Gstaad: a winter wonderland

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25.10.2023 | winter

Gstaad: a winter wonderland

The Bernese Oberland welcomes guests with magnificent magical moments. World-class skiing, a variety of accommodation and delicious dining options await, accompanied by marvellous views of a winter wonderland. Heidi Raaflaub, a genuine Gstaad native, knows just the right places to visit in the chillier months

Heidi Raaflaub (63) knows the Gstaad holiday region like the back of her hand. Raised in Saanen, she now works as a private ski instructor in winter and as a project manager for the Country Night Gstaad music festival year-round. 

The height(s) of fine dining

For an unforgettable dining experience, head to the front face of the Eggli, where you’ll discover Martin Göschel’s food truck right on the slopes. The Michelin-starred chef with 18 Gault Millau points cooks up a storm at the luxurious hotel The Alpina in Gstaad, adopting a sustainable approach and rustling up innovative ways to combat food waste. At the food truck, you can sample tsukune – Japanese-style skewered meatballs – homemade fruitcake and much more. 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. 

The Magical Trail

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.  

Snowy landscapes

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. 

Wellness of a different kind

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. 

Musical highs

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.