Located to the south of the Swiss capital, Bern, and east of Lake Geneva, Gstaad ski resort is part of a thriving ski circuit that shares the same range as Adelboden. Set against a backdrop of glaciers and mountain lakes, Gstaad is a chic resort which is ideal for families and skiers of mixed abilities. Skiing is on gently undulating, tree-lined slopes, and there is also summer glacier skiing.

The traffic-free Alpine village itself is traditional, pretty and sedate and lies tucked into a scenic valley by a river, situated right next to the ski lifts. Gstaad is loaded with boutiques and elegant shops which are more in-tune with the big city affluence of Paris and London. Gstaad is also a great spot for other winter pursuits, so non-skiers should find plenty to amuse them.

There are 2,700 hotel beds and 10,500 beds in holiday chalets, apartments, private houses, and youth hotels. Gstaad has more than 70 restaurants while après-ski is mainly hotel-based. Gstaad also supports a healthy number of nightspots that range from casual to glamorous. A ski school and ski kindergarten are also available.

Gstaad ski resort has 85kms of local groomed slopes, with a longest run of 14.5kms. Skiers have access to 70 lifts, mountain railroads, gondolas and funiculars that are configured into a system that services the slopes of at least six other resorts scattered over four valleys of the Bernese Oberland. The lift capacity is 50,000 people per hour.

The other resorts surrounding Gstaad ski resort lie stretched along the railway line (from east to west) and include Zweisimmen, Rougemont, and Chateau d'Oex, among others. Montreux, on the banks of Lake Geneva, offers good sightseeing, with attractions such as the 13th century Château de Chillon and Switzerland's first ever casino.

Gstaad's ski season runs from December to mid-April, with summer skiing on Les Diablerets glacier. There are special deals in January, March and pre-Christmas holidays. The best way to get here is to fly to Zürich or Geneva, and take a train.