It wasn’t the soft crunch of footsteps in the snow, nor the delicate chime of champagne glasses on a chic terrace that first caught my attention. No, this was something sharper, more visceral—the scrape of skate blades cutting into the ice, the clash of sticks, the thunderous crash of bodies slamming into the boards, reverberating like a mountain storm.
Intrigued, I followed the sound straight to the heart of Gstaad, where the local ice rink transforms into a battleground every winter. This isn’t the NHL, nor an Olympic final, but that hardly matters—the energy is raw, electric, and utterly captivating.
On the ice, it’s relentless—sprints, collisions, skates carving deep into the frozen surface. Every hit echoes through the stands, every breakaway pulses with adrenaline.
Watching these games is witnessing a spectacle where finesse meets ferocity, where speed and impact create a frozen ballet. Between periods, you escape for a mulled wine, chat with locals, and soak in that unmistakable mountain fervor that turns every match into an unmissable event.
I’ve been lucky enough to catch a few games, and each time, the magic happens. It’s a world away from the hushed glamour of Gstaad’s luxury hotels, but just as enthralling—a raw, high-voltage escape in the heart of the Alps.
And honestly, who would have guessed that beneath Gstaad’s polished exterior, such an untamed thrill was waiting to be discovered?
Feel the Pulse of Hockey in Gstaad
If you find yourself in Gstaad this winter, don’t miss the local hockey matches at the central ice rink. Just a stone’s throw from the iconic Gstaad Palace and the lively village center, it regularly hosts games where the atmosphere is as crisp as the ice itself. Check the schedule at the tourist office or stop by the rink—some matches are spontaneous, and they’re always worth it.And if the rush of the game inspires you to lace up your own skates, the rink is open to the public outside match hours. A perfect chance to feel, if only for a moment, the exhilaration of gliding across the ice. Then, to warm up and extend that signature Gstaad coziness, step into the NORKI boutique. Nestled in the heart of the village, it’s a soft, welcoming retreat—just like winter in the Alps.
So, are you ready to see Gstaad in a whole new light?
Go on, let yourself be drawn in by the call of the ice. Who knows? The sound of skates slicing through frozen perfection might just become your new irresistible temptation.
