Outdoor
Outdoor-Activities in the Destination Gstaad
The Destination Gstaad is simply an outdoor paradise. The unspoiled natural countryside inspires people to get out and keep fit, whether on the ground, in the air, on boards or skis. What all sports and activities have in common is the health-giving mountain air. Have a great time!
Tobogganing
There's nothing quite like letting the toboggan whizz you downhill and feeling the powdery snow flying into your face – tobogganing enthusiasts have six different toboggan runs of varying degrees of difficulty to choose from in the Destination Gstaad.
Skitours
Welcome to the ski tour paradise for lovers of nature and skiing. Besides a multitude of routes ranging form easy pre-Alps mountains to demanding high-altitude ski tours the offer also includes appealing combinations of outdoor and indoor pleasures, all of which benefit from the short access routes, i.e. ski tours combined with leisure and spa facilities or mountain and gourmet treats.
Snowshoe Hiking
The Destination Gstaad with its gently rolling landscape is ideal for snowshoe tours. Young and old alike will enjoy the easy or challenging routes through the unspoilt natural world.
Ice Sports
Pucks, Pirouettes or Curling Brushes: The ice rinks in the Destination Gstaad offer an attractive alternative to fun on the slopes.
Curling
Curling is becoming increasingly popular in the Destination Gstaad and is played on the ice rink in Gstaad Sports Centre. Different tournaments are also held on the natural ice rinks in the Destination during the winter season.
Information
- Season: beginning of November until end of March
- Annual Curling Programme: www.curling-gstaad.ch
- Gstaad Sports Centre
Alpine Curling
- Information and reservations: ESC Zweisimmen Rinderberg, Postfach, 3770 Zweisimmen
- ESC Zweisimmen Rinderberg
More ice rinks with curling facilities
- Château-d'Oex natural ice rink, information and reservations: Tel: +41 26 924 24 51
Paragliding
The Destination Gstaad has a wealth of varied flying routes. The launch sites have good thermals and are easy to reach by lift and cable car. Visitors can also experience the thrill of tandem flights with experienced pilots.
Providers
- Paragliding School Gstaad, Tel. +41 79 224 42 70, book online
- Time To Fly Paragliding, Tel. +41 76 470 10 10
- Alpinzentrum Gstaad, Tel. +41 33 748 41 61
- Swissraft, Tel. +41 81 911 52 50
Official launch sites
- Wispile
- Wasserngrat
- Rinderberg
- Horneggli
- Glacier 3000
More information on the launch sites
Important note: Adhere to the instructions at the launch and landing sites, as well as information provided by the lift and cable car stations about wildlife reserves. Respect flora and fauna at all times.
Useful information
Ice-climbing
Enthusiastic ice-climbers are sure to find challenges on the Glacier 3000 above the Col du Pillon or near Lake Lauenen. With the right equipment, an adrenaline rush is guaranteed in the Destination Gstaad. The day will become an unforgettable experience with instructions from local guides. Information is available from the local providers of outdoor activities.
- Suitable for trained climbers
- Season: Between November and March depending on the ice conditions.
- Overview: Les Diablerets (Col du Pillon, at the waterfall), Geltenschuss (at Lake Lauenen), Tungelschuss (at Lake Lauenen), Burgfälle (Gsteig)
- Important note: Only accompanied by a local guide
Sale and hire of climbing equipment
- Edelweiss Sport in Gstaad, www.edelweisssport.ch
Hot Air Ballooning
The balloon floats gently up into the sky where everything is silent and peaceful. As you drift along with the wind, you will have an outstanding view of the mountains and valleys. Experienced balloonists have come to love the region for its micro-climate, which provides the very best conditions for ballooning.
Providers
- Ballon Château-d'Oex, Tel. +41 26 924 22 20, info@ballonchateaudoex.ch
- Swissraft Services GmbH, Tel. +41 81 911 52 50, info@swissraft.ch
- Take-Off Balloon, Tel. +41 32 397 51 42, info@gstaad-balloon.ch
Event Tip: International Festival of Ballooning, Château-d’Oex - over 80 balloons from different countries compete: www.festivaldeballons.ch
Heliskiing
Leave your cares behind and fly off in a helicopter to experience the Alps at their most beautiful in the company of a mountain guide for skiing instructor. The Destination Gstaad has no fewer than five heliskiing landing sites (Gstellihorn, Wildhorn, Vordere Walig, Stalden, Glacier de Tsanfleuron).
