GstaadLife, 7.8.15

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August 7, 2015 - Issue 5 – CHF 3.50

CUTTING-EDGE PAPER CUTS

A Traditional Art Evolves

CHANGING HEALTH CARE

Controversial Solution Found

A WILD THYME IN ROSSINIÈRE

Interview with Charlotte Landolt-Nardin

Great things come with summer VISIT US AT THE POLO VILLAGE ON AUGUST 13/15/16, 2015 AND PROFIT FROM AN EXHIBITION DISCOUNT hastens.com

HÄSTENS STORE SAANEN Dorfstrasse 66, 3792 Saanen Phone 0041 33 744 20 12

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GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

Photo: kitzcorner – Fotolia

The Very Top of the Summer

“The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the livelong year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning.”

–Natalie Babbitt, author

We are at the very top of summer here in the Sannenland, and from our Alpine perch we have a view rivaling that of any Ferris wheel.

Village Vista The Saanenland itself takes the spotlight in our third summer 2015 edition. With the CHF 42 million Sanona redevelopment project in its last stages, the village has been transformed into a welcoming pedestrian zone, with freshly renovated shops and restaurants featuring outdoor seating. According to residents and tourists alike, the fun that went missing for several decades is back. The project’s leader, City Council member Heinz Brand, couldn't agree more.

To celebrate the occasion, SRF (Swiss Radio & Television), will bring its camera crew to town to film a live broadcast of “SRF bi de Lüt,” a programme showcasing Switzerland’s cultural, folkish best against the lovely backdrop of the newly designed space.

What’s more, a beautiful hardbound book featuring Saanen’s historic buildings and homes will be released mid-August. Authored by Bendicht Hauswirth, Saanen– ein historischer Dorfführer is the extraordinary work of a local who has spent his

life and career exploring a passion for the area’s architecture.

The Long(er) View We’re expanding our reach here at GSTAADLIFE, making our way further into the Pays-d’Enhaut. We're excited to announce that the magazine is now available at select hotels and establishments in Rougemont, Rossinière, and Château-d’Oex. This month we feast our eyes on some of that same area’s most famous paper cutting artists. From antique masters at the Museum du Vieux Pays-d’Enhaut to contemporary artists like Corinne Karnstädt adding a modern touch to ancient techniques, there is a wide variety of paper cutting artwork to see (and purchase!).

In our Profile interview, Charlotte Landolt-Nardin gives a tour of the lovely terraced herb and flower gardens high on Mont Dessous in Rossinière. From her rural upbringing on an organic farm in Brazil to her elite education at Le Rosey, this horticulturist has turned her love for natural products into a successful business at Jardin des Monts.

High in the Saddle In this issue, we’ve gone loco for polo.

Contributor Januaria Piromallo spends a soirée at the side of Christian Völkers, the real estate guru

whose passion for first-class property is matched only by his enthusiasm for polo.

Völkers tells us all about his very own polo tournament in Mallorca, where a select group of Gstaad guests is invited to join in the fun at his private finca.

No summer in the Saanenland would be complete without the spectacular Hublot Polo Gold Cup. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the tournament, which will delight young and old with four days of matches, parades, and ponies galore.

The original event’s creator, Walter Felix, shares with us the history of the Gstaad Polo Club and how exactly it evolved from a pipe dream to a dream come true.

Aspects and Dialects Last but not least, columnist Diana Oehrli tackles the subject of Swiss German.

Whether you are here for a summer of love or a whole lifetime, learning one of the local dialects will both win you points and point you in the right direction for integration.

Summer By Any Other Name Whether you call it summer, der Sommer, or l’été, this is the time of year when – wherever you look in the Saanenland – there’s apt to be something lovely to see.

Enjoy the view!

Best regards, Alexis Munier Editor in Chief

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR // GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

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Photo: ©Marshall Vernet subtlepatterns.com

READER'S PAGE Your Vision of Gstaad

When in Gstaad, my girlfriend and I enjoy daily walks and bicycle rides in and around the Saanenland.

We both take photographs as we go, she with her iPhone and me with my Canon. One of the easiest walks from town is to simply climb up to Gruben, which we do often and where this photograph was taken. It is a high contrast photograph, printed on 100 % cotton paper and resembles a charcoal drawing more than it does a glossy photograph. This photograph and some of my others can be seen at the Tournemine Gallery on Gstaad's Promenade.

– Marshall Vernet is a filmmaker and photographer who attended Le Rosey and still spends much of his time in Gstaad. In the past year, he has shown his photographs in Singapore, Milan, Paris, La Baule, and Gstaad. Now represented by the Tournemine Gallery, Vernet's photographs can be seen at their showrooms in La Baule and Gstaad throughout the summer.

If you would like to share your photograph of the Saanenland, please send it with your contact details and a brief description to info@gstaadlife.ch.

Photo: AvS

Magazine

3 Letter from the Editor by Alexis Munier 4 Reader's Page 25 Last Word by Diana Oehrli 26 Events Calendar

Local News

Photo: Jardin des Monts

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8 Sanona Project Nears Completion 9 Gstaad Authentique Markets Local Speciality Products 9 Saanen Brocante to be Held 15 August 2015

Gstaad Living

10 Health Care Crisis in the Saanenland

Traditions

13 A Village's History in the Making 14 Papercutting–Renaissance of an Ancient Art

Profile

Photo: zVg

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16 A Wild Thyme with Charlotte Landolt-Nardin

Sports & Leisure

19 Gstaad Yacht Club in Full Summer Swing 21 Polo–20 Years in the Making

Flora & Fauna

22 Bert Inäbnit's Summer Series–Butterflies in Bloom

Lifestyle

23 Princes, Parties & Polo with Christian Völkers

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Read

Cover Photo: Jardin des Monts www.gstaadlife.ch

at www.gstaadlife.com

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GSTAADLIFE, Anzeiger von Saanen, Kirchstrasse 6, P.O. Box 201, 3780 Gstaad, Phone: 033 748 88 74, Fax: 033 748 88 84, info@gstaadlife.ch, www.gstaadlife.com, www.gstaadlife.ch // Management Board: Frank Müller // Publisher: Frank Müller, frank.mueller@gstaadlife.ch // Publishing Director: Markus Iseli, markus.iseli@mmedien.ch // Editor in Chief: Alexis Munier, alexis.munier@gstaadlife.ch // Contributors: Januaria Piromallo, Diana Oehrli // Layout: Epu Shaha Advertising: Eliane Behrend, eliane.behrend@mmedien.ch, Phone: 033 744 88 74 // Subscriptions: Flurina Welten, flurina.welten@mmedien.ch, Phone: 033 748 88 74

CONTENTS // GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

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Châteaux d’Oex

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www.residence-des-alpes.ch GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

The last second-homes at the doorsteps of Gstaad.

We are happy to advise you: Real estate consultant Thomas Finger thomas.finger@swisslife.ch +41 (0)33 225 93 36 As a real estate specialist I am happy to advise you about the following topics: – Buying and sales of property – Marketing of building projects – Value estimates – Financing and mortgages – Restoration- and tax advise Pension- and financial advisor Marco Zürcher marco.zuercher@swisslife.ch +41 (0)33 225 93 35 As a specialist of pension schemes I am happy to advise you about the following topics: – Pension schemes and income – Wealth formation and management – Tax- and budget optimisation – Early pension or regular pension – Property ownership and mortgages

Construction associates

Communications associates

GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

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Photo: GST

Sanona Enters Last Phase Rehabilitation Project Ensures Saanen Dazzles

The municipality’s enormous Sanona project is finally in its last stages. The project, which spanned over five years and cost more than CHF 42 million, has turned the out-dated village centre into an elegant yet authentic hub. Despite the fresh paint and building renovations, Saanen maintains a local feel, pleasantly devoid of big name brand stores and boutiques. Socialising has officially moved outdoors, with restaurants opening onto sprawling terraces making the village truly the “Jewel of the Saanenland.”

BY GSTAADLIFE

Brand Spanking New

Saanen’s renaissance was led by visionary city council member Heinz Brand.

A local boy born and bred, Brand put his heart into “Sanona," finding a solution for each challenge along the way and carefully managing each of the project’s phases.

