Gstaad (Switzerland)

Skiing in Gstaad

The entire Gstaad ski area makes up some 200 kilometres of ski slopes reaching 3000m above sea level. The slopes in and near the resort centre are perfect for beginners and intermediates, with plenty of blue runs. Those looking for more challenging skiing should take a Gstaad Super Ski Region ski pass which covers the ski areas of Gstaad, Château-d'Oex, Rougemont, Saanen, Villars, Leysin and the Diablerets glacier, offering enough slopes to keep even the most demanding skier happy. All 6 ski areas are connected by train and ski bus, and the ski area is dotted with charming mountain restaurants. The Hornfluh (1949 m) is a beginner skier's paradise, while expert skiers can head to the Tiger Run, Gstaad's steepest ski slope, located on the Wasserngrat. At the Gummfluh (2456 m) the gigantic rock masses will remind you of the Dolomites. Gstaad has dedicated beginner's areas and an assortment of ski and snowboard schools with lessons for children as young as 3 years old. As a special treat, night skiing on floodlit slopes is also available at Gstaad. Worried about the snow cover? Don't be - the Glacier 3000 is the only glacier open for skiing in the Bernese Oberland. The ski season on the glacier extends from October to May.

Exploring the Bernese Oberland on foot

More than 100km of cross-country skiing trails and 200km of winter hiking trails pave the way for you to explore the beautiful mountain landscapes. The well-organized network is divided into different lengths and difficulty levels, taking you along hills, woods, rivers, chalet villages and even up onto the glacier. Likewise, you can choose to lose yourself in the beautiful Swiss scenery following the winter hiking trails, where you're always assured of stumbling on a cosy chalet where you can grab a bite to eat every once in a while! If you like to learn while you walk, you may opt for one of the themed trails which teach trekkers about the local culture.

Winter trekking with llamas

Don't feel like skiing today? No problem! Gstaad is full of alternate activities including dogsledding, tobogganing, fatbiking, outdoor ice skating, paragliding, horse-drawn carriage rides, and even trekking with llamas! Enjoy the spectacular mountain views from a bird's-eye vantage point in a hot air balloon, or dare to try your alpine skills on the ice climbing wall. If the sun in being shy in Gstaad, you have plenty of indoor activities to choose from such as climbing, bowling or taking a dip in the swimming pool. And, of course, you have plenty of spas to choose from! Gstaad has a varied and trendy après-ski scene with some good, but not too crazy, nightclubs and even though the prices are generally rather high, you can find some more reasonable venues if you look around.