Skiing in Gstaad Saanenland – With Kids (2025)

Wondering if skiing in Gstaad is worth it for families? Curious if it’s great for kids or just for seasoned skiers? Look no further! Here’s your ultimate guide to skiing in Gstaad Saanenland with kids, complete with everything you need to know for a magical winter holiday.

The picturesque Gstaad-Saanenland region in Switzerland will transport you to a winter wonderland. While Gstaad is famously associated with luxury and celebrity lifestyles, there are plenty of budget-friendly options along the Saanen Valley. This makes skiing in Gstaad accessible and enjoyable for everyone—including families.

We first visited Gstaad during a summer escape and fell in love with its beauty. We knew we had to come back in winter… and wow, it did not disappoint! From snow parks to beginner slopes, affordable stays, and stunning landscapes, here’s why skiing in Gstaad with kids should be on your family’s winter bucket list.

Also read 16+ of the best Ski Resorts in Switzerland 

No time to read now, Pin for later so you don’t miss out on a great family winter weekend while Skiing in Gstaad with kids.

What You Need to Know About Skiing in Gstaad

When we talk about skiing in Gstaad, we’re not just referring to Gstaad village itself. The Gstaad-Saanenland ski domain includes everything from Saanen to Zweisimmen—and even the Lauenen Valley when conditions allow. Accessible areas include Wispile, Eggli, Wasserngrat, and Rinderberg (Saanersloch), with local buses connecting them all seamlessly.

If you’re skiing for two days or more, your lift pass also grants access to Glacier 3000 in Canton Vaud which belongs to Les Diablerets, another great family destination, adding even more variety to your holiday. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a total beginner, skiing in Gstaad offers plenty of options for all skill levels.

Good to know: Gstaad’s ski domain is at a lower altitude compared to some Swiss resorts. The valley floor starts at 1,050 metres, with most peaks capping around 2,000 metres (except Glacier 3000). Be sure to check weather conditions and snow reports before your visit!

Click on Gstaad Ski Map to gain full access

Is Skiing in Gstaad Suitable for Beginners or Advanced Skiers?

The ski domain caters primarily to beginners and families with young children. In fact, 60% of the runs are beginner-friendly (blue slopes), while 30% are intermediate (red) and 10% are for experts (black).

For Beginners and Families

Gstaad’s beginner slopes and kids’ areas make it a dream destination for young skiers. Saanenmöser’s practice park and Snow Kids Villages are excellent for teaching little ones their first turns.

The blue beginners runs are mostly up the mountains (check ski map) which makes it a nice change. In many other Swiss Ski resorts, the higher you go the more difficult it becomes, but not in Gstaad. Everyone can enjoy the beautiufl mountain views in Saanenland.

For Advanced Skiers

Don’t let the lower percentage of black runs deter you. The breathtaking scenery and off-piste options make skiing in Gstaad a rewarding experience for experts, especially on a snowy day.

Head to Saanerslochgrat for a mix of terrain that suits groups with varying skill levels. We had so much fun getting to know Gstaad ski domain and once we found the park, the kids where set for hours.

Snow Parks and Freestyle Fun

While Gstaad isn’t a freestyle mecca, it does boast a fantastic snow park at Hornberg. This park features smooth-flowing runs, jumps, and obstacles perfect for practicing grabs and spins.

For little ones, the practice park in Saanenmöser is a must-visit. It’s packed with fun, kid-friendly obstacles that help them build confidence before tackling bigger slopes.

How to Access the Gstaad Ski Domain

Gstaad’s ski area is well-connected by train, car, and local buses. Key entry points include:

• Schönried: Take the Horneggli chairlift.
• Saanenmöser: Conveniently located with easy train and bus access.
• Zweisimmen: Perfect for exploring Saanerslochgrat, but check snow conditions as this area can close early in the season.
• Glacier 3000: Accessible via a bus from Gstaad to Col du Pillon.

For families skiing in Gstaad with kids, these entry points make planning your day out on the slopes effortless.

