When celebrated pâtisseur Michel Villiger developed flour--induced asthma, he had to find a new way to use his creative energy. In 2004, Michael took over the family tradition of papier découpé, indeed as a heritage but nonetheless in a very personal, original manner. His works can be seen in Charly's and at a current exhibition in Blankenburg.
Check out our latest issue, which features articles on winter sports, lifestyle, politics, arts and culture, and more. Available at fine hotels and kiosks in the Saanenland.
GSTAADLIFE would like to fully retract the following article in our latest issue: 'Tis the Party Season, which mentions artist Chiharu Shiota and gallery Patricia Low Contemporary. Errors are present in the text. Our sincere apologies both to Ms Low and our readers.
February is the Saanenland’s big month. Just when the whirlwind of the snow globe has settled, it’s shaken up again with galas, concerts, and sporting events.
"This photograph was taken in the Saanenland as part of my project on trees which started in 2013.
Air-Glaciers, the emergency service provider that runs helicopter flights and ambulances in the Saanenland, began its fourth winter night shift season here in December 2015. The group’s funding will come from the three local municipalities of Saanen, Lauenen, and Gsteig, as well as the “Friends of Healthcare in the Saanenland” group.
The Saanenland's most famous ski race has been cancelled due to lack of snow. With warmer winter weather than expected, snow levels are lower than they should be. The 24h Ski Race Gsteig takes place on a natural piste with no artificial snow, and therefore cannot be held as planned.
Despite a decrease on the slopes, other tourism staples saved the Saanenland from a dip in the Christmas to New Year period.
“The obvious lack of snow meant that day trippers from cities didn't come to the region,” says Matthias In-Albon, Business Manager, BDG, regarding their 15 % decrease in first-time lift entry compared to the same period last year.
John F. Kennedy International School held the official opening of their beautifully renovated schoolhouse on 12 January 2016. The schoolhouse, which was built in 1880, was donated by the people of Saanen to school in 2000. The unique building has been a source of local pride for 135 years.
In collaboration with Gstaad’s Müller Medien, long-time guest Ian Wilson has just released Oh Saanenland!, a coffee table book of local images. Oh Saannenland! may be purchased at Cadonau, Müller Medien, Foyer, and Oase. The author will be present at a book signing from 4–5pm, 19 February, 2016 at Cadonau. All are welcome.
As of mid-December 2015, the Saanenland was home to 19 refugees and asylum-seekers. Hailing from Syria and beyond, they receive food, clothing, shelter, education, language and integration courses, a small allowance, and work training, in order to restart their lives in Switzerland.
Spital STS AG has just announced a CHF 40 million overhaul of Zweisimmen Hospital. The closest hospital to the Saanenland since the closure of Saanen Hospital in 2012, the new facility will serve as an innovative model for integrated care, joining three sectors– hospital care, elderly care, and general practitioners–under one roof.
Celebrating more than a decade of being the main sponsor of the International Balloon Festival is Parmigiani Fleurier, the Swiss watch company whose handmade timepieces with exquisite attention to detail are known as the world’s most exclusive. The company’s unusual commitment to the event represents Michel Parmigiani’s passion for ballooning.
Late 2015 was a busy time for the BDG, which saw a whirlwind of activity at the administrative and political level. Please see our article in print or ereader for a detailed update on the decisions taken at the BDG's annual meeting, which include the election of a new chairman of the board and plans to sell off various properties including Rellerli.
Gstaad Life had the pleasure to spend an afternoon with Taki Theodoracopulos, the legendary long-term resident whose name is synonymous with the Saanenland. From the very start of the interview, the controversial columnist displayed his trademark charm.
The new medical center Saanen-Gstaad in the old hospital of Saanen welcomes you to their first „medical rounds“. The event takes place in the Maison Claudine Pereira / Alterswohnen, Spitalstr. 3 in Saanen.
When you first meet Delia, who is the quintessence of exotic beauty and grace, you understand why it was love at first sight for Patrick von Rueti, a pony-tailed Zürcher. She manages to juggle a happy marriage, three children, running a plantation, designing her own jewellery, and speaking to the public on eliminating poverty and improving lives.
Tiffany, the American jeweller known for its exquisite diamonds and rare jewels, is currently holding an exhibition in Gstaad. Located at the Grand Hotel Park, the showcase will run through 21 February.
This issue, GSTAADLIFE features articles on the Gstaad Yacht Club and an interview with its new Commodore and Rear-Commodore. You'll also find articles on the latest lifestyle, politics, events, and exhibitions in the region. Subscribe to our print edition or digital ereader to read GSTAADLIFE in its entirety.
The French have an expression, “jamais deux sans trois,” literally, never two without three, but which is better translated as “third time’s the charm.” As I wrap up my third winter here in Gstaad, I’m wondering where else to apply these wise words… Husbands? Homes? Hermès bags?