The first phase included making the main street pedestrian-only and diverting vehicular traffic via a new tunnel on the outskirts of town. Next came the construction of a vast underground parking garage and adjoining housing

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development. Last but not least, cobblestones were laid to create a traditional feel and the portion of the main road still open to cars was repaved; all this just in time for an initial celebratory event this summer.

Saanen Live

On 8 August, the SRF (Swiss Radio & Television) will broadcast live from Saanen for the "SRF bi de Lüt" programme.

Over the past six months, the station has been busy filming a series of portraits and interviews with local spokespeople.

These will air on the day itself, along with live coverage of the festivities. The television programme is one of the most expensive in the station’s yearly budget, and Brand is sure that the coverage will be beneficial to the region. An estimated 1,000–2,000 guests will attend the festivities, with many more expected to visit the town in the future.

“We are so lucky to be working with the SRF,” says Brand, “it’s our chance to show off all our hard work, and let all of Switzerland know that the Saanenland is not just the luxury of Gstaad. Saanen itself is a strikingly beautiful village that remains a place locals frequent.

LOCAL NEWS // GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

They shop here, they eat here, they relax here–and so should you!”

Finishing Touches

Before the project finally comes to a close, there are a few last details to put into place. A dozen trees will be planted along the pedestrian road, including a giant Linden on the Dorfplatz. This was saved for after the SRF braodcast, as they were concerned the tree would take up too much valuable space for event attendees and make filming more difficult.

Those who know Brand know that his spring of ideas never runs dry.

“Future plans include constructing a band shell on the Sanonaplatz between the 16 Café and the Hotel Landhaus,” suggests Brand. “This would allow a dedicated space for small concerts and keep the musicians out of the elements, which has until now been a problem.”

A small information bureau will also be built in the chalet that hosts the Heimatwerk and museum, in cooperation with Gstaad Saanenland Tourism.

Spotting the Real Deal Gstaad Authentique Brand Promotes Local Wares

After a year of planning, the first “Gstaad Authentique” products are available on shelves in the Saanenland.

BY GSTAADLIFE

The “Gstaad Authentique” designation is part of the Enjoy Switzerland initiative, created by the forward-thinking working group Gstaad 2020+ and Switzerland Tourism. The partnership has been active in the past several years, and has launched other successful projects mostly related to food and agricultural products. This includes “Gstaad Fondueland”, “Alpkäsemobil”, and the “Prix de Gessenay," a highly received local innovation prize.

In order to bear the “Gstaad Authentique” label, products must meet stringent

qualifications that take long-standing tradition and extensive knowledge into account. Manufacturing standards are high, with all ingredients or components sourced locally when possible.

At the moment, 13 products are available. But despite an early success (notably selling gift baskets with a variety of

products), the group hopes they can recruit other partners.

"Of course we want more products and partners to use the label," says Eric Oehrli, president of Gstaad2020+.

“Because the more we see it (the lable), the more visually appealing and present it will be.”

«Gstaad Authentique» Early Beck, Nusstorten, Nidletäfeli, «Souvenirs de Gstaad» Müller Medien, Papercut “Scherenschnitte“ cards Willi Bach, Alp- and Hobelkäse Margrit Haldi, Saanen mustard

Farmer Metzg, Hirten- and Holzfällerwurst Walo Perreten, Mutschli Toni von Grünigen, Alpkäse, Rindswurst Molkerei Gstaad, Bergkäse www.gewerbevereinsaanenland.ch

First-Rate & Second-Hand Saanen Brocante Day of Fun for Whole Family

Photo: AvS

An annual tradition since 2003, Saanen will hold its famous brocante, or flea market, 15 August. The main streets will be closed to traffic host a series of stands on the newly repaved main road.

BY GSTAADLIFE

Saturday, 15 August is set to be a day to remember, with plenty on the to-do list including food and festivities at the event. A variety of snacks will be served, from standard grilled bratwurst to fluffy made-to-order crepes, and music will liven up the atmosphere–several groups are expected to perform.

Saanen’s brocante is host to a wide selection of second-hand treasures–furniture, linens, clothing, shoes, knickknacks, appliances, and more. Stands will number in the dozens this year, displaying their wares all day long.

Bargain-hunters come from as far as Geneva, Bern, and Zürich to join in on the fun. Last year, they numbered close to 1,000; so to score the best deals, head in very early or just before they pack up their wares.

Haggling Tips Haggling is not part of Swiss culture.

Even on big ticket items like cars and homes, a 5% discount can be considered generous. Flea markets can be better for bargaining, especially as some of the dealers come from France and Italy where it is more commonplace.

The Swiss value cleanliness and good working order, and most secondhand items are in good condition. For a

discount, be sure to point out any mechanical flaws or damage. Mention if you’ve seen a similar item at the event for a lower price, or note that the item could be bought new for the same price.

Be prepared to walk away rather than overpaying. With summer sales in full swing, you may be able to locate a similar item new at roughly the same cost.

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Photo: AvS

Health Care Crisis in the Saanenland No Hospital in my Backyard

The Swiss health care system may not be the envy of the world for much longer–or at least not in the Saanenland. The two opposing sides of the argument are nowhere near reaching a consensus.

Many say the closing and consolidation of hospitals across the nation in the name of both practical and fiscal efficiency is compromising availability and quality of health care in our region.

BY GSTAADLIFE

But is downsizing truly adversely affecting medical care in the Saanenland?

Will locals mourn the refusal of the Medi-Zentrum project or join with Saanen in suporting a Localmed outpatient clinic?

Will they be forced to drive to Zweisimmen Hospital or even further afield?

Too Many Hospitals, Too Few Patients Historically, Switzerland boasted a very high rate of care centres and hospitals in relation to population. In many sparsely populated resort areas like the Saanenland and Interlaken, for example, the doors of local hospitals remained open for years despite an increasingly slower trickle of patients.

The problem was acknowledged at the highest governmental level possible, by Pascal Couchepin, former health minister, as well as many others including Christoffel Brändli, outgoing president

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of Santésuisse, one of two organisations that closely monitor health care in Switzerland. In 2009, Couchepin told Bilan magazine that one third of Swiss hospitals should be closed and those remaining should specialise.

Saanen official Armando Chissalé agreed last year, stating in an interview to the Anzeiger von Saanen that “The hospital was not financially viable, and patient numbers had already started to dwindle.”

The plight of closing local hospitals has its roots in earlier political decisions. More than a decade ago, Canton Bern created several companies to manage the restructuring of the hospital system in an attempt to cut costs.

One of these companies is Spital STS AG, which manages hospitals in both Zweisimmen and Thun.

Going, Going, Gone

When the decision was made that one of the financially unviable regional hospitals had to be closed, Saanen Hospital drew the short straw. The facility, which had been in use for over a hundred years, closed its doors in November 2012. Since that time, local residents have had no choice but to make the 20-minute drive to the hospital in Zweisimmen, which was spared closure. Yet services in Zweisimmen continue to decrease; the hospital recently closed its obstetrics department, leaving pregnant women to make the hour and a half journey to the nearest maternity ward in Thun.

According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, 44% of health care costs in Switzerland are hospital-related. By closing some regional hospitals and having others specialise rather than generalise, these costs may decrease. Since restructuring began a decade ago, nearly 18% of hospitals have closed, bringing the countrywide total from 363 to 298.

The hospital situation remains a highly controversial, emotionally charged issue. At a “sounding board” held by Spital STS AG last year, several politicians even walked out. They claimed the companies had not properly taken into account regional votes in their decision-making process.

Under the former system, even small, regional hospitals such as Saanen provided nearly all services. This meant that specialised operations were carried out on premises. This concerns some doctors, who feel that hospitals should have a minimum number of certain procedures performed in order to continue performing them, especially those that are risky.

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Who Will Treat Patients?

Attempts to create a practice on the former Saanen Hospital site, known as the Medi-Zentrum, had been underway for several years. The idea was to found a medical clinic that would have been staffed by several local doctors with varying specialties. This practice would not have provided emergency care, however, but simply have gathered individual practitioners under one common roof. The region’s doctors are all subject to a 48-hour on-call period once a month, which would not have changed with the opening of the Medi-Zentrum.

Can Saanen Have its Cake and Eat it too?

Plans for the centre, called Medi-Zentrum, were presented to Saanen in late December 2014. They called for a demolition of the old hospital building and the construction of a new three-storey structure at a cost of CHF 11.8 million.

