Gstaad Saanen : introduction
Looking for a change of scenery? How about discovering the famous Swiss ski resort of Gstaad? Renowned for the celebrities who cherish its slopes, Gstaad remains an elegant alpine village where you can enjoy a refined, relaxing retreat.
To make your stay truly unforgettable, AEROAFFAIRES invites you to fly in on a private jet or by helicopter, tailored to your schedule and expectations. Founded in 1991 by François-Xavier CLERC, AEROAFFAIRES is your specialist in private aviation at the best rates, having already satisfied over 120,000 passengers across more than 45,000 private flights.
Practical information about Gstaad Saanen airport
Flying private into Saanen airfield means landing barely a few minutes from the resort, skipping the long mountain roads and the crowded seasonal connections that come with commercial airports. A private flight to Saanen places you within a short drive of the Gstaad ski slopes, without the two-hour road transfer from Geneva.
The airfield is configured for private aviation rather than mass traffic, so arrival is quick and discreet. There is no commercial terminal to navigate: you step off the turboprop or light jet and straight into your chauffeur-driven car or waiting helicopter. That efficiency matters most during peak weeks, when slots and parking at Saanen are scarce.
On-demand air charter is what makes this possible. Rather than fitting your trip around airline schedules, you set the times and the aircraft:
- Direct access without a busy passenger terminal or baggage hall
- Confidentiality and privacy from touchdown to transfer
- Fast turnarounds suited to a business jet or turboprop
- Flexible timing built around your own agenda
- Seamless onward links to chalets and ski domains
Airport characteristics:
- Address Flugplatzstrasse, 3792 Saanen, Suisse
- IATA code ZKC
- ICAO code LSGK
- Latitude 46.4875
- Longitude 7.2508
- Altitude 1001m
- Number of runways 1
- Runway length 1400m
- General aviation terminal Oui : l’aéroport est utilisé quasi exclusivement pour l’aviation d’affaires, les vols privés et les hélicoptères. Il ne possède pas de terminal commercial.
Specificities :
- Opening hours: generally 08:00 – 18:00 (no night flights).
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Accessible only by daylight VFR, no instrument approach.
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Demanding approach: mountain airport surrounded by relief, requiring special qualifications for pilots.
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No ILS: visual approach only (VFR), frequent diversions in bad weather (fog, snow, wind).
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Winter season: high demand in December-February, slots and parking to be booked in advance.
- Preferred target for light jets, turboprops and private helicopters. Not suitable for large-cabin private jets or long-haul aircraft, which must land in Bern, Zurich or Geneva before transferring to Gstaad.
- Limited parking: generally for turboprops and short/midsize jets.
- Single runway of 1,400 m, suitable only for turboprops and light private jets(Pilatus PC-12, King Air, Citation Mustang, CJ1/2, Phenom 100).
Airport facilities Gstaad Saanen
FBO services for private aviation (catering, handling, hangar).
Helistation nearby for quick transfers to chalets and resorts.
Available services
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Customs
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Concierge service
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Valet
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Ground handling assistance
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Rest room
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Conference room
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Wifi
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Baggage services
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VIP chauffeur transfer
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Car rental
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Limousine rental
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Helicopter transfer
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Private parking
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Showers
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Hotel booking
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Pets allowed
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Disabled access
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VIP lounge
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Secure entrance
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Landing by private jet in Gstaad
Frequent international origins to Gstaad
Private jet passengers reaching Gstaad fly in mainly from the United States, Brazil, France, Switzerland and the Middle East. The choice of aircraft dictates the arrival airport: turboprops and light jets land directly at Saanen airfield, while larger cabins route through Geneva, Zurich or Bern before a road or helicopter transfer.
Most common departure points for a private jet to Gstaad
Whether you charter from a European capital or a long-haul base overseas, the routing adapts to your aircraft. Transatlantic and Gulf travellers typically land a large-cabin jet at Geneva, then continue by helicopter or chauffeur-driven car. European origins often allow a direct hop to Saanen airfield aboard a turboprop or light jet.
