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LES NOUVELLES DE GSTAAD In-house, local news, shopping, suggestions
LES NOUVELLES de GSTAAD
IN-HOUSE LOCAL NEWS
PALACE SPRUCE-UP — FEWER ROOMS, MORE ROOM
Since summer 2018 our Palace stands proud with 90 rooms. That’s five rooms fewer than before. The last ten remaining single rooms have been combined into five superior double rooms, under the supervision of English-Swiss interior architect Marina Nickels. The conversion strengthens our resort quality, as guest surveys have indicated a strong leaning towards quality of living versus pure functionality, both in summer and winter. With our rooms now averaging 48 square metres, the reduction thus brings a distinct additional value.
REVIVAL FOR THE FROMAGERIE
The Fromagerie was a revolutionary idea and a trendy pub long before anyone had come up with the concept of themed eateries. Ernst Andrea Scherz, our (un)retired senior boss, saw potential in the hotel bunker, which was used to safeguard securities and gold during World War II. So, in 1975/76 he remodelled it into the witty and cheerful food venue “La Fromagerie”. To this day, the “Fromagerie” has remained the most frequented restaurant in the Palace. This winter season 2018/19, the bijou shines in new splendour. We have hunted out antique furniture, shabbychic lighting and all manner of Alpine gems to create a snug environment for a cosy meal — a traditional and locally inspired feast for eyes and taste buds alike. We feel certain that the “Fromagerie” will maintain its cult status for another 40 years or more!
A BED OF ROSES FOR THE CIGARS
The outlook for cigar lovers is good — and not just because our smoking lounge affords one of the best views onto the Saanenland. Thanks to the new humidor in the glazed corner room of the Lobby Bar, the valuable cigars now have even more space — ensuring the prized goods are well stored. And that’s not all. The selection on offer for cigar aficionados has also been significantly expanded.
SPOT LANDING FOR SAANEN
Nice — Gstaad, New York — Gstaad, etc. Many don’t know that Gstaad-Saanen is an international airport. Direct flights from all over the world arrive here. Even the customs formalities are handled by experts from the local police force — swiftly and efficiently. Built during World War II, the former military airport has long been welcoming guests from around the globe. Now Saanen airport shines in new splendour, with three hangars, a terminal building — including an elegant lounge, of course — and a helicopter base. Andrea Scherz continues to play an active role in the board of the airport association. After all, what would Gstaad and the Palace be without its hub to the world!
4 MILLIONS A YEAR FOR CABLE CARS AND LIFTS
The mountain transport company Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad is essential for the survival of Gstaad-Saanenland tourism. For this reason, the municipality has decided to support the company with an annual stipend of around four million Swiss francs for the next five years. This is necessary to push forward the modernisation of the cable cars and lifts, and to install additional snow canons.
COMING SOON — GONDOLA LIFT TO THE SAANERSLOCHGRAT
The cable car up to the Saanerslochgrat served visitors and locals for nearly 40 years. This winter season, the new gondola lift Saanenmöser-Saanersloch is going into operation. Much has happened over the summer, such as moving the upper terminus 70 metres across, and the overall investment came to 20 million Swiss francs. The new gondola lift with its 10-person cabins is significantly faster, more comfortable and rather eye catching with its futuristic design. Made by Swiss manufacturer Garaventa-Doppelmayr, the lift is the first of its kind from the “D-Line” series and features an entirely new type of roof construction.
WAKE UP TO MOUNTAIN WAKEBOARDING
Situated on the Hornberg, at 1800 metres above sea, the Wake Park at the Speichersee is said to be Europe’s highest wakeboarding facility. The planning and construction took two years and was made possible through a crowd-funding project that raised 150,000 Swiss francs. The new Alpine surf Mecca can be reached from Schönried, either via the Horneggli chair lift or on a mountain bike; alternatively visitors can make use of the free shuttle bus service from Saanenmöser station.
HÔTEL DE ROUGEMONT IN NEW HANDS
The 4-star boutique hotel with 33 rooms opened in the heart of Rougemont in 2014. At the end of 2017, Andresen Hotels AG sold the company to Royal Orchid Swiss Hotel AG, which is owned by an investor based in Hong Kong. Management of the Hôtel de Rougemont remains in the seasoned hands of Peter Butler.