Providers
- Air Glaciers, Gstaad Saanenland, Tel. +41 33 744 55 50, www.air-glaciers.ch
- Swiss Helicopter AG, Gstaad-Grund, Tel. +41 33 755 13 21, www.swisshelicopter.ch
Sightseeing Flights
Whether you're propelled into the air by thermal currents or by a motor, the Bernese Oberland Alps offer pilots a number of different options and flying routes. Different companies offer flights over the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau or towards the Valais Alps close to the Matterhorn and over the Aletsch Glacier.
Providers of sightseeing flights
Dog-sleigh Trips
On four paws through the snow: The Huskies are at home in the white splendor. The whole pack enjoys moving around in the snow – and this joy is contagious and felt by everyone watching them play in the snow. Even better is a romantic ride on a dogsled through the unique alpine area of Glacier 3000 or at the Sparenmoos area.
Offer Glacier 3000
- Dog sledding every Wednesday and Saturday without booking from 10 am to 2 pm. All other dates only on prior reservation.
- Provider: Glacier 3000
- Contact for groups: booking@glacier3000.ch
- Contact for individual guests: www.swissmushingcompany.ch
Offer Sparenmoos
- Dog sled adventure with Gstaad Card
- Provider: Explora Gstaad
Animal Trekking
Trekking with animals Discover the mountain world of the Destination Gstaad with porters of a very particular kind – llama, goat or horse trekking is a pleasurable experience for all age groups.
Providers
- Lama & Co, Hugo Frieden, www.lama-und-co.ch
- Horse-riding, Hauswirth riding stables, www.reitstall-hauswirth.ch
Horse-riding
Guided outings into the unspoilt countryside or riding lessons in the indoor hall – in classic, English or Western style: the hearts of horse-lovers are sure to beat even faster here.
Offer Gstaad Equestrian Centre
- Children and beginners riding lessons in German, English and French
- Dressage and jumping lessons
- Private lessons and training
- All-round holiday care for your horse
- Horse boarding
Riding options in winter
Starting at Gstaad Equestrian Centre, an attractive, signposted winter bridle path leads towards Gruben/Saali. The bridle path is also open to riders between Gstaad and Grund. Riders unfamiliar with the area should contact the people below to find out about the different riding trails or only ride with others.
Rules for using the winter riding trails
- The trails cross other people's property and riders should therefore conduct themselves accordingly.
- Follow the blue signs with white horses, and do not ride on winter hiking trails.
- Winter riding trails may be closed depending on the weather and to protect the fields. Adhere to the 'riding prohibited' signs at the entrances.
- Map of Winter Riding Trails
Providers
Reitzentrum Gstaad
Mettlenstrasse 15
3780 Gstaad
+41 33 744 24 60
info@reitzentrum-gstaad.ch
www.reitzentrum-gstaad.ch
Riding stable Hauswirth
Gstaadstrasse 39
3792 Saanen
Phone +41 78 824 75 54
www.reitstall-hauswirth.ch
Saanenreiter
Sarah Matti
Underi Märetmattestrasse 1
3792 Saanen
Mobile: +41 79 602 41 94
www.saanenreiter.ch
info@saanenreiter.ch
Geocaching
There are numerous geocaches hidden away in the destination of Gstaad and they are just waiting to be discovered. Guaranteed fun for the whole family is assured as each person discovers new places and insider tips.
Geocaching, also known as GPS scavenger hunting, is a kind of digital treasure hunt. The hidden objects are publicised on the internet using geographic coordinates and are then searched for with the aid of a GPS receiver.
This is how it works:
1. Download the free geocaching app
2. Register and go hunting
Further information:
- www.geocaching.com (in German)
- Flyer Geocaching Saanenmöser (in German)
- Le Grand des Marques" Château-d'Oex
