Swiss Guide: Gstaad Visit Gstaad

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Gstaad: the bite-size version

The town of Gstaad is one that oozes glitz and glamour, from the stunning Gstaad Palace to the car-free town centre. That’s not even the best part though; it’s also got over 200km of pistes. The closest ski areas to the town of Gstaad itself are La Videmanette area and the sunny Eggli mountain, which combine to offer 50km of pistes. The Eggli was first accessed by a "funi" in January 1938 and has been served by a gondola since 1954. A brand new panoramic gondola was installed in December 2019 by Porsche Designs, so skiers now travel up the local mountain in style. When you’re done skiing, visit star chef Martin Bieri’s new restaurant "Berghaus Eggli” for a meal to remember or the "Eggli Lounge” for a refreshing drink.

Geneva (148km) Zürich (209km)

ELEVATION

1,000m–3,000m

TOTAL PISTE DISTANCE

200km

LONGEST RUN

7.5km

NO. OF LIFTS

DIFFICULTY

60% blue (120km) 28% red (56km) 12% black (24km)

Gstaad

Wasserngrat which is known for the "Tiger Run”, the steepest slope of the destination.

The best places for those hunting steep slopes are to be found in La Videmanette, with its 7.5km stretch that drops 1,160m through the valley - or of course Wasserngrat which is known for the "Tiger Run”, the steepest slope of the destination. The four combined areas of Schönried-Saanenmöser-Zweisimmen-St. Stephan-Rinderberg are interconnected meanwhile, and offer 105km of those pistes, much of which is particularly good for intermediates. For park rats, Saanerslochgrat above Saanenmöser is the place to be, with an A-Frame box, wall ride and a whole bunch of kickers. There is another park at Glacier 3000. For night skiing, head over to Rinderberg, where (on certain dates) you can ski till late on floodlit slopes as the moonlight beams on down.

There are plenty of options to see the beauty of Gstaad and the snowy Swiss Alps from the air. Experienced balloonists appreciate the region for its climate, paragliders love it for the views and heli skiers adore it for… well, the reasons we all love skiing - splashing powder and putting new lines in untracked snow. The sort that most skiers dream of when they’re sitting at home. If you want to truly experience serenity, or to seek out fresh turns without the aid of a helicopter, look out for the extensive ski touring options in Gstaad. Put skins on your skis and hike up to one of the numerous peaks, enjoy the calm in the woods and the stunning views. The powder in Gstaad benefits from the wind-protected location of the area, and there are ski touring options for all levels. If you're new to the discipline, practise your ascent on the groomed route on the Rellerli. Work up to a tour from Turbach, heading southwest, uphill over a wide, beautiful ridge up to the Steinmandli (translating as "stone tower" at 1,950m, then back along the Turbach valley. Or rout to Walliser Wispile from Lauenen, earning beautiful panoramas of the Spitzhorn and the other mountains around you, and of the picturesque village of Gsteig in the valley.

For a more challenging tour from Lauenen, head to Arpelistock - a two-day effort with an overnight in the SAC Geltenhütte, or for freeriding galore try the Rinderberg - Wistätthorn route. Easily accessible from the top station of Rinderberg, this grants a whole lot of powdery downhill and a special view out over the Bernese Alps and the Gastlosen. You can descend back to St. Stephan, Turbach, or even to the ski area to continue your day on the lifts. With plenty of snowshoeing, cross country skiing and winter hiking routes, this is the perfect place to unwind. For remarkable views, hike to the sun-drenched Rellerli, via Bodme and Schönried. You’ll reach beautiful views over the Saanenland, Pays-d’Enhaut and Simmental.

To add some extra ‘Swiss-ness’ to the experience, grab yourself a "Gstaad fondue backpack" before you go touring or hiking - and have a cheese fondue at your new favorite spot on the mountain. Is there anything more alpine than eating fondue while looking at three-thousand metre mountains? Answers on a postcard if you think so, but it certainly sounds good to us. You’ll eventually wind up back in Gstaad, where in 1955, a new rule was passed that meant all new construction had to match the local chalet style of building. That means that the place is a traditional gem, and that it always will be. The only building which does stick out a little is the famous Gstaad Palace. Building began on the Palace in 1905, and it was eventually opened in 1913. In 1915 it held an outdoor tennis tournament that would later become the Swiss Open. During WWII the cellar of the building was used to safeguard the money of the Swiss Bank Corporation. Now it’s an emblem of the town - and that cellar is one of the best fondue restaurants around. Oh! And Roger Moore used to live here too. If it’s good enough for 007...

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Photography: Gstaad Tourismus

Video: Gstaad Tourismus

Photography: Gstaad Tourismus

Video: Gstaad Tourismus

Photography: Gstaad Tourismus

Arosa-Lenzerheide

Elementary powder, panoramic views of over 1,000 Alpine summits and 225km of stunning slopes await.

Explore Switzerland

A pure mountain paradise to experience serenity amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes and powder.

Lake Geneva Region

Fairytale towns and remarkable mountains, the Vaud Alps offer a plethora of winter activities.

Lake Lucerne Region

In winter the magical town, lake and ski resorts look like they’ve been plucked from a Disney film.

Valais

One of the most remarkable ski regions in the world and home of the iconic 4,478m high Matterhorn.

Bernese Oberland Region

A region at the centre of mountaineering for over 200 years and where alpine history has been made.

We need to ski again. We need Switzerland. Start your journey here.

Photography: Gstaad Tourismus