Cross-Country (2008/09 prices)

Gstaad has fourteen different runs for the classic cross country skiers, skate skiers. Moreover dog lovers have the Hundeloipen in Saanenmöser and Schönried; and night skiers have the Schönried trail.

Tickets can be purchased at the tourism offices and on the course. Tickest cost approximately CHF7 for a one day passport (Sparenmoss); CHF8. - day passport (Saanenmöser to Reusch); CHF40 - for a seven-day passport (Saanenmöser to Reusch and Sparenmoos); CHF60 - regional passport (Sparenmoss); CHF65 - regional passport (Saanenmöser to Reusch); and CHF100 - cross-country skiing passport (whole Switzerland).

The Super Ski Region has extensive cross-country and snowshoeing trails with a variety of terrain suitable for beginners to experts. Click here to download a pdf of the Gstaad Super Ski Region Trail Map for a better idea of locations and altitudes. Here's a low quality pdf of the cross country trail map.

The area color marks their trails according to difficulty level. Blue trails are relatively easy and are great for beginners. Red trails are for intermediate skiers. Black trails are for advanced to expert cross country and skate skiers.

The Sparenmoos-Zweisimmen course offers three different trails: blue trail, red trail and black trail. From the Zweisimmen train station take the public bus to the Berghotel Sparenmoos where the trails start. Skiers can take advantage of the changing rooms, wash rooms and waxing facilities available in the Sparenmoos mountain restaurant before starting out.

Sparenmoos-Zweisimmen (blue)
The 3 km trail is suitable for both classic and skate skiing and its gentle hills and panoramic views are perfect for beginners or those who like to cruise. From the Berghotel Sparenmoos the trail goes to Site-Alp before looping back to the Berghotel Sparemoos.

Sparenmoos-Zweisimmen (red)
Like its blue counterpart, the Sparenmoos-Zweisimmen red trail with its gentle hills and panoramic views is also groomed for both classic and skate skiing. This 7 km trail also starts at the Berhotel Sparenmoos and runs toward Site-Alp and Hüsliberg before returning to the hotel.

Sparenmoos-Zweisimmen (black)
This 18 km trail has a 290-meter climb that is great for athletes or skiers looking for a challenge. The trek features a high plateau with astounding alpine landscape, but is only designated for classic cross country skiing. The run stretches from the Berghotel Sparenmoos to Site-Alp to Hüsliberg- to Schiltenegg and then to Neuenberg before coming back to the hotel.

Zweisimmen-Lenk (blue)
After the roundabout in Zweisimmen turn off to the left in the direction of Lenk. Travel 500 meters (if you've passed the Zweisimmen airport, you've gone too far) turn off to the right towards Moosbach, where you will find the start of this trail. These 20 km give the beginner skier or the cruiser a lot of room to spread out and experiment. The trail is for both classic and skate skiing and leads from Zweisimmen in the direction of Blankenburg to St. Stephan towards Lenk. The stretch leads alongside the Simmen river before arriving at its waterfalls. You may return by train from Blankenburg, St. Stephan, Matten and Lenk.

Saanenmöser (blue)
The Saanenmöser blue trail has 2 km of classic and 2 km of skate skiing terrain on relatively flat terrain. Because of its nearly nonexistant climb its a superb area for beginners or people who are just learning the sport. Changing rooms are available in the Chalet Birke. The sunny trail begins in the village in the big parking lot near the Saanenmöser train station and runs parallel to the train tracks in the direction of Schönried. After about a kilometer the trail takes a turn to the left and winds back to Saanenmöser. The dog-sleigh track runs almost parallel to this trail.

The Schönried-Saanenmöser area offers two different trails: a red trail and black trail. Both trails begin at the big parking near the Saanenmöser train station, opposite the bottom station of the Horneggli chairlift in Schönried .

Schönried-Saanenmöser (red)
This red cross-country trail leads from Schönried to Saanenmöser with 4.6 km of classic skiing and 4.6 km of skate skiier for intermediates. In order to return to Schönried, you will have to follow the trail of medium difficulty.

