Gstaad Ski Area

Skiing in Gstaad

Gstaad boasts more than 200 km of impeccably groomed slopes for skiing from Christmas to March, including 31 km at Glacier 3000. The predominantly gentle terrain features excellent runs for intermediates and beginners across two primary ski areas, with over 1,000 m of vertical between 948 m and 2,151 m. Opportunities for advanced skiers are somewhat limited.

Gstaad Ski Area Overview

Skiers in Gstaad can choose from two large ski areas east and west of Gstaad and smaller ski areas, each offering unique features. Additionally, there is glacier skiing at Glacier 3000, which is approximately 20-30 minutes by road or rail from Gstaad.

Although lifts do not link the two main ski areas, the combination of the Gstaad-Saanen free ski bus, the regular Post Bus, and the outstanding MOB railway line makes it easy to switch between them. With as many as eight train stations and eight lift stations in the valley, skiers can quickly reach the mountain and select different entry and exit points. Excellent rail connections also mean that Gstaad’s ski areas are easily accessible to day skiers.

Beyond downhill skiing, ski touring, and cross-country skiing, a wide array of other winter sports is available, including tobogganing, winter hiking, dog-sledding, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and paragliding. Curling and ice skating can also be enjoyed in the open-air sports arena in Gstaad.

Rinderberg Saanerslochgrat Horneggli (Sector East) is the most popular ski area. It boasts 105 km of predominantly blue and red ski slopes and an efficient lift system. The family-friendly infrastructure includes numerous charming mountain huts, restaurants, and a variety of other attractions. Options for advanced skiers are limited to just a few short black runs; however, a good dump of snow can transform the mainly gentle terrain into a playground for freeriders. Although there is no lift access directly from Gstaad, the ski area is easily reached from five lift stations in the valley, including Schönried and Saanenmöser, which are just 10-15 minutes from Gstaad.

Eggli La Videmanette (Sector West) boasts 58 km of predominantly easy slopes, serviced by nine lifts, including high-speed gondolas from Gstaad to Eggli and from Rougemont to La Videmanette. Enjoy aerial views of Gstaad from the gondola and look out for Gstaad’s grand hotels, which stand prominently above everything else in the town – location, location, location! The ski area features splendidly wide beginner slopes at Eggli and longer blue runs for carving, including the 10km longest run. It is smaller than the main ski area east of Gstaad and has fewer good mountain restaurants, which may be attributed to the fact that there is an abundance of culinary excellence in the town below.

Wispile is a small ski area served by five lifts with an elevation of 1,034m at the base station and 1,939m at the summit. It offers just 9km of gentle slopes, including a short blue run, two red runs, and a black run, along with dedicated learning areas. Facilities include a ski school, ski rental, a restaurant at the base station, and the Berghaus Wispile Restaurant at 1,911m. Best suited for families and beginners, the Wispile ski area is open only during the High Season: Christmas, New Year, and February.

Wasserngrat is a small, privately owned ski area between 1,275 and 1,940m. It is accessed by a single chairlift with a bubble cover and is comparable in size and extent to Wispile. The area boasts family-friendly, easy red runs (55, 57, and 58), the steep black Tiger Run (56), and the charming Bergrestaurant Wasserngrat.

Lauenen and Gsteig are small ski areas serving local communities, each featuring a blue run and a red run served by a T-bar lift. The Lauenen area primarily caters for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ski touring.

Glacier 3000 offers 31 km of skiing, including approximately 1,700 m of vertical elevation from 3,000 m to 1,300 m and ski itineraries for experienced skiers from November until the end of April. It is located just 20-30 minutes by car or train from Gstaad.

Check the current status of the ski lifts in Gstaad and Glacier 3000 >

Gstaad & Glacier 3000 Interactive Ski Map >

Rinderberg-Saanersloch-Horneggli (Sector East)

Over 100 km of mainly blue and red run skiing spanning half a dozen peaks, ranging from 500 m to 1,000 m of vertical elevation and offering a good selection of restaurants and quaint huts across the ski area. Thanks to two-time GS World Champion Mike von Grünigen for the guided tour!

The Rinderberg Saanerslochgrat Horneggli ski area offers a good mix of predominantly blue and red runs spanning half a dozen peaks reaching altitudes up to 2,011 m and ranging from 500 m to 1,000 m vertical elevation. Nearly 50 runs total 105km of family-friendly skiing on gentle Alpine terrain, including just a few short black runs, some easy off-piste, plenty of traditional mountain restaurants, and other attractions.

The ski area is easily accessible by gondola or chairlift from four locations in the valley: Zweisimmen, Oeschseite, Saanenmoser, and Schönried. For instance, the Horneggli chairlift at Schönried and the Saanersloch gondola (the biggest-capacity lift) at Saanenmoser are merely 10-15 minutes from Gstaad, with ski rental shops conveniently located nearby.

