The ultimate insider's guide to Gstaad, Switzerland's most discreet alpine destination. From five-star hotels and Michelin-starred dining to helicopter access, exclusive chalet rentals, and a winter social calendar that draws the world's elite — everything you need to experience Gstaad at its finest.
Gstaad's hotel scene rivals any alpine destination in the world, anchored by three palace hotels that define Swiss luxury hospitality. Beyond the palace hotels, Gstaad is renowned for its extraordinary private chalets — many owned by the same families for generations — now available for exclusive rental.
The iconic turreted landmark visible from across the valley. Five restaurants including the Michelin-starred Gildo's, the legendary GreenGo nightclub, and a world-class spa. Family-owned since 1913.
The first new hotel built in Gstaad in a century. Home to Sommet (two Michelin stars) and Megu (modern Japanese). The Six Senses Spa spans 2,000 square meters and includes a private cinema.
VIPMAKKI has access to Gstaad's finest private chalets — from traditional wood-clad retreats with open fireplaces to contemporary glass-walled designs with infinity pools overlooking the Alps. Fully staffed, catered, and available for weekly rental.
Gstaad's dining scene is exceptional — an improbable concentration of culinary talent in a village of 7,000 residents. The region holds multiple Michelin stars and Gault&Millau toques, plus a collection of authentic mountain restaurants accessible only by ski lift in winter.
Two Michelin stars. Chef Martin Göschel's alpine gastronomy — a tasting menu that tells the story of Switzerland through its terroir. One of the most sought-after reservations in the Alps.
A Gstaad institution since 1982. Classic French cuisine prepared with precision. The truffle season menu is legendary among regular visitors who return annually just for this experience.
Gstaad's mountain restaurants — reached by ski, snowshoe, or snowcat — serve some of the finest alpine cuisine in Switzerland. VIPMAKKI arranges lunch reservations at these exclusive mountain-side tables, including helicopter access for non-skiers.
Gstaad has its own private airport (elevation 1,110m) capable of receiving light jets and turboprops — making it one of the few alpine resorts with direct air access. For larger aircraft, Sion Airport (45 minutes by road) and Geneva International Airport (2 hours) are the primary gateways.
VIPMAKKI arranges private aviation, helicopter transfers from Geneva or Sion directly to Gstaad, and chauffeured ground transportation with vehicles suited for alpine winter conditions.
Gstaad is part of the Gstaad Mountain Rides — 200 kilometers of varied slopes connecting nine villages across the Saanenland and Pays-d'Enhaut regions. The terrain ranges from gentle beginner slopes to the legendary Swiss Wall (Chavanette) for experts.
What sets Gstaad apart is not just the skiing — it's the mountain lifestyle. The lunch stops at mountainside restaurants serving champagne and fondue, the horse-drawn sleigh rides through snow-covered valleys, the hot air balloon launches at sunrise, and the fact that you can ski from village to village without ever touching a car.
From the world's finest hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants to superyacht charters and private aviation — every luxury experience, curated by VIPMAKKI.
From securing the finest chalet to booking Michelin-starred tables and arranging private helicopter access — VIPMAKKI's Gstaad concierge service ensures your alpine experience is seamless and exceptional.
Unlike St. Moritz, which embraces visibility, Gstaad has cultivated a culture of quiet, understated luxury. The village has a long-standing unwritten code of discretion. Paparazzi are not welcome, and privacy is the highest currency. This is why European royalty, Fortune 500 CEOs, and A-list celebrities choose Gstaad — they can enjoy their holiday without intrusion. The restaurants, hotels, and chalets are world-class, but the real luxury is the ability to enjoy them in peace.
Gstaad has its own private airport capable of receiving light jets and turboprops, making it one of the few alpine resorts with direct air access. For larger aircraft, Geneva International Airport (GVA) is the primary gateway — approximately 2 hours by road or 35 minutes by helicopter. Sion Airport (45 minutes) is an alternative. VIPMAKKI arranges private aviation, helicopter transfers, and chauffeured ground transportation with vehicles equipped for alpine winter conditions.
Winter (December through March) is the signature season, with skiing, the Gstaad Palace New Year's Eve gala, and the Snow Bike Festival. The Sommets Musicaux winter classical music festival runs in January–February. Summer (June through September) offers the Swiss Open tennis tournament, the Gstaad Menuhin Festival of classical music, hiking, mountain biking, and hot air ballooning. Late January and early March are ideal for those wanting prime conditions with fewer crowds than the Christmas and New Year peak.
Yes. VIPMAKKI has access to Gstaad's finest private chalets — from traditional wood-clad retreats with open fireplaces and wine cellars to contemporary glass-walled designs with infinity pools and spa facilities. Chalets are fully staffed (private chef, housekeeping, chauffeur) and available for weekly rental. The most exceptional properties book 6–12 months in advance for peak winter dates. We handle everything from the chalet selection to pre-arrival provisioning.
VIPMAKKI secures reservations at every notable restaurant in Gstaad, including Sommet at The Alpina (two Michelin stars), Chesery, Gildo's at the Gstaad Palace, Megu, Le Restaurant at the Grand Bellevue, and the exclusive mountain restaurants accessible only by ski lift. We handle the entire dining itinerary — from advance reservations at peak times to coordinating special menus, wine pairings, and private dining rooms for celebrations.
Gstaad's social calendar includes the Gstaad Palace New Year's Eve Gala (one of Europe's most exclusive NYE events), the Sommets Musicaux winter classical music festival (January–February), the Snow Bike Festival, the Swiss Open tennis tournament (July), the Gstaad Menuhin Festival of classical music (July–September), and Hublot Polo Gold Cup (August). VIPMAKKI secures entry, premium seating, and hospitality packages for all major Gstaad events.
Absolutely. Gstaad is an exceptionally complete destination for non-skiers. The village's Promenade offers luxury shopping with boutiques from Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Moncler, and Patek Philippe. The region has an extensive network of winter walking trails, horse-drawn sleigh rides, hot air ballooning, and world-class spas at every palace hotel. VIPMAKKI regularly arranges helicopter excursions to mountain restaurants for non-skiers who want the alpine dining experience without the slopes.
From chalets to Michelin-starred tables, from helicopter arrivals to ski passes — tell us what you envision and VIPMAKKI will handle every detail.
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