Gstaad

Gstaad holds a well deserved repuation as being one of the world's top ski destinations. The view from the top of the Glacier in Gstaad stretches from Mont Blanc to the Bernese Alps and the Matterhorn, a total of 24 summits at 3000 metres. Swiss resort of Gstaad forms part of the Bernese Oberland Ski Area with an impressive 220 km of downhill skiing and 80 separate pistes that are served by 53 lifts which are able to transport 53,000 skiers and snowboarders per hour. Gstaad ski holidays are suitable for all levels of skier with plenty of variety at each level. With the slopes being over 3000 metres, activity is guaranteed for most of the season, with snow making facilities being on hand should they ever be needed.

Gstaad is located within 4 valleys which each have their own ski centres and individual runs and which pass through various French and German speaking resorts which gives a truly cosmopolitan feel to the area. Snowboarders also have a wide range of options open to them with a choice of terrain parks and permanent racing runs. If this isn't enough, Gstaad also has a fantastic sport centre with free entry to lift ticket holders.

About the village

As for accommodation, Gstaad has a wide variety of self catering chalets, apartments and B&B's and if your preference is for a hotel, Gstaad has plenty of these too. There are plenty of apres ski facilities with lots of bars and restaurants to suit most budgets. If you fancy partying the night away, the top nightspot in town is the Greengo Nightclub at the 5 star Palace Hotel, but be warned, it doesn't come cheap. Other things to do include taking an evening sleigh or toboggan ride, visiting the cinema or Casino or even going bowling. There are also plenty of live bands, dancing and cabaret acts. For some retail therapy, the shops along Gstaads's Hauptstrasse rival those of any of the big cities like Paris or Milan.