The Alpina Gstaad: A Cozy, Luxe Haven for Ski Lovers
Switzerland’s charm takes on a special allure in the winter months, and The Alpina Gstaad is right at the heart of this seasonal magic. Perched above the village of Gstaad, this luxury hotel combines old-world Swiss craftsmanship with modern touches. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect when you pull up in the snow-covered drive and settle in for an unforgettable ski season stay.
A modern chalet with classic roots
Your arrival at The Alpina Gstaad begins with a drive through the snow-dusted village of Gstaad, where chalet-style homes cluster on hillsides like cookies cooling on a rack. The hotel, situated on a private hill, immediately commands attention with its grand wooden facade, pitched roofs and natural stone. The exterior’s design echoes traditional Swiss architecture, but with a sleek, modern twist. When you step out onto the cobblestone drive, you can hear the crunch of fresh snow underfoot, mingling with the warm welcome from the staff who are as precise as a Swiss watch.
Elegance and comfort
Inside, The Alpina Gstaad’s common areas offer a blend of alpine coziness and refined luxury. The lobby is adorned with Swiss artworks, rich leather seating and windows that frame the surrounding snowy landscape. Stone fireplaces flicker with warmth, inviting guests to sink into plush sofas while savoring a glass of wine. Wander a little further, and you’ll find the Alpina Lounge & Bar—a space where low lighting, velvet upholstery and locally sourced wood create an intimate atmosphere. It's perfect for après-ski, whether you’re toasting with champagne or nursing a hot cocoa–or both.
The Stübli, the hotel’s homage to a traditional Swiss living room, brings a sense of history and warmth. It’s a place where you might catch fellow guests playing a game of backgammon or chatting over their latest ski adventures. Every corner of these common areas is curated to feel both inviting and sophisticated, where even lounging around feels like an event.
Chalet chic meets modern luxury
The Alpina Gstaad’s rooms and suites are designed to feel like your own private chalet in the Alps, with a touch of modern flair. Each room is furnished with reclaimed wood and stone, large picture windows, and a soothing palette of earthy tones—perfect for watching the snowfall from the comfort of a king-sized bed.
Deluxe Rooms come equipped with private balconies overlooking the Bernese Alps, while the Junior Suites add a bit more space with separate living areas. But the real snowy showstoppers here are the suites. Then we have the Chalet Suite with three bedrooms and lots of room to spread out across living areas, two dining areas and a full kitchen–all with views of Gstaad village.
The Panorama Suite takes luxury to another level, featuring three bedrooms, a large living and dining space, a fireplace and expansive terraces that wrap around the suite, offering 360-degree views of Gstaad’s alpine splendor. And the piece de resistance? A private Jacuzzi that sits just outside, allowing you to unwind with a dip under the stars while the snow gently falls around you. That’s in addition to the private wellness oasis that occupies the top floor, complete with a spa room, hammam, sauna and gym.
For those seeking the ultimate in privacy, the residences–The Alpina and The Penthouse–are designed to feel like a standalone retreat, offering five bedrooms each. The Alpina Residence is in a private area of the ground floor, with expansive gardens and outdoor sunken hot tub. Inside you’ll enjoy a living area, reception room, cinema, library, bar, dining and room and extensive kitchen. The Penthouse Residence is the top-tier, located in a completely private area of the hotel and spread over two floors. Multiple balconies, lounge spaces, dining areas with fireplaces and a library to lay about your very luxurious stay. These residences are the kind of place where you can disappear for a while, only emerging to hit the slopes or grab a bite at one of the hotel’s gourmet dining spots.
Swiss with the Michelin stars
Dining at The Alpina Gstaad is as diverse as the slopes themselves. Each restaurant offers a unique take on fine dining, but you won’t find any overused phrases here—just exceptional cuisine. Michelin-starred Chef Martin G?schel is at the helm and oversees the properties four enticing dining experiences.
Sommet is the hotel’s Michelin-starred pride. Expect dishes that take local, seasonal ingredients and turn them into something unexpected. It’s the place to go for a celebration dinner or a night of indulgence after a day on the mountain. The menu is refined, with an impressive wine list curated from The Alpina's own cellars.
If you’re in the mood for Japanese, Megu, with Head Chef and Sushi Master Tsutomu Kugota, offers a menu blending traditional techniques with modern flair. Megu’s sushi and sashimi are renowned, with fish flown in directly from Japan’s markets. You’ll also find unique creations like their Miso Black Cod, which manages to be both rich and delicate—a bit like The Alpina itself.
Tucked away at Megu, a dedicated Japanese whisky bar invites enthusiasts to explore an impressive collection in an intimate setting. The bar, adorned with handcrafted wood shingles, showcases over 40 carefully curated Japanese whiskies, including some of the rarest bottles in Switzerland.
