Gstaad is a beautiful, unspoilt corner of the Swiss Alps with very high standards. We love the romantic setting, the classy restaurants and shops, and the range of slopes to suit all abilities.
The Ski Resort for Royals
During the ski season, Gstaad attracts celebrities and even royalty. Development has been limited and tightly controlled, so as not to spoil the incredible natural beauty of the Gstaad valley. A fairytale castle nestles above the village, which is made up of old-fashioned, pretty wooden chalets.
Gstaad itself stands at just over 1,000m and is surrounded by several charming villages, the largest being Saanen. The resort is pedestrianised, which makes wandering through the charming streets a pleasant experience. As well as luxury boutiques, there are art galleries and museums and of course plenty of great restaurants and bars. Gstaad is also known as a ‘wellness destination’ having numerous spas and treatment facilities great for non-skiers on a luxury ski holiday in Gstaad.
This mountain paradise is popular in both summer and winter, attracting visitors with its spectacular scenery and all-year-round activities. As well as winter skiing and summer hiking, you can go bowling, ice skating, husky sledging and much more besides. Gstaad also plays host to several major events such as music festivals, and major tennis and polo tournaments.
When to Visit Gstaad
Visited all year round, Gstaad offers something for everyone. It is possible to ski here from October right through to April and even May, thanks to high-level glacier skiing. Temperatures in Gstaad rarely rise above freezing between October and March, so be prepared for the cold.
Getting to Gstaad
The nearest international airport is Bern, at 1 hr 20 mins drive. Geneva Airport is 2 hours drive away.
The Skiing in Gstaad
the lodge skiing verbier
With over 250km of pistes in the Gstaad Mountain area, including several nursery slopes, there’s enough variety to keep everyone happy, whatever their level of ability. Gstaad has 11 black runs, 35 red and 50 blue, and there are several adjacent, unconnected ski areas to explore too. The resort sits amidst four valleys and there are lots of great mountain restaurants for long lunches and refreshing pit stops as well as luxury catered luxury ski chalets. With plenty of wide, gentle, sunny slopes, Gstaad is particularly well suited to intermediates.
Beginners have a few choice green runs in the Eggli and Bodme ski areas, and Wasserngrat is best for early beginners looking to escape the crowds.
Some of the best off-piste skiing is found in the Schonreid and Saanenmoser ski areas, and local guides are on hand to help find the best route through the powder. All-year skiing is possible on the Les Diablerets glacier, accessed from Glacier 3000. La Braye has the best slopes for snowboarders, and heli-skiing trips are popular. Gstaad also has a good network of cross-country ski trails for those who enjoy a slower pace of life.
Best Places to Eat and Drink in Gstaad
Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to fine dining in Gstaad. There are plenty of options to try, should you be staying in a self-catered luxury ski chalet including Gault Millau-rated restaurants at several hotels, including the Gstaad Palace, the Grand Hotel Bellevue, Grand Hotel Park and the Bernerhof. The most highly rated, Michelin-starred restaurant is the Chesery where Chef Robert Speth creates French and Italian dishes with the finest of ingredients, such as fresh seabass, local game and just-picked mushrooms and berries.
On a simpler level, there are plenty of places to sample Swiss specialities such as fondue or to pick up delicious, freshly-cooked crepes and pizzas. For a more unusual experience, you could try Michel’s Stallbeizli where the dining area is in a barn, overlooking the owner’s prime dairy herd, lined up in their stalls.
The nightlife in Gstaad is sophisticated and sociable. Richi’s pub and the Rialto bar are firm favourites among regular visitors and locals. From après ski bars to live music venues, refined cocktail lounges and nightclubs, the choice of entertainment is wide offering plenty of choice when on a luxury ski holiday in Gstaad.
Booking Luxury Ski Chalets in Gstaad
To take your ski holiday in Gstaad to the next level, book a private chalet. And if you want to book one of the best ski chalets, you want a luxury ski chalet. These chalets are better than any other accommodation in Gstaad, ensuring you have the best holiday of your life.
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