COMEBACK FOR THE BÄREN IN GSTEIG
“Cheese, bread, sausage and something for the thirst!” That and more, is what the homely Bären in Gsteig promises. This treasure of a place dates back to the 17th century and (fortunately) is now open again. Freshly renovated, it is now in the excellent hands of Gabi and Christian Hefti, who are well known in the village. The Bären offers delicious food and a glorious rest, in line with its motto ‘simple and snug’.
A FAMILIAR FACE
On 1 November, an old friend took over the reins at the Hotel Alpenland in Lauenen. Michael aka Michi Ming, who worked for the Palace for many years in Food & Beverage Purchasing & Controlling, is now in charge of the 3-star hotel with 20 rooms. Ming knows Gstaad like the back of his hand, having been active in these parts for almost 14 years.
SUN RISES AGAIN
The Hotel Solsana above Saanen, which was a haven for visually impaired and blind guests for decades, is now experiencing a renaissance. Since November, it has been in the care of Nik and Simon Buchs, who have reopened the building as a pop-up hotel under the delightful name “Sun & Soul” — for all generations and life styles. No doubt the two gastro and hospitality professionals will bring new life into the historic building. As seasoned managers of the “16 Art Bar Restaurant” and the “16 Boucherie Thai & Burger Take-Away” in Saanen, as well as the mountain restaurant “Wasserngrat”, they are well established in the region.
CAPPUCCINO AND MORE
Where “Le 3780” was once to be found, the “Grand Café Cappuccino” is now in full swing and is adding some much needed spice to Gstaad’s Promenade — around the clock from breakfast through to after dinner cocktails. The Grand Café is part of the Grupo Cappuccino, which owns premium restaurants at prestigious locations in Majorca, Ibiza, Madrid, Valencia, Marbella, as well as Jeddah and Beirut.
BIGGER AND EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL
The alteration was extensive and took over 6 months, but it was worth the wait. The newly reopened, enlarged Hermès boutique at Chalet Central is definitely the object of much gazing and longing in our resort.
SNAPPED UP
And the latest Gstaad gossip from those in the know: A new bar is going to be opened — next to the “Chesery” and “Photo Gstaad”. At the time of going to press, it wasn’t possible to establish what exactly will be on offer there, but we think a closer look at Alte Lauenenstrasse 5 may be well worth it.
BYE-BYE HUBLOT, WELCOME BOGHOSSIAN
Sadly, Hublot is leaving Gstaad. In their place, the family jeweller Boghossian is opening a shop in Gstaad — in the Chalet Central, just opposite the tourist office.
Sought and found by Andrea Scherz
LES NOUVELLES de GSTAAD
SUGGESTIONS
BOCHTEHUS BEIZLI — REALLY DOWN-TO-EARTH
Many know the Reichenbach family, and many have been on romantic rides in their horse-drawn carriage. Now the inventive hosts Julia and Ueli Reichenbach have added a new feather to their bow — and as usual its a very informal affair. The “Bochtehus Beizli” is a down-to-earth little eatery housed in their 300 year old mountain lodge. In the parlour, which features one of the most beautiful and oldest Gothic ceilings of the Saanenland, the couple serve delicious local food: Fondue, soups and cake, as well as Fondue Chinoise and Raclette on request. For many years, the charming chalet served as a stopover for mountain farmers and their cattle on the way up to the alpine pastures. The Reichenbach family, which has owned the building since 1976, uses the wonderful pastures for their horses during summer.
ALL LEVELS — FROM CHARMING TO CHALLENGING
Hiking is uplifting they say — nowhere more true than here in the beautiful Saaneland. That’s why the Palace team has compiled its own hiking guide, with a range of excursions from easy to difficult. For those preferring a relaxed outing, there’s a river hike along the Lauenenbach, from Gstaad to Lauenen. Or how about a spectacular display of the most stunning mountain sides en route from Wispile to the Lauenensee. And then there’s the magical path along the Rinderberg, starting in Zweisimmen and ending at a picnic hideaway, built by the Gstaad Palace and helpers from the local school in 2013. The handy guide is available from the concierge.
TRAIL RUNNING — GSTAAD GETS YOU MOVING
Trail running is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the mountains. Since this summer, the Gstaad region also offers several official way-marked trails, enabling long distance runs away from roads. One of the new trail running routes leads from Gstaad to Eggli and back again, another via Wispile to the Lauenensee. Both trails can also be followed in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the Helsana trails and the AlpnessTrail are also being integrated into the trail running routes in and around Gstaad.