- United States: heavy jets to Geneva, then a 45-minute helicopter transfer
- Brazil: ultra long range aircraft via Geneva
- France (Paris, Nice): direct light jet or turboprop to Saanen
- Switzerland (Zurich, Bern): short direct flights to Saanen
- Middle East: long-haul jets to Geneva or Zurich, onward by helicopter
Which aircraft can land directly at Saanen airfield
Saanen has a runway of about 1,400 m, reserved for light aircraft and turboprops. Only turboprops and light jets can land directly at Saanen airfield; larger cabins use Geneva before transferring. Frequently chartered models include the Pilatus PC-12 and PC-24, the King Air, the Citation Mustang and the Phenom 300.
| Route to Geneva | Flight time |
|---|---|
| Nice – Geneva | 0h50 |
| Milan – Geneva | 0h50 |
| Paris – Geneva | 1h00 |
| Frankfurt – Geneva | 1h00 |
| London – Geneva | 1h30 |
| Madrid – Geneva | 1h45 |
Location and access to Gstaad Saanen airport
From Saanen airfield, Gstaad center is just a few minutes away by car, while the village of Saanen sits only 5 minutes from the runway. Saanen airfield is a short chauffeur-driven transfer to your chalet or resort. The nearby helistation lets you continue by air when the slopes call.
AEROAFFAIRES arranges your ground and air transfer the moment you land, so you move seamlessly from the business jet to your destination:
- Chauffeur-driven car: a Mercedes S-Class, Viano or limousine at your disposal, for as long as you need, to reach your hotel, chalet or meeting.
- Helicopter charter: our helicopter rental service flies you to the top of the slopes or lets you discover the resort from the air.
- Direct chalet access: helicopter transfers connect the airfield straight to private chalets and the surrounding ski domains.
Nearby cities
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Airport
4 km
10 min Gstaad center
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Airport
2 km
5 min Saanen
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Airport
14 km
20 min Zweisimmen
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Depart from Gstaad by private jet
Popular destinations from Gstaad
From Saanen airfield, private jet passengers head towards the chic shores of the Mediterranean in summer and the major business capitals of Europe year-round. Turboprops and light jets depart directly from Saanen, while larger cabins reposition through Geneva for longer routes. Every itinerary is tailored to your aircraft, and all flight times and rates are confirmed upon quote by an AEROAFFAIRES advisor.
Summer destinations from Gstaad
When the alpine season winds down, our clients trade the slopes for the coast. The most requested summer routes link Gstaad to the glamorous marinas and islands of the Mediterranean, ideal for those splitting time between a chalet and a yacht.
- Saint-Tropez and Cannes for the Riviera season
- Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca in the Balearics
- Monaco for the Grand Prix and summer galas
- Capri and Naples-Salerno along the Amalfi coast
- Tivat on the Montenegrin coast
- Forte dei Marmi in Tuscany
These coastal destinations pair naturally with a light or midsize business jet, and many can be reached with a single hop from the region. Marina access, helicopter transfers and yacht coordination are arranged alongside the flight.
Business and long-haul connections
Beyond leisure, Gstaad remains a base for executives who need reliable links to Europe’s financial hubs. The classic corporate routes run to Paris, London and Geneva, the latter also serving as the gateway back to intercontinental fleets.
For transatlantic and Gulf travellers, Geneva is the reconnection point to ultra long range aircraft heading to the United States, Brazil or the Middle East. Whatever the routing, our advisors match the right cabin from our fleet to your schedule, passenger count and baggage. Flight details and rates are provided upon quote.
What to do in Gstaad: our recommendations
Gstaad rewards visitors with world-class skiing, Michelin-level dining and refined shopping, all within a discreet alpine setting. Between six sectors of pistes, gourmet tables and cultural events, the resort delivers experiences tailored to demanding travellers who value privacy as much as excellence.
Skiing and mountain experiences
Bergbahnen Gstaad — Photo : Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad via Google
The domain around Gstaad spreads across six different sectors and offers more than 150 miles of trails in the Gstaad ski area, spread across six sectors. For those seeking untouched powder, heliskiing is the signature alpine adventure, dropping you onto remote peaks reachable only by helicopter.