Financing was expected to be secured at an extraordinary council meeting in March 2015, but in an unexpected move, the Saanen City Council rejected the plans a month beforehand.

After years of work, the project, which included the Spitexverein (local home health care provider) and physiotherapy practice along with the individual doctors’ practices, was refused in its current state.

With this “surprising and last-minute” rejection, many local doctors feel betrayed. These sentiments were explained in a press release from Drs Claudia Hauswirth, Claudia Sollberger, Nick Hoyer, Beat Michel, and physiotherapist Monika Iseli-Trachsel.

In an interview with the Anzeiger von Saanen, Aldo Kropf, president of Saanen’s City Council, claimed these were not valid concerns. Kropf insisted that the deal falling through hitched on a missing memorandum of understanding regarding the annual rental fees of the proposed building. As the owner, the municipality had calculated rent from all parties occupying the Medi-Zentrum to amount to CHF 330000. However, the municipality would only invoice CHF 167000 (a

method of subsidation) and also foot the heating cost of CHF 45000.

That left a substantial amount for the Medi-Zentrum occupants to pay, an amount which the city of Saanen would have liked to confirm via a memorandum of understanding.

The Medi-Zentrum however could not sign such a memorandum because of a last minute issue concerning occupancy. Due to the limited space available, the Medi-Zentrum could not honour the application of a doctor practicing Chinese medecine who needed several rooms only part-time. This doctor had also declined to participate in the emergency service as the other doctors do, so the Medi-Zentrum felt obliged to refuse her application. This unfortunately left a gap of CHF 16000 in the budget allocated for rent.

Doctors maintain that the memorandum of understanding was ready to be signed and suggest the deal fell through because of this CHF 16000 discrepancy in the rental budget due to the withdrawal of a potantial tenant; a pittance for a CHF 12 million total project.

Kropf doesn't see the issue so simply.

“Such a document was necessary for this sort of project,” explained Kropf, “this is proof that we are talking about much more than just CHF 16000. We also concluded that the financial burden on our budget, after deducting the rental income, was too heavy.”

Choosing the Right Project

Saanen’s decision allowed it to remain open to investigating other solutions. A cooperation is now underway with the private company called Localmed, partially owned by the university hospital Inselspital in Bern, which runs an HMO-style clinic. Local doctors are worried patients will not be referred to them for further treatment. Others are concerned that to keep costs down, Localmed would be staffed with doctors imported from other areas, and who have no personal relationship with the Saanenland and, contrary to some local doctors, make

no home visits to disabled patients.

They are also worried that the hospital in Zweisimmen would be left out if Localmed refers patients only for treatment at clinics or hospitals that are partner organisations (thus the free choice of hospital would be eliminated).

Kropf agrees that supporting Zweisimmen Hospital is key. “We don't want to jeopardise the hospital,” he says, “Localmed management states that they are open to collaborating with both the hospital (ed: which is run by STS Spital AG) and local doctors.

“Our goal is good health care for the region,” emphasizes Kropf. “We are ready to talk and open to an adequate solution."

Is a Hospital Really Needed?

As a resort area, the Saanenland’s population triples from 10,000 to nearly 30,000 in the winter season. These visitors, especially the elderly population and long-term guests who spend time in second homes, worry about medical care in the case of an emergency.

“How can a ski resort area, which thrives on tourism, not have emergency care,” asks Gerald Putney, who spends approximately a third of the year in Gstaad.

Other guests, especially those based in Rougemont (a large percentage of whom are from the Geneva area) are happy to make the drive to the hospital in Châteaud’Oex, where they can avoid the language barrier and converse in French.

Different Strokes for Different Folks Doctors worry about several issues for health care in the region, one of which is an aging population. Elderly residents are also concerned that if a heart attack or stroke occurs, precious time will be wasted commuting to a distant hospitals.

“The workload of primary care physicians is increasing,“ explains Dr Hoyer.

“On one hand this is due to the hospital closure in Saanen; on the other hand it’s due to demographic development.”

When the topic of an outpatient clinic is brought up, the population is again

GSTAAD LIVING // GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

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divided. Many occasional guests or weekend visitors say an outpatient clinic is the perfect solution for their needs.

The doctors behind the Medi-Zentrum project however, believe their goal of continuing primary care and family medicine is incompatible with an outpatient clinic. Yet, this type of clinic is exactly what tourists say they’d like in the region.

“I don’t understand why this issue is so problematic,” says one frequent 56year old guest, who chose to remain anonymous. “For locals, there are primary care physicians in the Saanenland for regular visits. There is a chance now to have an outpatient clinic with Localmed yet the area’s doctors are against it. We’ll wind up with nothing!”

Hospital served not only as an institution which provided necessary medical care without leaving the community, but also had a calming effect on the local population.

With the future of medical care in the Saanenland in the hands of Localmed, there is still some uncertainty about

whether residents will really have the proper long-term primary care needed. The irony is that, as Switzerland dismantles its innovative health care system, the rest of the world is busy trying to build similar systems. Something to think about while you wait to be seen by a doctor in a hospital miles away from home.

The Swiss Single-Payer System: Still the Envy of the World?

The Swiss health care system is renowned worldwide for its excellent care and availability. It was even used as the model for the state of Massachusetts, the first US state to implement a single-payer type health care system. This standard of care does not come cheap, however, with premiums taking a sizeable percentage of personal income.

taking out his own insurance policy with no link to his employer, unlike in the US. Unlike the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), Swiss insurance relies on private companies and is not a federal program funded with taxes. In addition to basic coverage, which is available to all Swiss residents with no exclusion for pre-existing conditions, customers may opt for an additional complimentary policy, which can cover a variety of extra costs such as medical devices, fitness centres, prosthetics, and more.

Menus Plaisi Menus Plaisirs Plaisirs Menus Past, Present, Future For many years there was both a selection of primary care physicians and a local hospital in the Saanenland. In operation for more than 100 years, Saanen

Basic health insurance is compulsory in Switzerland, and all residents must be covered. Single-payer refers to the fact that every person is responsible for

Menus Plaisirs Plaisirs Menus Menus Plaisirs Menus Menus Plaisirs Plaisirs OBJETS D’EXCEPTION

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CAR I IN D EE GG AAO L ILLN E FER ERY RM O NE EF C REEY YMMOO GCAARR AOOLLIILN ER R INNDD E CAROLINE FREYMOND

G A L E R I E CAROLINE FREYMOND PROMENADE 6 . 3780 T +41 33 744 9242 . F PROMENADE 6 . 3780 P RTO +M4E1N3A3D 7E 4 46 9. 2 34 27 8. 0F

GSTAAD . SUISSE +41 33 744 9243 GSTAAD . SUISSE G+ 4S 1T A3 A3 D7 4. 4 S9U2 I4S3S E

T +41 33 744 9242 . F +41 33 744 9243 PROMENADE 6 . 3780 GSTAAD . SUISSE T +41 33 744 9242 . F +41 33 744 9243

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GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

Photo: Sammlung Benz Hauswirth

A Village's History in the Making Municipality of Saanen Débuts Architectural Reference Book

BY ALEXIS MUNIER

Meet the Authors Hauswirth, 66, was born and raised in Gstaad and has lived in Saanen for many years. His passion for architecture started at a young age and Hauswirth’s extensive knowledge about Saanen’s historic buildings has grown over the past few decades. He served as the municipality’s building administrator for more than a dozen years, from 19922008. Since that time he has also been in charge of Saanen’s archives, along with his partner Brigitte Leuenberger-Jaggi. Hauswirth is well known for his work involving architectural writing and contributions to local media.

Now the couple have completed a special tribute to Saanen, the newly released Saanen – ein historischer Dorfführer, written in both German and French.

Photos of Time Gone By The book features both historic and recently taken photos of Saanen’s beloved structures taken by local photographer Mark Nolan. In 28 chapters, the beautiful hardbound book covers many important homes, chalets, and buildings.

Hauswirth has certainly done his research–by combing the archives–and has included interesting tidbits like old notes, recipes, and anecdotes to keep readers turning the pages.

“Thanks to the renovation project, Saanen should rediscover its former glory,” says Hauswirth, lamenting that the village lost its charm to traffic in the 1900's. “I believe it will return to its original character, which will continue to grow and thrive.”

A public launch party will be held at 10 am on 15 August at the Hotel Landhaus, after which the book will be available for purchase at several shops including Müller Medien, which worked with the authors and the municipality to develop the book project.