Under the guidance of two-time GS World Champion Mike von Grünigen, a fantastic ski day begins with a gondola ride from Saanenmoser to Saanerslochgrat (1937 m). Blue runs 25 and 15 invite a swift descent down to Oeschseite (800 m vertical) as you head east towards Rinderberg.

Rinderberg Ronda (Zweisimmen – Oeschseite)

From the Rinderberg top station (2011 m), you can choose between a red run and a couple of black runs down to the mid-station (Eggweid) or two pleasantly undulating blue runs (11 and 9), which take you all the way down to Zweisimmen (948 m), the longest descent in the east. The two-stage gondola from Zweisimmen to Rinderberg takes approximately 20 minutes, and children will adore the charming indoor play area at Olga’s cowshed at the Rinderberg top station.

Lunch options at Rinderberg (2011 m) include the self-service Bergrestaurant Rinderberg Spitz, the Rinderberg Swiss Alpine Lodge (1486 m) at Eggweid, and the Restaurant Fang part way down Blue 9. The Schneebar Lothar Bar at the bottom of Blue 9 is available for pit stops and après-ski.

A relatively straightforward black run (8) serves as a shortcut from Rinderberg to Lengebrand (1,383 m), and the chairlift from Lengebrand to Parwengesattel (1,985 m) reveals some delightful red and blue runs at Chalberweld. Additionally, there is easy off-piste terrain between the marked runs in this tranquil area at the edge of the ski region.

From Parwengesattel, a short red or blue run and a chairlift will transport you back to the mountain station at Saanerslochgrat. Lunchtime options include the Bergrestaurant Saanerslochgrat, the Iglu-Dorf, and a picnic area.

Hornberg and Horneggli (Saanenmoser – Schonried)

Stay to the left while skiing from Saanerslochgrat, passing the Pasatiempo après-ski bar, and head towards the Lochstafel restaurant at the bottom of Blue 24. Take the T-bar from Lochstafel to Hornberg (1800 m), and then catch another T-bar to Hornfluh (1949 m) to reach Mike von Grünigen’s favourite run. Beginning from Hornfluh, the MVG red run (38) delivers an exhilarating 700 m vertical descent down to the bottom of the Horneggli chairlift at Schönried (1231 m).

The skiing at Horneggli (1770 m) is perfect for families and mixed-ability groups. Just above the base station is a safe learning area for children and beginners, with the Kuhstall restaurant nearby. The upper slopes offer a range of blue, red, and black runs, accessible via the Horneggli chairlift and the Berghaus Horneggli next to the top station for lunch or pit stops.

From Horneggli, ski down Blue 31 (staying right past the Hornybar) onto Blue 24 and take the chairlift from Saanenwald (1417 m) back to Hornberg. Ride the Hornberg T-bar and then ski the easy Blue runs 29 and 27 to reach a cluster of charming wooden Alpine buildings. Here, you can choose between the two characterful restaurants with sun terraces for a delicious lunch – the Bergrestaurant Hornfluh and the Bergrestaurant Hornberg. Both also offer “easy stays” overnight for a wonderful ski-in, ski-out experience and fresh tracks in the morning!

A T-bar beside the restaurants takes you to Huenerspil 1927 m and the chance to unload some calories by skiing blue 27 and 32 down to Schonfield and ski more runs on Horneggli, then ski the blue runs back to Saanenmoser with the option of apres-ski drinks at Why Knot Apres-Ski Bar on the piste and/or Bar La Ferme (Golfhotel) at bottom of the blue 23 home run from Saanenwald.

A great day skiing in Gstaad. Thanks, MvG!

Eggli – La Videmanette (Sector West)

The Eggli-La Videmanette ski area in Gstaad boasts 58 km of predominantly blue slopes, serviced by nine lifts, including long descents to Saanen and the 10 km longest run from Vidamanette (2,151 m) down to Rougemont (992 m). Also, the wide-open slopes at Eggli are perfect for beginners.

A 10-person Eggli gondola, just a five-minute ride by free ski bus from the centre of Gstaad, provides an exceptionally comfortable uplift from Gstaad to Eggli (1,557m). If staying elsewhere in the valley, the sector west ski area is also accessible using the Rubeldorf chairlift near Saanen or by gondola from Rougemont (992m) to Le Videmanette (2,151m), the highest point in the ski area.

Beginners can enjoy confidence-boosting easy skiing on Eggli (1,557m), including the easy blue run (73) down to the Igloo Bar and the Schopfen T-bar, and the long blue runs (76) from Eggli and Vorderes Eggli (1,672m) down to Rubeldorf are great fun for intermediates as well as beginners, especially when freshly groomed.

