CRAFT A band fit for the bell ― made by Gaston Rosat

A band fit for the BELL

Everyone knows about the bells. Countless formations of bell-ringers, locally called “Trychler”, carry the sound of the beautiful cowbells across the country and beyond. But many overlook the impressive leather bands by which the large grazing bells are carried. We pay a visit to Gaston Rosat’s workshop in Château-d’Oex, where this traditional art still thrives.

Gaston Rosat is a 69 year old farmer with 12 head of cattle. He is also one of a dwindling number of people who can call themselves a master in the art of making the beautiful leather bands that accompany a traditional Swiss cowbell. In his workshop on the ground floor of his farmhouse, he shows us how these bands are made using leather, thread, felt and glue. Gaston Rosat produces around 20 to 25 new bands each year, on top of which he also repairs and restores old pieces. He learnt the craft from his father, who pursued the art before him. “When I started making the bands, I never kept any of them back. I sold everything. As I got older, it occurred to me that I should keep hold of some sample pieces ― also for my sons.” So Gaston Rosat decided to make room for a little museum in the rear of his workshop, where he displays some superb specimens, including a band that dates back to 1739 ...

STEP 1: THE RIGHT CUT

It’s not so easy to find good leather these days. Most local tanneries have shut down. Gaston Rosat only uses top quality Swiss leather, purchased in 1.5 by 1.5 metre pieces, ideally 40 to 50 millimetres strong. First he cuts the band to the right length, between 1 and 1.1 metres. The dyed leather is always doubled up, so a band is used for each side. Traditionally, customers from canton Berne always wanted a black background, while the farmers from the Gruyère region generally preferred white. This is because their cows were mainly black and the prestigious bands were thus more prominently displayed. Today, 98 percent of the bands produced by Rosat are black.

STEP 2: THE DELICATE HOLES

This requires a good eye and a steady hand. Using a punch, Rosat drives tiny holes into the tough leather. Only rarely does he misplace the tool and has to correct the location of the hole. Rosat initially draws the design out by hand on paper. The art of making leather bands only came into being around 1700. Before then, the cows wore wood around their necks.

STEP 3: A FITTING DESIGN

The designs Rosat creates on the bands vary. He never makes two identical pieces, as a matter of honour. The patterns are traditional and often symbolic, such as the sun as a symbol of life. Tulips, roses, arabesques and stars frequently feature, and in the middle is the “Carré de Coeur”, the centrepiece. Gentian and Edelweiss are the most time-consuming among the flowers. Traditionally, hand-spun wool thread was used for the stitching, but nowadays it is hard to get hold of, so nylon thread is used instead.

STEP 4: THE BEAUTIFUL TRIM

Every band needs a carefully crafted border trim. Rosat adorns the edging with a decorative leather band, usually tan coloured or red, into which he has punched a series of holes. Then he secures the trim to the band with needle and thread. Most of the orders come from Trychler groups, though cattle shows, weddings and special anniversaries also generate some requests.

STEP 5: THE CROWNING FEATURE

The pompom is the crown of every band. It is made of felt, as this is much easier to cut. Rosat picks up his engraving scissors to cut eight strips, each 25 to 35 centimetres long. Using a sophisticated rolling technique and glue, he fashions these into an artful flower. Pompoms are mainly seen in the Pays d’Enhaut and Gruyère regions ― either as an individual feature or in a group of three at the top of the band. A simple band costs around 500 Swiss francs, while a very elaborate version, to which Rosat may dedicate a month or more, can cost anything up to 6000 francs. (rw)

Gaston Rosat, Route des Granges d'Oex 11, 1660 Château-d'Oex, Tel. +41 26 924 65 43

CLOSE

TO THE SKY

GLACIER 3000

The glacier glitters, calling us to come for an adventure. Glacier 3000 is more than a winter sports area, it’s a place of superlatives. The highest toboggan run in the world? Tick! The world’s first and only swing bridge between two mountain peaks? Tick! Restaurant designed by a star architect? Tick! It all started in 1959, with plans for a glacier cable car. Today Glacier 3000 offers visitors enjoyment and adventure at the highest level ― quite literally.