Schönried-Saanenmöser (black)
The Schönried-Saanenmöser black trail is the same as the Schönried-Saanenmöser red trail if you add 5 km stretch over the golf course area. This additional stretch (black trail) is especially suitable for athletes. The trail ascends slightly in the beginning, towards Horneggli and winds up towards Saanenmöser.

Schönried-Night and Daily trail (blue)
The trail is open during the day, but is also lit every Tuesday and Friday from 7 p.m–9 p.m. in the evening for night skiing. There are 2.5 km of classic and 2.5 km of skate skiing available. The Schönried blue trail starts opposite the bottom station (chair-lift) of the Horneggli in Schönried. Beginners and cruisers should enjoy the view from the trail as it runs along the river towards Saanenmöser. After about one and a half kilometers the trail turns right around and continues along the Saanenmöser-Schönried train tracks back to Schönried. A dog-sleigh track runs parallel to the cross-country trail, on the other side of the river.

Saanen-Airport (blue)
This trail is a short circular route located in the Saanen airport area and is ideal for those who enjoy practicing their skating technique. This 3 km loop is very shady in the morning and is fairly flat.

Gstaad-Chlösterli-Gsteig (red)
This sunny trail starts at the sport center in Gsteig, behind the tennis courts where Menuhin Festival tent is set up. The 5 km of terrain parellel to the Saane river, over Grund to the Chlösterli restaurant is designated from classic skiing. There are 6 km of classic and 6 km of skate skiing avaiable as the trail continues on through Feutersoey over Saali to Gsteig. Buses commute from the Chlösterli restaurant, from Feutersoey and from Gsteig, to Gstaad and back.

Turbach (red)
Take the public bus to the Village Square in Turbach. From there, the trail leads along the Turbach River further and further into the sunny valley. A longer stretch begins after the bridge and continues on until you reach the Wintermatte. Afterwards you follow the trail along the path, back into the village. The 7.5 km of classic and 1.5 km of skate skiing are more suitable for intermediate to expert skiiers.

Lauenen (blue)
From the Hotel Alpenland Lauenen, this beginner's trail runs through Rohr, a protected area, towards the Lauenensee (Lake of Lauenen). After a few kilometers on this sunny trail, fit for both classic and skate skiing, skiers have an option: either take the shorter 5 km route or for more of a challenge take the 7 km route to return to Lauenen.

Innergsteig (blue)
Cruisers and beginners will like this peaceful, circular trail through the pristine winter landscape. There are 5 km of classic trail and 5 km or skating trail which start in the center of Gsteig and continues around Innergsteig and finally ends back at the departure point in the center of the village. The stretch may be lengthened, leading to Feutersoey or Gstaad.

Reusch (red)
The 4 km classic skiing and 4 km skating of the Reusch red trail are only open in spring, when the trail in Gsteig/inner Gsteig can no longer be prepared.. More suitable for intermediates, this circular trail begins at the bottom station of the Reusch-Oldenegg lift and leads you through the Weiler Reusch.




Snowshoeing

Because of the chance of avalanches, a Guide is a must. Contact the tourist office for a list of guides who will be happy to lead you on any of the following tours or who can customize a tour just for you.

Sparenmoos-Hüsliberg (blue)
From the Zweisimmen railway station, a bus takes snowshoers up to the Berghotel Sparenmoos (Sparenmoos Mountain Hotel). Start at the Berghotel Sparenmoos and enjoy the wonderful view of Saanenland as you gently climb to Hüsliberg. The 3 km trail then head back down from Hüsliberg gently sloping back to the Sparenmoos.

Kübelialp (blue)
From the Saanenmöser railway station, follow the street east to Horebachbrücke and on Forststrasse branch off after Bächlein to the southeast. Choose either to take the route to the Vierschröti (level ground) or to the "old" Golf course area. For some easier terrain, go south the route to the Füürbuel and follow the trail to Kübelialp. The route is approximately 3 km.

Wannehörli (red)
From the Saanenmöser train station, go west and turn right onto Hauptsstrasse. Go over the large bridge, put on your snowshoes and take the path on the left. Trek 150 meters to Forststrasse and then follow Forststrasse northwest to Simne. The trail becomes steadily steeper from Giblere to Wildeneggli. Go west to reach Wannehörli. Trail is 5 km long.

