Gstaad

Gstaad is one of Switzerland’s most glamorous ski resorts, known as much for its luxury hotels, celebrity visitors, and chic village life as for its skiing. Set at 1,050 m in the Bernese Oberland, the Gstaad Mountain Rides ski region offers 200 km of pistes across multiple sectors, including Eggli, Wispile, Rinderberg, Glacier 3000, and Schönried.

While the village has an international reputation as a jet-set playground, the skiing is surprisingly versatile: families love the gentle local slopes, while experts head to Glacier 3000 (3,000 m) for snow reliability, freeride, and long descents. The resort’s blend of Swiss alpine tradition and high-end glamour makes it a unique winter destination.

Skiing & Snowboarding

The Gstaad ski area is spread across several sectors, each with its own character:

• Beginners: Gentle slopes at Wispile and Saanen are perfect for learners, with excellent ski schools.
• Intermediates: Wide blues and reds dominate across Eggli, Rinderberg, and Schönried, offering excellent cruising terrain with mountain hut stops along the way.
• Experts: The Glacier 3000 sector provides steeper runs, off-piste terrain, and the 7 km descent down to Reusch. While Gstaad itself isn’t as challenging as Verbier or Andermatt, the glacier adds credibility for advanced skiers.
• Freestylers: The Snowpark Glacier 3000 and natural terrain features across the area are popular with snowboarders.

Snow reliability is best at Glacier 3000, with year-round glacier skiing available. Lower slopes depend on snowmaking.

Ski Lift Passes

Gstaad is covered by the Gstaad Mountain Rides pass, which includes Glacier 3000.

• Adult: ~CHF 65/day | ~CHF 330 for 6 days
• Child (6–15): ~50% reduction
• Under 6s: Free

Deals:

• Family packages available.
• Reduced passes for single sectors.

Resort & Infrastructure

Gstaad’s ski infrastructure is modern and extensive:

• Gondolas and high-speed chairs connect Eggli, Wispile, Rinderberg, and Schönried.
• Glacier 3000 is accessed by cable car from Col du Pillon.
• Snowmaking ensures coverage across most sectors.

The ski area is spread out, so a car or ski bus is often needed to explore the full domain.

Accommodation

Gstaad is world-famous for its luxury hotels, but also offers mid-range options.

• Budget: Guesthouses and small hotels in nearby Saanen and Schönried.
• Mid-Range: 3★–4★ hotels such as Hotel Alphorn and Hotel Spitzhorn.
• Luxury: Gstaad is home to some of Switzerland’s most iconic hotels, including Gstaad Palace, The Alpina Gstaad, and Ultima Gstaad.

Browse via the Gstaad accommodation search.

Dining & Après

On the mountain, highlights include Bergrestaurant Eggli and Refuge l’Espace at Glacier 3000 with its panoramic views.

In the village, Gstaad boasts fine dining, from Michelin-starred restaurants like Sommet at The Alpina to cosy fondue stube.

Après-ski is more refined than raucous. Expect champagne terraces, stylish lounges, and piano bars rather than pumping clubs. The focus is on high-end socialising rather than wild nightlife.

Non-Skiing Activities

Gstaad is as much a lifestyle destination as a ski resort, offering world-class off-slope experiences:

• Designer shopping along the traffic-free promenade.
• Winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
• Spa and wellness in luxury hotels.
• Scenic excursion to Glacier 3000 for the Peak Walk suspension bridge between two mountain peaks.
• Horse-drawn sleigh rides and curling.

Village Character & Access

Gstaad is a traditional Swiss village with a glamorous edge. Wooden chalets line its famous promenade, home to luxury boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and five-star hotels. Its combination of rustic charm and international luxury makes it unique in the Alps.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Bern Airport (1 hr 30), Geneva (2 hrs), or Zurich (2.5 hrs).
• By train: Rail connections via Montreux or Zweisimmen directly to Gstaad.
• By car: Around 10 hrs from Calais.

InTheSnow Verdict

Gstaad is one of the Alps’ most glamorous ski resorts, blending Swiss tradition, luxury, and glacier skiing. While its skiing may not rival Verbier or Zermatt for scale or challenge, its atmosphere, dining, and lifestyle offerings set it apart.

For skiers who want a mix of alpine charm, snow-sure glacier skiing, and high-end luxury, Gstaad delivers a unique experience.

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