A stylish Swiss ski resort in the Bernese Oberland, Gstaad village still retains its Alpine charm. Wooden chalets and boutiques line the pedestrianised centre, with snowy mountains and Gstaad Palace’s turrets in the backdrop. The pretty tree-lined slopes are well-groomed and predominantly cruisy blues, make Gstaad suitable for families and mixed ability groups. Discover our experts’ recommendations in our guide to Gstaad village here.
Gstaad village at night © Christof Sonderegger, SwitzerlandTourism
Overview: Gstaad
Gstaad ski resort is suitable for all abilities with long winding blue runs, challenging reds and blacks. The Gstaad ski area is made up of 200km of well-groomed slopes, the majority between the trees. With lifts reaching 3,000m, there is a reliable and great snow cover throughout the season. Family-friendly, there is a fun kids’ area, learner slopes and plenty of blues to practise turns on.
Advanced skier should head for the legendary Tiger run, which is the steepest ski slope on the Wasserngrat. In addition, there are also four snow parks, epic off-piste in Saanen and a half-pipe in the Saanersloch area. Keen skiers can make the most of their lift pass with night skiing in Gstaad on the floodlit Rinderberg slopes.
Skiing in Gstaad © Gstaad Tourism
There are great ski schools to choose from, with patient and English-speaking instructors. We would recommend booking Gstaad skiing lessons for peak weeks in advance and with one of our partners, SkiBro, New Generation and Oxygène. We have chosen to work with these ski schools in Gstaad for their fantastic service, great instructors and positive feedback.
Gstaad Ski school © Gstaad Tourism
Winter activities
If you are travelling en famille, Gstaad village has plenty of activities to keep all ages entertained. The sports complex has an indoor swimming pool, climbing wall, table tennis and bowling alley, perfect for whiteout days. Make the most of your snowy holiday by taking a dog-sleigh ride on Glacier 3000, winter biking or a hot air balloon ride over the white peaks.
Those who have left Christmas shopping until the last minute will find luxury boutiques and local farmers shops to peruse. Magically lit up along the pedestrianised street, you won’t be short of choice. Watch the sunset at the Peak Walk, admiring the sky turn a candy-floss pink. Then you may like a warming hot chocolate of Glühwein in town. Pop in to the cosy Ice Dome’s Laurent Perrier bar, or warm up around the outdoor fire as you prepare to a skate while listening to the DJ.
Peak Walk at Glacier 3,000, a fantastic ski experience in Gstaad
Where to eat?
On the mountain, stop for lunch at wooden mountain huts serving Swiss Alpine cuisine and local wine. Or, visit the pop-up Gourmet Mobil on the Eggli mountain, and eat your meal with panoramic mountain views. In Gstaad village, dine at the sweet Le Petit Chalet in the gardens of Le Grand Bellevue. Seating just 18 people, this cosy restaurant serves a delicious truffle fondue. But, do be sure to check opening hours, at its shut between 2-6pm and on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s.
Rather earn your meal? Pick up your cheese from the Schönried dairy farm and pop it in your fondueland rucksack. Choose between five outdoor ‘fondueland’ locations then toboggan down to dinner. The Berghaus Wispile is the most convenient for those staying in Gstaad village and has fantastic views. Those not au fait with tobogganing can opt for the heated fondue carriage!
A lunch of cheese fondue © Gstaad Tourism
However, a less cheesy option is the Argentinian-Swiss fusion Chubut restaurant at the Park Gstaad. Start with empanadas, followed by a juicy steak with an Argentine Malbec or Bonarda. The Alpina Gstaad also has fantastic fine dining. Michelin-starred Sommet has influences from around the world and Megu is a top Japanese restaurant with a Michelin-star.
Après ski in Gstaad © Gstaad Tourism
Where to stay in Gstaad?
It’s hard to miss the stately Gstaad Palace, as its turret peak out above the village. The interiors don’t let the side down, with similarly grand fireplaces and dazzling chandeliers throughout. Family-run for three generations, they take pride in maintaining its prestigious address. With fantastic facilities and superb service, not detail is too small. After a day’s skiing in Gstaad, wind down in the Palace Spa’s indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and hammams.
Gstaad Palace deluxe suite
The luxurious Alpina Hotel rivals the Gstaad Palace with its impressive architecture and interiors. With two Michelin starred restaurants, Six Senses Spa as well as private art dotted throughout, it won’t disappoint. Pick up your skis and your lift pass at the hotel and make the most of your time on the slopes. The hotel even make their own honey and gin, both of which are delicious.
Alpina Gstaad’s outdoor pool, wind down after a day of skiing in Gstaad
The family-friendly Huus Hotel is a chic four-star hotel with a great wellness centre and childcare. As a result, parents can unwind while the kids are in the playroom, teenagers may prefer to watch TV on the big screens or play computer games. Above all, there’s an in-house ski hire shop and ski school to make your Gstaad skiing holiday stress-free.
Family-friendly Huus Hotel, a great place to relax after skiing in Gstaad
In addition, a cool experience for the family is cosying up in a sleeping bag in the Igloo Village. Rooms have intricate ice carvings and views from the mountain-top igloo are unbeatable.
For more information on Gstaad village, speak to one of our experts on 0207 471 7700.