For a non skiing day in Gstaad hope on the MOB Goldenpass Express train from Interlaken to Montreux via Gstaad.

Beginners’ Areas and Kids Villages

One of the highlights of skiing in Gstaad with kids is the variety of nursery slopes and Snow Kids Villages spread across the domain. These areas are specifically designed for young skiers and beginners, often with magic carpets and fun obstacles. Here are a few standout locations:

• Snow Kids Village Schönried: Features a tube carousel and fun lessons for kids.
• Saanenmöser: Located at the base station, with magic carpets and a playful atmosphere.
• Lernpark Zweisimmen: Includes pull ropes, a carousel, and a playground for little learners.

Gstaad village of course also has a kids nursery park.

These kid-friendly skiing areas ensure that children have a safe and enjoyable introduction to skiing in Gstaad.

Skiing Glacier 3000

For a unique experience, head to Glacier 3000. Your multi-day Gstaad ski pass includes access to this iconic destination. Ride the cable car up to Scex Rouge (2,971m), where you can walk across the Peak Walk by Tissot suspension bridge and take in jaw-dropping views.

Highlights

• The thrilling Black Wall slope (if open).
• Glacier winter walks for non-skiers.
• Dog sledding—a magical experience for the whole family.

Gstaad Skipass Prices (2025)

Here’s a quick overview of lift pass prices:

• One-day pass (no Glacier 3000 access): Adults CHF 64 / Kids CHF 34 / Youth CHF 49.
• Two-day pass (with Glacier 3000 access): Adults CHF 127 / Kids CHF 68 / Youth CHF 98.

Children under 5 ski for free! For families skiing in Gstaad with kids, this is a fantastic budget-saving bonus.

Where to Stay: Budget-Friendly Family Accommodation

While Gstaad is known for luxury hotels, you don’t need to break the bank.

So where is the best Hotel in Gstaad on a budget that is convenient for a family?

Let’s say it will not be The Alpina Gstaad with its Six Senses Spa- the only one in Switzerland. Even if it is a favourite of Madonna, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tiger Woods.

We’ll keep this one for a very special occasion.

We stayed at the Saanen-Gstaad Youth Hostel  and loved it! This family-friendly hostel offers:

• Spacious communal areas with games and activities.
• A heated boot room for ski gear.
• Affordable family rooms with half-board options (~CHF 300 for a family of four).

Good to know:

• The hostel is wheelchair accessible throughout.
• Its location is only a 10-minute walk from the train and bus station, making it super convenient.
• Alternatively there is a free ski-bus departing from the Spitzhorn Bus station, only a 3-minutes walk from the Youth Hostel.

Click on the map below to get the bus time table of 2025

Find your Hotel in Gstaad – Saanenland

Should the Youth Hostel not be available browse the map for other affordable family accommodation options in Gstaad, consider searching for guesthouses in Saanenmöser or Schönried. Check the map below to find your perfect hotel or accommodation in Gstaad.

Things to Do in Gstaad for Non-Skiers

Not everyone in the family needs to hit the slopes to enjoy their stay in Gstaad. Here are a few of the many activities in Gstaad for non-skiers:

• Winter Walks: Scenic trails crisscross the valley, offering peaceful strolls through snow-covered landscapes.
• Cross-Country Skiing: Beautiful tracks run between Saanenmöser and Schönried.
• Gstaad Sport Centre: With swimming pools, a slide, and wellness facilities, it’s perfect for families.
• Ice Rink and Curling Hall: More winter fun awaits here.

Sledging in Gstaad

But one of the best things to do in Gstaad if you do not ski, has to be sledging.

30 km of sledge runs to choose from (if all are open).

Access points

• Saanenmöser cable car and Schönried chairlift. There is also Gstaad – Eggli but this was closed during our stay. Depending on the snowconditions not all runs may be open.

The sledge runs

• The Hornberg Run – No. 93 access Saanemösser, is an easy 2.5 km trail that takes you to the middle station.
  From there, choose the easier option and stay on 93 followed by 90 at the end down to Saanenmöser – or head down run 94 to Schönried. BUT be aware run 94, gets steep in some places.
  

