This Charming European Destination Is A Great Spot For Amazing Winter Adventures
Switzerland is a haven for winter adventures, and the resort town of Gstaad may be the ideal place to experience a heady combination of snow and adrenaline. Located in the mountainous Bernese Oberland, breathtaking alpine views can be seen from this adventure-lovers paradise. Fairytale Gstaad has garnered many celebrity fans, including the Monaco royal family, fashion designer Valentino Garavani, George Clooney, Julie Andrews, and Madonna.
This mountain town is in the center of the "Super Ski Region," which is made up of six distinct areas containing 150 miles of slopes and a network of over 70 ski lifts that connect visitors with the trails. The diversity of terrain means that there is something for every type of skier, from beginners to those in search of a challenge. While the jewel in the crown of this winter wonderland may be its skiing, there are many more adventures to be had here. Gstaad also offers snowboarding, tobogganing, and snowshoeing, as well as spa resorts to unwind in at the end of the day.
How to ski in Gstaad
Switzerland's ski season generally runs from November to April but in Gstaad, it goes from October to May. The best three ski resorts that offer all the facilities a skier could need are Rinderberg, Eggli, and Glacier 3000, with the highest located at an altitude of 9,843 feet. For those who like cross-country skiing, there are routes that cater to all different interests, whether that's a leisurely adventure in the outdoors or more technical trails. Night owls may enjoy the floodlit slopes where skiers can slalom under the stars.
There are also ski touring routes where you can trek up the slopes yourself before skiing to the bottom again. Gstaad is one of the locations in the Alps where you can partake in a heli-skiing adventure. A scenic helicopter ride takes you to a mountaintop for off-piste skiing in remote destinations far away from other tourists.
Other winter adventures to enjoy in Gstaad
As snow is so abundant in Gstaad, a plethora of winter sports can be enjoyed here and many of Gstaad's ski resorts offer opportunities for snowboarding. Another way to descend the slopes is by toboggan and there are six runs in Gstaad, including the Alpine Coaster at Glacier 3000, which has the highest toboggan tracks in the world.
There are also many opportunities to hike in the Bernese Alps, which may require snow shoes in the winter. Choose from over 186 miles of hiking trails and enjoy stunning Swiss views along the way. At Glacier 3000, you can try the Peak Walk over the Tissot suspension bridge for great alpine views or the Glacier Walk to the Quille du Diable (Devil's Keel). For an unusual adventure, visit the igloo village of Gstaad, where you can stay or eat in a building crafted out of ice. Once the day is over unwind at the chalet and try traditional cheese fondue, which is available at many restaurants and resorts in Gstaad.