Photo: AvS

To celebrate the Sanona project, Saanen’s multi-year, multi-million franc renovation, (see our article on page 8) the municipality has published a book featuring the village’s historic buildings.

Heinz Brand, City Council member, was in charge of development and recruited the authors to compile the edition, which was a labour of love for all those involved.

Co-authors Benz Hauswirth, left, and Brigitte Leuenberger-Jaggi, right.

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Photos: zVg / AvS

Painstakingly Prepared Paper Cuts Traditional Handicraft Evolves into Modern Art

The ancient art of paper cutting is not just on display at museums. In the midst of a renaissance, two local artists are creating modern masterpieces.

BY ALEXIS MUNIER

Swiss paper cutting is known as Scherenschnitte, papier découpé, or découpage.

Although it is thought to have roots in China and the Middle East, the art dates back to the 18th century here in Switzerland, when young women from the upper classes were encouraged to take it up as a leisure activity.

tains, cows, and flower-strewn meadows in their artwork.

Traditional activities like cheese making and fetching well water also feature prominently in today’s pieces, which resemble delicate lace. However younger

Birthplace of Swiss Papercutting The Pays-d’Enhaut is famous for its paper cuts and boasts an outstanding collection at the Musée du Vieux Pays-d’Enhaut in Château-d’Oex. The first great Swiss masters of the technique were from the region, which lies in Canton Vaud just down the valley from the Saanenland.

The two most revered local masters were Johann-Jakob Hauswirth (1809–1871) and Louis Saugy (1871–1953). They favoured alpine idylls like steep moun-

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artists are transitioning modern details like high-heeled women and cityscapes into their motifs.

Steps to Completion Artwork is usually cut from one single piece of paper, and intricate designs can take

dozens of hours to complete. Several steps make up the process: First, the artist traces the design onto a sheet of paper which is black on one side and white on the other.

Next, scissors or more often small, sharp knives or scalpels are then used to cut out the tiny, detailed patterns.

As there is no school for paper cutting in Switzerland, the few who specialise in the art are mostly self-taught. Creativity is on the rise, with more and more artists eschewing traditional designs for those a bit daring. Alternatively, colours other than the standard white or black are being used to infuse the folksy scenes with a touch of modernity.

an attempt to bring the old-fashioned activity to a new audience, Karnstädt hosts free demonstrations followed by low-cost initiation classes every Tuesday.

Another approach is taken by Frédéric Beziat, who has passed on paper to perform cutting on gold sheets. Beziat cuts away much in the same way Karnstädt does, turning out delicate heart-shaped

pendants with cut-out figures and scenes just like traditional papercutting.

With more than three decades of Saanenland visits behind him, Beziat says the area inspires him and his artwork frequently reflects this. He bills himself as a joaillier ebeniste or jeweler joiner, yet turned to gold as a medium for his designs, which are now available at Zwahlen-Hüni in Saanen.

Papercutting Renaissance Corinne Karnstädt is one of the new generations of paper cutters–she luckily manages to eek out an existence on her art alone. After inheriting her grandmother’s house in Rossinière, she relocated from Lausanne to the Pays-d’Enhaut, where she has a small studio dedicated to her art. In

Brocante New opening: Beer shop

in Schönried.

We have a large assortment of beer from all over the world.

Come in and let yourself be surprised!

& Markt Saanen 15. August 2015 · 9 bis 17 Uhr Festwirtschaft mit Musik bis 23 Uhr Dorf- und Bahnhofstrasse · 3792 Saanen brocante.saanen@bluewin.ch

Patronat: Kulturkommission Dorf Saanen und Musikschule Saanenland-Obersimmental

Hans & Ursula van den Elshout-Gyger & Roman Gerber Dorfstrasse 60, 3778 Schönried

GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015 Inserat_GstaadLife_97x139_v1.indd 1

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04.04.15 23:12

Photo: Jardin des Monts

Left to right: Laetitia Jacot, Charlotte Landolt-Nardin, and Sandy Menoux at Jardin des Mont's historic chalet on Mont Dessous.

A Wild Thyme at Jardin des Monts Interview with Founder Charlotte Landolt-Nardin

After a steep monorail ride over forests and streams, Charlotte Landolt-Nardin and I arrived at Jardin des Monts–literally “Garden of the Mountain"–a magical place high on the mountaintop of Mont Dessous. Inside the charming wooden chalet surrounded by fragrant greenery, we sat down for a discussion of the history of this unique spot, and how Landolt-Nardin and her two partners Laeticia Jacot and Sandy Menoux created this self-styled herbal pharmacy of the mountains known as the Herboristerie de Montagne.

INTERVIEW BY ALEXIS MUNIER

A bounty for natural remedies, Switzerland is home to many herbs, grasses, and flowers with medicinal properties. At Jardin des Monts, flowers are both picked wild and cultivated on steep terraces high above Rossinière. After harvesting, the fragrant, dried plants are used in a collection of creams and oils, as well as teas, syrups, and even chocolate.

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Sipping a refreshing thyme syrup and spring water, Landolt-Nardin led me through the unusual sight, tastes, and smells of the alpine terrain.

GL: How and why did you come to the Pays-d’Enhaut CLN: This region is close to my father’s heart. He came here with his grandfather on summer trips from Lausanne. They went on all kinds of adventures, and he taught my father how to appreciate and respect nature. My grandfather bought the Reserve de la Pierrereuse and my father brought us there when we were children, continuing the tradition for the next generation. We hiked and learned about nature and I also fell in love with the beauty of the region.

GL: When was Jardin des Monts founded?

CLN: We came here in 2005, but things really took off when Laetitia Jacot joined the project. In 2006 we had to determine

PROFILE // GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

which herbs grew best at which levels on the property. We investigated which kinds of wild plants also grew nearby. This way, we can pick wild flowers and herbs, and also cultivate our own production.

GL: How did you meet Laetitia Jacot, your good friend and business partner?

CL: Laetitia and I met at horticultural school in Morges but didn't get close until we met again here in the Pays-d’Enhaut. In 2006, we became fast friends and I invited her to build the business with me. Laetitia has specialized knowledge in herbs, which I do not have, and is really the one who is responsible for the creative development of the herbal products.

GL: Do I hear mooing?

CLN: Yes! Christian Jaggi takes care of our small herd of goats and three rare Hinterwald cows. He milks them and makes the cheese we produce for sale in limited quantities.

for grains and vegetables… it’s where we grow our herbs today.

We even visited local grandmothers and took a look at what was in their natural medicine cabinets.

Charlotte Landolt-Nardin

GL: When did your third partner enter the business?

CL: In 2009, Sandy Menoux joined our team, and has helped build the brand with business development, marketing, and public relations. We are like the three musketeers –we all come to a consensus when making new decisions for the company.

GL: Is Jardin des Monts available worldwide?

CLN: We have 100 selling points all over Switzerland. We are still a small operation and the brand isn’t big enough to be marketed worldwide. We’re going step by step and growing the company slowly so we keep our family atmosphere and approach.

In the Saanenland and Pays-d'Enhaut regions, our products are available at Pernet, the Palace, and a few shops in Château-d’Oex as well as l’Etivaz.

Last year we started selling in German-speaking Switzerland and even have some availability in Ticino.

GL: This chalet is beautifully preserved.

What can you tell me about its history?

CLH: The home was built in 1850 by a Lucernois who came with this family to live year-round, which was uncommon for the region. Typically people had a chalet in the valley for fall and winter, a little chalet a bit higher up, and a last hut high up on the mountaintop for grazing in the height of summer.

The architectural style is quite typical of the Entlebuch valley region, as is the size.

The farm’s terraces were originally used

GL: Is Jardins des Monts exclusively organic?

CLN: We were certified organic in 2008. This place was untouched for many years but in Switzerland a two-year waiting period for certification for new farms is obligatory.

GL:How did you decide on which herbs to grow?

CLN: Medicinal herbs were important to us, which are useful for many ailments. We even visited local grandmothers and took a look at what was in their natural medicine cabinets. We have a wide variety of herbs and flowers at the farm, including some of our most popular additions to products like thyme, edelweiss, and mint. For example, three types of mint–Moroccan, Peppermint, and green mint–are all good for digestion and have been used in the region as a home remedy after meals.

