Gstaad: A Ski Paradise and so Much More

With an astonishing range of winter sports activities to thrill and delight the whole family, the famous Swiss ski resort of Gstaad is about so much more than skiing.

experience the wonderful swiss powder in gstaad

: Written by: Roger Fulton; Last Updated: 08 Nov 2019

Winter hiking in the wonders of Swiss nature... sledging with a stop in the resort’s Fondueland... the serenity of a hot-air balloon ride… These are just some of the many delights that can be found in Gstaad, where winter can be enjoyed from the end of October to the beginning of May.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy the unique Sound Piste, between the Saanerslochgrat middle station and valley station, where you can create a variety of sounds using ski poles, milk churns and cowbells.

As well as superb wellness facilities and gourmet restaurants, the unspoilt natural environment inspires you to get out and keep fit, on the mountain – and in the air.

Uplifting

And this December Gstaad will begin operating its brand new panoramic gondolas, whisking snowsports enthusiasts and nature lovers up to the local mountain, the Eggli. Thanks to its innovative suspension system and spacious interior, the elegant Porsche Design gondola lift offers a uniquely comfortable ride. The 10-person panoramic gondolas combine state-of-the-art technology with style and comfort and certainly stand out from conventional cabins.

Gourmet Gstaad

Gstaad offers foodies a wide range of delicacies. More than 100 restaurants, pubs and bars with very different types of cuisine ensure visitors are well and truly spoilt for choice, with everything from raclette and fondue to Asian cuisine, Italian, traditional Swiss and Michelin-star gourmet restaurants.

For fine dining experiences, try a culinary voyage of discovery at the famous Japanese restaurant MEGU at the Hotel Alpina, or the stylish Leonard’s at Le Grand Bellevue. Or visit the trendy 16 Art Bar Restaurant in the village of Saanen.

The many rustic mountain inns with their inviting sun terraces, Alpine charm and magnificent panoramic views of the mountain peaks increase the feel-good factor and thus further enhance the highlights on offer at the destination Gstaad.

You can even order your own Fondue Backpack – a special package containing all the ingredients and tools for an irresistible outdoor experience.

And new this winter, the snowcat-mounted Gourmet Truck invites guests to enjoy a truly exceptional atmosphere. The pop-up restaurant at the mountain station of the new Eggli ropeway offers a unique culinary experience, complete with panoramic views. On set dates, various top chefs will delight fans of winter sports and culinary connoisseurs with delicious specialities. For those who want to linger a little longer, or ride down, there are beautifully decorated ropeway gondolas to hand.

Hit the pistes in Gstaad for spectacular views and top-class skiing.JPG

And as for the skiing!

With 200 km of ski slopes between 1,000m and 3,000m, Gstaad is the perfect place fun-filled skiing experiences, from family-friendly slopes to the only glacier ski area in the Bernese Oberland.

Intermediates will love the Rinderberg Ronda ski safari – a two-hour circular tour around three mountains and valleys. Experts will want to test their skills on the acres of freeride terrain as well as the 2.5km long Tiger Run, on the Wasserngrat - considered the steepest ski slope in the resort. And discerning ski tourers will find Gstaad offers a multitude of routes ranging from easy pre-Alps mountains to demanding high-altitude ski tours.

Try some other winter activities.JPG