Saanen is the historic heart of the Saanenland region. It offers a quieter, deeply traditional alternative to its glamorous neighbour, Gstaad. The village centre features 15th-century timber chalets and cobblestone streets, and it is a protected heritage site. It provides an authentic Bernese Oberland base for exploring the expansive Gstaad Mountain Rides ski domain. The village sits at 1,010 metres, granting direct access to the Eggli and La Videmanette sectors while maintaining a distinct, unpretentious alpine character.
Mountain culture & milestones
The Saanenland transitioned from an agricultural community to a winter sports destination after the Montreux-Oberland Bernois (MOB) railway arrived in 1905. Three years later, the Bern Ski Club established Switzerland’s first purpose-built ski house in nearby Saanenmöser. The region also pioneered early lift technology. In 1934, local engineers installed a “funi” – a cable-pulled sleigh – on the Wispile to haul skiers uphill. This laid the groundwork for the modern lift network that now spans the valleys.
Valley bases: where to stay
Saanen is the administrative and historical centre, but skiers access the wider domain from several distinct valley villages. Each village has its own character and lift connections.
| Village | Altitude | Vibe | Key lift access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saanen | 1,010 m | Historic, quiet, traditional | Eggli gondola |
| Gstaad | 1,050 m | Upscale, luxury, bustling | Wispile, Eggli |
| Schönried | 1,230 m | Sunny, family-focused | Horneggli, Rinderberg |
| Saanenmöser | 1,270 m | Ski-in/ski-out, sporty | Saanerslochgrat |
The mountain & skiing
Saanen connects directly to the Eggli and La Videmanette sector, which has some of the longest continuous descents in the region. The terrain here suits intermediate skiers, featuring wide, rolling red runs that wind through the forests down to the valley floor. The peak at La Videmanette (2,151 metres) provides a steeper top section before mellowing out into cruising terrain.
For maximum mileage, the linked Rinderberg, Saanerslochgrat, Horneggli, and St. Stephan sector is the largest continuous ski area in the domain. Skiers reach it via a short train ride to Schönried or Saanenmöser. This area has wide, sunny bowls and excellent intermediate cruising. Advanced skiers tend to gravitate towards the steep pitches of the standalone Wasserngrat sector or the high-altitude runs of Glacier 3000. Glacier 3000 guarantees snow cover when lower slopes are patchy.
The village & après-ski
Saanen’s après-ski scene is decidedly low-key. It favours cosy pubs and intimate bistros over loud umbrella bars. The village centre, with its pedestrianised zones and historic timber facades, encourages relaxed evenings. The Saanerhof Pub is a traditional meeting point for locals and visitors sharing a post-ski beer. Venues like the 16 Art-Bar-Restaurant – housed in a former bell foundry – offer a more refined, art-focused atmosphere for drinks and dining. For families, casual spots like Cherry’s Bistro provide excellent pizza in a relaxed setting.
Snow & season
The main ski season in the Saanenland runs from mid-December to early April. Because much of the core terrain sits between 1,000 and 2,000 metres, the region relies on its extensive snowmaking infrastructure to maintain the lower pistes and valley runs, particularly early and late in the winter. During lean snow years, the Glacier 3000 sector – located a short drive or bus ride away – provides a reliable high-altitude alternative. It often opens in November and operates well into May.
Summer & year-round
When the snow melts, Saanen transforms into a hub for hiking and cycling. The region maintains hundreds of kilometres of marked trails. These range from the gentle paths around Lake Lauenen to the rugged limestone ridges of the Gastlosen. The Wispile ridge hike is a local classic, offering panoramic views of the Bernese and Vaud Alps. Mountain biking and gravel riding are increasingly popular on the network of farm roads and side valleys. Many of the main cable cars operate from late June through September, facilitating high-altitude access for summer visitors.
Safety & mountain etiquette
The Gstaad Mountain Rides domain is heavily geared towards piste skiing, but venturing off-piste requires standard alpine precautions. The region features several designated freeride zones. Skiers leaving the marked trails should carry full avalanche safety equipment and consult the local bulletin. Certain forested areas and valleys are designated wildlife protection zones during winter. Skiing through these areas is strictly prohibited to protect the local fauna.
Who it suits best
Saanen is ideal for families, couples, and intermediate skiers who appreciate traditional Swiss village charm without the ostentation of Gstaad. It suits those who enjoy cruising wide red and blue runs and don’t mind taking the scenic regional train to access different sectors of the ski domain. It is less suited to hardcore expert skiers seeking endless steep couloirs or groups looking for raucous, late-night après-ski.
Deadline: February 13th
Winner Announcement: February 14th
