Winter Hiking in Gstaad, Switzerland
Sheets of white snow all around, snowy mountain tops… There are scarcely more impressive views than when winter magic sweeps over the hiking trains in the Swiss mountains. The Bernese Highlands and the region around Gstaad offer opportunities aplenty for idyllic winter walks. Here are our top tips for hiking on your winter holiday in Switzerland.
30+ Winter Hiking Trails near Gstaad
The Gstaad Palace is surrounded by impressive hiking trails. For every level of difficulty, and especially suitable for winter walking, there’s something for everyone. This includes trails that loop around for easy navigation home to the hotel. Find a helpful overview of the routes – along with up-to-date information on accessibility – at the following link.
Hiking in Snowshoes Around Gstaad
Winter hiking with snowshoes – available to hire locally from suppliers around Gstaad – are becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland. Using snowshoes gives you the opportunity to explore the Swiss countryside in deep snow and off the beaten track.
Themed Walks in Gstaad
Popular Swiss Winter Hikes near the Hotel
Some of the most beautiful winter hiking routes in Switzerland can be found near the Gstaad Palace Hotel. We can recommend the circular route from Gstaad via Nüweret to Oberbort to Wintermatte and back to Gstaad. Passing by traditional chalets, you’ll hike along a magnificent high-level path into the Turbachtal valley.
Winter Hiking Tips
Hiking isn’t just for the summer, but the colder months too. The winter hike does however place different demands on the hiker:
- Warm clothing is an obvious requirement, but it makes sense to dress in layers to protect yourself from moisture absorption.
- Experienced winter hikers swear by gaiters – these prevent snow from falling into the tops of your shoes.
- A headlamp is also a must – since it gets dark quickly in the winter months, even a small detour can turn your day hike into a night walk.