GL: I’ve heard it isn’t easy to grow edelweiss. Is this true?

CLN: Not exactly. Edelweiss is rare and grows wild at only high altitudes. We have a small batch of the protected flower here which requires lots of sun and good, rocky soil. It’s actually a very hardy little flower.

GL: Tell us about your expansion.

CLN: We started selling in the Pays-d’Enhaut and then the products became so popular we decided to expand. Jardin des Monts now has several lines: Chocolate produced with our partner Early Beck, syrups and teas made exclusively with our mountain herbs, and cosmetics. In the fall we’ll debut herbal gummy candies as well.

GL: Do you offer a full range of cosmetics?

CLN: The base of our cosmetic product line is made by a Swiss firm, and then we add the active ingredients which are all made here on the farm. This includes several products made with edelweiss, like lip balm and body butter. The only

thing we don't have yet is a dedicated cream for the face.

GL: What about the pine trees that grace the mountaintops here?

CLN: White pine is used to invigorate and it’s a key ingredient in our energising scrub and body oil. It can also be used like a Vicks vapour rub, to help clear the sinuses and loosen chest congestion, especially during wintertime.

GL: What else do your products do?

CLN: We also have calming herbs. Marjolaine is relaxing and is found in our bath salts and creams. Calendula is another popular herb, used in our liquid soaps for face and body. It’s very gentle and great for children’s sensitive skin.

Thanks to the Gstaad Palace, which is a very supportive partner, we were able to develop special treatments with their massage staff using our organic oils.

GL: Are all the components of your products locally sourced?

CLN: Whenever possible, we work with partners from the region, but we definitely don't go outside Switzerland for any ingredients. Today we have several women near Rossinière who have been with us for four years growing small batches of herbs for use in our products.

GL: You’re Swiss and French, and a Rosey graduate, no?

CLN: I am indeed. I grew up on a farm in Brazil but came back to Switzerland for secondary schooling at Le Rosey. I had an ideal childhood in Northeastern Brazil–my father had cows and kennels, and made lots of cheese, selling it throughout the country. We had mangoes and all sorts of local fruit too.

GL: What do you think about the movement towards a more natural lifestyle?

CLH: I think it’s a good thing, and about time. There are many ways to get close to nature and appreciate the natural world, especially in Switzerland.

PROFILE // GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

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CHALETS AT THE PEAK OF CHIC With the newly completed project of the Hotel de Rougemont, the architects Claudia Sigismondi and her husband Andrea Proto have been granted with the bronze A’ Design Award 2015 for the Interior Design.

“The harmony between natural and artificial is the key to the philosophy of the project,” says Plusdesign’s Claudia Sigismondi. “The design had to find a common ground between the traditional Swiss chalet style and the glamorous appeal of the world-famous ski resort of Gstaad. We searched for a contemporary yet timeless style that could reflect and celebrate the authentic charm of the region and the untamed beauty of its landscape – and we added some twists to it, by combining the traditional materials and elements with more innovative solutions and contemporary details.”

Chaletbau Immobilien

Plusdesign used lumber salvaged from old Swiss chalets to give an authentic look, “the clean shapes of contemporary design gain life and charm from the rich texture of the aged wood; the contrast between the pureness of the lines and the rustic irregularity of the timber conveys a natural and sophisticated effect.”

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GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

The book Available at Müller Medien and all bookstores in Gstaad and Saanen (ISBN 978-3-905939-25-5)

WELTGSTAAD.CH

Photo: Juerg Kaufmann

GYC Breezes Through Summer From the Juniors to the Centenarians, and More

BY GSTAAD YACHT CLUB

9th Classic Car Rally & Yachting The GYC will be holding its 9th annual Classic Car Rally & Yachting 8 August, in a joint venture with the Gstaad Automobile Club (GAC). To maintain the suspense and challenge for all co-pilots equally, the road book will only be handed out with coffee on the morning of the event.

There are only two fixed marks; the starting point–8h30 in front of Le Grand Bellevue Hotel, and the ending point–which is only specified to have a lakeside finish, where the remote control model boat sailing will begin.

There will be a wide variety of automobiles participating, dating from 1985 all the way back to the 1930’s. Among the makes are Aston Martin, Bentley (S1&S2), Corvette, Delahaye (1938), Ferrari, Mercedes (one from 1937), Porsche, and a selection of other more rare makes.

The participants hope for fine weather conditions and thank all fans in advance for their support.

From the Classics to the Centenarians In a preview of the upcoming summer sailing season, the GYC is looking forward to its 5th Centenary Trophy regatta, which will take place 1 October 2015 during Les Voiles de St. Tropez in the South of France. This reunion of true centenaries will reunite classic sailing yachts 100 years and older. A one-day event on the water will finish with a private trophy ceremony and dinner in the evening.

GYC Juniors Back on Track On 8 May 2015, the GYC Junior sailing program started in the clubhouse with many returning children from last year.

To provide a good start in the new season, the basics were refreshed in the evening theory class, so the first training on the lake could start directly with sailing.

The first sailing training on Lake Thun took place on 30 May. All the juniors arrived in Neuhaus on this day and built up their Optimists on their own. After a couple of exercising rounds, the children could again handle their boats properly.

As some children had already participated in the junior sailing program in 2014 and previous years, the coaches could improve their basic knowledge. The newcomers started pretty well in the season too, catching up as fast as they could.

So don't fear–the Gstaad Yacht Club Juniors are right on track.

Photo: Gstaad Yacht Club

The Gstaad Yacht Club’s summer calendar illustrates the shared passions of its members–sailing, rallying, socialising and attending cultural events–from the clubhouse to Swiss waters and beyond.

Here you’ll find details on the most exciting events of the summer season.

SPORTS & LEISURE // GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

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HÔTEL DES VENTES

GENÈVE

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By appointment only Tuesday to Friday from 9:30am to noon & 2pm to 5:30pm Closed Mondays

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GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

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21.08.14 16:56

Polo Celebrates 20 Years in Gstaad This year marks two decades of polo in Gstaad. Walter Felix, there from the very first moments, tells us how it all began:

Photos: AvS

Creator Walter Felix Tells All

BY WALTER FELIX

A Bright Idea It all started one bright winter’s day on Lake St. Moritz while watching horse racing on snow. I met the then director of the Palace St. Moritz and polo organiser R. Gaudenzi. He was planning to quit his position at the Palace and devote his time entirely to organising polo events. He then asked me if I could bring a tournament to Gstaad.

I said I would contact him after my return and exploration of Gstaad, and try to get a likeminded group of people together to form a sports organisation. I contacted several people and gathered a very powerful first administrative group.

Our initial task was to find a suitable pitch.

The president of the airfield cooperative invited me to a Stammtisch, a gathering of local businessmen, to discuss our needs.

The only surface in the Saanenland which fit the bill was the airfield. In a lucky coincidence, it was revealed that a large parcel of land was available and we were able to secure the lease rapidly.

The Infamous Ten Metres No sooner had we started the construction when my phone rang. It was the military office in Dübendorf, which informed me that I was invading their space. When I reviewed the lease again, I found that ten metres of the land along the airstrip were actually owned by the Confederation. After promising to prepare the land well and leave it in a good state, as well as extending an invitation to the first tournament, we were given permission to proceed.

Unfortunately the weather conditions did not allow us to use the playing field with four teams for the first tournament. So we decided on two days with a demonstration game and just two teams. Unexpectedly, one of the sponsors, a big bank, pulled out using the excuse that with just two teams the commitment was too great. On the

other hand, we had a high demand for tickets, especially in our VIP tent. We had originally planned for 300 guests, but enlarged the tent to three times that size.

demonstrations, and a military horse show. Awards were given out as well, for “Most Elegant Lady,” and our New Year’s cocktail event was also very popular.

After a successful premiere with very positive feedback, I went to the Swiss Polo Association during the Swiss Championships in Gutmadingen, to present our newly founded club.

A Decade, Then Change After ten years, change came to the tournament. Pierre E. Genecand, an experienced organiser and horse expert joined the club administration. We proudly handed over a well-established event with a significant financial cushion.

There, I made the acquaintance of two polo-playing sisters from England. And so it happened, that in the second edition of the Cartier Silver Cups (as the tournament was first called), in addition to the two men's teams from England and Italy, the ladies’ English team competed with the highest-ranking polo players worldwide.

