The mid-mountain resorts of Riederalp and Bettmeralp sit on a sunny, south-facing terrace below the 23-kilometre long Aletsch Glacier - Europe's largest, in the south of Switzerland. Beginners and intermediate skiers have the bulk of the 30kms of pistes, while expert skiers and snowboarders have a choice of off-piste at the top of the mountain.

Both Riederalp and Bettmeralp are traffic-free villages with a small number of permanent residents who are dwarfed by the influx of in-season tourists. Accommodation is wide-ranging and varied, with both budget as well as luxury establishments available and 9,500 rooms on offer in total (including nearby Fiescheralp). A ski kindergarten is also available.

Seven ski lifts operate over the 30kms of Riederalp and Bettmeralp's slopes, and are divided into 45 per cent beginner runs; 45 per cent for intermediate skiers; and 10 per cent suitable to advanced and expert skiers. The lift capacity is 9,000 skiers per hour and there are 110kms of slopes and 31 lifts in the region. In addition, there are 19kms of cross-country trails.

Other winter activities and facilities include: 25kms of winter walking paths; heli-skiing; ice-skating (natural); night excursions on skis by torchlight; snowshoeing; horse-drawn sleigh rides; and sledding. There is also a sports centre, and an indoor swimming pool at Bettmeralp. Nightlife is lively and centred around the villages' restaurants, bars and discos; folklore evenings are also popular.

The December to April ski season at Riederalp and Bettmeralp ski resorts has its best snow in February, and cheap Ski Weeks are offered before the Christmas holidays, in January, and mid-March.

The most practical way to get to Riederalp / Bettmeralp ski resort is to fly to Zürich, take a train to Brig, and then transfer to the resort by bus and cableway. Car hire is a lot quicker and more convenient.