Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Gstaad is a destination that redefines luxury. Renowned for its charm, exclusivity, and breathtaking scenery, this world-class ski resort attracts discerning travellers from across the globe. Whether you’re drawn to its impeccably groomed slopes, Michelin-starred dining, or the refined comfort of its luxury chalets, Gstaad guarantees an unforgettable experience. That’s why we’ve teamed up with our partners to create this Gstaad resort guide with everything you need to know! From details on the ski area, highlights of the resort and activities, the best bars and restaurants, and of course an amazing choice of deluxe ski accommodation, ultimate luxury ski holidays in Gstaad have it all…
Gstaad Ski Area
Skiing in Gstaad ensures something for everyone. Between 1,050m-3,016m in altitude, there’s over 200km of groomed pistes available, served by 42 ski lifts. Sprawled across a picturesque Swiss mountain backdrop, the region caters for all abilities. There are gentle blue runs for beginners and families, a network of reds for intermediates and more advanced skiing for those more skilled! Six different areas make up the ski region, grouped into: ‘Rinderberg-Saanersloch-Horneggli’, ‘Eggli-La Videmanette’ and ‘Wasserngrat’.
The Rinderberg-Saanersloch-Horneggli is the largest and fantastic for all levels of skier. Featuring over 105km of slopes, it contains two play learning parks, perfect for kids, and a snow park for those more advanced. The Eggli-La Videmanette is a charming boutique area that is also home to the region’s longest run. Whilst in the Wasserngrat area, at 1,920m, the Tiger Run creates an enticing challenge for experienced skiers! There’s also the iconic Glacier 3000 area for high-altitude Gstaad skiing that can be enjoyed year-round. Here, perfectly groomed pistes and thrilling snow parks await. Overall, skiing in Gstaad is a firm favourite for families, couples and those groups looking to combine a relaxed, scenic ski experience with world-class hospitality.
Cross-country skiing in Gstaad is also a popular option to absorb the scenic Swiss surroundings, and with approximately 180km of cross-country ski trails in Gstaad, there’s plenty on offer!
Gstaad Resort
Luxury ski holidays in Gstaad promise to be a haven for winter enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike. Located in the Bernese Oberland, in the German speaking region, Gstaad belongs to the Saanen municipality. Synonymous with a classic wooden charm and discreet luxury, Gstaad village exudes an atmosphere of alpine sophistication. Once described by Julie Andrews as the ‘last paradise in a crazy world’, it’s easy to see its appeal!
Gstaad’s pedestrianised main high street features designer boutiques, art galleries, and museums aplenty. As such, the chic and upmarket destination particularly stands out to UHNWIs (Ultra High Net Worth Individuals); the rich and famous, royalty and celebrities, all flock to Gstaad during the winter. However, plenty of Swiss residents are also attracted to Gstaad due to its accessibility by car and train. Moreover, ski holidaymakers want to visit because of the resort’s irresistible allure to enjoy world-class skiing!
Getting to Gstaad
Located in the southwest of Switzerland, Gstaad is easily accessible via varying modes of transport. Geneva and Zurich Airports make Gstaad an easy destination for international visitors, where journeys to resort can be made by car transfer, luxury car rental, the renowned Swiss rail or even helicopter transfer. By road, Gstaad is approximately 3 hours from Zurich, and 2 hours from Geneva. To take a scenic Swiss rail transfer however, is a bucket list item for some, or a planet-conscious choice for others. It takes slightly longer to get to Gstaad by train, being 3:15 hours from Zurich, and 2:50 hours from Geneva. Switzerland’s capital, Bern, also has a good regional airport option. It gets you a little bit closer to Gstaad: 1:30 hours by car and 2:30 hours by train. Lastly, if you want to travel in ultimate style, you can drop straight into Gstaad Airport by private jet!
Milan, Paris and Hamburg are all major cities servicing international train journeys that connect through to Gstaad too. Gstaad sits on the scenic GoldenPass Montreux-Oberland Bernois railway line, which offers large windows to enjoy the panoramic views. Load on your luggage, take a seat and let the stunning scenery pass you by in moments of magic. It’s undoubtedly an idyllic way to kickstart your holiday in the mountains.
Non-Ski Activities in Gstaad
There’s more to luxury ski holidays in Gstaad than just the on-slope experience. Should you wish to take a break from skiing, there are plenty of things to do in Gstaad for all ages. Slow things down on a winter hike or snowshoeing trip, or rest your legs and soak up the incredible winter wonderland on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the town. Additionally, dog sledding and a selection of toboggan runs create alternative fun-filled family activities in Gstaad! Not to be missed at the Glacier 3000, an alpine coaster and the thrilling ‘Peak Walk by Tissot’ – a 107m-long suspension bridge connecting the View Point with the Scex Rouge – for those seeking more adrenaline-fuelled activities.
In the resort itself, the charming pedestrian promenade presents an opportunity to enjoy a spot of shopping in Gstaad. Lined with an extensive selection of high-end designer boutiques, such as Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana and Prada, it’s a haven for discerning shoppers. To complement the refined mountain lifestyle, exclusive Swiss watchmakers also feature, alongside winter sportswear shops. Fine art galleries and museums are more bespoke Gstaad activities, adding some cultural flair to your Gstaad ski holiday. You could even tie in your trip with the annual Festival International de Ballons in neighbouring village, Château-d’Oex. It’s a unique mountain experience attracting thousands of visitors from across the world to admire the breathtaking sight of over 50 hot air balloons taking to the skies. You can also book a passenger flight to be amongst the spectacle!
