Given the charm of the village, the friendliness of the locals and the drama of the scenery, it's easy to see why many people love Wengen - including large numbers of Brits who have been going for decades. It's great for a relaxing time, for those who don't take their skiing too seriously, for families and for mixed groups of intermediates and non-skiers.
Keen piste-bashers should not underestimate the drawbacks. If you're used to modern mega-resorts, you'll find Wengen a huge contrast, and may have difficulty adjusting. But the spectacularly scenic Jungfrau region is one that every keen skier should experience; and to experience all of it, Wengen - centrally placed between Mürren and Grindelwald - is the best base.
Wengen is one of three resorts close together in the Jungfrau region. It is set on a sloping shelf above the Lauterbrunnen valley, opposite Mürren, and reached only by a cog railway, which carries on up to Kleine Scheidegg and the slopes shared with Grindelwald. Access to Mürren involves a train down to Lauterbrunnen, a cable car up and then another train (or a bus from Lauterbrunnen to a different two-stage cable car to Mürren). Access to the First area of Grindelwald is an even longer process, including skiing down to Grindelwald and crossing town - the planned new gondolas (see 'News') will speed up the return journey but not until 2017/18 at the earliest. The Jungfrau lift pass covers all three resorts. Outings further afield aren't really worth the effort.
Pros
Some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps
Small, traditional, nearly traffic-free Alpine village
Lots of long, gentle runs, ideal for leisurely intermediates
Nursery slopes in heart of village
Cons
Limited terrain for experts and adventurous intermediates
Natural snow unreliable (but substantial snowmaking now)
Trains to slopes are slow and there are still a few old lifts
Getting to/from Mürren and Grindelwald's First area are both a bit of a slog
