Europe, Hotels, International Hotels, Switzerland, Travel
The Quiet Thrill of Gstaad—And Why The Alpina Gstaad Remains the Discerning Traveller’s Choice
03
Jan
Jan
There are few places left in the Alps where the snow falls thick and silent, the chalets glow warmly against the dusk, and the only sound breaking the hush is the soft swish of skis on fresh powder or the distant clatter of hooves on packed snow as ponies prepare for a snow polo chukka. Gstaad has always possessed this particular alchemy—a village that manages to be both gloriously glamorous and reassuringly understated, where billionaires rub shoulders with local farmers at the Saturday market, and the après-ski scene revolves around a discreet glass of Champagne.
For independent travellers accustomed to the finest five-star hotels, who know their way around a black run and appreciate the peculiar exhilaration of snow polo under floodlights, The Alpina Gstaad—honoured as Europe’s standout in Preferred’s 2025 Awards of Excellence—offers the perfect confluence of sporting pursuit, serene luxury, and that elusive sense of being utterly at home in the mountains.Gstaad’s winter allure lies in its variety and accessibility: 220 kilometres of impeccably groomed pistes across the linked Saanenland region, from gentle blues for morning warm-ups to challenging blacks that demand precision and reward with panoramic views over the Diablerets glacier. Heli-skiing drops you on to untouched powder fields, while cross-country trails wind through frozen forests where the only tracks might be those of a chamois. And then there is snow polo—that most aristocratic of winter sports, played each January on the frozen lake during the Gstaad Snow Polo Tournament, where the crack of mallet on ball echoes across the valley and spectators sip hot chocolate laced with something stronger from fur-lined stands. For those who ride, the surrounding trails offer excellent winter hacking on sure-footed Haflingers, and the village’s equestrian heritage runs deep.
Yet the magic of Gstaad and The Alpina Gstaad extends far beyond winter. The hotel reopens each summer (mid-June to mid-September) when the Alps shed their white cloak for emerald meadows bursting with wildflowers, crystal lakes reflecting snow-capped peaks, and hiking trails that range from gentle valley strolls to challenging ridge walks with breathtaking vistas. Mountain biking, paragliding, hot-air balloon rides and glacier excursions to nearby Glacier 3000 keep the adventurous occupied, while the outdoor pools and sun-drenched terraces invite languid afternoons with a book and a glass of local Fendant. Summer events—from the Menuhin Festival’s classical concerts to the Swiss Open tennis tournament—add cultural polish to the fresh alpine air.
The Alpina Gstaad itself—a contemporary chalet masterpiece of weathered wood and local stone, opened in 2012 yet already a modern classic—sits elevated above the village, commanding sweeping views over the snow-laden rooftops to the peaks beyond (or, in summer, over flower-filled valleys). Its 56 rooms and suites are studies in alpine sophistication: vast spaces with hand-carved timber ceilings, open fireplaces that crackle invitingly after a day on the slopes or trails, deep soaking tubs facing the mountains, and private balconies where you can watch the alpenglow fade while planning tomorrow’s adventures. The Six Senses Spa—a serene sanctuary of heated indoor-outdoor pools, hammams, and salt rooms—offers treatments that soothe ski-weary muscles or hiking limbs with Swiss herbs and alpine honey, emerging refreshed for another day’s pursuits.
Dining is equally assured: the Michelin-starred Sommet serves refined French-Swiss cuisine with flawless precision, while Megu brings authentic Japanese artistry to the Alps, and the more relaxed Stübli offers hearty fondue and raclette in cosy pine-panelled surroundings. The wine cellar—one of Switzerland’s finest—ensures perfect pairings, whether a mature Bordeaux after a day’s skiing or a crisp local Fendant on the sun terrace.
In 2026, The Alpina Gstaad remains the discerning choice for those who expect their alpine playground—winter or summer—to match their standards: sporting excellence, seamless service, and a genuine sense of place, all wrapped in contemporary luxury.
CountryClubuk Members enjoy exclusive rates, complimentary upgrades when available, and those thoughtful privileges that make any season truly exceptional. If Gstaad’s year-round glamour calls, do enquire—the mountains await.
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