We have narrowed our winter skiing vacation down to these two resorts--Gstaad, Switzerland, or Lech, Austria. Any opinions from people who've been there? We want a combination of intermediate level skiing plus some nightlife (although we are not party animals), shopping, good dining, etc. We will be staying in a 4 star hotel and plan to take skiing lessons. No snowboarders on this trip, maybe next year. Any thoughts from skiing Fodorites? Which has more reliable snow?<BR>

Good choice, both offer high quality in everything. If you'd be an expert in skiing I would suggest Lech. But for intermediate skiing both of them offer great opportunities.<BR>Lech has more reliable snow (sometimes problems with avalanches!), but from Jan to mid March you can be sure to find enough snow in Gstaad. And, not to forget, the Diablerets glacier is included in the ski pass.<BR><BR>To my mind the more important difference is that Gstaad and its surrounding villages were able to keep their authentic rural flair. Lech and Z&uuml;rs seem to be a little artificial. Gstaad is a good place for shopping and fine dining - even because the french speaking part of Switzerland is only a few km away.

Thanks Ingo. Which would be better for low intermediates (casual skiers, not beginners though)?<BR>

Go to Gstaad. Some parts of the ski area in Lech are quite challenging. In Gstaad every part of the ski area offers easy runs, too.

Gstaad is my favourite ski resort. However, stay in Sch&ouml;nried (Ermitage-Golf Hotel, Steigenberger or Alpenrose) or Saanenm&ouml;ser (Les Hauts de Gstaad). Both are sunnier than Gstaad itself. The ski pass is valid in the whole area down to Chateaux-d'Oex. Includes also train and bus service in the area. For nightlife, go to Gstaad.<BR>Have been to Lech, but in the summertime. I agree, the Gstaad area might be more suitable for intermediate level, except Les Diablerets and La Videmanette though. You will find everywhere nice small inns where you can have Swiss cheese specialties and a glass of wine. I like especially the "Eggli" with its sunny terrace above Gstaad.<BR>For shopping, you will find everything in Gstaad. Next to St. Moritz, Gstaad is probably the most upscale winter resort in Switzerland. <BR>On the other hand, Lech is more snow reliable. Depends, when you will go.

Hi Ski:<BR><BR>I have been to Lech. It is wonderful. I am partial to the Austrians vs the Swiss ( a bit more fun!) I heard that Lech was very exclusive, with many visits by Princess Diane and the King of Sweden....but I found it very charming and the variety of ski possiblities are endless (with Lech, Zurs, St. Christoff and St. Anton) I have never been to Gstaad, but I have been to Engelberg and Villars and I would chose Lech over those areas!<BR><BR>JOHN

John: Engelberg and Villars cannot be compared to Gstaad. Both are very family orientated. Very different from Gstaad. <BR>Gstaad has a similar reputation as Lech, i.e. upscale, expensive, superbe restaurants, good nightlife, good shopping, etc. A lot of famous people (Roger Moore and many others that don't come to my mind right now) around.<BR><BR>

Thanks Ursula for the info because we (three couples) are NOT interested in family oriented resorts. This is our annual "grown-ups only" vacation, the kids stay HOME (they go on ski trips with their school friends and school ski clubs and we do ski together week-ends at places close to home). What we want is good intermediate skiing in a sophisticated resort with fine dining, shopping and nightlife. We plan to do just under a week of skiing and then a few days in a city (Vienna, probably) before heading home.

My husband and I have spent many weeks skiing at Lech. We love it. When we have gone with friends it has been great fun. We are intermediate skiers and find the wide open slopes of Lech/Zurs terrific for us and beginners in our group. Yet, there is a great selection of miles of advanced intermediate skiing. It literally goes for miles! It is fun to ski from Lech to Zurs. We have rented apartments in Lech. We enjoy not having to eat every meal out, less stress for us. Also, a few evenings in your apartment with friends, where you can be as silly as you want is always relaxing. We also love Switzerland, but do find it more "fun" in Austria and the prices are a little less in Austria. To compare we have also skied in Zermatt and Wengen, but still prefer Lech.

I will not argue about Swiss vs. Austria. "ski", it is your choice! Ursula: I agree, Gstaad is incomparable to Engelberg and Villars, and very similar to Lech concerning shopping, dining etc. To add some celebrities: Liz Taylor is said to have a chalet in Gstaad, Roman Polanski is visiting ...<BR><BR>Geri: But what kind of fun? If you like to listen to DJ &Ouml;tzi and Reinhard Fendrich Austria is the right place. Some people like it and some do not. I personally do not, but I don't mind others to do.<BR><BR>By the way, my favourite resort is not Gstaad, but St. Moritz.

Ingo: You see, everybody has its own favourite spots. I have been to St. Moritz twice, but we have gone to the Gstaad area since I was a little child. So I am very familiar with that place and a lot of memories come back. It's also a great hiking area in summer. It means a lot to me, also because usually there are no big crowds around. <BR>St. Moritz, Pontresina and Celerina are great areas too, summer and winter. <BR>I don't think one can argue about favourite spots anyway and I am happy we all have different ones.

Ingo, so true, "fun" means different things to different people. We typically find the Austrians a little more laid back than the Swiss. But, when with friends, we have fun as a group. We rarely go out at night to hear DJ's or similar types of entertainment, so I can't compare that aspect of a ski vacation.

Ursula+Geri: I agree with you absolutely. But we should finish this discussion, because the question was Gstaad or Lech. Wish you great skiing vacations. Bye Ingo

One final point...then I will let it go...from where I am sitting in 68 degree weather in NYC....I would love to ski anywhere!! Gstaad or Lech! I do not think it could get any better...now throw in Cortina, add Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen in the USA. Whistler in Canada.... Have fun skiing! I am jealous!!<BR>JOHN