Plani (red)
From the Saanenmöser train station, walk to the main street. Cross the main street to begin 5 km trail which leads toward Bergmatte. From there the trail gently ascends northwest toward Tridellochgraben and then west toward Plani. After a further short rise you reach Hugeli from which you can snowshoe downhill to Rellerligrat. From Terrasse des Berghauses, enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of Saanenland, the Alps of Eiger and Mont Blanc. When you reach the gondola at Schönried, it's a short hike back to the Saanenmöser train station.

Rellerli-Sparenmoos (red)
This 10 km trail will definitely raise your heartrate. Get off at the Schönried railway station, and walk over to the Rellerli gondola. Take the 10-minute gondola ride up to the Rellerli gondola mountain station. Once there, strap on the snowshoes and trek toward Hugeli ridge and then north to Läger. Continue north to reach Schneitgrat and then turn northeast to Grat and then to Bire. The route will take you around Birehubel and south into the saddle area between Birehubel and Wannehoerli. You then have two options. Option 1: Head north and hike to Hundsrügg and go down the somewhat steep path into Schiltenegg. Option 2: Instead of heading north to Hundsrügg, take the route down into Erbetlaub and then to the Schiltenegg. Whichever option you take, once in Schiltenegg trek east through nice open terrain to Hindere Hüslisberg. Continue east until you reach Sparenmoos Restaurant and from there get on the bus back to Zweisimmen. In Zweisimmen, take the train back to Schönried.

Eggli-Vordereggli (red)
From the Eggli valley station, go west toward Trachselvorschess and then to Lerchweid as you gradually climb to the Eggli mountain station. Travel south along the edge of the forest until you arrive at Rossfaelli from where you should be able to see Vordereggli (the front of Eggli). From Vordereggli there is a wonderful view of the forest landscape. Snowshoers make return to Eggli the same 4 km trail.

Wispile-Längebode-Gstaad (red)
Get onto the small footpath that runs along the Saane going toward Grund/Feutersoey and walk about 1 km, crossing bothe a small wooden bridge (Holzbrücke) and the main street (Hauptstrasse). Find Moosfanstrasse and follow the street up to the last left turn before the gondola (at 1,400 meters). Turn right and go up the hill (Alpweg) to Längebode which is at 1,595 meters. Climb the steep hill through the forest up to the ridge of Wispile Mountain and follow the groomed pass to Wispile Berghaus (Wispile Mountain House) at 1.907 meters. You might want to bring a camera to take pictures of the spectacular panoramic view of Saanenland from Wispile.

Giferhüttli (red)
Starting from the Wasserngrat Parkplatz (parking lot) head down the street going east to Gräbi. Once in Gräbi leave the street and climb eastward over Bachegg to the Alp Berzgumm which has an altitude of over 400 meters. Continue to trek southeast along the eastern flank of the Giferhorns until you reach Giferhüttli at a whopping 1,941 meters. Enjoy the marvelous view before backtracking the 5 km back to Wasserngrat Parkplatz.

Wolfegg (red)
Beginning at the Lauenen Dorfplatz (village square) go 100 meters south/southeast along Lauenen Brook to Schuepfe and then turn left and proceed to Wolfegg. March up to Lower Tossenstand. Backtrack the 3 km to return to Lauenen Dorfplatz.

Chrinepass (black)
This 7 km tour, best suited for althletes, also begins at the Lauenen Dorfplatz. Walk southwest to Brüchli and continue uphill to Chrine. Once in Crhine trek north up the back of Wispile to the peak of Wispile. The panorama from this 1,900 meters perch is fantastic. Take the gondola back into the valley and the bus back to Gstaad or Lauenen.

Trüttlisbergpass-Betelberg (black)
This is challenging 10 km black rated tour. From Lauenen Dorfplatz, walk southeast to Flüeweid. Flüeweid leads to the Trüttlisbergpass which takes you toward Chrummenwasser. Climb into Betelberg and then into the valley where you can catch the gondola.

Isenau (blue)
Start your 3 km trek from the Col du Pillon Parkplatz (Parking Lot) and walk northeast to Retaud. From Lake Renaud travel west to Isenau where you can take the gondola back down to the valley to Les Diablerets and return by bus to the Col du Pillon Parkplatz.