View of the snow-covered village of Saanen with the church and Gstaad and mountains in the background. ©  (c) Melanie Uhkoetter / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

Winter village of Saanen with mountain panorama

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Winter at its best – Gstaad holiday region

An unforgettable time awaits guests in the Gstaad holiday region, a winter wonderland like something out of a fairytale. Beyond the enchanting views as far as the eye can see of the snow-capped mountain landscape and romantic villages sprinkled with chalets, there is top-notch skiing, magical carriage rides, action-packed adventures, various accommodation options, pure relaxation and culinary delights just waiting to be discovered here. Experience this winter paradise where there is something in store for everyone. Plus, if you have a Gstaad Card, you can now explore the region by public transport free of charge all year round.

Two skiers skiing down a slope with snow-covered trees alongside them.

Discover the largest ski area in the holiday region.

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Yannick Romagnoli / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

For winter sports enthusiasts

In winter, a magical place worthy of a fairytale comes to life in the Gstaad holiday region. Eight mountains offer over 200 kilometres of pistes, including the impressive Glacier 3000 experience. 

For nature lovers

Breathtaking nature experiences await you in Gstaad, even in winter. Hikers seeking adventure have 143 kilometres of  and 78 kilometres of snowshoe routes to choose from, while cross-country skiers will love the incredible cross-country ski trail on the Sparenmoos. For night sports enthusiasts, the well-lit night trail from Saanenmöser to Schönried is sure to impress. 

A couple holding hands on the Horneggli panoramic winter hiking trail, with a snowy mountain backdrop

An atmospheric winter hike on the Horneggli.

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Melanie Uhkoetter / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus
Small children in colourful ski suits on skis stand together with Saani on the conveyor belt.

Saani's Snowliland conveyor belt

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Yannick Romagnoli / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

For families

A , Gstaad offers six learning parks for children and beginners to learn how to ski, as well as wide and easy slopes. If you feel like sliding, tubing or a snowball fight, head to the Saanis winter playground in Saanenmöser. And if you’re looking for an alternative to skiing, the ice rink in the heart of Gstaad village is worth a visit. 

For those seeking relaxation

Gstaad offers a wide range of wellness hotels, including The Alpina Gstaad with its splendid Six Senses Spa and the Ermitage Wellness & Spa Hotel in Schönried with its impressive spa facilities. Then there’s the majestic Gstaad Palace hotel, which towers over the snow-covered village of Gstaad and promises rest and relaxation. 

Woman in a bathrobe walking with a drink in her hand beside the outdoor swimming pool at the Ermitage in winter.

Ermitage outdoor pool

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Melanie Uhkoetter / Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad AG, Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus
Focus on dessert plates at Le Grand Bellevue Gstaad restaurant, with people sitting around the table eating.

Table in the restaurant

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Pascal Berger / Swiss Deluxe Hotels, Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad AG, Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

For gourmets

With 308 Gault Millau points and a Michelin star, Gstaad is a culinary utopia. From traditional mountain inns to gourmet restaurants, there is something to appeal to everyone’s palate.

For cheese lovers

With over 11,000 cows and 350 farms that provide fresh cheese all year round, including the popular fondue in winter, Gstaad is the heart of cheese-making. Enjoy a special kind of fondue in Michel’s Stallbeizli and discover the cheese grotto deep beneath the ground. Giant caquelons are also available for an outdoor fondue experience. 

A couple sits in a large wooden fondue caquelon, enjoying a fondue and the view of the mountains.

Fondue enjoyment for two.

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Yannick Romagnoli / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus
A skier wearing white ski pants and a blue ski jacket stands at the top of a freshly groomed slope, with a mountain restaurant and a large crag in the background.

Ready for your first turns on the freshly groomed slope.

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 unbekannt / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

For adrenaline junkies

Winter in Gstaad is pure bliss for thrill-seekers. The Black Wall at Glacier 3000 is one of the most well-groomed slopes in the world. A 265-metre tunnel connects the highest and most favourable points in the area. 

For romantics

A carriage ride through the snowy landscape is an enchanting experience for all walks of life, not just couples. Or pay a visit to the traditional farmhouse ‘Bochtehuus Beizli’ to enjoy a fondue, a delicious soup or a piece of cake. Unforgettable experiences are guaranteed. 

A group of people hike through the purple-lit snowy forest towards the Lochstafel restaurant.

A hike on the Magical Trail towards the Lochstafel restaurant.

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Melanie Uhkoetter / Bergrestaurant Lochstafel

For culture enthusiasts

Gstaad plays host to cultural highlights throughout the year, including the music festivals Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad and Gstaad New Year Music Festival in winter. In December, the enchanting Magical Trail with unique light and sound installations will launch under the motto ‘Lunapark’. 

Good to know

Getting there: the journey is a spectacle in itself – enjoy the spectacular view of the mountains in the Bernese Oberland to the full as you kick back and relax on the train as it takes you to Gstaad. The GoldenPass Express connects the Gstaad holiday region with Montreux and Interlaken. Alternatively, the Belle Époque train makes the journey between Montreux and Zweisimmen a unique experience – it’s like taking a ride on the Orient Express!

Getting around: starting this winter, guests with the Gstaad Card can now travel around the local area for free on designated public transport routes in Saanenland and the Simmental valley all year round. This digital guest card also gives access to over 80 activities.