Bergbahnen Destination

Imagine endless snowy expanses and majestic Alpine peaks, made accessible by a unique network of lifts. The Gstaad Cable Cars are a vast transport system managed by Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad. Located in a picturesque region graced by the cozy town of Gstaad, this facility is a key element of leisure in Switzerland.

The network includes 62 cable cars that link several mountain sectors, such as Eggli, Rinderberg, and Wasserngrat. It is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts: more than 160 kilometers of prepared slopes are available for both beginners and experienced professionals. A particular point of pride for the region is the glacier on Diablerets, which allows for winter sports enjoyment almost all year round.

This complex is more than just transport; it is a full-fledged tourist attraction. Traveling in modern gondolas or on chairlifts, visitors can observe breathtaking panoramas of the "four-thousand-meter" peaks of the Bernese Oberland. The combination of a luxurious chalet atmosphere and untouched natural beauty makes visiting the cable cars a mandatory item on every tourist's program.

To find out current information about lift operations, ski pass prices, or to book special services, you can use the official contact details for Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad.

Depending on the season, the Gstaad cable cars offer guests completely different but invariably vivid experiences. In winter, it is a classic magnet for skiers and snowboarders. You can enjoy spacious "blue" runs on the slopes of Wispile, perfect for family skiing, and thrilling black runs such as the legendary Tiger Run on Wasserngrat with its steep vertical drop. Freestyle enthusiasts will find modern snowparks, while those seeking panoramic views will appreciate the restaurant at the top of Scex Rouge (2,970 m).

The summer period opens up opportunities for hiking and peaceful walks. Many lifts continue to operate, taking tourists to the start of scenic trails leading through Alpine meadows to mountain lakes. On Mount Eggli, you can even book a unique "wedding gondola" for a ceremony at high altitude. After an active day, it is pleasant to relax on the terrace of one of the mountain restaurants, tasting local wines with a view of the snow-capped peaks.

For those who want to see everything at once, a visit to the Diablerets glacier is a must. Here, skiing continues even in summer, and the observation platforms offer unforgettable views of the Jungfrau massif. Regardless of your preferences—whether extreme sports or quiet contemplative relaxation—the Gstaad-Saanenland region has something for everyone.

Getting to the base station of the Gstaad cable cars is easy. The main office and departure point for Mount Eggli is located at Egglistrasse 43. If you are traveling by car, the drive from Geneva takes about 2 hours (160 km), and from Zurich—around 3 hours (220 km). The center of Gstaad itself is car-free, making strolls here especially pleasant.

Public transport in the region is excellently developed. You can take a train to the Gstaad railway station, from where you can reach the lift station in just 10 minutes on foot or by using a local bus. Ski buses and regional trains run regularly from neighboring villages such as Saanen or Schönried.

For those who value maximum comfort and time, Gstaad Airport is located in nearby Saanen, which accepts private flights. During the winter and summer seasons, parking spaces are provided at the base lift stations, though it is recommended to use eco-friendly public transport during peak periods.

The history of this region's transformation into a world-class ski paradise began in 1938. It was then that Marcel Reuteler, owner of the famous Park Hotel, co-founded a company with Arnold Mesching to build the first funicular to Mount Eggli. This ambitious project for its time cost 100,000 francs and marked the beginning of the era of mechanized tourism in Gstaad.

Development continued immediately after the end of World War II. In 1946, a chairlift to Wasserngrat was launched, with a construction cost of 800,000 francs. This line operated year-round, providing access to a mountain restaurant and the exclusive Eagle Ski Club, which quickly made the location popular among the international elite.

The period of most rapid growth occurred in the 1970s and 80s, when about 20 new lifts were installed in the sector between Zweisimmen and Schönried. This allowed the fragmented slopes to be united into a single network, offering tourists an incredible variety of routes.

The network took on its modern form in May 2004 with the creation of Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad AG. Bringing 62 cable cars under a single management transformed the region into a powerful Snowparadise tourism cluster, where traditional Swiss hospitality harmoniously combines with the most advanced passenger transport technologies.

To fully enjoy the opportunities offered by the Gstaad cable cars, it is worth planning your time correctly. If your goal is to explore one specific area, such as Eggli or Rinderberg, allow at least 4–6 hours for your visit. This time is sufficient to complete several runs and relax in a panoramic restaurant.

If you plan to explore the entire region, including the Diablerets glacier, you will definitely need a whole day, or preferably 2 or 3 days. Given the vast area of the ski zones and the need to move between sectors, rushing may prevent you from fully enjoying the magnificent Alpine scenery.

Lift operating hours depend on the season and the specific ski sector. Generally, during the winter season (from mid-December to the end of March), the cable cars start operating at 08:45 and close at 16:30. Ticket offices are usually open daily from 09:00.

The summer season lasts from May to early November; however, the schedule for individual lines may change depending on weather conditions and technical maintenance. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, we strongly recommend checking the current daily schedule on the official website skiwelt-gstaad.ch.

Exploring the surroundings of Gstaad can significantly enrich your trip. In addition to the breathtaking mountain peaks, there are many interesting places in the town and its immediate surroundings, from elite boutiques and cozy bistros to historic hotels and art spaces.

A stroll along Gstaad's main street will allow you to enjoy the atmosphere of luxury chalets, while nearby villages offer a glimpse into the authentic life of the Bernese Oberland. Below are some nearby attractions: