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On a visit to Gstaad and Interlaken, Petra Shepherd came upon what different winter actions are on supply at these conventional resorts.

Regardless of its unique repute, the actual essence of Gstaad is to not be discovered within the village and within the luxurious outlets however in nature and in our traditions, says Claudia my smiling information on a horse-drawn sleigh experience via the area.   

PHOTO: Petra having fun with a sleigh experience in Gstaad

The resort’s tag line “Gstaad – come up, decelerate” rings true, the solar is blazing down, the bushes are laden with snow and it’s all impossibly picturesque. I’m within the glamorous Swiss ski resort within the Bernese Oberland to ski but in addition to find what different winter actions are on supply. 

Positioned on the intersection of two Bernese valleys, Gstaad has influences from each French and German talking elements of Switzerland and over 200km of slopes to discover, between 1000 and 3000 metres. The resort additionally has the one glacier ski space within the Bernese Oberland, the Glacier 3000.  

The slopes are well-groomed and tree-lined and simply skiable in a day, leaving loads of time for the plethora of different actions on supply. On my go to in late January 2025, the snow was distinctive and the slopes quiet, nevertheless if you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing somewhat more difficult, the two.5km black part of the Tiger Run on The Wasserngrat close to Gstaad is taken into account the steepest ski slope within the area.

Gstaad is house to the long-lasting and fairytale Gstaad Palace Lodge, one of many Main Resorts of the World, towering over the city and enchanting guests since 1913. Nevertheless, Gstaad shouldn’t be solely house to one of many grandest inns within the area but in addition one of many coolest in each sense of the phrase, Iglu-Dorf, one of many authentic snow inns. 

The Iglu-Dorf Gstaad is situated close to the mountain station of the cable automobile Saanerslochgrat, above Saanenmöser and about 2000 metres above sea stage. Worldwide artists adorn the igloo rooms with nice consideration to element, creating magical new worlds of snow and ice yearly. On my go to the theme was wild animals – who’d not need to keep in a room watched over by a hippo or zebra?

An igloo evening is a novel expertise and provides a whole package deal with fondue, snowshoe trek, scorching tub/sauna and breakfast buffet. There’s additionally another “escape room” within the type a thriller igloo, groups remedy cool winter puzzles to enter the igloo. 

My lodging was a tad hotter – The Golfhotel Les Hauts de Gstaad & Spa, a conventional, family-run 4-star superior lodge set above Gstaad subsequent to the cablecar station, providing lovely views of the city and surrounding mountains. All 57 rooms, most of which have a balcony, are furnished in a classy Alpine model, and the lodge additionally boasts three eating places and a wellness space. Within the cosy Chalet le Gessenay within the lodge backyard, with a big fire, I loved a Fondue Chinoise, a Swiss dish that’s much like a scorching pot. It’s made by cooking meat and greens in a simmering broth on the desk and dipping them into quite a lot of sauces. I used to be saving the complete cheese fondue expertise for later. 

Gstaad has retained its Alpine authenticity, the chalets are both authentic or freshly interpreted however at all times true to custom and with a inhabitants of 7200, there are nearly as many cows, together with Rosie the cow, a bronze statue donated by Elizabeth Taylor, within the resort’s principal avenue. Gstaad is famend for attracting the well-known, the celebrated actress owned Chalet Ariel, which she and Richard Burton used as a base in Europe. 

The Sitting Duck is one other bronze statue forged by Blake Edwards, the husband of maybe Gstaad’s most well-known honorary citizen Julie Andrews. As a 33-year-old, Andrews found Gstaad along with Edwards. From then on, this place was for her “the final paradise in a loopy world” and though my go to was brief, I do are inclined to somewhat agree. 

It’s no secret that Swiss trains are frequent, 100% dependable and join effectively at stations. To journey between Gstaad and Interlaken I travelled Status Class on The Golden Cross Specific, a luxurious panoramic prepare travelling between Montreux on Lake Geneva and Interlaken within the Bernese Oberland. Travelling by prepare is by far the easiest way to discover Switzerland’s breathtaking landscapes and watching the beautiful blue and turquoise colors of Lake Thun framed by the snow-covered Alps on path to Interlaken was completely mesmerising.  

PHOTO: Raclette rafting with Out of doors Interlaken on Lake Brienz

It’s tough to seek out actions within the Alps which are completely distinctive and as a daily customer that I’ve not finished earlier than. As a cheese addict I used to be subsequently thrilled to find raclette rafting, an alpine culinary delight on the water. The raft (an inflatable rib with a cushion on both facet to take a seat on) has a desk connected to the centre of the raft, on high of the desk are positioned numerous raclette grills. Every passenger has their very own tray and there’s no scarcity of slabs of raclette cheese to soften (the one infused with chili our favorite) and loads of wine. Knowledgeable rafting man will then row you gently via Lake Brienz because the night lights of Interlaken twinkle into the space.  

The exercise via Out of doors Interlaken begins in Bonigen after which continues alongside the Aare River into Interlaken. The cosy and atmospheric cheese journey, good for small teams, takes about a few hours – you should definitely gown up warmly.

So far as I’m involved, you may by no means have an excessive amount of melted cheese, but it surely’s most likely greatest to do some sort of exercise beforehand. 

I’ve finished it earlier than – but it surely wasn’t up hill – and I discovered snowshoeing via deep virgin snow up a steep incline a lot more durable than I believed however the effort effectively price it for a rewarding warming fondu in an igloo on the finish. 

The Stockhorn igloo at 1600 metres above sea stage and initially reached by a cable automobile is about half an hour exterior Interlaken. Out of doors Interlaken provides snowshoe mountaineering via the pristine winter wonderland, expertly led by a mountain information, additionally invaluable to tug you out whenever you sink right into a deep gap. There are 4 totally different snowshoe trails within the Stockhorn space across the two frozen lakes of Oberstocken and Hinterstocken providing an immersive reference to the panorama with a minimal influence on the setting.

My last exercise was a kayak tour of Lake Brienz, an opportunity to see the lake in daylight after the night’s raclette rafting. Gliding effortlessly throughout the glassy, impossibly turquoise water, soaking within the surroundings, the mist rising over the mountains including to the environment was a becoming finish to a busy few days. Hightide Kayak College (a 10-minute bus experience on bus 103) from Interlaken arms out high line Palm dry fits in all sizes retaining you utterly dry in your kayak and toasty heat. We have been additionally given thick socks to suit inside neoprene boots and neoprene gloves connected to the paddle to maintain our arms heat.

With the appropriate gear, kayaking is surprisingly enjoyable in winter. Excursions final about 3 hours with 2 hours on the water. Our affected person information Phoebe did an excellent job, instructing us what to do, taking images and providing up welcome tea and biscuits on a brief break to stretch our legs and go to Ringgenberg Fort. 

With loads of snowboarding on supply in Gstaad together with alpine custom and appeal and a few distinctive actions in Interlaken, my itinerary was action-packed, if somewhat quirky. Nevertheless, a winter break in Switzerland is extra attention-grabbing with a variety of experiences.  

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