Nestled in the rolling hills of the Bernese Oberland, Gstaad Palace, part of The Leading Hotels of the World collection, will reopen its doors for its 110th winter season on Friday, 15th December 2023, with a plethora of new winter activities and experiences for all the family to enjoy.

Alpine adventures
Located in the idyllic Saanenland region, Gstaad becomes a haven for all types of outdoor adventure during the winter months. Adrenaline seekers can visit the “Black Wall” slope at Glacier3000, one of the steepest black-run ski slopes in the world, with a maximum gradient of 46 degrees.

Those looking for something a little less exhilarating can enjoy a panoramic hike at Sparenmoos, which has magical vistas of the Bernese Alps, the Simmental and Saanenland.

Children can delight in the toboggan run from Mt. Eggli to Gstaad, which passes through secluded forests and the peaceful Gstaad Mountains.

The Gstaad Palace hotel team can direct guests to a myriad of other exciting mountain adventures, including electric fat-bike tours, sledging and snowshoeing.

Brand new for this winter season, guests can also choose to be picked up from Gstaad Train Station in a traditional horse-drawn carriage, transporting them through the picturesque snowy landscapes up to The Grand Palace.

Sammy’s Winter Kids Club
Young visitors to The Palace this winter season can look forward to an exciting line-up of activities and experiences on offer at Sammy’s Winter Kids Club. Programme highlights include:

  • Festive movie nights with cookies and popcorn.
  • Ornament crafting for Sammy’s Christmas tree.
  • Christmas baking sessions.
  • Kids’ disco and karaoke.
  • A mocktail masterclass with Maître D’ Riccardo.
  • Pyjama party with the traditional pillow fight.

Outdoors, the magical Palace Garden awaits with a mini-farm, an encounter with Santa’s reindeer and a chance to play with the resident St. Bernhard dogs. On Christmas Day, young visitors can also pay a visit to see Santa Claus in the Salle Baccarat, where they will receive a special gift.

Ring in the New Year Las Vegas-style
Enjoy the glitz and glamour of New Year’s Eve in Gstaad at GreenGo’s exclusive themed party, ‘Sixties – A tribute to Las Vegas’. Guests will be invited to step into the world of 1960s Las Vegas, starting with a lavish cocktail reception in The Lobby bar from 8-9:30 pm.

The celebrations will follow with an exquisite dinner held in the ‘Salle Baccarat’ and restaurants throughout the hotel. Menu highlights include a selection of Ossetra Caviar; lobster in a lemongrass and verbena broth; turbot medallion and Cape scampi; wood-grilled Simmental beef ribeye with potato mille-feuille; and Bergamot biscuit souffle with mascarpone mousse.

As well as delicious fine dining, guests can also enjoy dancing, live entertainment from the Jean-Pierre Verdolini Jazz Band, and plenty of fizzing Champagne to ring in the New Year. A special children’s dinner is also organised for those travelling with their families.

Alpine wellness at the Palace Spa – Brand-new partnership with Augustinus Bader
A 1,800 sqm wellness sanctuary, the spacious Palace Spa is a luxury contemporary space featuring dark granite from nearby Lake Blausee, a log fire and soothing alpine views. The spa offers a state-of-the-art well-being experience comprising nine treatment rooms (including a private spa suite), saunas and steam baths, relaxation areas including a restorative spa garden, an indoor swimming pool and an outdoor Jacuzzi.

This winter season, Gstaad Palace has announced it has partnered with world-renowned luxury skincare brand Augustinus Bader with a new spa menu created with the brand’s most popular products. Young guests can also enjoy spa time this winter, including gentle vanilla strawberry & chocolate-scented facials or massages using products from French cosmetics brand Nougatine.

Hauser & Wirth in Gstaad
This winter, the international gallery Hauser & Wirth has collaborated with Gstaad Palace once again to present world-class art in the spectacular Palace Garden. A large bronze sculpture by French artist Camille Henrot, ‘Undelivered Message (2016), will feature in the garden against the spectacular mountainous backdrop of Gstaad.

Art enthusiasts can explore further a selection of modern and contemporary art at the Hauser & Wirth gallery in Gstaad, including works by Louise Bourgeois and Alexander Calder.

Gourmet dining and gluhwein at Le Grand Restaurant and La Grande Terrasse
Guests at The Palace this winter can indulge in exquisite haute cuisine at Le Grand Restaurant and on the La Grande Terrasse.

The restaurant has been recently renovated and exudes a glamorous and elegant design. Guests can also enjoy a warming traditional gluhwein outdoors on the Terrasse whilst absorbing the spectacular views over the Palace gardens and breathtaking mountain panorama.

The hotel will celebrate its 110th Christmas celebrations at Le Grand Restaurant with an exquisite evening dinner on Christmas Eve. Menu highlights will include:

  • Amberjack sashimi and poached Cape scampi.
  • Roast sea bream medallion.
  • A turkey roast or Simmental veal tenderloin.
  • Christmas pudding with Madagascan vanilla ice cream and sauce.

Gstaad Palace will open for the winter season from Dec 15th 2023- to Mar 8th 2024. Rooms start from 893 CHF (approx. £807) per room per night, including breakfast and a culinary credit. You can find more information on Gstaad Palace and its facilities at www.palace.ch/en/.

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