The Importance of VIPs From the third year onward, the terrain was prepared to host four teams. The world’s most elite polo players participated in the tournament, and our popularity steadily grew. The VIP area was important for financing the event; it grew to accommodate up to 1200 seats inside the tent.

On the other hand, the range of free access expanded, including match viewing, children’s games, and souvenir stands.

In addition to the games there were other attractions like a team parade in Gstaad with bagpipe bands and mounted dragoon musicians. We even talked with guests between games and showcased various performances like aircraft and flight

I want to thank all the members of the original organising committee for their commitment and enthusiasm: Brigitte Schaerer for her hard work as manager; Gottfried Hauswirth for building infrastructure; Rolf T. Schneider for legal advice; Edgar Wehrli, vice president of the club, for the advertising and supervision of club members; Fritz Wurst for providing an excellent provision of the pitch; Ueli Thoenen as head of personnel; Horst Edenhofer, CEO Cartier Suisse, for his support as title sponsor; and Martin Göppert, the club secretary who was essential for the conduct of the tournament and building good relations in the polo world. In addition, he was responsible for the organisation of side events, advertising, and sponsorship.

Walter Felix

SPORTS & LEISURE // GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

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Photos: Bert Inäbnit

Common blue

Orange tip

Butterflies All Around

Summer Series–Bert Inäbnit's Flora & Fauna

BY BERT INÄBNIT, TRANSLATION BY MARKUS ISELI

There are over 165'000 species of butterflies worldwide. Can you name five? Don’t worry, you don’t need to know its name to appreciate a summer bird (if you’ll allow me the indulgence to stick to this expression).

What’s more, knowing them proves very difficult indeed.

Summer birds of the same family can vary ever so slightly in their colours or patterns on the wings as to make it impossible for a layman and difficult for an expert to keep them apart. So, one could decide to go by the family. But then, some butterflies of the family within which most look identical have completely different colours and dots

Southern white admiral

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on their wings. And last, just to make it a little more complicated still, many species come in various colours due to sexual dimorphism, which means that males and females are not the same colour.

Take the family of gossamer-winged butterflies, for example. Most males come in some shade of blue (there are more than fifty shades!), such as the common blue.

However, other members of the gossamer-winged butterflies, such as the small copper and the large copper, are a bright orange. While the female common blue is brown with red dots (why would you use a name that only applies to half of its members anyway?), the female of the large copper is dominantly brown, and the female of the small copper is exactly the same as its male counterpart.

If you don’t have a hang to leaf through field guides and compare glossy images with fluttering reality (or miss fluttering reality because you are stuck in the details of

Owlfly

FLORA & FAUNA // GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

lepidopterology) just enjoy the summer birds, no matter what they are called.

With a garden at home, you don’t even have to hike over a summer meadow in bloom.

And if you do know your butterflies, you might even attract the ones you like most by planting the right veggies and flowers.

The common yellow swallowtail, the largest summer bird around here with distinct red eye spots, has fennel and dill on its menu.

Do you prefer the company of a few checkerspots? You may be lucky if you have plantains in your garden. And as to the common blue: it will flutter around your clover, sainfoins, and various other papilionoideae.

And if you don’t know your butterflies–never mind! Plant the flowers and vegetables you like best and enjoy the surprise of your summer visitors.

Photo: Raphaël Faux

Summer temperatures being high and pastures in bloom, summer birds–as they are called in Swiss German–are plenty these days. Without their brightly coloured wings and their wobbly flight from petal to petal, something would be missing in summer.

Nature enthusiast and ornithological expert Bert Inäbnit is a frequent contributor to newspapers in the region, writing articles on birds, butterflies and insects–really any topic that involves Alpine wildlife.

Princes, Properties & Polo A Dinner with Christian Völkers

Photo: zVg

Here I am at the most glamorous dinner of the season. The location–Hotel Olden.

The hosts–Prince and Princess Pierre and Sylvia d'Arenberg. Next to me sits a handsome man with deep blue eyes.

BY JANUARIA PIROMALLO

"I am a retired man,” he quips, “I only play polo.” Hard to believe. Businessman and trendsetter, 59-year old Christian Völkers looks more like a Hollywood star than a real estate tycoon.

"Come on, you are too young to be retired,” I counter.

And Völkers begins his rags to riches story.

He started with nothing at just 21 years old; he is now the co-CEO of Engel & Völkers, where he rules over a vast real estate empire with 5000 offices across the globe. In Gstaad, the company partners with Marcel Bach, and together they represent the most beautiful homes in the Saanenland.

Elegance in Everything, Everywhere A good friend of Leonardo Ferragamo–the heir of the famous Italian brand–for Völkers elegance is not to be noticed, but is a touch to be remembered. That goes for style in general, from luxury homes to designer clothing.

Not to mention the elegance of sport. For two decades, Christian has been cultivating his second passion, polo. And for several years now, he has organised a tournament at his generous finca and estate in Palma de Mallorca. The Engel & Völkers Polo Cup is a highlight of the polo season, and a rendez-vous for globetrotters and jetsetters, many of them from Gstaad.

"I started playing thanks to my good friend Thomas Winter, Germany’s best polo player,” says Völkers. “I was immediately gripped with a great passion for the sport.

At present I have a handicap of zero.”

“Never stop. Keep running. Play in a team.

Respect the rules. Overcome obstacles.

And most importantly, never show your enemies your Achilles’ heel,” he declares.

Völkers has indeed been running–running one of the most successful real estate firms, and one that has turned the lemons of the financial crisis into sweet lemonade.

“But what about the financial crisis and the future of real estate?” I ask. “Is there another bubble here just waiting to pop?”

Völkers responds, “Let me put it this way: Real estate is the winner of the financial crisis. Anyone who could “saved” their wealth by buying high-end real estate.”

“You don’t say!” I gasp.

Luxury’s Dead, Long Live Luxury For Christian Völkers, polo is a metaphor for life.

And he must be right. After all, Völkers brags that 2014 was the best financial year in the company’s four decade-long history.

“In my experience, the market for luxury

real estate is actually stimulated by turbulences on the financial markets and doubt about the stability of currencies,” he explains. “Housing prices are rising in almost all metropolitan areas. In cities around the world from London to New York, as well as in sought-after holiday regions like the Saanenland, we're registering top prices for properties in prime locations.”

Sweet Goodbye We’re talking and talking–the dessert, a delicious fondant au chocolat, is on the table.

The evening is coming to an end and Christian gets up to leave. This busy man has to get up very early, he laments.

"Good evening, Mr Völkers,” I say, wishing he’ll stay awhile longer.

“It was a pleasure meeting you,” says Völkers, flashing a thousand-watt grin. “See you on the polo fields."

LIFESTYLE // GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

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TO THE MANOR BORN: HISTORIC HOUSE SALE Of noble and private provenance, the contents of the 18th-century Château d’Hauteville is remarkable both in the breadth and depth of continental works of art.

Château d’Hauteville, near Montreux

Public Preview at the Château 12 noon to 7pm Friday, 4 September Saturday, 5 September Sunday, 6 September A treasure trove for enthusiasts of North Americana: War of 1812 and American Civil War

The selection, including paintings, furniture, clocks, sculpture, tapestries, glass, arms and armor, carpets, silver, European and Asian porcelain and works of art, dates from antiquity to the late 20th-century.

Such a broad and cosmopolitan collection invites a fascinating voyage through changing aristocratic tastes across generations and continents.

Directions to the Château: hoteldesventes.ch

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION // GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

Auction at the Château Friday, 11 September Saturday, 12 September

Auction catalog – by post, call 022 320 11 77 – hoteldesventes.ch

Learn Swiss German First...

I did it the wrong way. I learned High German or Hochdeutsch first. That is the advice usually given. The result? I felt isolated and discouraged. I had spent years learning an official Swiss language– even majoring in German literature in university–and found myself at social gatherings in Saanen unable to understand one word that was being said.

BY DIANA OEHRLI

Take this sentence for example: “Now the fun is over” or in German “Jetzt ist Schluss mit Lustig”; and in Swiss German it’s: “Jetzt isch färtig luschtig.”

There is no similarity between the following words: Schaffe for Arbeiten (work); Anke for Butter (butter); Rüebli for Karotte (carrot); or öppis for Etwas (something).