Ticket prices for sledging

• Sledge rental at any access point : 10 Chf
• Day Sledge Pass: 40 Chf adult, 20 Chf kids (6-15 years), no discount with GA/Half-fare card
• Single ride: 34 Chf – 17 Chf GA/ Half-fare accepted

If you go sledging after skiing your ticket of course is valid. All you need is a sledge.

2 Days in Gstaad itinerary – Winter edition

If you wonder how best to spend two days in Gstaad with kids here is a quick overview of how we planned out family getaway to Gstaad.

We arrived friday evening. After a quick and friendly check in to the Jugendherberge Saanen,(Youth Hostel) we went and had dinner at Michel’s Stall-Beizli. A unique place you can’t miss.

Picture this: you’re sitting in a cozy stable-like setting, where Michel cares for his cows and calves and the restaurant team spoils you with delicious Swiss treats.
(Don’t worry—there’s no “Stable N°4” perfume lingering around.)

Day one – Ski day

After a nice breakfast at the Youth Hostel we made our way to Saanenmöser from where we entered the Gstaad Saanenland ski domain. We went by car, but you can easily go by train.

There is a large car park and we only had to walk about 3 minutes. However, I would suggest to start at Schönried. The car park felt less busy.

Lunch on the mountain

We stopped at Lochstafel Restaurant right on piste. The place was packed but no wonder, the burgers were fantastic. But in general, there are so many places that look great to eat.

Swimming time

Around 15.30 we skied back down to the car and went swimming in the Gstaad Sports Centre.  I was ready to relax at the hotel with my book, but the kids made sure we went direction sports centre.

Dinner and good night

Back at the Youth Hostel in Saanen we played some table tennis and had a lovely simple three course meal before retiring for the night

Day two – Sledging and Glacier 3000

We all felt a bit under the weather this morning (European flu season) and decided to go sledging, and then skiing at Glacier 3000 in the afternoon with the hope we felt a bit better.

A quick and easy check out from the Youth Hostel and off we went to Schönried from where we accessed the sledge runs via the Horneggli chairlift.

After the morning of fun sledging down many different runs, we made our way to Glacier 3000. But without the skis. Luckily we had skied the area before and know how cool it is, but the flu had got to us even more.

Never the less we wanted to experience the amazing views from the top. It was so worth the effort.

Down with the last gondola during the sunset light wich made it even more beautiful and home we went full with happy memories from our weekend in Gstaad.

Final Thoughts on Skiing in Gstaad with Kids

Skiing in Gstaad – Saanenland offers something for everyone. From kid-friendly slopes and charming Snow Kids Villages to thrilling black runs and scenic Glacier 3000, it’s a destination that promises unforgettable family memories. Add in affordable accommodation options and plenty of activities for non-skiers, and you’ve got the perfect winter getaway.

Whether you’re exploring the beginner slopes of Saanenmöser, tackling the advanced runs at Saanerslochgrat, or soaking in the magic of Glacier 3000, skiing in Gstaad with kids is a winter adventure your family will treasure forever.

So pack your skis, grab your family, and get ready to experience the magic of skiing in Gstaad with kids!

More Travel Guides from the Area

• Things to do in Gstaad with kids – Summer edition
• 10 things to do in Montreux Riviera – (in Spring) 
• Hiking along the famous Wine Teracces de Lavaux
• Spring hiking between the Narcissus Flowers- Les Pleiades 
• Ormont-Dessous, Les Mosses – A family Hike to Lac Lioson – Lioson Lake 
• Villars-Grion – Les Diableret-The Perfect Family Winter Resort 
• Château-d’Oex, A family Weekend with Activities

I hope that the information provided here will prove itself useful when planning skiing in Gstaad with kids. If I have left anything out, please ask your questions in the comments below and share your experience. So that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries and stories as well.

Note: This trip was in cooperation with Gstaad Tourismus. Thank you again! However you can always be assured that the recommendations are our honest tips and reviews as always.

Thank you & Never Forget to Explore

Thanks for sharing it!