Gstaad is known for its chalet-lined streets, world-class hospitality, and a snowy playground stretching from 1,000 m to 3,000 m (3,281–9,843 ft) in altitude. The holiday region offers extensive skiing and snowboarding opportunities across multiple sub-areas, from gentle slopes at Wispile for families to thrilling black runs at Wasserngrat and Glacier 3000. Off-slope activities, like tobogganing, cross-country trails, and leisurely winter walks, make Gstaad a winter wonderland for all. Luxury boutiques, top-tier restaurants, and refined après-ski options complete the picture, striking a balance between alpine tradition and upscale modern comforts.
Here’s a practical guide we’ve put together just for you, filled with insider tips and essential info to help you plan the perfect Gstaad ski holiday. You’re going to learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best spots to grab a bite or chill out after skiing.
Let's get started!
Located in the Saanenland region of southwestern Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, Gstaad sits in a valley at approximately 1,050 m (3,445 ft). The resort lies about 80 km (50 miles) from Bern.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Family-friendly | Multiple sub-areas require short bus/train transfers |
| Scenic winter ambiance | Overall pricing can be high |
| High-altitude skiing | Nightlife is refined/quiet |
| Variety of slopes | Some smaller lifts/areas can appear fragmented |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Gstaad has to offer.
A single pass covers all these areas. Buses or short car rides connect them, enabling flexible day itineraries.
Gstaad offers gentle nursery slopes near the village and easy lifts like Baby Wispile or small local lifts in Lauenen and Gsteig, ideal for first-timers. In the main areas, Wispile and Eggli each have dedicated beginners’ zones with conveyor belts or gentle T-bars. The ski schools (e.g., Swiss Ski School Gstaad) provide tailored lessons to help novices progress swiftly to blues, many located higher up for better snow conditions. If you’re still building confidence, taking the lift back down is advisable rather than skiing steeper descents to the resort.
Intermediates thrive amid blue and red runs dotted throughout Gstaad Mountain Rides. The Rinderberg–Saanersloch–Horneggli circuit offers wide cruising slopes, including scenic red runs down to Zweisimmen or St. Stephan. Eggli–La Videmanette’s longer descents include the 7.5 km run from La Videmanette to Rougemont, great for building stamina and exploring varied terrain. Bear in mind that Gstaad’s red slopes can feel slightly easier than reds in other Swiss resorts, giving intermediate skiers a comfortable stepping stone.
Though Gstaad is often labelled as moderate, 14% of its runs are black, with notable challenges at:
Snowboarders in Gstaad enjoy rolling, well-groomed pistes ideal for laid-back cruising. There’s no major halfpipe, but the region features Snowpark Gstaad on the Hornberg (Saanenmöser), offering lines for beginners to advanced freestylers. Glacier 3000 also hosts its own small park setup, plus freeride potential. Some T-bars can pose challenges for novice boarders, but gondolas and chairs serve most key slopes.
Gstaad’s advanced terrain extends to lift-served off-piste, like steep chutes and bowls accessible from the Olden area on Glacier 3000. The run from the glacier to the Olden cable car is popular among freeriders. Gstaad’s freeride potential might not rival Verbier or Chamonix, but it offers exhilarating lines after fresh snowfall, particularly for those seeking a less crowded Swiss off-piste experience.
The ski season in Gstaad for 2024/25 started on December 12th and it's expected to run until March 11th, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Gstaad this winter, be sure to explore our Gstaad deals for the best ski offers available.
Gstaad offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 40 cm (15.7 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.2 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall decreases to 33 cm (12.9 in) but it occurs more frequently, averaging 3.3 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of January, traditionally the snowiest week in Gstaad, with an impressive 57 cm (22.4 in) of snow over 3.4 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 24 cm (9.44 in) of snow over 2.9 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 40 cm (15.7 in) | 3.3 days |
| January | 40 cm (15.7 in) | 3.2 days |
| February | 33 cm (12.9 in) | 3.3 days |
| March | 34 cm (13.3 in) | 3.4 days |
| April | 24 cm (9.4 in) | 2.9 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Gstaad’s dining scene features over 100 restaurants, from rustic Swiss chalet-style to Michelin-starred gourmet. Regional highlights include fondue, raclette, rösti, and local wines. Prices can be high, reflecting Gstaad’s upscale nature, but the quality and setting often justify the expense. Highlights include:
Gstaad’s après-ski scene leans toward sophistication rather than raucousness. Highlights include:
Most visitors conclude ski days with an elegant Swiss dinner or a romantic drink by the fire, rather than dancing until dawn, yet weekend events, theme parties, or after-ski gatherings do happen, especially during peak holiday weeks.
Download Gstaad piste map here
