Saanen (Switzerland)

Saanen is a nice, quiet village with 1800 inhabitants, 4 km west of Gstaad. The hotels here are generally simpler and slightly cheaper than in Gstaad. The lifts start at the other side of the river. With three consecutive lifts, you can reach the Eggli and hence there is a chairlift to La Videmanette. Cross-country skiers are (if there is enough snow) in for a treat in Saanen. On the other side of the river is the trail of Château d'Oex to Gsteig. Saanen has a unique specialized children's ski school: Schweizer Kinderskischule Saanen. Here you can find private lessons for adults too.