Ski area in the spotlight: winter sports in Gstaad

The Swiss ski area Gstaad is a great winter sports destination in the Bernese Oberland. Gorgeous scenery, many activities and of course great slopes guarantee everyone a great winter sport experience here. With 200 kilometers of slopes accessible from nine villages, there is plenty to choose from for every winter sports enthusiast. From families with children to seasoned winter sports enthusiasts, everyone can have a great time in Gstaad. Curious about the top winter sports in Gstaad? We include them below for you.

Winter sports in Gstaad

Elegant, diverse and spacious, this is how you would describe the winter sports area in Gstaad. It is a diverse area for winter sports and is also guaranteed with snow. The slopes reach an altitude of 3,000 meters and the glacier ski area, Glacier 3000, ensures that you can start skiing here at the beginning of November. The 200 km of slopes, divided into different zones, offer enough variety for young and old. From the broad blue cliffs where you can sail to the challenging Tiger Run, there is always a challenge to suit your level. And deserved vacation? Then you can go to one of 24 comfortable mountain huts in the ski area.

Gstaad: the joy of cooking to the fullest

Skiing makes you hungry and then there is nothing better than finding a cozy mountain hut and going to eat there. In Gstaad, you are in the right place to enjoy the most delicious cuisine. Cozy mountain huts, sunny terraces and snow bars with music all come highly recommended. You can not only enjoy delicious food, but also write about the views at home. A tip is the Saanerslochgrat mountain restaurant. This cabin is built in a modern Alpine style and has a beautiful balcony with a beautiful view. La Videmanette mountain restaurant is also a nice cottage for your vacation. With plenty of space inside and out, this modern cottage always offers a relaxing spot with a beautiful view of the Bernese Alps. Finally, a visit to the unique Igloo Dorf Restaurant and Bar is not to be missed while doing winter sports. You will find this igloo village above Saanenmöser at an altitude of about 2000 metres.

Family destination Gstaad

Gstaad is also a great destination for families. Young children can master skiing in one of the six children’s countries, and for older children, there are no fewer than seven ski schools where they can go to ski lessons. The absolute highlight for the kids is Saani’s Winter Wunderland in Saanmöser. Here young winter sports enthusiasts can play for hours in the snow under the watchful eye of the mascot Saani. Plus, kids can also do a lot more off the slopes. Think skiing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, husky tour, snowboarding, and igloo building. And in bad weather, many indoor activities can also be practiced.

Tips for winter sports in Gstaad

Of course Gstaad has been voted the most diverse destination in Switzerland for a reason. You can do a lot with it. Nosy? Then quickly read our tips below!

night skiing

For all the winter sports enthusiasts who can’t get enough of going downhill during the day, there’s night skiing. In the Rinderberg above Zweisimmen you will find the evening ski area in Gstaad. While skiing in the evening, you can end the day well with a number of extra picnics, and you can also enjoy the music and delicious food.

Curious about other ski areas in the Bernese Oberland? Read more about winter sports in the Bernese Oberland here.

skating

Toboggan lovers are at the right place in Gstaad. Here you will find no less than nine toboggan runs of different levels. Families with children can enjoy themselves at Eggli Run and Saanersloch Run, for example. If you already have some experience, accept the challenge at Horneggli Run and Hornberg Run, among others. You can also go night skiing in Gstaad. Start your evening with a delicious cheese fondue and then slide down the illuminated toboggan run.

Winter hiking

Gstaad has many panoramic walking trails that lead you through beautiful snowy landscapes. Great for after skiing or for example when the grandparents are doing winter sports. We recommend the Eggli circular walk (Eggli – Vorderes Eggli – Eggli), a walking route along the most beautiful views with the possibility of a stop at the new Eggli Lounge. Zauberweg’s anecdote is also absolute advice. This snowshoeing hike takes you through the beautiful white world in just over an hour. Also fun for teens!

D Tiger Run

There are also plenty of options for challenging in the winter sports district of Gstaad. Experienced skiers can have fun at Tiger Run, a challenging slope in Wasserngrat. The black course extends at 45% and is the largest incline in the entire area. After the 2.5 kilometer descent, you’ll probably feel your thighs for a while…

D Red Run

We’ll be staying with piste tips for a while, because the Red Run is not to be missed during winter sports in Gstaad. With a length of 8 kilometres, this slope in the sub-glacier 3000 is one of the longest slopes in Europe and should not be underestimated in terms of altimeters. At 8 km descend at least 1700 meters. Can you save him at once?

IJsklimmen

Ice climbing is gaining popularity in more and more regions and regions. It is not surprising, because this fascinating activity is high on the list of many winter sports enthusiasts. Together with a guide you can overcome the thick ice walls of glaciers or frozen waterfalls. This is also possible during winter sports in Gstaad, in the Glacier 3000 sub-district. Thanks to the local guides, ice climbing becomes a big party. Ice climbing sites are located above the Col du Pillon or at Lake Lauenen.

Good news from Gstaad

Martin Bieri, one of the best Michelin-starred Swiss restaurant owners, will take over the management of the mountain restaurant Eggli from winter 21/22. The 39-year-old chef is also looking forward to opening the new Eggli Lounge, located right next door to the mountain restaurant, where you can enjoy a relaxing après-ski ride.

This article was written in collaboration with Made in Bern.