Gstaad needs little introduction. Known to be one of the most exclusive resorts in the Alps, Gstaad is located in the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland. This alpine resort is picturesque and glamorous, yet despite its reputation, Gstaad has maintained its alpine charm and traditional touches. The pedestrianised main street is the heart of the resort and is home not only to designer boutiques but also to a huge selection of gourmet restaurants. And with over a thousand cultural and sporting events on offer throughout the year, the actual skiing in Gstaad is almost an afterthought…
Gstaad sits between four valleys, each lined with ski centres, all covered on the Ski Gstaad Pass. The ski area is split into sectors, and the largest single sector links the slopes above Schonreid, Saanenmöser and Zweisimmen (Schonreid is ten minutes from the resort centre). In the other direction, the second largest sector links the skiing above Saanen and Rougemont on the French side of Gstaad. There are several smaller areas local to Gstaad. The largest is at Wispile, which is above the main resort.
Adding to its charm, many of the pistes sit below the treeline, making it one of the most picturesque places to ski. It is the perfect resort for intermediates, with wide runs and easy blues and reds. But if you are looking for a challenge, be sure to tackle the 2.5km long Tiger run at Wasserngrat - it is the steepest in the area.
Beginners and children are well looked after in Gstaad with private slopes reserved just for them across the area – the ones to note are the dedicated areas in Wispile and Snow-Paradise.
The local ski slopes of Wispile and Wasserngrat, which are closest to the centre of Gstaad, have easy blue slopes that are perfect for families and beginners. From these areas you can also practice skiing through a number of tree-lined runs, which are accessible from the gondola. When looking to progress, the ski areas of Schonreid and Saanenmöser offer a variety of blue and red pistes, which are great for building confidence.
KEY FACTS
- Altitude: 1,000 M - 3,000 M
- 200 KM of slopes
- 82 Ski Runs: 41 Blue, 27 Red & 14 Black
- 42 Ski Lifts: 3 Cable Cars, 9 Gondolas, 14 Chair Lifts & 16 Ski Lifts
- 21 Mountain Restaurants
- 180 KM of Cross-Country Slopes
- Best for Beginners: Schönreid & Saanenmöser Areas
- Best for Off-Piste: Glacier 3000
- Best Snow Park: Hornberg in Saanenmöser
- Longest Run: The Red Run
- Hardest Run: Tiger Run
