Skiing in Saanenmöser: back at the Golf Hotel Les Hauts de Gstaad & SPA

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After a wonderful summer stay, we returned to Golfhotel Les Hauts de Gstaad & SPA in Saanenmöser at the beginning of March. The stylish ambiance of the 4-star Superior Hotel and its warm hospitality enchant even in winter – turning every moment into something special, from the first swing on the slopes to well-deserved relaxation in the spa area.

Back at Golfhotel Les Hauts de Gstaad & SPA

Located in the heart of the Gstaad holiday region, the Golfhotel Les Hauts de Gstaad & SPA in Saanenmöser impresses in winter not only with its location, but also by offering the perfect base for a successful combination of slope fun and relaxing wellness moments. It’s the ideal place to catch your breath after a hectic start to the new year and to fully enjoy the beautiful winter weather.

So we didn’t waste any time diving into the winter landscape. Once again, we’ve been accommodated in one of the spacious and invitingly bright “Panorama Double Room” at the hotel. The slogan “Home away from home” perfectly describes how I felt upon entering the room. As a “repeat guest,” I already feel almost at home here.

Afternoon Snowshoe Walk

During the winter season, hotel guests at Golfhotel Les Hauts de Gstaad & SPA can borrow snowshoes for free – an opportunity we didn’t want to miss. Less than an hour after our arrival in Saanenmöser, we were already trekking through the snowy landscape.

We chose the Lochstafel Trail, a panoramic route of roughly seven kilometers. Starting directly from Saanenmöser train station, located next to the hotel, the path leads from the snowy golf course up to Chübelialp and then back to Saanenmöser via Lochstafel. Depending on the snow conditions, the tour takes about 2.5 to 3 hours without a break. If you need a snack along the way, you can stop at the mountain restaurant Lochstafel – or have the hotel pack a picnic for you.

Below you can find the route of the Lochstafel Trail. The route is 7.4 kilometers long and includes an ascent and descent of about 390 meters each. The trail is well marked and was groomed throughout our visit, making it a bit less strenuous than if you were on ungroomed snowshoe trails.

Cozy Evening at Chalet Le Gessenay

Back at Golfhotel Les Hauts de Gstaad & SPA, we enjoyed the panoramic view of the pre-Alpine peaks of Saanenland, which shimmer golden in the evening light. Particularly striking is the Gummfluh, rising on the right side of the image.

Then came a highlight we reserved especially for winter – a dinner at Chalet Le Gessenay. Nestled in the hotel garden, the cozy chalet seats a maximum of 20 guests and exudes an inviting atmosphere with its roaring fireplace. Swiss classics such as cheese fondue, unlimited raclette, or Fondue Chinoise are served. The raclette is traditionally prepared in an authentic Valais raclette oven and distributed directly onto the plates with a scraper. And the most important part of raclette? The cheese! Here it impresses with just the right amount of seasoning.

Half-board guests are also welcome at Chalet Le Gessenay by prior reservation.

Now, Off to Skiing

The March sun already brightens the first mountain peaks in warm light early in the morning, promising a perfect winter day in the mountains. Before hitting the slopes, we fueled up with a hearty breakfast. The crispy rösti is a staple at the Golfhotel – just like the homemade meringues – part of the breakfast buffet.

Well fueled, we made our way to the base station of the Saanerslochgrat Gondola, which is only a five-minute walk from the hotel. This gave us the best chance to be among the first to carve the freshly groomed slopes. I must say – I was really impressed by the slope quality! The Saanenwald-Hornberg ski area is one of the regions with the most blue runs in the Bernese Oberland and, in my opinion, is also great for families.

Lunch Break on the Golfhotel Deck

The hotel operates the La Fèrme Snow Bar at the base station of the Saanerslochgrat Gondola. During peak season, the adjacent area is exclusively available for hotel guests at lunchtime on the Golfhotel Deck. Here, guests can enjoy a lunch straight from the Golfhotel kitchen by reservation and for a small extra charge. It’s an excellent service. Our pre-ordered meal was served piping hot right on time, allowing us to relax and enjoy lunch in the sun without long waits or searching for a seat.

Later in the afternoon, as we wound down our ski day at La Fèrme Snow Bar, the friendly staff told us about the “Miammiam” that the locals love to order. It’s the hottest drink at the Snow Bar: a hot shot with espresso, cream, and Galliano Vanilla.

Après-Ski in the Wellness Area

We kept it simple with just a Hot Shot. After a day on the slopes, I much prefer enjoying the amenities of a spa. So at the Golfhotel, we traded our ski clothes for bathrobes and headed to the spa. I already gave you an overview of it in the summer post. Around the swimming pool and the sauna park—which features a Finnish sauna, hay sauna, flower and herb sauna, steam bath, relaxation room, and a fitness area—you can unwind not only after skiing, but also on dreary days.

Fireplace Bar and Gourmet Restaurant

If you’re not enjoying fondue or raclette at Chalet Le Gessenay, the perfect start to your evening at the Golfhotel is in the fireplace bar, before treating yourself to a delicious 5-course dinner at Restaurant Belle Epoque.

As we already know from the summer post (and found the concept brilliant!), half-board guests can assemble their 5-course dinner à la carte from the regular menu according to their taste. This menu includes a daily recommendation as well as a carefully curated selection of various salads, soups, meat and fish dishes, and vegetarian and vegan options that also vary seasonally.

Soaking Up the Sun Before Heading Home

Even on the third and final day of our winter stay at the Golfhotel, the sun shone brightly from the deep blue sky. We took the opportunity for a short winter hike along the valley path toward Gstaad. Right next to it are the cross-country skiing trails. The Golfhotel also operates an outdoor ice rink in the center of Saanenmöser, where you can even try curling. However, the outdoor ice rink’s operation depends on the weather – it’s best to check directly with the reception.

And finally, it’s time to say “Adieu.” Fully recharged with fresh mountain air and vitamin D, we began our journey back to Zurich. In these three days, Golfhotel Les Hauts de Gstaad & SPA showed us that a detour to Saanenmöser is definitely a worthwhile decision—not only in summer but also in winter.

Practical Tips for Your Winter Vacation at Golfhotel Les Hauts de Gstaad & SPA

• Golfhotel Les Hauts de Gstaad & SPA is located right next to Saanenmöser train station, where the Golden Pass Line runs from the Bernese Oberland through the Pays-d’Enhaut to the Montreux Riviera. It’s also only a five-minute walk to the base station of the Saanerslochgrat Gondola.
• Room prices vary depending on category, season/day of the week, and length of stay. The overnight rate for the Relax Double Room including half-board (breakfast buffet and 5-course dinner) starts at 460 CHF per room. Current price information, as well as details on child rates and daily rates for dogs, can be found here: Room Prices at Golfhotel Les Hauts de Gstaad & SPA
• The Golfhotel also offers various winter packages.
• With any overnight stay, you receive the Gstaad Card, which allows you to use trains and buses in the Gstaad holiday region for free. Note that cable cars are not included, and it is advisable to purchase ski tickets online early (dynamic pricing applies). Good news for “Magic Pass” fans: starting in summer 2025, the Gstaad destination will join the Magic Pass program.
• Snowshoes can be borrowed free of charge at the hotel. Between the hotel and the base station of the gondola is the sports store “Schneeberger,” where you can rent ski and cross-country equipment. For example, I reserved my skis online through the Intersport website and then conveniently picked them up on the way to the base station.
• The Saanenmöser ski area is connected to the Zweisimmen ski area. With the marked “Rinderberg Ronda,” you can enjoy a fantastic ski safari that traverses the entire area without having to use the same slope or cable car twice.