Gstaad needs little introduction. Renowned for being the cosmopolitan heart of the Swiss Alps, this picture-perfect resort offers everything from Michelin-starred restaurants and designer boutiques to world-class galleries and over 1,000 cultural and sporting events each year. Beyond the buzz of town lies unparalleled access to some of the world’s finest pistes.
Awe-inspiring ski slopes
Set between four valleys, Gstaad’s ski area is a haven for enthusiasts of all levels, all covered by the Ski Gstaad Pass. The largest sector conneCts the slopes of Schönried, Saanenmöser and Zweisimmen, while the second-largest sector links Saanen and Rougemont on the French side of Gstaad. Smaller but equally charming ski areas, such as Wispile and Wasserngrat, are local favourites, offering a mix of wide runs and picturesque tree-lined descents.
Adding to its allure, many pistes lie below the treeline, making Gstaad one of the most scenic places to ski. With its blend of easy blues, gentle reds and the adrenaline-fuelled 2.5km Tiger Run at Wasserngrat – the steepest in the region – Gstaad caters to all abilities.
For families and beginners
Gstaad is perfect for those new to skiing, with private slopes reserved just for beginners and children across the area – we recommend starting with Wispile and Snow-Paradise, or nearby Wasserngrat for their family-friendly blue slopes. From these areas, you can also practice skiing through a number of tree-lined runs, which are accessible from the gondola. As confidence builds, Schönreid and Saanenmöser’s blue and red pistes provide the perfect stepping stone for skiings looking to progress.
KEY FACTS
- Altitude: 1,000m-3,000m
- 250km of slopes
- 82 ski runs: 41 blue, 27 red, 14 black
- 42 ski lifts: 3 cable bars, 9 gondolas, 14 chair lifts & 16 ski lifts
- 21 mountain restaurants
- 180km of cross-country slopes
- Best for beginners: Schönreid & Saanenmöser ski areas
- Best for off-piste: Glacier 3000
- Best snow park: Hornberg in Saanenmöser
- Longest run: Red Run
- Hardest run: Tiger Run
