Winter is here, and there’s truly nowhere else like Gstaad Palace to celebrate the magic of the season. A favorite holiday destination of Madonna, Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, and source of inspiration for Slim Aarons, Gstaad Palace opens for the winter season on December 20th with a suite of new guest experiences and offerings. Opened in 1913, the legendary Gstaad Palace is rooted in holiday tradition welcoming families, friends, and first-timers to Gstaad to create festive memories they’ll cherish forever.
For a Christmas You’ll Never Forget: Celebrating Christmas at Gstaad Palace is the stuff of fairytales. Garlands, twinkly lights, holly, and creches line the halls of Gstaad Palace. The mountains are dusted in glittering snow and the magic of the season is all around. On Christmas Eve, begin the night with a fireside champagne toast before a six-course dinner at one of the four restaurants, each of which feature special holiday menus, from fresh takes on traditional Swiss favorites to vibrant Indian flavors, there’s something for everyone. Live orchestra will perform throughout dinner service making for a special dining experience and magical evening. More information here.
For the New Year’s Eve Lover: Since its founding in 1913, Gstaad Palace has honored the tradition of Auld Lang Syne with a New Year’s Eve gala and 2021 is no exception. The Palace is decorated in opulent Ring in 2022 with a black tie New Year’s Eve ‘Winter Wonderland’ celebration, starting with a glamorous cocktail reception and moving onto an exquisite dinner in one of four restaurants or the Salle Baccarat, with the Dora Live Band, JP Verdolini, and others providing live music to lift spirits through the evening. Starting the new year at Gstaad Palace is sure to set the tone for a wonderful year ahead.
For the Kids: There is always fun for “kids of all ages” at Gstaad Palace –the hotel’s children’s offering has programming for the 12-and-under set at Sammy’s Club. Sammy will entertain youngsters with a calendar of events through the holidays and beyond. The week before Christmas, kids can enjoy horse carriage rides, Christmas tree cutting, a meet-and-greet with Santa’s reindeers, and a hands-on Christmas Bakery program led by Palace Pastry Chef Emanuele Lucania and Culinary Director Franz W. Faeh. New Year’s Eve will offer VIK (very important kids) and Children’s Parties right up to 2022. Come February, the Palace garden will be the backdrop for kids to walk St. Bernards, ride ponies, visit with llamas and alpacas, and take in a mini-farm lively with chickens, cocks, goats, sheep, geese, ducks and more. Don’t miss Les Recycleuses (February 19-20, 2022) performing the manufacture of jewelry and accessories from 100%-recycled materials, and Movie Nights in the Salle Piero every evening from December 21, 2021-March 5, 2022. For full details on seasonal children’s programming, visit here.
For Skiers:
Whether you prefer racing down double black diamonds, or trekking cross-country through wooded forests, Gstaad has a piste for every experience level and preference. With 200km of trails at up to 3,000m above sea-level, skiing in Gstaad promises hours on end of exploring as skiers wind along the River Saane and make their way down the mountains to the valley. The hotel's Ski Package includes luxury accommodation for 4+ nights, ski passes for 3+ days, and one day with a private ski instructor.
The Swiss grand dame, https://www.palace.ch/en/, the heart and soul of the charming alpine village, is the epitome of wintertime glamour and this season, is offering an ultra-private slopes to watchmaking experience. Gstaad Palace guests looking to learn more about the Swiss tradition of watch making, as well as create their very own heirloom, can hit the slopes and then enjoy a private instructional lesson by Initium Creawatch. This Tick Tock Package for two includes two nights at Gstaad Palace, with ski passes, an exclusive watchmaking presentation and class, lunch in one of the five-star on-site restaurants, and a private 4-course dinner. For more unique winter offerings, please click here.
As a third generation family-owned and operated hotel, Gstaad Palace is the perfect place for a ski holiday that the whole family can enjoy. This season, families can book interconnecting rooms for a 3-night stay with the second room at a 25% reduced rate. The package also includes a visit to a restored fire station which has been transformed into a creative haven the whole family can enjoy. Next, embark on a scenic horse-carriage ride as the sun dips over the stunning snowy landscapes of the Saanenland. End the perfect day with a traditional Swiss fondue dinner that the whole family is sure to love.
Happenings around Gstaad: