Get to know Gstaad, Switzerland - Altitude Ski and Snowboard School in Gstaad

Get to know Gstaad, Switzerland

We’re very excited to be launching our newest ski school in Gstaad this December, and we’ve been having a look around our new resort and getting to know Gstaad and what makes it tick, so we are able to make sure we have exactly what clients are looking for during their stay.

We thought we’d share some of that info with you too, in case you were looking to head to Gstaad for a family ski holiday, or even head up from the areas of Geneva or Lausanne for the weekend to check it out. The reasons we have chosen Gstaad for our newest ski school, may well be the reason you do too!

The first time we ever visited Gstaad was in the glorious Alpine summer; full of hikers making the most of the 300km of trails, and mountain bikers, as well as well-dressed people about the town, the centre of town seemed smaller than we had imagined but the area it covers, much larger. And for skiing, that’s what counts. The village itself is car-free, and the scenery more majestic and reminiscent of rolling hills than our mountain-side home of Verbier with its steep faces and infamous powder terrain. However that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its share of steep slopes, with the famous Tiger Run, the legendary steepest ski slope, is in the Wasserngrat ski area and provides a 2.5km black run to get your pulse racing!

Home to the famous Glacier 3000, extending the season here from the end of October to the beginning of May, Gstaad has numerous ski areas within its reach, with three large ski areas and several more small ones.

We’re obviously all about the skiing and snowboarding, but it is nice to know what else the town can offer too! With a wide selection of activites, Gstaad is a great place for a winter getaway, especially with the family. Amongst our favourite outdoor activities are the night skiing which is available on selected days during the season, hot air ballooning and ‘geo-caching’ – a family friendly GPS treasure hunt! There’s also lots for the kids to enjoy after skiing; indoor bowling, climbing, swimming and even horse-riding.

We hope to catch you here soon!

Check out our Blue Blog for more Gstaad info and tips.

Level 1 (complete beginners)

  • No skiing or snowboarding experience is required.
  • Don’t worry, everyone has to start at the beginning.

 

Level 2

Level 2 (intermediate beginners)

  • Be able to use the magic carpet and handle tow on the nursery slopes.
  • Some control of speed and direction.

 

Level 3

Level 3 (advanced beginners)

  • Ride all lifts on the nursery and easy slopes.
  • Be able to control speed using turns.

 

Level 4

Level 4 (intermediate)

  • Confident on blue runs, turning comfortably.
  • Skiers should have their skis parallel some of the time.
  • Snowboarders should be confident on both heel and toe side turns.

 

Level 5

Level 5 (intermediate advanced)

  • Confident on red runs when conditions are good.
  • Feel challenged by ice, moguls or deep snow.

 

Level 6

Level 6 (advanced)

  • Confident with red runs in all conditions, get down most black runs.
  • Looking to improve in moguls, off-piste or carving.

 

Level 7

Level 7 (expert)

  • Confident on blacks and be able to safely get down itinerary routes.
  • Working on improving skills and speed in carving, moguls or powder.
  • Be waiting to improve jumps and tricks in the freestyle park.