After warming up and practising your carving skills at Eggli, you have the choice of a blue, red or black run from Vorderes Eggli down to Chalberhoni (1,334m) before the longest chairlift in Switzerland to Les Gouilles (2,005m) and an ancient 4-person cable car to the top lift station at Le Videmanette.

The mountain restaurant at Le Videmanette is rather ordinary. Still, it has splendid views, and once here – the highest point in the ski area – your reward is the 10 km longest run (blue 88 and 87) from Le Videmanette (2,151m) down to Rougemont. Ride the gondola from Rougemont to Le Videmanette to return to Gstaad on snow.

Alternatively, it’s just a 10-minute walk from Bergbahn La Videmanette bottom station to the two Michelin-star Hotel Restaurant Valrose with a well-stocked wine cellar of more than 700 fine wines. Rated the best restaurant in the region, Hotel Valrose is at 2 Place de la Gare, Rougemont, so you’ll have no difficulty returning to Gstaad (10 minutes by train).

Experienced skiers can easily ski the Eggli-Videmanette ski area from Gstaad to Rougemont and back in a day or half a day. While opportunities for advanced skiers on-piste are limited, there are some intriguing off-piste options between Chalberhoni and Les Gouilles.

Although closer and more easily accessed directly from Gstaad, the ski slopes at Eggli and La Videmanette were quiet mid-week in the middle of January. Also, compared to the Rinderberg-Saanersloch-Horneggli ski area, there are few charming mountain restaurants and huts.

Glacier 3000

The Glacier 3000 ski area offers 31 km of skiing, including approximately 1,700 m vertical elevation from 3,000 m to 1,300 m for experienced skiers from November until the end of April. Located just 20-30 minutes by car or train from Gstaad.

Two cable cars transport up to 125 people from Col du Pillon to Cabane (2525 m) in 7 minutes and from there to Scex Rouge (2948 m) in 5 minutes. Skiers can also take the lift from Reutsch (1350 m) to Oldenegg (1919 m) and then the chairlift to Cabane. A chairlift helps non-skiers easily reach the glacier area from the Scex Rouge station, and several secured paths allow non-skiers to walk on the glacier.

The glacial section of the ski area, which extends from approximately 3,000 m to 2,500 m, is overlooked by the Scex Rouge, the Oldenhorn, and Quille du Diable. It features several blue runs on the glacier and two long runs (one red and one black) from Scex Rouge (2,971 m) to Oldenalp (1,834 m). Additionally, for experts only, the Black Wall (114) descent from Cabane to Col du Pillon covers a vertical drop of 1,000 m, beginning with an extremely steep 47-degree gradient.

Mountain restaurants at Scex Rouge (2,971 m) include the new Restaurant Botta, designed by the renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta, for refined dining, stylish interior design, and stunning mountain views. Also, the modern Restaurant Le 3, where diners order directly from their table via a QR code, and the Carnotzet, located on the terrace at Scex Rouge, has 70 indoor and 70 outdoor seats on a first-come, first-served basis.

Attractions and other activities for non-skiers include the Peak Walk by Tissot suspension bridge linking two mountain peaks, dog-sledding, glacier walks, an Alpine coaster, and spectacular views of 24 peaks above 4,000 m when the visibility is good.

Glacier 3000 is susceptible to lift closures due to bad weather, so check the current status of the lifts before setting off. Also, if the chairlifts from Oldenalp to Scex Rouge are closed.

Mountain Restaurants in Gstaad

Gstaad’s mountain restaurants provide a delightful blend of culinary experiences, ranging from rustic huts serving traditional Swiss dishes like fondue and raclette to more refined establishments offering gourmet menus. Many include sun terraces, ideal for soaking in the scenery while enjoying a leisurely lunch or après-ski drinks. Reservations are advisable, particularly during peak season.

Accessibility varies; some can only be reached by skiing or hiking, whereas others are accessible by gondola. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a memorable dining experience, there is something to satisfy every palate. The official Gstaad website lists 26 mountain restaurants, and below is our pick of the best mountain restaurants in Gstaad:

Bergrestaurant Wasserngrat

Perched at 1,920 m on the Wasserngrat mountain just outside Gstaad, the upmarket Bergrestaurant Wasserngrat is a stunning Swiss mountain restaurant with a cosy atmosphere and a delightful rustic interior. The à la carte menu features delicious lunch options prepared from top-quality regional produce. Highlights include Thai-Asian soup, crunchy salad, grilled beef entrecôte, rösti, homemade beef tartare, moité-moitié cheese fondue, and, for dessert, meringues from Gruyère with double cream. It also boasts an extensive selection of fine wines to suit all tastes and budgets. Awarded the “Best Party Location in Switzerland” in 2023, this outstanding mountain restaurant is among Gstaad’s most popular venues for private functions, with seating for up to 160 inside and room for up to 250 guests on two sun terraces. Tel: +41 33 744 92 22. Visit website >

Restaurant Kuhstall (Horneggli)