Thank goodness some words sound similar: Määntig for Montag (Monday) or Vierezwänzg for Vierundzwanzig (24).

To make matters worse, runter (downward) in Germany is achi in Saanen and abe in Bern. At the time, my then-one-and-only Swiss friend said: “Diana, speaking High German takes more effort than speaking English.”

So what’s an expat to do?

Learn the local dialect, especially if you’re going to be here for more than a year or are married to a Swiss.

I can hear the groans. It’s too hard. I have no time. The Swiss Germans are distant, (don’t mistake restraint for hostility). Well, here are some reasons that might change your mind: You’ll…

1. You’ll have fun: Schwyzerdütsch is what people speak when they are having a conversation. You and your friends will end up giggling as you attempt to articulate Chuchichäschtli, the word for kitchen cupboard.

2. You’ll learn it the way locals do: Kids speak Swiss German first and begin learning High German when they are seven or when they enter first grade.

3. You’ll earn the locals’ appreciation:

Photo: Fotodesign Märzinger / WHITE HALL STUDIO – Fotolia

and Have Fun

You don’t want to be one of those expats who have lived in the Saanenland for 20 years, having never bothered to learn the local language.

4. You’ll feel less lonely and isolated: “Migration Distress and Cultural Identity” by Dinesh Bhugra states: “A deep sense of alienation, loss and failure contribute to poor self-esteem, which may contribute to distorted images of self.” Relocation therapists encourage patients to get out and meet others.

5. You’ll learn a new culture. Federico Fellini once wrote: “A different language is a different vision of life.”

6. You’ll get a better job, if you need it: Most local jobs require Swiss German.

7. You’ll function better in your environment: It’s more efficient to be able to talk with your plumber in Swiss German than in English.

8. You’ll learn the most spoken language in Switzerland: 63.7% of Switzerland speaks German (Swiss German), 20.4% French, 6.5% Italian and 0.5% Romansh.

Of course, learning High German makes sense too because: 1. The Swiss government wants you to learn it: With 23.8% of its population being foreign permanent residents, Switzerland has an integration challenge. According

to the Office of Immigration, learning one of the three official Swiss languages as soon as possible is a vital requirement.

Recently, plans were announced to launch a language passport to track immigrants’ language learning progress and to determine C permit eligibility. In 2012, Justice Minister and now-President Simonetta Somarruga criticized foreign CEOs for living in a “parallel society”, a “world in which people send their kids to international schools, speak English and are generally unconcerned about Swiss traditions or what’s going on around them.”

2. You’ll be able to help your kids with homework: Whether you send your kids to public or private school, they are most likely going to study German.

3. You’ll be able to read it.

4. You’ll be able to communicate in Germany or Austria.

Whatever you plan to do, get out there, join a club, take a class, meet people, watch Swiss TV, and buy Swiss German audio books (Pimsler, Simon & Schuster). Most of all, don’t try to be fluent; perfectionism will kill your motivation.

Diana Oehrli is working on a novel and her blog www.lifeintheswissalps.com.

LAST WORD // GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

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Events Calendar Friday, 7 August, 2015 to Thursday, 27 August, 2015 Fri, 7 Aug. – Sep. 5

Saanenland

Thu, 13 - 16 Aug.

Gstaad

59th Menuhin Festival & Academy

Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad

Classical concerts with world-famous artists, 11 am

Live games, free entry

Fri, 7 Aug.

Zweisimmen

Gondola Night Dinner Saanen

Fri–Sat, 7-8 Aug.

Party at Saanen Saanen

Fri, 7 Aug. – 17. Oct.

Welt & Gstaad Exhibition

Mannrieder Chilbi

Gstaad

Sat, 8 Aug.

Glacier 3000 Run Gstaad

Sat, 8 Aug.

Gstaad Kids Run Parallel event to Glacier 3000 Run

Sat, 15 Aug.

Saanen

Saanen Brocante Sat, 15 Aug.

Saanen

Book Launch

Sat, 15 Aug.

Rougemont

La Videmanette "mi-été"

Sat,15 Aug.

Live television filming, 8 – 10 pm

Music on the Hornberg

Schönried

Fri, 21 - 30 Aug.

Feast on Alp Plani, 11 am

Circus Go

Sun, 9 Aug.

Gstaad

Gstaad

Rotary Club Gstaad-Saanenland

Schönried

Suufsuuntig on Alp Gspan

Market and music, 11 am – 4 pm

Food, drinks, and music, 11:30 am For further details please visit: www.gstaad.ch

Photo: IrisArt – Fotolia

Gsteig

**** * GRAND HOTEL PARK +41 (0)33 748 98 00, info@grandhotelpark.ch **** * LE GRAND BELLEVUE +41 (0)33 748 00 00, info@bellevue-gstaad.ch **** * THE ALPINA GSTAAD +41 (0)33 888 98 88, info@thealpinagstaad.ch

*** * BOUTIQUE HOTEL ALPENROSE +41 (0)33 748 91 91, info@hotelalpenrose.ch *** * GOLFHOTEL LES HAUTS DE GSTAAD +41 (0)33 748 68 68, mail@golfhotel.ch **** HOTEL LE GRAND CHALET +41 (0)33 748 76 76, hotel@grandchalet.ch **** HOTEL ARC-EN-CIEL +41 (0)33 748 43 43, info@arc-en-ciel.ch **** HOTEL BERNERHOF +41 (0)33 748 88 44, info@bernerhof-gstaad.ch **** HOTEL CHRISTIANIA +41 (0)33 744 51 21, info@christiania.ch **** HOTEL GSTAADERHOF: +41 (0)33 748 63 63, info@gstaaderhof.ch **** HOTEL OLDEN +41 (0)33 748 49 50, info@hotelolden.com **** ROMANTIK HOTEL HORNBERG +41 (0)33 748 66 88, willkommen@hotel-hornberg.ch

Clubs

Fun for the whole family Sun,23 Aug.

Wispile Chilbi

Ambulance 144, Police 117, Fire 118 Medical Emergency 0900 57 67 47 Dental Emergency 033 729 26 26 Police Station 033 356 84 31 Car Accident 033 744 88 80 Zweisimmen Hospital 033 729 26 26 Château-d’Oex Hospital 026 923 43 43 Veterinarian 033 748 08 58/ 033 744 06 61

Saanenmöser

Folk music festival, 11 am

Alp Festival

Important Numbers

For additional useful numbers please visit www.gstaadlife.ch/useful-­ numbers.html

Daylong music and events

SRF "Bi di Lüt"

**** * GSTAAD PALACE +41 (0)33 748 50 00, info@palace.ch

***** ERMITAGE, WELLNESS & SPA HOTEL +41 (0)33 748 04 30, welcome@ermitage.ch

Zither Concert

Saanen

Sun, 9 Aug.

Every Wednesday, 8:30 am

Gstaad

Fri, 14 Aug.

Saanen–ein historischer Dorfführer 10 am, Hotel Landhaus

8th annual competition

Alpine Dairy Tour

English-Speaking, Château-d’Oex Service every Sunday, 17.30 pm www.allsaints.ch/chateaudoex Contact: cliveatkinson@bluewin.ch

Second-hand market, 9 am – 5 pm

Photographs by Jacques Naegeli

Wed, Jul. 15 – Aug. 8

Zweisimmen

Thu, 13-15 Aug.

Werner Frey, 5:15 pm

With DJ Nik Thomi

Sun, 9 Aug.

St Peter’s Anglican Church

Market and music, 11 am – 4 pm

Exclusive dinner, 6:15 pm

Church Services

Gstaadlife is available in these Hotels

Meetings every Monday 12h00 Palace Hotel Gstaad (033 / 748 50 00), President: Rot. Christiane Griessen (079 / 432 73 93) Secretary: Rot. Markus Iseli (033 / 748 92 08)

Lions Club Gstaad-Saanenland Meetings each first and third week of the month on Thursdays, either at 12 pm for lunch or at 7 pm for dinner.

Meetings in Ermitage, Wellness & Spa-­Hotel, Schönried, Tel. 033 748 60 60.

