Gstaad: a winter wonderland

Making a pit stop on the Rinderberg at the new giant caquelon is a must. The first outdoor fondue spot right on the slopes is a guaranteed treat. You can also hire all the equipment and ingredients you’ll need in a ready-packed fondue backpack from various dairies in the region. 

A touch of winter magic awaits on the Magical Trail. Starting from Saanenmöser, the snowshoe hike takes around 60 to 80 minutes and covers 2.2 kilometres and 313 metres in altitude, as you discover 17 unique light and sound installations. The theme, ‘Lunapark’, a 120-year journey through time, will have you under its spell. The experience runs from 15 December 2023 to 24 February 2024. On Fridays, the spectacle can be combined with dinner at the Lochstafel restaurant and a toboggan ride upon reservation. 

In the winter months, views of the Swiss mountains are completely transformed by a white blanket of snow. Take in this wonderful winter landscape on a snowshoe trek from Schönried to the summit of the Rellerli (1833 metres above sea level) and relish in the peace and tranquillity. A signposted snowshoe trail and winter hiking trail lead through the picturesque area. 

After a day of skiing, be sure to warm up at one of the many wellness oases to be discovered throughout the Gstaad holiday region. Take the Hotel Ermitage in Schönried above Gstaad, for example, which boasts a wonderful outdoor pool and a fantastic indoor-outdoor salt water bath. An exceptional wellness experience area spanning around 3,500 square meters awaits guests. On the Rinderberg, however, a different kind of spa adventure beckons: at the ski-in, ski-out Hotel Swiss Alpine Lodge you can soak in warm water in the hot tub with a view of the mountain landscape. 

Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad and Gstaad New Year Music Festival offer a feast for the ears, delighting fans of classical music with performances by big names from this genre. However, if you prefer your music a little more upbeat, then the stylish Hotel HUUS is the place for you. Each evening, the hotel lobby transforms into a party venue with a DJ and delicious sushi to enjoy.