Gstaad

About Gstaad

Situated in the western part of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, Gstaad offers visitors an atmosphere of old-world elegance within the alpine village. A popular mountain destination for many decades, Gstaad is the epicenter of the "Gstaad Super Ski Region," a conveniently laid-out, interconnected resort system comprising six areas. Getting between the different areas can either be done via ski lift, piste trail, train or bus. The Gstaad Super Ski Region whisks skiers and snowboarders uphill via 64 different lifts or trams to access over 120 miles of skiable terrain.

Purchasing the regional lift ticket is the way to go. The lift ticket not only provides access to Gstaad and the other Super Ski Region resorts but transportation on bus or train between the resorts is also included. Despite its reputation as an elite destination, Gstaad offers ample affordable lodging options and lift ticket prices are comparable, if not cheaper, than most destination resorts in the United States. Plus, working with a Mountain Travel Expert at Ski.com makes it easy to keep your dream trip well within your budget. The area is also known for low amounts of crowds, and the resort is continuously working to update the lift system making it more efficient for skiers to get around the slopes.

A large selection of exclusive gear shops, boutiques and pastry shops make afternoon shopping a delight. The region offers eight ski schools with over 200 ski teachers, 74 miles of cross-country skiing trails, ski touring and heli-skiing. In addition, you'll find outdoor curling and ice skating, three miles of sledding trails, swimming pools, indoor tennis courts and much more. The nightlife will suit every taste, from discos and piano bars to nightclubs. If you prefer to explore historical sites, Chateau d'Oex, a beautifully married village of Swiss and French influence, is only half an hour away by train.

Trees, steeps and bowls galore

World-class ski school

Accommodations for all budgets

Easy public transportation to navigate

Low crowds

How to get to Gstaad

To reach Grindelwald, Switzerland, you have a few airport options. The closest is Bern Airport (BRN), located approximately 45 miles away, with a commute of around 1 hour and 15 minutes by car, and Zurich Airport (ZRH) is another convenient choice, situated about 86 miles from Grindelwald, with a drive time of about 2 hours. You can travel by rental car, train or private shuttle services to Grindelwald. Swiss public trains provide scenic routes with connections from all three airports to Grindelwald, typically taking about 3 hours from Zurich or Geneva. There are also shuttle services, such as the "Alpina Shuttle," which provides convenient transfers from these airports directly to Grindelwald. Costs for these shuttle services typically range from $50 to $100 per person, depending on the airport and booking details. Alternatively, Geneva Airport (GVA) is 95 miles away, with a car ride of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

In Gstaad, getting around is a breeze. While there’s a handy bus service connecting the nearby villages, the real star of the show is the ski lifts. These lifts don’t just whisk you up to the top of the slopes—they also link you to neighboring ski regions, making your mountain adventures seamless and stress-free.

Skiing in Gstaad

Gstaad skiing is best reserved for intermediate skiers and families since most of the runs are red or blue. When it comes to terrain in Europe, blue signifies an easy run and red is for intermediates. Expert skiers will enjoy skiing the routes down from Glacier 3000, the only glacier ski area in the Bernese Oberland. The resort also offers heli-skiing on the six surrounding mountains from bases in Gstaad and Zweisimmen, for those looking for an extra thrill.

The primary two sectors of the resort are Gstaad-Saanen-Rougemont and Zweismmen-Saanenmöer-Schönried. The first has the longest ski run out of all six mountains, which starts on Mt. La Videmanette and is over 4.5 miles long, stretching all the way down to the valley. However, the second sector offers the perfect variety of restaurants and terrain, including on and off-piste.

Beginner Skiing in Gstaad
Beginners have access to several green runs in the Eggli and Bodme ski areas. Wasserngrat is a better option for those new to skiing who want to avoid the crowds. Enjoy learning to ski on these green runs as a family!

Family vacations in Gstaad

Gstaad is a paradise for families, offering a wide range of mountain activities that go beyond skiing. Explore cross-country ski trails, race down toboggan runs, or take a serene winter hike. Snowshoeing, ice skating and even curling is perfect for keeping everyone entertained. For a unique experience, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy landscape. Families will love the cozy hotel accommodations that are just a short walk from the Eggli ski area, with spacious rooms and stunning mountain views. Kids can splash in the heated outdoor pool while parents unwind in the sauna and steam room.