or two adults and one child, there are larger, upgraded rooms that have a sleeper sofa bed in the room for a 3rd person. These larger rooms are an upcharge, but with the triple occupancy discount, it is the same price per person as the standard rooms. For families of 4, please ask for pricing. FIVE Single rooms available for $550.
- Double occupancy: $2949 per person before July 31 (we’ll match you with a roommate or request your own). $3099 as of August 1.
- $500 non-refundable deposit per person to hold spot.
- 2nd payment of $1000 per person due by Sept 20.
- Balances due by Nov 15.
- Room Options (price is per person)
- 2 People Standard Hotel Room $2949 by July 31; $3099 as of Aug 1.
- 3 People Deluxe Room, w/sleeper sofa bed for $2949 by July 31; $3099 as of Aug 1.
- Single room – Add $550
- No air: deduct $1000. You are on your own to meet us there.
- Lift passes are not included. Approx $390 for a 5-day pass.
Passports
Make sure your passport is current! PASSPORTS must be valid for at least 6 months after your travel dates. Make sure we have your full name as it appears on your passport as it must match airline ticket! If you do not have one, or need to renew, do so immediately!! It can take about 6-8 weeks.
Travel Requirements
Make sure you are up to date with all travel requirements! BSSC is not responsible if you cannot pass any border crossings and/or if any testing fees are needed. Check www.travel.state.gov for passport and travel requirement information.
Trip Disruption
All prices and arrangements are subject to change without notice. Changes include, but are not limited to, a change in schedule (departing earlier or later than planned), destination or mode of transportation, or cancellation or postponement of the entire trip. Changes may be caused by weather or any other unforeseen event, government-imposed travel restrictions or advisories or acts of God.
BSSC is not responsible for additional costs which may be incurred as a result of these situations, such as, but not limited to, making own arrangements to get home, extra hotel nights and/or separate hotel nights, nor is it responsible for full or partial refunds if these circumstances lead to reduced ski time or activities that are part of the trip package or a reduction in the duration of the trip itself.
Trip Amenities
- Mountain View
- Short Walk to Lifts
From $3099 air included
$500 non-refundable deposit due at registration. $1000 payment due by September 20, 2024. Balances due by November 15, 2024. Price is per person, based on double occupancy. See Room Arrangements for options for 1-4 occupancy rooms, as available.
Dates:
February 14, 2025 - February 22, 2025
Location
Grindelwald, Switzerland
Travel Method
Air
Activity Type
Randy Friedman
Travel Director
randy@bssc.com
(617) 789-4070 x729
Photo Gallery
Room Pricing & Arrangements
Price is per person, based on double occupancy. Options for 1-3 occupancy rooms, as available.
Occupancy: 2
Standard room, double occupancy.
$2949 per person by July 31. $3099 as of August 1.
We will do our best to match you with a roommate, or request your own.
Occupancy: 1
Additional cost of $550 as available.
Occupancy: 3
$2949 per person by July 31. $3099 as of August 1.
Must provide all roommates.
Grindelwald, Switzerland - Location Map
Things to know
Frequently Asked Questions
From intermediate to advanced, chances are very good there will be many people that ski at your level. The trip leader/s will arrange for those interested to ski together on the first morning to match up with same-level ability. Beginners may want to sign up for lessons.
In general, BSSC trips are designed for adults, 21 or older.*
For overnight travel the ages range from twenties to fifties, with a mix of couples, groups of friends, and singles travelling solo. Sometimes the more adventurous or strenuous the activity, the younger the crowd might skew. With exotic or more costly arrangements, you are likely to find a few more “well-seasoned travelers” mixed in as they check off their bucket list! BSSC trips are about us taking care of all the details, so you can just enjoy yourself, and perhaps experience something new, with like-minded people.
*The participation of minors is considered on a case by case basis at the discretion of the Ski & Travel Director. Minors are permitted on BSSC Day Ski & Snowboard trips. Check the day ski trip policies for more details.
Yes! BSSC makes it easy and economical for the solo traveler. Our lodging options are spelled out clearly for each trip giving you the choice of room that best fits your needs.
BSSC traditionally offers “minimum occupancy”. Whether in a hotel or condo, it is typically two per room, and you each get your own bed. Nobody has to sleep on a pullout or rollaway. Select trips may also offer lower prices for triple and quad occupancy.
Single rooms may be available upon request for an additional fee. If traveling solo, we will match you with a roommate of the same gender and approximate age, or you may request to room with a friend or significant other of any gender.
For BSSC overnight travel, booking 3-4 weeks in advance is recommended. For week-long vacations, book early to guarantee your spot and get the best rates. Ski vacations are usually announced in the summer at a $100-$150 savings. Check each trip for specific deadlines and policies. The closer the travel date, the more complex and costly it might be to procure accommodations and/or airfare.
Yes, most BSSC ski vacations may be booked without air from Boston. Before you book any portion of your vacation, call us for a quote and to discuss your possible flight schedule. If our trip includes transfers, you will need to coordinate times to meet the BSSC group or be responsible for getting yourself to the resort.
Sign up for the BSSC playbook newsletter
Stay up to date on all BSSC info by entering your email
Your questions, Answered.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Visit our Help Center