For a more casual, laid-back experience, there’s Swiss Stübli, where hearty Swiss classics take center stage. Picture a pot of gooey cheese fondue paired with a view of snowflakes drifting past the window. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for refueling after a long day of skiing.
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The Alpina Lounge & Bar is the heart of The Alpina Gstaad, offering a space where guests can savor both craft and classic cocktails, as well as light meals for lunch or dinner. A large floor-to-ceiling window connects the cozy interior to the outdoor terrace, letting you enjoy the mountain views without leaving the warmth of the fireplace and bar. The lounge also features pieces from the hotel's extensive art collection, adding a touch of cultural elegance to the atmosphere.
And, because it’s ski season in the Swiss alps, the Havana-inspired Cigar Lounge features a warm, 1930s-inspired ambiance. Connoisseurs can select from over 60 cigars in the walk-in humidor, while relaxing in classic armchairs and taking in stunning views of the Alpine peaks and Bernese Oberland hills.
Swiss precision meets Six Senses relaxation
If you’ve been reading our Diary you know we are big fans of the Six Senses wellness approach–and, when that meets a precision the Swiss are known for it takes it to a whole other level. Six Senses Spa’s first location in Switzerland is housed right in The Alpina, very much to your benefit. This is where luxury and wellness converge. Spanning over 21,500 square feet, this spa is a haven for those who take relaxation seriously. The design embraces the natural world outside, with materials like wood and stone seamlessly blending with water features and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the mountains indoors.
The signature treatments at this spa incorporate ingredients from the region. A detox wrap and salt scrub uses purifying salt crystals extracted from the glaciers in the Swiss Alps, helping to boost circulation as well. Then, a nourishing body wrap using a casein found in Swiss milk mixed with a three-clay elixir to hydrate. Sounds like Swiss bliss to us!
The facials use both Dr Burgener and Biologique Recherche products, so you’ll definitely want to stack up the treatments and enjoy the skin rejuvenation of these coveted brands.
For a more active approach, the fitness center comes equipped with the newest machines, while the yoga studio offers classes that stretch beyond the usual, incorporating meditation sessions and breathing exercises tailored to the high-altitude environment.
Kids’ activities that go beyond babysitting
While The Alpina Gstaad prides itself on offering grown-up indulgence, it hasn’t forgotten about the little ones. The Tree House Club is where kids can let loose, with activities ranging from arts and crafts to treasure hunts through the hotel grounds. There’s also a movie theater on-site, where family-friendly films screen daily—a perfect wind-down after a day of playing in the snow.
For younger guests eager to hit the slopes, KAX will liaison with nearby ski schools, ensuring kids get expert guidance as they learn to carve their way down the mountain. And when everyone’s back inside warming up, the hot chocolate service in the lobby is a hit with guests of all ages.
Exploring Gstaad’s winter wonderland
While skiing is a main draw, the area around The Alpina Gstaad offers plenty for those who prefer their winter days a bit less vertical. Snowshoeing and hiking trails wind through pine forests, offering a quieter way to explore the snow-covered landscape. Or try a horse-drawn sleigh ride, where you can bundle up under a blanket and take in the scenery at a leisurely pace.
The village of Gstaad itself is just a short drive or a 15-minute walk downhill, and it’s worth a visit. Here, you’ll find boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes that make for a delightful afternoon stroll. Whether you’re picking up handmade Swiss chocolates or warming up with a mulled wine, the village has a charm that feels straight out of a snow globe.
Making memories in style
For those planning a special event, The Alpina Gstaad offers a range of spaces that are as stunning as the views outside, with the option for a full buy-out. The private cinema is perfect for intimate screenings, while the Alpina Boardroom provides a sophisticated setting for corporate retreats or meetings. Larger events, like weddings or gala dinners, can be hosted in the Salle Sarine Ballroom, where crystal chandeliers and mountain views set a dramatic backdrop.
And if you’re planning a winter wedding, imagine saying your vows as the snow falls softly outside as gently as the happy tears inside (we couldn’t help ourselves), then celebrate with a banquet dinner that showcases the best of Swiss cuisine. KAX’s event specialty will work with Alpina’s event team, unsurprisingly known for their attention to detail, ensuring everything runs smoothly—from the first toast to the last dance.
With its blend of luxury and laid-back charm, The Alpina Gstaad offers a winter experience that is as enchanting as it is unforgettable. From the moment you arrive, you’ll find yourself surrounded by thoughtful design, impeccable service and a warmth that extends beyond the roaring fireplaces. It’s a place where you can carve up the slopes by day, relax in a hot tub under the stars by night and savor every moment in between.
Whether you’re an avid skier, a spa devotee or simply someone looking to embrace the magic of the Swiss Alps, The Alpina Gstaad delivers. Just bring your sense of adventure, your appetite, and maybe a pair of sunglasses—the sun reflecting off all that snow is no joke.