Gstaad and St. Moritz

I've been to St Moritz and had a fantastic time, but in terms of alpine splendor/the alpine experience you're seeking when you go to Switzerland, you will prob get more of that in the Bernese Oberland (basically, all of the experiences/excursions Rick suggests in his Switzerland guidebook; Jungfraujock, Schilthorn, Interlaken, Murren, Gimmelwald, hiking in these areas, taking cable cars up, etc.). Fact is, I only went to St. Moritz b/c I happened to know someone who was there when I was going to be in Switzerland, so stayed w/ them, but if it weren't for that, I prob would not have gone. Being a skier, I did ski there, and it was a memorable experience (albeit an expensive one!), and, yes, treated myself to drinks at the legendary Badrutt's Palace Hotel, one of Switzerland's most famous/best (prohibitively expensive for accomodations, but I have the novelty of being able to say; "been there!"). And, aside from the great skiing/mountain views, the village itself is somewhat....plain-looking.....for lack of a better word. IF you have the time and want to see 1 of these "ritzy" ski meccas, by all means do so, but I wouldn't go out of my way to, especially if you don't plan to stay there, OR if it will take you away from the places you DO intend to spend time in. Rick's suggested itinerraries for Switzerland (especailly within the Bernese Obrland) are super helpful, easy to navigate, etc. Stick with those and you'll truly get that quintessential Swiss experience you're seeking. Have a fantastic time.

Thanks Lawrence for a very detailed and convincing reply. Hans

We visited Gstaad a few years ago as a day trip, did not stay there. It is a beautiful village. Swiss architecture is incredible. You could easily spend an afternoon here and it is well worth the time.

Thanks Tom. Good to know. Hans