- Heliskiing on secluded high-altitude runs
- Eisstock, the traditional Swiss curling variant, played in the centre of Gstaad
- Guided ski touring across the surrounding valleys
- Visits to some of the region’s more than 80 operational alps, where centuries-old farming traditions endure
Fine dining and exclusive events
Sommet by Martin Göschel — Photo : Restaurant Sommet via Google
Gstaad counts over 100 restaurants, from cosy raclette venues to gourmet establishments. Our clients regularly reserve a table at Le Sommet, the fine-dining destination overseen by chef Martin Göschel, for a memorable evening after the slopes.
Culturally, the Gstaad Menuhin Festival, founded in 1957, stages its classical concerts each summer. The Gstaad Palace, opened in 1913, hosts its legendary New Year’s Eve gala, one of the most sought-after evenings in the Alps.
Shopping and culture
The Promenade forms the beating heart of the village, lined with boutiques from the great fashion houses alongside Swiss watchmakers and jewellers. Between purchases, the pedestrian street invites unhurried strolls past chalets and terraces, keeping the atmosphere intimate rather than crowded, exactly the discreet luxury that draws its regular visitors back season after season.
Where to stay in Gstaad: our recommended hotels
Gstaad offers a rarefied collection of five-star palaces and Relais & Châteaux properties tailored to discerning private jet travellers. The three most sought-after addresses in Gstaad are the Gstaad Palace, The Alpina Gstaad and Le Grand Bellevue. Each combines Alpine character with the discretion and service level expected after a private flight into Saanen airfield.
Gstaad Palace
Gstaad Palace — Photo : Gstaad Palace via Google
Perched above the village, the Gstaad Palace opened in 1913 and remains one of the most legendary luxury hotels in the Alps. Its silhouette defines the Gstaad skyline, and its suites blend heritage with refined comfort. Guests appreciate its enduring reputation for privacy, an essential consideration for high-profile visitors arriving by private jet.
The Alpina Gstaad
Alpina Gstaad — Photo : The Alpina Gstaad via Google
The Alpina Gstaad is a contemporary palace uniting Swiss craftsmanship with understated modern design. It appeals to travellers seeking a quieter, wellness-focused stay while remaining minutes from the village centre and the ski sectors.
Le Grand Bellevue
Le Grand Bellevue is the resort’s oldest palace and home to a vast 3,000 m² wellness space, ideal for unwinding after a day on the slopes.
When choosing where to stay in Gstaad, consider:
- Gstaad Palace: historic grandeur and iconic Alpine prestige.
- The Alpina Gstaad: contemporary luxury and dedicated wellness.
- Le Grand Bellevue: heritage palace with a 3,000 m² spa.
We coordinate your chauffeur transfer from Saanen airfield directly to your chosen hotel, ensuring a seamless arrival.
Book your flight at Gstaad Saanen with AEROAFFAIRES
Our experts are at your service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to find the jet that suits you best. Whether you’re looking for a cab plane, helicopter, long-haul private jet or VIP commercial aircraft, AEROAFFAIRES can charter your aircraft within 2 hours at a competitive rate.
Flying with AEROAFFAIRES also means supporting sustainable development. Thanks to our SkyCO2 program, 100% of the CO2 emissions produced by each business flight are offset, supporting the preservation of South America’s primary forests.
Book your private jet by contacting us 24/7 on +33 (0) 1 44 09 91 82.
A question? Contact our airline experts
Isabelle CLERC
CEO AEROAFFAIRES
François-Xavier CLERC
Founder AEROAFFAIRES
Our airline experts remain at your disposal to help you at every stage of your reservation.
Go further
History of the airfield
The Gstaad airfield was used for military purposes during the Second World War and the Cold War. Its location was subject to military secrecy, not appearing in information manuals until the 1980s. Gradually, infrastructures were created to accommodate private jets.
Every year, Gstaad hosts a number of international events, including tennis tournaments. It is also the setting for numerous novels and films, such as “OSS 117: Rio ne répond plus”, “Le Retour de la panthère rose” and “Snowboarder”.