Photo: FIVB

The Beach Volleyball Grand Slam Gstaad is now in full swing, with spectators cheering to matches held throughout the day.  There are already some surprising results in the second day of the tournament:  Olympic champion Julius Brink has been forced out of the Slam after aggravating an old injury on Tuesday, and there have been a series of shocking 'underdog' wins, namely the Czechs Vesely/Dumek 2 to 0 against the favored Venezuelans, Jackson/Leon and and Italians Casadei/Ficosecco in a 3rd set game against USA's Lycena/Hyden.

The RedBulletin bar is fully stocked and several DJs will spin during the weekend. Don't forget the Thursday evening Zumba party, complete with free introductory classes. At Sunday’s lunch break, the upcoming Swiss pop-rock star Marc Sway will perform a free concert for the whole crowd.

Get your tickets to the finals now before they're gone--breaking with tradition, the 2013 Gstaad Grand Slam will save the best for last, hosting both the men’s and women’s finals on the last day of the tournament, Sunday July 14. 

Gentiana, above,  is known for its shocking deep blue flowers.  The root is used to make bitters and is found in some favorite locally blended liqueurs, as well as the better-known Suze and Aperol.

Alpine Anemone or Spring Pasqueflower, below, has fuzzy flowers and leaves, evident in the German name, Pelzanemone (literally 'fur' or 'coat' anemone).

GSTAADLIFE is available at most hotels and kiosks in the Gstaad--Saanenland region. Don't plan to be in Gstaad this month? Stay up-to-date with what's going on in Saanenland no matter where in the world you make your home:  Eight-issue subscriptions of GSTAADLIFE begin at CHF 33 and run to 53 CHF for overseas shipment. Please see www.gstaadlife.ch for further subscription information.

Happy reading!

The GSTAADLIFE Team

Summertime...and the Lovin' Is Easy

If it’s your first summer in the Saanenland, you may be overwhelmed by all there is to do here. I know that I am. Putting together this issue of GSTAADLIFE underscored all of the wonderful options available to tourists and locals alike – from hiking in the Alps and attending world-class sporting events to listening to the very best in classical music.  

Love is in the mountain air

All manner of love features in this edition. There’s the love of nature, as illustrated by our exclusive interview with the Saanenland’s own Dr Doolittle, Bert Inäbnit, whose passion for the great outdoors informs every aspect of his life. 

There’s the love of local deer and their young, as expressed by the Fawn Rescue Group of Saanen. We’ll tell you all about this dedicated group’s hair-raising attempts to save baby deer from the hazard of riding lawnmowers.

Then there’s the love of the spectacular landscape itself. We’ll show you where to go and where to stop – including the newly renovated Geltenhütte, just one of several mountain huts where you can stop to enjoy a cold drink, warm meal, or even catch some ZZZs after a challenging romp up the hillside. 

For the love of the game

If summer sports are your one true love, you’ve come to the right place. On the slate this month are two big events guaranteed to please even the most discriminating sports fan. First, the Beach Volleyball Grand Slam finals take the spotlight on July 14. Second, the Swiss Open Gstaad runs July 20 to 28 – and unless you’ve been hiding out high in the Alpine wilderness, you already know that last-minute entry Roger Federer will be stealing all the thunder on the clay court.

If you prefer style to sweat, get your game on at Le Grand Bellevue, now open for business after a magic-wand makeover. Try their Bellevue Smash – a fresh concoction of gin and raspberries. Have more than two and smash will take on a whole new meaning. If you love music, you’ll love our story on the Menuhin Festival. This two-month extravaganza offers fans a full schedule of concerts, all carefully designed to reflect its 2013 “Water” theme. 

Love, luck and what I wore

Sometimes, deciding what to wear is as big a challenge as deciding what to do while you wear it. As a recent transplant, I’m living out of my Samsonite as I continue the seemingly impossible hunt for an apartment. The wide range of activities on Gstaad’s summer calendar demands a versatile wardrobe, the likes of which do not fit into your ordinary suitcase. 

I’m at a loss as I debate my summer wardrobe: Miu Miu or Mammut? Capris or cocktail dresses? Black or white? Fortunately, columnist M. Theodoracopolus shares a secret with us: What you wear doesn’t matter, as long as it isn’t black. One local needs no such reminder: Carol Asscher, who favours la vie en rose in summer, as evidenced by her carefully colour-coordinated party, detailed in our Lifestyle section by
J. Piromallo.