Bars and Restaurants in Gstaad
Our selection of luxury catered chalets in Gstaad will accommodate large appetites beyond dreams after long mountain days. However, for those moments away from your accommodation, the resort’s range of bars and restaurants elevate culinary sophistication and cater to every palate.
From nights in cosy and charming mountain huts to memorable gourmet experiences in Michelin-starred establishments, discover some of the best bars and restaurants in Gstaad…
Restaurants
- Restaurant La Bagatelle – Exuding a cosy and elegant ambience, La Bagetelle serves classic French cuisine, with an appealing selection of dishes for two. Recognised as part of the Michelin Guide, the terrace promises to excite as much as the delightful delicacies.
- Sommet by Martin Göschel – Martin Göschel serves groundbreaking culinary creations, utilising produce from local, regional, and national suppliers to present a unique dining experience. As well as serving the finest products, this Gstaad Michelin-star restaurant pledges a commitment to sustainability and minimising its environmental impact. This restaurant also features in our Luxury Hotels with Michelin-star Restaurants blog – be sure to check it out!
- Blun-Chi – The only Chinese restaurant in Gstaad! If you fancy a taste of from across the world on your ski holiday, this authentic Chinese restaurant is the answer…
- Olden – Serving a menu of international cuisine, the Olden Gstaad Restaurant lives up to its slogan, “where the world dinest”.
- Posthotel Rössli Gstaad – The traditional Alti Post and Stübli restaurants emit a cosy alpine flair and are popular with the locals. Serving long-forgotten Saanenland dishes, this is undoubtedly a Gstaad restaurant with an authentic touch.
Bars
- Rialto Bistro Bar – Rialto Bistro Bar delights visitors with a unique selection of dishes that combine Mediterranean and Asian influences. Featuring a restaurant, bar, and lounge, it’s suitable for dining or enjoying a cocktail in an inviting and modern ambience.
- Mansard Bar – The Mansard Bar in Gstaad is an elegant wood-panelled bar with a cosy open fireplace. Alternatively, there’s an open-air rooftop bar to perfectly partner your drink choice and light bites with panoramic landscape views. For those who wish to dine, the Mansard Restaurant emits a lively brasserie atmosphere for intimate dinners or group gatherings.
Luxury Chalets in Gstaad
Accommodation choices for your luxury ski holidays in Gstaad can range from exclusive 5-star hotels to the finest ultimate chalets.
Ultima Gstaad Hotel
The Ultima Gstaad owns 6 incredible residences, providing the perfect compromise of private accommodation and a luxury 5* hotel stay. On our portfolio, we have a variety of options to sleep 4-8 guests: Ultima 2BR, Ultima 3BR and Ultima 4BR. All luxury residences exude alpine sophistication, featuring a mix of elegant furnishings and impeccable style across the living interiors. Balconies and terraces adjoin the living spaces, giving a closer look at the snow-covered surroundings outside. For added luxury, a select handful of residences have private Jacuzzis, promising a relaxing break on your Gstaad ski holiday.
Guests in the residences have full access to the Ultima Gstaad Hotel’s facilities, which feature both incredible services and amenities. For a rejuvenating experience, the deluxe spa is sure to impress and cater for those indulgent, blissful post-ski afternoons. Complete with a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi, sauna, Hammam, gym and the option to organise beauty treatments in the state-of-the-art clinic, nothing has been overlooked for your mountain recovery needs! There’s also a gourmet restaurant, selection of bars, and a 24hr concierge reception on hand to answer queries.
Ultima Gstaad Promenade
Ultima Gstaad Promenade is a colossal 9-bedroom luxury ski chalet in Gstaad, found in an unbeatable central location.
Sleeping 16-20 guests, this incredible property epitomises luxury, with an extensive selection of deluxe facilities around every corner. The chalet spans 4 floors, featuring elegant interiors that exude glamour and sophistication. The first floor holds the main living areas, complete with not one, but two lavish lounges, a banquet dining room and separate kitchen. Views of Bernese Oberland can be seen from the balcony, but it’s the countless array of facilities where Ultima Gstaad Promenade truly holds its own. Following a day’s skiing in Gstaad, ultimate relaxation is promised in the basement’s lavish spa; a swimming pool with integrated Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, snow shower, massage room and gym are all on hand to relieve any ski aches and pains. The basement level also features a state-of-the-art cinema room and a nightclub with a bar to host the evening entertainment!
Due to its sheer size, design, facilities, and luxurious services on offer, we couldn’t argue against Ultima Gstaad Promenade being one of the best luxury ski chalets in the Alps… That’s why this Gstaad chalet features on our Ultimate Luxury Chalets collection too!
Luxury ski holidays in Gstaad really do offer the heights of mountain opulence. Whether you have visited before, or it’s your first ski holiday in the resort, we’re here to help! Get in touch with our knowledgable team of Ski Specialists to plan your mountain holiday in Gstaad. Give us a call on +44 (0)1202 203650 or send an email.
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