The first few steps on the swing bridge are still a little hesitant. After all, it’s not every day that you find yourself poised above an abyss at nearly 3000 metres above sea. The 107 metre ”Peak Walk by Tissot” is the only bridge in the world that connects two mountain peaks. Halfway between the pre and main summit of the Scex Rouge it’s time to stop and enjoy the experience. On a clear day, no less than 24 four-thousand-metre peaks ― including Matterhorn and Mont Blanc ― can be seen from the top of this glacier, which runs between Gstaad and Les Diablerets. With such a stunning panoramic view of the Alps to marvel at, the initial jitters are soon forgotten.

High time then, to head onto the glacier, where the eternal ice awaits us. Just a chairlift ride away on the ”Ice Express” there are numerous activities on offer that promise fun and exhilaration. The ”Glacier Walk” leads visitors through a shimmering blue, fantastical landscape of snow and ice. At the far end is the Quille du Diable, which provides a spectacular view onto the Val Derborence and the Bernese Alps. For guests of the Gstaad Palace, ‘Lunch by Helicopter’ offers an excursion to the outermost edge of the glacier and the experience of an unforgettable high-altitude flight.

If you like your adrenalin in one big rush, Glacier 3000 has plenty to whet your appetite too. The Alpine Coaster ― the highest toboggan run in the world (open May to September) ― and the Snowpark offer a multitude of steep bends, vertical slopes and jumps for some fast-paced action. Over in the Fun Park further snow based activities await, or visitors can experience the magical landscape during a dogsled ride with Huskies. Skiers, cross-country skiers and snowboarders benefit from excellent snow conditions across 28 kilometres of pistes and 10 lifts, open from November through to May. And in summer, 75 kilometres of marked hiking trails promise high peaks and steep descents. But even the most eventful day on the glacier has to draw to a close sometime. The restaurant designed by illustrious architect Mario Botta is the ideal place to catch those last few rays of sunshine, while the Saanenland below gradually disappears in the shadows. Just 40 minutes later and you’re back in Gstaad, back to reality. So near ― yet it feels like an ice age away. (ls) Glacier3000.ch

The Audi e-tron. A power nap is all it needs.

Awaken your thirst for adventure: super-fast charging up to 150kW in just 30 minutes. Far-off destinations included.

Electric has gone Audi. The Audi e-tron is coming. 100% electric. audi.ch/e-tron

Audi e-tron 55, 300kW, 21.0kWh/100km (fuel equivalent: 2.3 l/100km), 0g CO₂/km (average of all newly registered passenger cars: 133g CO₂/km), CO₂ emissions from fuel and/or electricity supply: 29g/km, energy effi ciency category: A. All data on power consumption, range and energy effi ciency are preliminary values. The values shown here were obtained in accordance with the measuring method 715/2007/EEC in the currently applicable version. These are NEDC consumption fi gures in accordance with the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. Fuel consumption values and range may deviate from the stated values in practice. The actual values depend on the driving style, road and traffi c conditions, environmental infl uences and vehicle condition. These values should therefore be used for comparison purposes only. CO₂ is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming; the average CO₂ emissions value for all vehicle types (all brands) on sale in 2018 is 133g/km. The actual values vary depending on the optional equipment installed.

IFOREVER YOUNG t has a certain air of greatness ― Olympic sized greatness in fact. When the Palace outdoor pool was built in 1928, exactly 90 years ago, it was the only pool in the up-and-coming tourist resort Gstaad. Designed by the renowned architect Beda Hefti ― who was also responsible for architecturally significant pools in Fribourg, Interlaken, Basle and Vulpera ― it brings a touch of Côte d’Azur to the Bernese Oberland. No expenses were spared for the grand pool, which was even equipped with its own heating, and it soon became a magnet for guests from around the globe. From day 1 it was also open to the public and thus quickly became popular among the locals too. The regional newspaper welcomed the pool with euphoric praise, stating that “even the most blasé visitor cannot resist the sight of this artfully designed, magical piece of work.” Many a millionaire has done his lengths here, side by side with a farmer from Gsteig or Gstaad who needed a quick cool down.

A year later, in 1929, Saanen district council followed suit and commissioned the construction of a public pool. According to the local tourist office’s annual report, the same year also saw all village streets being upgraded with a bitumen surface. It’s not just sport-related high jinks that have taken place at the Palace pool. This vanity hotspot has also been the site of many a lively party. It has even been used as a film set. So it’s hardly surprising that many guests favour this outdoor pool with diving tower over the 80 or so private pools located around the Oberbort ― many of which are hidden away underground below the chalets. After all, the Palace pool is always also a catwalk of sorts... (rw)