Description

Many people come to Mürren just to ski the legendary Schilthorn piste that dives down below the famous Piz Gloria mountain restaurant.

Expect a tough test even in the usually great snow conditions, although daily grooming has reduced the size of the afternoon moguls.

This run is for advanced skiers only.

Before attempting the run, be sure to take in the attractions at the top of Schilthorn: Blofeld's lair in the 1969 classic James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

The lift company has focussed heavily in recent years on marketing Mürren as a James Bond film location, and as a result when you get the cable car to the top you are as likely to mix with as many tourists from all four corners of the globe as you are other skiers.

There are numerous attractions for Bond fans (who isn't?), including a Hall of Fame walk and a movie, as well as a spectacular view from the revolving restaurant that reaches as far as Mont Blanc 80km away.

The run itself will benefit from a new start ramp for the 2015/2016 season, which will significantly improve access to the top of this famous slope.

Once you cross under the cable car wires, the slope steepens rapidly to a reported 75% as it curves slowly to the left and narrows to a mere 15m wide as it enters the shade.

Be sure to limit your speed here as big moguls can build by as early as mid-morning.

At the bottom of the steepest pitch there is an opportunity for a break - your thighs will need it after 300m of steep vertical.

The next section is great for opening out into some wide carves as the gradient reduces ahead of the long traverse around the frozen Grauseeli lake.

Ensure that you have enough speed to get through the traverse or it is a long skate to the Engetal. From the base of the run you can continue all the way to Lauterbrunnen in good snow, following the Inferno race route, but staying up high for at least a few runs is highly recommended.