Skiing in Gstaad

Gstaad is a resort in Berner Oberland (Switzerland) skied between 1050 and 3000 metres, with 220 km of pistes and 43 lifts.

Country
Switzerland
Region
Berner Oberland
Altitude
1050–3000 m
Vertical drop
1950 m
Skiable kilometres
220 km
Lifts
43
Estimated season
December 13, 2026 – April 6, 2027

Frequently asked questions about Gstaad

Where is Gstaad?

Gstaad is in Berner Oberland, Switzerland, with the base at 1050 m and the top at 3000 m.

When does Gstaad open?

Gstaad has not announced its opening date for the 2026/27 season yet. Our own estimate, based on the resort's altitude and its past seasons, puts it around December 13, 2026: that is a forecast, not an announcement. The resort confirms the date each autumn and we keep it up to date at https://www.caranva.app/en/esqui/fechas-apertura/gstaad.

When does Gstaad close?

Gstaad is expected to close for the 2026/27 season on April 6, 2027. The real date depends on how the snow holds up at the top (3000 m) late in the season, and the resort usually announces it only a few weeks ahead: the up-to-date version is at https://www.caranva.app/en/esqui/fechas-apertura/gstaad.

How much snow is there in Gstaad and are the lifts open?

It changes daily and the resort itself publishes it every morning: snow depth by altitude, open runs and open lifts. The Gstaad daily report and forecast are at https://www.caranva.app/en/nieve/suiza/gstaad. When it blows hard, the most exposed lifts are usually the upper ones (3000 m), so it is worth checking before driving up.

At what altitude do you ski in Gstaad?

Between 1050 and 3000 metres, a vertical drop of 1950 m. That difference is why the snow is not the same across the whole resort on the same day: the upper slopes hold up better late in the season, while the lower part, at 1050 m, is the first to feel rain or warm weather. That is why the Gstaad report is read by altitude band, at https://www.caranva.app/en/nieve/suiza/gstaad.

How many kilometres of pistes does Gstaad have?

Gstaad has 220 km of pistes and 43 lifts, between 1050 and 3000 m of altitude.

Where can I rent skis in Gstaad?

On Caranva you book the full kit for Gstaad — skis, boots and poles, or a snowboard if you prefer — at https://www.caranva.app/en/shop/esqui/gstaad: you pick the dates and give your height, weight, shoe size and level, and the gear is waiting assembled with the bindings set to those figures. You pay online, you skip the sizing counter, and you can swap the gear in the shop if something does not fit. The alternative is walking into a shop at the resort on a first-come basis, which over a bank holiday or at Christmas means queuing for whatever is left.

Which ski resorts are near Gstaad?

In the same valley or the next one: Adelboden (185 km of pistes, up to 2360 m) and Lenk (185 km of pistes, up to 2400 m). Comparing their top altitudes helps when snowfall is scarce: the ones that top out higher tend to open earlier and hold on longer at the end of the season.