Gstaad is a charming resort that combines luxury with excellent skiing. Perched at 1,050m, this high-altitude resort is part of the Gstaad Mountain Rides ski area which boasts 220km of skiable terrain and is often celebrated for its consistently good snow conditions. Gstaad’s glacier – The Glacier 3000, allows for skiing almost all year round, peaking at 3,000m and offering breathtaking views across the Saanenland region.
With a comprehensive and efficient lift system and connections to neighbouring resorts of Saanen and Schoenried, there is a vast terrain to explore. Although Gstaad is suited for all levels, it is particularly favoured by beginners and intermediates due to its wide range of gentle slopes and cruising runs. Continue reading for our comprehensive guide to skiing in Gstaad.
Gstaad Ski Area
The Gstaad ski area consists of four main sectors; Wispile and Eggli, which can both be accessed directly from the town and Wasserngrat and Rinderberg, which are reached via a short bus ride. Gstaad ski area comprises 53 runs, among which 58% are blue, 28% red and 14% black.
Beginner Skiing in Gstaad
Gstaad is a haven for beginners with its wide, gentle slopes and excellent snow conditions. There are several nursery slopes in the village and at the top of the Wispile gondola. Once you are comfortable on these beginner slopes, you can progress to the blue runs of Eggli and Wispile. The easier runs in Gstaad are predominantly at higher altitudes, with the slopes becoming more challenging as you descend to the resort. Hence, we recommend taking the lifts back down if you are still building confidence. Gstaad also has some incredible ski instructors who guide beginners to the best areas for their ability and help them to improve their skiing technique rapidly.
Intermediate Skiing in Gstaad
Gstaad is a fantastic resort for intermediate skiers who want to develop their skills. With an abundance of blue and red runs, intermediate skiers will have plenty of choices. The Wispile area is ideal for lower-intermediate skiers, with numerous wide, gentle blues to cruise along. More advanced intermediate skiers should head to Rinderberg and ski down to Zweisimmen. One of our favourite runs in this area for intermediate skiers is the Rinderberg Spitz run, a thrilling red run that offers beautiful views over the valley. Gstaad has a variety of challenging blues and reds to push yourself on, but bear in mind that the grading system is slightly more generous compared to other resorts in Switzerland.
Advanced Skiing in Gstaad
Gstaad is an excellent choice for advanced skiers with 14% of its runs being black. The most challenging run in Gstaad is the Olden run, which drops steeply from the top of the glacier. It’s a steep, icy black run with a vertical descent of nearly 800m. For an even more rigorous run, head to the Martisberg run. This ungroomed mogul descent will surely get your heart pumping and legs working!
Off-Piste Skiing in Gstaad
Gstaad is a paradise for advanced skiers, offering some of the best lift-served off-piste skiing in Switzerland. From steep chutes to snowy bowls, there is a lot of off-piste terrain to explore. One of the most popular off-piste areas for experienced skiers is the Olden area, which starts on the Glacier 3000 and ends at the Olden cable car. If you are venturing off-piste, remember to hire a local guide who is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to keep you safe. Explore local guides in Gstaad on Maison Sport.
Conclusion
Gstaad offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and exceptional skiing. With a variety of runs catering to all abilities and some of the most reliable snow conditions in the Alps, it’s a skier’s paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned pro seeking challenging black runs and off-piste adventures, or a beginner looking for gentle slopes and expert instruction, Gstaad has it all. Book your ski lessons in Gstaad with Maison Sport today and start planning the ski trip of your dreams.
Book Ski Lessons in Gstaad with Maison Sport
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced skier, Gstaad has something for everyone. To make the most of your trip, we recommend booking an instructor who can help you discover the best runs for your skill level and enhance your experience on the slopes!