The (short) summer of love

While there’s a lot to love about summer here, there’s not a lot of it to love. Meteorologically speaking, this summer won’t go down as the nicest in history, with snow falling until mid-June. But now, the sun has arrived and the warm weather is perfect for the host of activities we’ve covered in this issue of GSTAADLIFE.

On that note, please excuse me – there’s simply too much to do and too little time!

All best,

Alexis Munier

Editor in Chief

Downsizing strikes again at the postal service. Following in the footsteps of villages Feutersoey, Lauenen and Saanenmöser, the post office in Gsteig will cease operations this October. 

“We weren’t exactly surprised when we heard the news for the first time in March,” says Gemeindeschreiber (town clerk) Paul Reichenbach. “After all the post office closings, we knew a similar fate could befall Gsteig-bei-Gstaad.”

Replacing the full-service post office will be a manned postal window located in Peter Beetschen’s Cheslade, a small shop nearby, where basic services such as bill-paying and mailing letters and packages will be available. Cheslade also offers food staples and hygiene products, saving residents the trip down to a larger grocery store in Gstaad.

Despite a slowdown in business, Gsteig had a better chance than most villages of retaining a post office due to its somewhat larger population and mountain pass locale. That said, the slim margins typical of post offices could not bear the increased competition (mostly in the parcel delivery sector) and rising operational costs. 

Changes in the way people communicate have figured in the downturn. Thanks to the Swiss Post’s popular internet portal, many customers pay bills can online. Once ubiquitous pay phones have been nearly wiped out due to cell phone use. Further, rather than sending handwritten cards or letters, many Swiss now choose to send text messages or emails.

Photo: Raphaël Faux

The Bird Whisperer of Gstaad

Nature enthusiast and ornithological expert Bert Inäbnit is the stuff of local legend, thanks to his uncanny ability to befriend wild animals. According to Bert Inäbnit, each morning when he leaves the house and walks outside, he whistles – and the wild Nuthatch, Chaffinch and Great Tit literally fly into his arms. Squirrels eat from the palm of his hand. But the local cats ignore him.

GSTAADLIFE sat down for coffee with Bert Inäbnit at Charly’s Gstaad on July 3, 2013 to learn more about the man who can talk to animals.

____

GSTAADLIFE: When did your love of nature begin?

BI: As a child growing up in Meiringen, I spent a lot of time with my father, who was a real outdoorsman. When all the other children went swimming in the summer, he’d take me mushroom-picking. As a young child, I didn’t appreciate this. But now I know that I have my father to thank for inspiring my passion for nature. When my four children were born, I had a strong desire to pass on this amazing love of nature to them, just as my father had done for me.

GL: Tell me about your first big project in Grindelwald. 

BI: I opened a bird-care station in Grindelwald, where we rehabilitated sick and injured birds. People came from all over Switzerland to bring me birds with problems – from the tiniest Goldcrest to enormous Royal Eagles. We’d fi x broken legs and wings, and provide a safe place for the birds to regain their strength. The area is now a nature park and reserve, and continues to thrive as a place to help injured birds.

GL: You trained as an architect and worked ten years in the French-speaking area of Switzerland before setting up the bird-care station in Grindelwald. How did you fi nd time for your hobby as a nature enthusiast while working full-time and raising a large family?

BI: Finding time? It’s quite simple – no TV and no drinking at bars in the evening – two activities that tend to take up a lot of an average man’s time (he says, smiling).

GL: Aren’t you a nature writer as well? 

BI: I am a frequent contributor to several newspapers in the region, writing articles on birds, butterflies and insects – but really any topic that involves Alpine wildlife. I’ve authored several books on birds and worked as a contributor on the Sempach Ornithological Station’s decadal Swiss bird-mapping encyclopedia, the Schweizer Brutvogelatlas 1993 – 1996.

GL: After two decades in Grindelwald, why the move to the Saanenland?

BI: Three of my four children were already based in the Saanenland, and my wife Nora and I wanted to be close to our grandchildren. Not to mention the fact that the Saanenland is very beautiful, offering the best combination of mountain scenery – lush green hills, streams, and forests surrounded by glacial peaks.

GL: What does your work here entail?

BI: I still do freelance work as an architect when an interesting project like rebuilding a historic chalet presents itself. But most of my time is spent outdoors: I make a good living collecting mushrooms, which I sell to local hotels and restaurants. Bolets, chanterelles, and morels are the mushrooms that make for the tastiest meals. But you don’t need to be a Michelin-starred chef to make delicious, simple dishes with mushrooms.

GL: Speaking of mushrooms, we hear you and your wife are teaching cooking classes. 

