The Gstaad Holiday Region's Magical Start to Winter 2025/26

On November 8, the Glacier 3000 ski area opened its winter season, allowing snow sports fans to dive into winter at 3,000 metres above sea level even in late autumn. Today, November 28, the Gstaad Mountain Railways have opened the Saanersloch–Hornberg area and will gradually achieve full operation before the festive season by December 20. The abundant snow arrived at the perfect time, laying the foundation for ideal slope conditions this winter season.

It's magic – First Winter Season with Magic Pass

A magical winter is upon us: This winter season, the Gstaad Mountain Railways are participating in the Magic Pass network for the first time. The annual pass provides free access to the region’s mountain railways, bringing guests to the slopes, winter hiking trails, and toboggan runs. This partnership opens doors to new segments and makes the ski areas even more attractive to day-trippers. Especially the Romandy region is closer because the Magic Pass is very popular there. The Gstaad destination mountain railways are part of a network of nearly 100 ski areas, including the Glacier 3000. Both areas have already opened and offer continuous ski operations.

Efficient Snowmaking Facilities for a Secure Foundation

At Rinderberg, the snowmaking facility has been upgraded to ensure the valley descent to Zweisimmen can be ideally prepared. This investment strengthens Zweisimmen as an important entry portal into the ski area. This way, individually arriving guests are better distributed across the parking lots in Zweisimmen, Schönried, and Saanenmöser. For early birds, most facilities now open as early as 8:30 AM, allowing a better distribution of morning arrival peaks.

“The BDG railway and the Glacier 3000 have a total capacity of up to 18,000 guests per day. In recent years, we recorded around 5,500 initial entries per day on average in the two ski areas. Clearly, there’s still plenty of room for everyone on our slopes,” says Matthias In-Albon, CEO of the Gstaad Mountain Railways AG. He adds, “At the same time, we witnessed a clear trend reversal this summer thanks to the Magic Pass. We can distribute the additional guests well, which contributes significantly to sustainably covering our high fixed costs.”

Glacier 3000 in the Gstaad holiday region offers snow sports at 3,000 metres above sea level. Together with the other sub-areas, guests have over 200 kilometres of slopes at their disposal, extending over different elevations and offering a wide range of difficulty levels. The British tour operator Inghams, together with the British Weather Service, has just compared 120 ski areas in a study – the Gstaad holiday region is among the 25 places with the best conditions for powder snow.

New Culinary Hotspots for Gourmets

Two new ski-in-ski-out experiences connect enjoyment with the winter landscape. In Gsteig and at Rinderberg, giant wooden fondue caquelons stand out: They are directly accessible from the ski slopes and reachable by foot or skis. Here, guests enjoy their fondue outdoors, prepared in the iconic fondue backpack by local dairies.

The five- star hotel Ultima Gstaad brings Japanese flavours to Gstaad. Zuma restaurants are celebrated in London, Dubai, and New York. Now, the first restaurant in Switzerland is opening. With the Izakaya concept, the pop-up will be open in Gstaad from December 5 to March 15. The menu includes Japanese classics like sushi, sashimi, and dishes from the Robata grill. Signature cocktails complement the offer at Zuma. Since the announcement, the pop-up has received numerous reservation requests.

Ultima also makes a mark with the new chalet “Ultima Gstaad Promenade” in the heart of Gstaad. The luxurious chalet with eight bedrooms, a private spa, and a personal cinema room is bookable year-round, complementing the existing high-end offerings in the region.

Moreover, the restaurant “La Ferme Saint Amour” is back. With its atmospheric winter flair, open hospitality, and cozy-warm atmosphere, it remains a place for evenings long remembered.

Croissants on the Peak Sweeten the Winter Morning

At Glacier 3000, the Peak Brunch invites guests to start their day high above the clouds. From 9:15 to 10:45 AM, guests enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at Restaurant Botta, with the highest peaks of the Alps viewable through the panoramic windows. The brunch can be combined with the Peak Walk by Tissot or magical runs on the glacier ski slopes.

Classical Festivals with International Appeal

For twenty years, the Gstaad New Year Music Festival has touched concert audiences around the turn of the year. From December 26, 2025, to January 10, 2026, the voices of great artists will take center stage. Audiences rarely experience evenings with personalities like Cecilia Bartoli, Marina Viotti, or Plácido Domingo in such an intimate setting as in the churches of Saanen, Gstaad, Lauenen, and Rougemont. The proximity to the stage creates a meditative atmosphere in the time between years.

Shortly after, the “Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad” festival enchants the classical winter. From January 30 to February 7, 2026, the violin takes center stage in the 26th edition under the artistic direction of Renaud Capuçon. Young talents meet famous stars in the churches of Saanen and Rougemont, as well as in the Gstaad chapel. Three concert series and masterclasses shape the program. Renowned names such as Emmanuel Pahud, Clara-Jumi Kang, and Hélène Grimaud are among many other high-caliber musicians who will be performing.

Encouraging Booking Status for Hotels and Holiday Apartments

The current booking numbers point to a strong winter. Between Christmas and New Year's Eve, there are only a few rooms available in numerous hotels and holiday apartments. Interest from Switzerland is strong. Bookings are also increasing from European markets and overseas guests who appreciate Gstaad as an alpine retreat.

Tourism Director Flurin Riedi is looking forward to the upcoming winter season: “We are eagerly looking forward to this winter season. Our investments in infrastructure, new offers on the mountain and in the valley, as well as the cooperation with the Magic Pass, create ideal conditions for relaxing days in the snow. Our guests deliberately choose their favorite experiences from a high-quality offering and enjoy their time up here with unique moments entirely to their liking.”

On the Slopes with the Ski Patrol

She ensures safety on the slopes every day. Whether it's windy, snowy, or sunny. Early in the morning she checks the slopes and is immediately on the scene in emergencies. Veronika Zumbrunnen, a ski patrol officer with the Gstaad Mountain Railways. For her, the magic of winter arises from nature, community, and homemade biscuits. Her winter story takes the audience through her daily routine and offers a rare insight into her day-to-day life.

https://www.gstaad.ch/artikel/detail/vom-puderzucker-zum-pulverschnee

Contact for further questions:
Gstaad Saanenland Tourism
Ariane Ludwig-Meichtry
Head of Marketing & PR, Media Spokesperson
Tel. +41 33 748 81 81
ariane.ludwig@gstaad.ch

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher.