Plan for a vacation of adventure pursuits during your visit to Gstaad Ski Resort (aka Gstaad Mountain Rides). Set against the backdrop of the Bernese Oberland mountains, Gstaad Ski Resort is one of Switzerland’s most diverse sports areas. Ski, snowboard, snowshoe and toboggan in winter. Bike, climb and hike in summer.
From late October until May, enjoy some of the 136 miles (220 kilometers) of runs at elevations of up to 9,800 feet (3,000 meters). Ride the 53 lifts and cable cars from nearby villages to access 80 slopes suited for various skiing abilities. Take lessons with qualified instructors while kids have fun on the slopes in ski nurseries.
Practice your freestyling skills or watch experienced freestylers at snow parks in the resort. Snowpark Glacier 3000 has views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. Other winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoe hiking and tobogganing. Enjoy uninterrupted panoramas of soaring peaks as you traverse well-marked winter hiking trails.
After the snow melts, the mountains turn green. Seemingly endless miles of biking and hiking trails open. Find high-altitude and Nordic walking routes, with hikes lasting from a few hours to several days. Wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly trails lead to picnic areas and adventure playgrounds. Follow themed trails to learn about the mountains, history and vegetation.
Climbers might want to challenge the fixed-rope Via Ferrata routes while all ages of thrill-seekers can try the high-rope park and zip lines. Get an aerial view of the mountains on a paragliding flight.
To relax, visit mountaintop restaurants, many with sun-soaked terraces and sweeping views. Annual events include November’s Freeski Open at Glacier 3000 and March’s Ride on Music open-air concerts.
Gstaad Ski Resort is easily accessible via cable cars located a short walk from Gstaad’s village center. A free winter shuttle-bus service operates between Gstaad’s train and mountain stations. Drive to the area and pay for parking in the town center. Cable cars travel to the resort from nearby villages, such as Rougemont, Saanen and Schönried. For more information about winter and summer activities, lift passes and rental equipment, visit the resort’s official website.