BI: Yes, it’s a new project. I pick mushrooms in the morning, and then Nora and I host an evening cooking class teaching guests to prepare meals using the day’s finds. The nine classes take place in Saanenmöser and run from July to October. The menus include an aperitif, starter and main course, along with take-home souvenir copies of the evening’s recipes. Often, there are dried or fresh mushrooms available for purchase as well – that way students can practice on their own at home. Nora is a nutritionist, so she is available to answer any practical questions concerning the nutritional value of specific mushrooms and to recommend ways to prevent upset stomach after eating certain varieties. There are still a few openings if anyone would like to join (www.xundeweg.ch).

GL: Which are your favourite birds – and why?

BI: While I am fond of all birds, I must admit that I am quite partial to the cuckoo. It’s really an amazingly clever bird. The cuckoo lays its eggs in a host bird’s nest, being careful to eat the same number of the host bird’s eggs so that it won’t discover the swap. The young cuckoos hatch first, putting them first in line for food from the foster parents. Bigger and stronger, the young cuckoos then throw the other eggs or live young out of the nest.

GL: What are your favourite natural landscapes?

BI: Switzerland is a natural paradise and there is enough here to see to last a lifetime. I have, however, travelled to France, Spain and Iceland, mostly for bird-watching. My first love, though, will always be the Swiss Alps.

GL: You have amassed a large collection of nature specimens over the years – some of which are on display at the Museum of Saanen. How did you come to build this collection?

BI: It all started back when I was a boy collecting specimens with my father. In this exhibit, you’ll see some of the birds and eggs I collected myself when I was older. But most of the specimens are gifts from zoos, kennels, or animal-care facilities. When word got out that I liked such things, people were very generous, leaving me their collections of stuffed birds, butterflies and insects. The full collection boasts over 500 stuffed birds and 200 eggs, only a portion of which are on display in the current exhibit. 

GL: Are there any surprising things about your exhibit that we should know?

BI: Did you know that an emu egg resembles an avocado? Or that the Guillemot from Iceland lays pear-shaped eggs – for a good reason?

GL: And what reason is that?

BI: They lay their eggs on flat rocks. This way, if something startles the birds and they fly off suddenly, their eggs will not roll off the ledges.

_______

“Fragile, Delicate, Enchanting” perfectly describes Bert Inäbnit’s private collection, which is currently on display at the Museum of Saanen. The wide variety of creatures large and small is not only impressive, but also beautiful: Technicolor butterflies of outrageous proportion sit alongside insects from exotic lands and fragile bird’s eggs in varied shapes and sizes. The collection is visible at the Museum of Saanen through October 15, 2013. Opening hours, Tuesday to Saturday, 2 pm to 5 pm.

BY: ALEXIS MUNIER

PHOTO: ATELIER ZÜRICH

Every great love begins with a great story– and Le Grand Bellevue is no exception.The newly reimagined luxury hotel is thelovechild of Daniel and Davia Koetser, whomet at the hotel 10 years ago during its previousincarnation as the Grand Hotel Bellevue. 

“My wife and I met at the opening night of the Gstaad Yacht Club (the club is located on the property),” says Daniel Koetser. “Seven years later we hosted our wedding brunch there. To acquire the hotel seems to have had a further play on destiny, and my conviction for the success of this property.”

The couple’s commitment to that deepening connection is evident in every loving detail of the renovation of the now resplendent resort.

Heaven is in the details

“Casual luxury” is how Davia Koetser, whose company Atelier Zurich was responsible for all the interior design, describes the refurbished hotel’s new style – but that term doesn’t go far enough. In the surprisingly cosy lobby, brocade couches, stools, loveseats and even hanging birdcage-style chairs adorn the large space, encouraging guests and visitors alike to sit down, relax, and perhaps pick up one of the many books in the collection curated in partnership with Hauser & Wirth experts. Sumptuous materials abound, with silky velour and rose-coloured damasks mixing with rugged earth tones and burgundy tweeds to provide an air of easy, eclectic elegance.

The hotel bar boasts one of leading Chesterfi ld manufacturer George Smith’s leather masterpieces in 17 meters of rich, burnished tan comfort. The bar itself is topped with a stunning “tablecloth” of polished zinc – but its real appeal is the specialty cocktails and richly roasted coffees brewed with La Cimbali, known as the “Rolls-Royce of coffee machines.” Across the room, a Steinway baby grand piano beckons guests who want to share their musical talents when the professional pianist winds down for the evening.

