Switzerland’s first “Funi” rope lift began operating here in 1935. Two large sledges, bound together by rope and driven by an electric motor, carried up to one hundred people per hour 300 metres up the mountain in winter. Today, the gondola ride to the top of Gstaad’s local mountain is much more comfortable.

The Wispile is a mountain for the whole family. There is a petting zoo with Falabella horses, pygmy goats and pigs, a tree adventure park, while the Märli-Onkel storytelling uncle and Bärg z’Morge mountain breakfasts are every bit as popular as the cheese trail (including Alpine cheese dairy tour) or peaceful Silentiumplatz with its hammocks, firepit and wood for grilling.

The highest mountain in the Arosa region accessible by cable car offers impressive views as far as Chur and to the south across the Graubünden Alps to Piz Bernina.

Altitude: 1,907 metres
How to get there:
Train to Zweisimmen, change for Gstaad; or MOB from Montreux to Gstaad, walk through the centre of Gstaad to the two-stage Wispile gondola
Views: Gstaad and Saanenland, Lauenental valley, Diablerets massif
Attractions: Petting zoo, cheese trail, scooter rides from Bodme, good thermal drafts make this a great starting point for paragliding
Food and drink: Local specialities
Accommodation: 6 double rooms and dormitories
Groups: Several rooms with seating for up to 120 people, sun terrace with seating for 230
Winter: One of the Gstaad winter sports areas, toboggan run to Gsteig
Special comments: Arnold Annen from Lauenen invented funicular snow sledge ropeway technology in the 1930s
Discounted mountain ascent with the Swiss Travel Pass/GA travelcard.
Buy your tickets on arrival at the station.