Few destinations do Alpine retreats quite like Switzerland. But when it comes to choosing where to spend a winter getaway, two names in particular tend to compete for travellers’ attention: Gstaad and St. Moritz.
Both promise snow-topped mountain peak landscapes, world-class skiing, luxury hotels and plenty of opportunities to indulge in après-ski dining and socialising. Although the destinations share a Swiss Alpine setting, the two resorts offer distinctly different experiences.
Although the two both receive an average snowfall of four metres per person, serious skiers should know St. Moritz’s piste network spans 350 kilometres, compared with 200 kilometres in Gstaad. St. Moritz also has a higher village altitude, highest point and longer season from late November to early May compared to its Swiss counterpart.
Beyond the slopes, Gstaad is perfect for snowshoeing, cultural experiences such as cheese making, and to top it off, Gstaad promenade features an array of artisanal shops with fashion, jewellery, crafts and other wares on offer.
So, which resort is best for you depends on whether you’re after unparalleled skiing, or have an eye for old-money vibes and non-skiing experiences.
