Gstaad

About Gstaad

Located in western Switzerland's Bernese Oberland, Gstaad offers old-world elegance in an alpine village. A popular mountain destination for decades, it's the heart of the "Gstaad Super Ski Region," an interconnected resort system with six areas. A large selection of exclusive gear shops, boutiques, and pastry shops makes afternoon shopping delightful. The village center features a picturesque promenade with high-end boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants, highlighting its status as a retreat for the global elite. 

Notably, Gstaad features the Tiger Run on Wasserngrat, one of the region's steepest slopes, challenging even experienced skiers. You can travel between areas via ski lift, piste trail, train, or bus. The Gstaad Super Ski Region has 64 lifts or trams, providing access to over 120 miles of skiable terrain, with elevations from 3,281 to 9,842 feet. The Glacier 3000 area offers year-round skiing.

Buying a regional lift ticket is the best choice. It gives access to Gstaad and other Super Ski Region resorts, with bus or train transport included. Though known as an elite destination, Gstaad has many affordable lodging options, and lift ticket prices are comparable or even cheaper than most U.S. destination resorts. 

The nightlife caters to all tastes, from discos and piano bars to nightclubs. For those interested in history, Chateau d'Oex, a charming village of Swiss and French influence, is only half an hour away by train.

How to get to Gstaad

The three closest airports are Bern Airport (BRN), Geneva Airport (GVA), and Zurich Airport (ZRH). Bern Airport is the nearest, located approximately 50 miles from Gstaad, with a commute time of around 1.5 hours by car. Geneva Airport, a popular international gateway, is 95 miles away, requiring about 2 hours by car or train. Zurich Airport, another major international hub, is situated 130 miles from Gstaad, with a commute time of 3 hours by car or train. Visitors can also take advantage of Switzerland’s efficient rail network, with direct connections from Geneva and Zurich to Zweisimmen, followed by a scenic ride on the GoldenPass Panoramic train to Gstaad.

Navigating Gstaad is both simple and convenient. While the efficient bus service connects surrounding villages, the true highlight is the ski lifts. These lifts not only transport you to the peak of the slopes but also connect you to adjacent ski regions, ensuring your mountain escapades are effortless and enjoyable.

Skiing in Gstaad

Gstaad skiing is best reserved for intermediate skiers and families since most of the runs are red or blue. When it comes to terrain in Europe, blue signifies an easy run and red is for intermediates. Expert skiers will enjoy skiing the routes down from Glacier 3000, the only glacier ski area in the Bernese Oberland. The resort also offers heli-skiing on the six surrounding mountains from bases in Gstaad and Zweisimmen, for those looking for an extra thrill. The primary two sectors of the resort are Gstaad-Saanen-Rougemont and Zweismmen-Saanenmöer-Schönried. The first has the longest ski run out of all six mountains, which starts on Mt. La Videmanette and is over 4.5 miles long, stretching all the way down to the valley. However, the second sector offers the perfect variety of restaurants and terrain, including on and off-piste.

Beginner Skiing in Gstaad
Beginners have access to several green runs in the Eggli and Bodme ski areas. Wasserngrat is a better option for those new to skiing who want to avoid the crowds. Enjoy learning to ski on these green runs as a family! The Rinderberg/Saanerslochgrat/Horneggli interconnected ski area is particularly accommodating for beginners, featuring approximately 40 miles of blue slopes, which constitute about 73% of the total runs. Located near Gstaad village, the Wispile and Eggli areas provide gentle slopes ideal for novices. Their proximity to the village makes them convenient for first-time skiers. Gstaad hosts several reputable ski schools offering group and private lessons. Certified instructors focus on building confidence and fundamental skills, ensuring a supportive learning environment.

Expert Skiing in Gstaad
Intermediate skiers will be thrilled with the terrain at Gstaad, as they’ll find ideal runs near almost every lift in the resort. For continuous runs, intermediate skiers will want to spend some time on the Hornberg and Horneggli lifts in Schönried. With nearly 27 percent of the terrain designated as expert, skiers will encounter black runs at every turn in Gstaad. A favorite for those seeking a challenge is the black run that stretches from the top of the Dome lift down to Reusch.

Family vacations in Gstaad

Gstaad is a paradise for families, offering a wide range of mountain activities that go beyond skiing. Explore cross-country ski trails, race down toboggan runs, or take a serene winter hike. Snowshoeing, ice skating and even curling are perfect for keeping everyone entertained. For a unique experience, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy landscape. Families will love the cozy hotel accommodations that are just a short walk from the Eggli ski area, with spacious rooms and stunning mountain views. Kids can splash in the heated outdoor pool while parents unwind in the sauna and steam room.

Gstaad offers dedicated ski areas for children, featuring magic carpets and gentle slopes, to ensure a safe and enjoyable learning experience. Families can also explore Wispile Mountain, which hosts snowshoeing excursions and an animal trail featuring alpacas. The Sportzentrum in Gstaad village offers public ice skating, adding to the winter fun. After outdoor adventures, cozy mountain restaurants and luxury accommodations provide relaxing spots to unwind, making Gstaad a versatile and unforgettable winter destination for families.