Known around the world for its beauty and refinement, Gstaad in Switzerland is considered the pearl of the Alps. As well as being one of the most luxurious ski resorts in Europe, Gstaad is at the peak of Swiss sophistication.
Tremendously glitzy and delightfully indulgent, this quintessential Alpine village is a world where traditional Swiss mountain life meets glamour in an understated way. Here, classic alpine luxury reigns supreme. An unspoilt, discreet retreat for the Hollywood set and royalty for more than a century, yet the village retains an alluringly authentic chocolate box appearance with proud references to Alpine traditions and an idyllic charm.
Gstaad is immediately charming with its Old World architecture, highlighted by pretty churches and picture-perfect traditional chalets fitted with characterful wooden shutters and window boxes overflowing with flowers.
The picturesque, completely pedestrianised centre is brimming with elegant boutiques, fine jewellers, world-class art galleries and international flagship stores alongside local artisans selling regional produce. Here you will find culinary delights that will amaze even the most seasoned of gastronomes; ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to relaxed fondue eateries. There are trendy clubs, elegant lounges and a stylish nightlife scene.
Located near the Alpine passes in one of Switzerland’s most beautiful regions, the crisp mountain air, soaring peaks and magnificent alpine scenery make this a wonderful place to explore the great outdoors. Gstaad is beautiful in winter when the snow arrives and during the summer when the lakes and meadows are lush and green.
Surrounded by mountainous glory, the skiing is suave and the scenery is postcard-worthy with spectacular views of the region’s trademark Alpine landscape.
At altitudes up to 3000m, Gstaad’s ski stretch is one of the biggest and most snow-assured in Switzerland and offers 220 kilometres of pistes for skiing, snowboarding, sledging and winter hiking. It is a skier’s paradise with diverse terrains that offer something for all levels and abilities. The resort is home to the only glacier ski area in the Bernese Oberland, so skiers and snowboarders can enjoy an exceptionally long season of winter sports. Glacier 3000 provides incredible downhill skiing with spectacular views over 24 snow-capped peaks.
As well as being one of the top cross-country ski areas in the Alps, toboggan fans and freeriders will find themselves in snowy heaven. Freestylers and snowboarders can use one of the four snow parks with diverse slope style possibilities: giant jumps, plenty of freestyle facilities, half pipes and a giant inflatable cushion ideal for practising flips. Ski touring and heli-skiing are also readily available.
With its 11 mountain railways, 300 kilometres of marked hiking trails and 500 kilometres of routes for mountain biking, the Gstaad-Saanenland region offers the very best of Switzerland for outdoor sports enthusiasts during the summer. Other summer activities include rock climbing, canoeing, jeep safari, fishing, river rafting and golfing on the 18-hole Alpine golf course (Golf Club Gstaad Saanenland).
Year round activities include winter/summer skiing on the Glacier 3000, horseback riding, paragliding, ballooning, walking and tennis. There is a variety of cultural and sporting highlights in Gstaad and the region, including the Gstaad Menuhin Festival and the Polo Gold Cup Gstaad.
Gstaad has excellent modern rail and road connections to Switzerland’s international airports of Geneva, Zurich and Bern
With Old World affluence and refinement in magical quantities, Gstaad is the perfect destination for a discerning international clientele who is looking for luxury mountain holidays in the Alps, that are defined by exclusivity, discretion and indulgence.
Well-known for its grand and impressive 5-star hotels, Gstaad is the glittering crown of ski resorts and has numerous options for those seeking a sophisticated stay. For the best luxury hotels in Gstaad, Switzerland, book with the peace of mind of our partner booking.com who will have the perfect hotel in the Swiss Alps.
