Gstaad Travel Guide
Located beside a river in a picturesque valley, the ski resort of Gstaad is part of the same mountain range which houses Adelboden. The traffic-free alpine village is a quaint early-20th century village which has maintained much of its traditional charm, while at the same time offering much in the way of boutique shopping. Amongst scenery of magnificent mountains, lakes and glaciers Gstaad caters to skiers of all abilities, and offers glacier skiing in the summer months.
Visitors will be thrilled to find 53 miles of groomed slopes, with the longest run stretching nine miles. Gondolas, mountain railways and funiculars carry skiers to the other resorts of the Bernese Oberland, and the slopes are accessed by the use of 70 lifts able to carry up to 50,000 skiers per hour.
Tourist Attractions Around Gstaad
Snowboarding is another hugely popular winter sport that is catered for here, and other activities available include sleigh riding, mountaineering, heli-skiing and ice skating. Ballooning and curling are popular activities, and an indoor fitness centre boasts a swimming pool and tennis courts.
Zweisimmen, Château d'Oex and Rougemont are among the resorts nearby which are easily accessed by rail. On the banks of Lake Geneva, Montreux makes for a great visit and includes attractions such as the 13th century Château de Chillon and Switzerland's first casino.
Transportation Around Gstaad
Ski season in Gstaat is from December to mid-April, and in the summer months the Diablerets Glacier offers opportunities to partake in a variety of sports. Most people reach the area by flying to Zürich or Geneva and then taking a train to Gstaad. Within the town there is a range of accommodations to suit everyone's needs, with a choice between youth hostels, international hotels and traditional chalets. Over 70 restaurants cater to all tastes, and nightclubs and bars provide night-time entertainment. Ski school and childminding facilities are located within the resort.
If you are planning on skiing or undertaking in any other winter activity, it is important to purchase the right insurance. Medical expenses tend to be high in Switzerland, and as with all holiday destinations there is always the small risk of petty crime or theft.
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