Located near the bottom of the Horneggli ski slope, just above the Schonried ski paradise, Restaurant Kuhstall offers a unique dining experience in a converted cowshed, blending rustic charm with modern culinary flair. Their menu features regional specialities and innovative dishes, emphasising fresh, local ingredients. The cosy atmosphere and attentive service create a welcoming environment. Enjoy a memorable meal surrounded by the rustic ambience of this beautifully restored space. Accessible from Schonried. Tel: +41 33 748 34 30. Visit website >

Berghaus Horneggli (Horneggli)

Located on Horneggli (1,770 m), Berghaus Horneggli is a 180-year-old rustic mountain restaurant with a warm, inviting atmosphere and a large sun terrace offering wonderful views. Accessible by hiking or the Horneggli chairlift, it’s a great spot to refuel. The menu features traditional Swiss dishes, including fondue, the Hüttenzauber-Plättli (ham and dried sausage with mountain cheese, chutney and pickle) and crispy Rösti as well as soups, salads and classics such as breaded pork schnitzel with fries and Apfelstrudel for dessert. Accessible from Schonried. Tel: +41 33 744 27 57. Visit website > 

Hotel Restaurant Hornfluh (Hornberg)

The Hotel Restaurant Hornfluh is located high in the ski area and accessible by skiing blue 29/27 from Hornfluh towards Huenerspil (1927 m). The traditional restaurant offers a choice of traditional Swiss cuisine and international dishes cooked from fresh, local ingredients. Guests can enjoy cosy dining in the rustic interior or eat outside on the large sun terrace, which offers stunning panoramic views. The Hornfluh also provides simple rooms (1-4 beds) for a memorable ski-in and ski-out adventure, including dinner. Tel: +41 33 748 84 84. Visit website > 

Restaurant Berghotel Hornberg (Hornberg)

The Restaurant Berghotel Hornberg is similar and next door to Hotel Restaurant Hornfluh. Featuring a traditional, cosy interior and a small sun terrace with splendid views, the lunch menu features tasty regional dishes with a focus on quality and flavour. Like the Hornfluh, it also offers basic overnight stays and a choice of a half-board set menu or à la carte dining. Tel: +41 33 744 13 65. Visit website > 

Bergrestaurant Lochstafel (Hornberg)

Enjoying a mid-mountain location on Hornberg, the popular Bergrestaurant Lochstafel’s is a traditional mountain hut with a contemporary twist and creative mindset. Menu options include homemade soup of the day, an appetising selection of salads, burgers or sausages with chips and creative vegetarian dishes, such as Rosti with goat cheese, beetroot and walnuts, Thai curry, pasta and Alpine macaroni with apple sauce for vegans; and a nice selection of sweet endings for dessert. Friendly staff, a fun-loving vibe, and good food sourced directly from farmers or local suppliers. Enjoy the rustic ambience inside or relax on the sun terrace. Accessible from Saanenmoser. Tel: +41 33 748 35 53. Visit website >

Iglu-Dorf Bar & Restaurant (Saanerslochgrat)

Easily the coolest of Gstaad’s mountain restaurants, the Iglu-Dorf Bar & Restaurant offers a unique dining experience. It features intricate ice sculptures, cosy fur seating, and delicious food and drinks in a stunning, handcrafted igloo village near the Saanerslochgrat mountain station. Savour Swiss specialities in a truly magical setting, including cheese fondue and warm beverages. This is a perfect winter experience for families, couples, and groups for lunch or to spend the night in an igloo with a jacuzzi under the stars. Accessible from Saanenmoser. Visit website >

Swiss Alpine Lodge (Rinderberg)

The Rinderberg Swiss Alpine Lodge features 24 lovingly decorated rooms, a spa area and a 90-seat restaurant located next to the Rinderberg middle station at Eggweid (1450 m). Menu options range from traditional Swiss dishes to lighter fare, such as Rinderberg salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, croutons, and a balsamic vinaigrette and Rinderberg sandwich made with grilled chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, and avocado on a toasted bun. Also, homemade soup of the day and pasta dishes made with fresh pasta and various sauces, such as pesto, marinara, and carbonara. Accessible from Zweisimmen. Tel: +41 33 722 74 74. Visit website >

Restaurant Fang (Rinderberg)

Featuring a cosy dining room and rustic Chüjerstübl, Restaurant Fang offers a variety of Bernese Oberland specialities – down-to-earth, delicious, homemade and focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their menu showcases modern interpretations of classic dishes, highlighting regional flavours and culinary artistry. The elegant ambience and attentive service create a sophisticated atmosphere that invites you to linger and enjoy a memorable meal paired with fine wines. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. It is located beside the piste (Blue 9), below the Eggweid middle station on Rinderberg. Accessible from Zweisimmen. Tel: +41 33 748 60 60.