Gstaad

• Beginners

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• Intermediates

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• Experts

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• Snow Record

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• Families

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• Charm

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• Apres Ski

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• Weekends

Attractive, traditional village where anyone could have a relaxing holiday. Great for long weekends, families and non-skiers. Short transfer. Access to extensive skiing and few queues.

In favour of Gstaad

Although this resort has long been popular with British and has the reputation of attracting a wealthy clientele, it still has a lot to offer today’s more demanding skier. It has a surprisingly good snow record in spite of standing at 1000m and the local skiing being no higher than 2,200m. Its redeeming factor is the glacier skiing 15 minutes drive away at Col du Pillon at 3,000 metres. The locals maintain that this valley is one of the best kept secrets, as there are rarely any queues, the slopes are uncrowded and the extensive 250km of piste offers more than enough variety. The skiing is divided into four main areas, which are linked by regular bus and or rail links.

Gstaad itself is a chalet-style village with an attractive pedestrian centre, peacefully situated in a stunning open valley surrounded by wooded mountains. The resort is especially suited to weekend skiers, as it is only 2 hours from Geneva and families with a range of ages and abilities.

Winter 06/07 - all children under the age of 9 ski free!

Disadvantages

4 skiing areas means there is a lot of getting around on buses and trains if you don’t have a car. There are few challenges to be found for real experts.

Non-skiing activities

Artificial Ice rink, toboggan runs, cleared paths for walking, places of cultural interest, churches, historic houses and museums. Indoor tennis centre in Gstaad, paragliding. Public indoor pool with sauna, massage, solarium. A variety of bars and restaurants.