Steeped In Tradition: Gstaad Is Switzerland's Alpine Playground

Take the cable car ride up and marvel at the gorgeous scenery all around. At the top of Mount Eggli is a rustic mountain chalet ready to serve up hearty meals with expertly paired drinks. You can opt for just a hot or cold drink and snack instead and head off for more action. The best way to get back down to Gstaad is on skis or a toboggan.

Connecting two peaks, View Point and Scex Rouge, the suspension bridge will take you to new heights. While you're there you can take in the stunning views of Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and Jungfrau in the distance. Other activities on the peak include dogsled rides with huskies, skiing, snowboarding, and a helicopter flight above Glacier 3000. Truly every adrenaline junkie's dream destination.

Another famous attraction in Gstaad is the Fondue Caquelon cheese grotto or cheese cave. Local dairy farmers bring their cheese to the grotto to be aged for up to three years. You get to sample some of the cheeses at the end of your visit and capture a few unique pics at the giant fondue pot outside. Book a fondue backpack before you go from any of the local dairies so you enjoy a scenic picnic on-site.

The Alpina Gstaad is home to three restaurants overseen by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Martin Göschel. Sommet serves international cuisine and is one of Gstaad’s vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Swiss Stübli opens in winter and brings you the best in local Swiss cuisine. Megu serves Japanese cuisine and was named the best Asian restaurant in Switzerland by Gault Millau. Bring an appetite and relish some of the best cuisines Gstaad has to offer.

At 9,596 feet above sea level, experience one of the most exhilarating thrills Gstaad has to offer. The Alpine Coaster at Glacier 3000 is the highest situated toboggan run in the world. You can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, the ultimate rush for any thrill seeker. The ride is suitable for kids older than 9 years, while kids three and up can ride with an adult.

The Kunsteisbahn Gstaad Ice Rink is located in the heart of Gstaad village and doubles as a beach volleyball court in summer. Ice skates and hockey sticks can be hired at the rink. No winter vacation is complete without a visit to the ice rink, your little ones will delight at the activities on offer. With the central location, you're not too far away from a bite to eat or drinks to warm you up.

You can come up and slow down in Gstaad but let's not forget that Gstaad is the OG party spot for the rich and famous. Since 1971 the likes of Grace Kelly, Richard Burton, and Michael Jackson have made their way to the GreenGo nightclub in the Gstaad Palace hotel. Party the night away in the 70s-themed nightclub and flashback to a time when legends graced the dance floor. VIP DJs spin the turntables to the latest beats, so don't forget to carry your dancing shoes.

No holiday is complete without having a taste of the local specialties. Le Petit Chalet serves traditional Swiss cuisine and can be found at the Le Grand Bellevue Hotel. Set among the tall trees in the hotel’s garden, the charming mountain log cabin is the perfect place to try fondue and raclette. The hotel has a lot more to offer, so be sure to stroll around and take advantage of the facilities on offer.

Gstaad has hosted the Swiss Open tennis tournament since 1898. Played on outdoor clay courts, the games are open to spectators. So if you're a sports fan, this is something not to be missed. The Roy Emerson Arena seats 4,500 people and gets taken over by stalls and fanfare outside the venue hours before the start of a match. The tournament usually takes place each year in July and should be booked ahead to avoid disappointment.