Snow Light >>> LWSY Visits Saanewald Lodge, Gstaad
I know what you’re thinking, Gstaad and those super glamorous Palace rated hotels, multi million euro private chalets, private airport and SUVs cruising around the perimeter of the surrounding villages. Glamorous and completely bonkers at the same time yes, but there are still a handful of beautiful and affordable places to stay where you can enjoy the same kilometres of slopes as those who stay at hotels such as the Gstaad Palace and Alpina Hotel.
Except if you choose here, Saanewald Lodge, you’re already half way up the mountain to begin your days ski. What more could you want, this is the ultimate ski in – ski out hotel in Gstaad, and it’s super funky to boot.
I arrived at lunchtime, and on my skis. However if you’re arriving to check in, you can hop in their Land Rover and you’ll be brought the short ride up the mountain, or for an even more fun arrival, hop on their Skidoo. You’ll be greeted by a team of welcoming staff who’ll show you around and settle you in.
Saanewald Lodge is a mid-mountain Retro style alpine get away started by two brothers who wanted to create a truly genuine retreat. Built in 1964, the Lodge is right on the Gstaad ski slopes and at 300m from a prestigious golf club, the main elements equal a pristine natural environment, a comfortable lodge, simple good food, sincere friendly service and good music throughout the day and night.
Their philosophy? ‘Active Slow Life’, a concept that tackles the misunderstanding about the idea of slowing down. It is also counterintuitive, so it forces people to stop and challenge their lifestyle, and to be put into practice during their holidays, just relax basically. The geographical situation of the Lodge and its belonging to the Gstaad region, naturally leads to both and active and slow time spent here.
With 30 double rooms, you are offered either a Forest or Valley view. All rooms naturally are en-suite. The Lodge also offers a fab little spa downstairs with a Valley view outdoor hot tub in front of the restaurant deck. As I walked around I have to tell you, I was genuinely sad not to be staying the night.
A Typical Bedroom
Retro details by way of this Vitra Eames coat rack
The Billards Room upstairs above the restaurant
The restaurant is open from 8am until 11pm daily. The most fabulous feature is the terrace with killer views on the Rubli. Whether you’re a guest at the lodge or you’ve just come by for the day, The Saanewald Lodge Restaurant seats up to 100 guests on the terrace and 70 indoors. I heard they offered the best burgers in Gstaad, so naturally, that’s what we went for.
The perfect sun drenched spot for a quick siesta before clicking your skis back on to ski back to Gstaad…
Dreamy views of the Valley…
Night light at the Lodge
Visit the Sannewald Lodge website here.
The hotel offers fab deals throughout the winter and summer seasons, just click on this link for further details…
You can also follow them on Instagram here.
Thank you also to Mason Rose for the tip off, you’d be crazy to visit Gstaad and not make it to Saanewald Lodge if only for lunch and a few hours on their terrace.
LWSY