A DETOUR TO THE SPARENMOOS
The wonderful Sparenmoos nature reserve above Zweisimmen is often forgotten. Now there’s good news for cross-country skiers, winter hikers and sledging fans: The restaurant at Site Alp is also open to visitors during winter. Thanks to the new crosscountry ski track routing it can even be reached on skis. An extended winter hiking trail takes you from Sparenmoos to Site Alp in around 30 minutes, alternatively its just 15 minutes’ walk to the restaurant from the newly introduced bus stop.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF SOUVENIR
Thanks to snowfilm.ch, Gstaad’s visitors can now take home a holiday video instead of traditional souvenirs — a cool and stylish option. The experts at snowfilm.ch are happy to get in with the action for guests who want to come away with a moving memento of their holidays. No effort is too big — including drones and even helicopter recordings.
A RENDEZVOUS of ART &
DESIGN
Over the course of eight years of continued development and consolidation orchestrated by director Thomas Hug, artgenève has found a firm place in the Geneva Lake region, establishing itself as a high-end and internationally renowned art fair. In 2019, artgenève will play host to 80 selected, modern and contemporary art galleries, including a number of prestigious newcomers such as Hauser & Wirth, Capitain Petzel, Galerie Eva Presenhuber, Almine Rech and Raffaella Cortese. Other distinguished 2019 exhibitors will include Gagosian, Pace, Perrotin, Marlborough, Tornabuoni Art, Michael Werner, Blain|Southern, Continua, Franco Noero, de Jonckheere, Mitterrand, Lelong, 1900–2000, Templon and Victoria Miro.
artgenève will also dedicate a large area to curated and non-commercial exhibitions, promoting a rich dialogue between the art market and the institutional domain. The clearly structured Salon d’Art invites international institutions to exhibit alongside galleries. Moscow’s V-A-C Foundation, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, London’s Whitechapel Gallery and the New York based Swiss Institute have all previously exhibited at artgenève. In 2019, they will be joined by institutions such as the Beyeler Foundation from Basel and London’s Serpentine Galleries. The Salon d’Art will also welcome a number of regional institutions, art spaces and private collections, enabling international collectors to discover key players in Switzerland’s cultural landscape.
The collaboration between artgenève and the prestigious PAD (Pavilion of Art + Design) ― already established in Paris and London ― proved to be a success in 2018 and will be renewed in 2019. For the second year in a row, the PAD will present around 40 galleries specialising in design collectables, enriching the fair’s offer with a section dedicated to the decorative arts.
Based on the same concept as artgenève, artmonte-carlo was launched in 2016, under the patronage of S.A.S Prince Albert II de Monaco. Set against a refined backdrop, the exhibition showcases a collection of works from leading international galleries. artmonte-carlo aims to establish an artistic platform on the Côte d’Azur, in recognition of the requirements of the region’s numerous collectors and art lovers. (cd) artgeneve.ch
ARTGENÈVE / PAD GENÊVE, PALEXPO GENÈVE, JANUARY 31 ― FEBRUARY 3, 2019 ARTMONTE-CARLO / PAD MONACO, GRIMALDI FORUM MONACO, APRIL 26 ― 28, 2019
Top left: Elaine Sturtevant, D’après Martial Raysse ‘PEINTURE A HAUTE-TENSION’, 1969, Courtesy of Jousse Entreprise Top right: Mark Leckey, Inflatable Felix, 2014, Courtesy of the Syz Collection, Photo: Annik Wetter Bottom: Chiharu Shiota, Uncertain Journey, 2016, Installation view, Courtesy the artist and Blain|Southern, Photo: Christian Glaeser
— OLIVERPRESTON.COM
TO BREAK THE RULES, YOU MUST FIRST MASTER THEM.
THE VALLÉE DE JOUX. FOR MILLENNIA A HARSH, UNYIELDING ENVIRONMENT; AND SINCE 1875 THE HOME OF AUDEMARS PIGUET, IN THE VILLAGE OF LE BRASSUS. THE EARLY WATCHMAKERS WERE SHAPED HERE, IN AWE OF THE FORCE OF NATURE YET DRIVEN TO MASTER ITS MYSTERIES THROUGH THE COMPLEX MECHANICS OF THEIR CRAFT. STILL TODAY THIS PIONEERING SPIRIT INSPIRES US TO CONSTANTLY CHALLENGE THE CONVENTIONS OF FINE WATCHMAKING.
ROYAL OAK FROSTED GOLD
IN PINK GOLD