For details and program contact Sigi Feller, president, 033 748 85 73, sigbert.feller@ubs.com gstaad-saanenland.lionsclub.ch

Soroptimist International President: Heidi Gafner-Kiser Tel. 033 748 83 15 Program: Stephanie Iseli Tel. 033 744 18 33

HOTEL DE ROUGEMONT Member of Design HotelsTM +41 (0)26 921 01 01, info@hotelderougemont.com **** STEIGENBERGER ALPENHOTEL AND SPA +41 (0)33 748 64 64, gstaad@steigenberger.ch ** * HOTEL ALPINE LODGE +41 (0)33 748 41 51, info@alpinelodge.ch ** * HOTEL DES ALPES BY BRUNO KERNEN +41 (0)33 748 04 50, info@desalpes.ch *** HOTEL BELLERIVE +41 (0)33 748 88 33, info@bellerive-gstaad.ch *** HOTEL ALPENLAND +41 (0)33 765 91 34, hotel@alpenland.ch *** HOTEL ALPHORN +41 (0)33 748 45 45, office@alphorn-gstaad.ch *** HOTEL ERMITAGE +41 (0)26 924 25 00, info@hotelermitage.ch *** HOTEL KERNEN +41 (0)33 748 40 20, info@hotel-kernen.ch *** HOTEL LANDHAUS +41 (0)33 748 40 40, info@landhaus-saanen.ch *** HOTEL SAANERHOF +41 (0)33 744 15 15, hotel@saanerhof.ch ** * HOTEL SOLSANA +41 (0)33 748 94 94, info@solsana.ch ** * HOTEL SPITZHORN +41 (0)33 748 41 41, spitzhorn@spitzhorn.ch *** POSTHOTEL RÖSSLI +41 (0)33 748 42 42, info@posthotelroessli.ch *** SAANEWALD LODGE +41 (0)33 744 69 69, info@saanewald-lodge.ch

Classifieds in GSTAADLIFE Place your classified ad here for CHF 17.– per line (plus CHF 20.– for the highlight box).

Contact us at eliane.behrend@mmedien.ch.

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EVENTS // GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015

*** SPORTHOTEL VICTORIA +41 (0)33 748 44 22, info@victoria-gstaad.ch HOTEL RESTAURANT BÄREN +41 (0)33 755 10 33, welcome@baerengsteig.ch HOTEL GELTENHORN +41 (0)33 765 35 91, brand@hotel-geltenhorn.ch HOTEL VIKTORIA +41 (0)33 755 10 34, hotel_viktoria@bluewin.ch HOTEL WILDHORN +41 (0)33 765 30 12, info@hotel-wildhorn.ch

Fonds Lionel Perrier Fonds Lionelde Perrier Hôpitaux universitaires Genève (HUG)

Lionel Perrier Funds Lionel Perrierfor Funds Research department brain tumors

Picnic chic à Gstaad

Service de recherche sur lesde tumeurs Geneva UniversityforHospitals Hôpitaux universitaires Genève cérébrales (HUG) Research department brain tumors A lademémoire Perrier et inGeneva memory of Lionel Perrier Service recherchedesurLionel les tumeurs cérébrales University Hospitals ème Lionel Perrier Funds à l’occasion 40 de anniversaire de saetnaissance Fonds Lionel Perrierwhoinwould haveofbeen this year A ladumémoire Lionel Perrier memory Lionel40Perrier department for brain tumors èmefaveur à l’occasion du 40en anniversaire de sa naissance whoorganizing would have beenLionel 40 Perrier thisResearch year nous organisons du Fonds Lionel Perrier Hôpitaux universitaires de Genève we (HUG) are for the Funds Service de recherche sur les tumeurs cérébrales Geneva University Hospitals et de la enrecherche la cancer, and BrainforCancer research nous organisons faveur dusurFonds Lionel Perrier A la mémoire de Lionel Perrier we areet organizing the Lionel PerrierinFunds memory of Lionel Perrier ème à l’occasion du 40 anniversaire de sa naissance et de la recherche sur la cancer, and Brain Cancer researchwho would have been 40 this year

un picnic chic à Gstaad un Samedi picnic15 chic à Gstaad août 2015 12h.

a smart picnic in Gstaad a smart picnic in Gstaad

nous organisons en faveur du Fonds Lionel Perrier we are organizing for the Lionel Perrier Funds th et de la recherche sur la cancer, and Brain Cancer research saturday August 15 2015 at 12:00

th 2015 dans leSamedi jardin de The Alpina in the garden AlpinaaatGstaad 15l’hôtel août 2015 12h.Gstaad un picnic chic à Gstaad saturday August of15The 12:00 picnic in Gstaad smart fr.

100.-/pers. automatic registration by payment Inscriptiondans automatique lors du règlement de fr.100.par personne le jardin de l’hôtel The Alpina Gstaad in the garden of The Alpinasaturday Gstaad Samedi 15 août 2015 12h.

August 15th 2015 at 12:00 HUG Banque Cantonale Genève, HUG Banque Cantonale Genève, dans le jardin de l’hôtel Thefr.Alpina Gstaad automatic registrationinbythepayment garden of The Alpina Gstaad 100.-/pers.

Inscription automatique lors du règlement de fr.100.- par personne

fr. 100.-/pers. automatique lors du règlement de fr.100.par personne IBAN HUG CH96 0078Cantonale 8000 C079 3062 2automatic registration by payment IBAN HUG CH96Banque 0078Cantonale 8000 C079 3062Inscription 2 Banque Genève, Genève, HUG Banque Cantonale Genève, HUG Banque Cantonale Genève, SWIFT BCGECHGG / CLEARING 788 SWIFT BCGECHGG / CLEARING 788 2 IBAN CH96 0078 8000 C079 3062 IBAN CH96 0078 8000 C079 3062 IBAN CH962 0078 8000 C079 3062 2 IBAN CH96 0078 8000 C079 3062 2 Référence788 : Fonds Lionel Perrier / PicnicSWIFT chic à Gstaad / CLEARING 788 RéférenceSWIFT : Fonds Lionel Perrier / Picnic chic SWIFT BCGECHGG / CLEARING 788BCGECHGG BCGECHGG / CLEARING 788à Gstaad SWIFT BCGECHGG / CLEARING

: Fondsà Lionel Référence : Fonds Lionel PerrierRéférence / Picnic chic: àFonds GstaadLionel Perrier /Référence Picnic chic GstaadPerrier / Picnic chic à Gsta Référence : Fonds Lionel Perrier / Picnic chic à Gstaad Venez nombreux nous soutenir, cela nous feraVenez très nombreux plaisir nous soutenir, cela nous fera Please come to support us. Please come to support us. très plaisir vous accueillir happy welcome you. be happy to welcome you.

Venez nombreux nousdesoutenir, cela nous fera très plaisir de vous accueillir We would Pleasebecome to to support us.would We de vous accueillir We would be happy to welcome you.

Informations Informations Paul-Robert Martin Tél. 079 819 52 75 / paulrobert.martin@bluewin.ch Paul-Robert Martin Tél. 079 819 52 75 / paulrobert.martin@bluewin.ch Informations Paul-Robert Martin Tél. 079 819 52 75 / paulrobert.martin@bluewin.ch

IONS G, SOLPUATIN TTEER TIN F ENERGY E B E R A O E T R S E TH HEN IT COMG ON THE COSTROST RIPES W FOR SAVIN ED OU WE‘VE EARN

Magnificent 300 m2 Chalet Perched on a 1,446 m2 parcel just two km from the center of Château d’Oex and only 12 minutes from the famous resort of Gstaad, this property was built to maximise space and light in each of its rooms.

This luxurious chalet features five bedrooms with dressing area, four bathrooms, a TV corner, a beautiful kitchen that opens onto the dining room, and an enormous living room.

Each floor has direct access to big balconies and terraces, allowing you to profit from optimal sunlight and an exceptional view on the moutains and valley at every moment.

An underground parking garage for two cars, a basement, and a very large entryway on the ground floor complete this unique opportunity.

Why not profit daily from one of the most beautiful views in the region by comfortably sitting in a chaise longue on one of the spacious terraces or on a sofa in the vast, luminous living room?

Ref. 3F – Price upon request CF Immobilier Compagnie Foncière SA Rue du Village 40 – 1659 Rougemont 026 925 10 00 Pl. du Village 2 – 1660 Château-d’Oex 026 924 53 55 info@cfimmobilier.ch – www.cfimmobilier.ch Rougemont Château-d’Oex Gruyères Bulle

www.werrenag.ch Phone: 033 748 84 00

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GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 5 // AUGUST 7, 2015