Michelin-starred chef Urs Gschwend commands the simple yet refined menu. Dishes such as braised veal with saffron risotto and sautéed spinach are served up beautifully, right alongside juicy burgers and French fries. Even vegetarians can indulge, given the many tasty meatless offerings – including a Moroccan couscous salad with mint and artichokes, no doubt inspired by Restaurant Manager Manuel Schott’s time at the legendary La Mamounia hotel in Marrakesh. The icing on the cake? With its range of options and prices, the creative menu is designed to appeal to affluent guests and discriminating locals alike.

The Koetsers’ extraordinary attention to detail applies to technology as well as accommodation, putting Le Grand Bellevue at the forefront of Swiss hotels.

“We have deconstructed the formal check-in model,” says Koetser. “Le Grand Bellevue is the first in Switzerland to go exclusively ‘tablet’ on check-in.” This is just one of many innovations that allow the hotel to break new boundaries in the hospitality industry. “At the personalised reception desk, you won’t fi nd check-in agents, concierge and desk managers,” says Koetser, “but rather a small, highly informed staff of Guest Services Agents who do it all.”

First comes love, then kid-friendly

Despite how the both the hotel’s and Koetsers’ romantic history are entwined, and however romantic its new ambiance, Le Grand Bellevue was not designed to serve only as a seductive hideaway for lovers. It’s designed to reflect the Koetsers’ love of life and their desire to provide a personalized, welcoming experience for all their guests. Nowhere is this philosophy more evident than in the way the hotel now caters to families with children. The Koetsers can vouch for the facilities – with a two-month old daughter, they are no strangers to the challenges of travelling with small children, especially in a luxury environment.

Determined to serve as a congenial getaway for children and parents, the Koetsers have created an environment that’s as fun for kids as it is relaxing for their parents. A full babysitting service is available, as well as an enlarged playroom replete with toys and games. Older children will appreciate the mini-cinema, where age-appropriate films will be screened on a regular basis. The kids’ area is conveniently located just next to the spa area, so that parents can leave their children to activities they’ll enjoy while they themselves indulge in a few hours of fitness, swimming, or beauty treatments.

A rose by any other name

Change your name, and it’ll change you, or so the adage goes. For the Koetsers, the name change – from Grand Hotel Bellevue to Le Grand Bellevue (in effect from mid to late summer) – refl ects the transformation they’ve engineered at this long-lived establishment. Under their stewardship, the hotel will strive to reclaim its past glory yet simultaneously leap into the 21st century.

“I grew up with stories of Gstaad’s heyday in the 1960s,” recalls Koetser, “where I understand you could fi nd stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton sipping cocktails alongside Saanenland’s farmers in the hotel bar. By eliminating the snobbery which sometimes accompanies luxury establishments, we can reinstate the unique blend of society for which Gstaad was once known.”

It’s a goal worth striving for. And with the hotel’s refined yet casual décor and good quality to value ratio for food and drink, the Koetsers should succeed in attracting a varied clientele of tourists, locals, chalet owners and stars alike.

It’s all about the journey for this destination

Like any great love story, Le Grand Bellevue will continue to evolve. Now that the newly renovated lobby, dining areas and bar are open for business, the guest rooms will receive a similar updating – just in time for the opening of the winter season. For the Koetsers, it’s just the next turn in the road of their new life as Gstaad hoteliers.

“A hotel should be a wonderful journey,” says Koetser. “You should enter and feel like you’ve arrived someplace special.”

Given their magic-wand makeover of Le Grand Bellevue, so far the Koetsers are off to a very good – and very special – start.

www.bellevue-gstaad.ch

The General Water Supply Planning Group poses at the new reservoir site.

Construction has begun on Saanen’s new 4.5 million-franc reservoir, which will provide the region with more than 2000 cubic metres of water capacity. The reservoir, which will be built just below the Steigenberger Hotel, should be in operation by November 2014. 

Priming the pump for a new generation

The new reservoir will replace the existing 1902 reservoir, which despite a 1940 upgrade was still deemed too old and out-of-date to repair. What’s more, the reservoir’s volume capacity of 480 cubic metres was declared insufficient by the Wasserversorgungsplanung, General Water Supply Planning Group.

The reservoir’s 1969 pumping station is also in need of renovation. Today’s requirements are simply too demanding for the station, whose future increased pumping power will slowly be integrated into the new reservoir system. 

Getting thirsty in the Saanenland

The average water consumption in the municipality of Saanen varies wildly according to the season due to the flux in population. Winter and summer see 25000 residents – as opposed to only 7500 in mid-season. There is a relatively high average consumption of 400 litres per person daily, compared to the Swiss average of only 120 litres per person. The annual production of potable water in Saanen is approximately 3 million cubic metres, which simply cannot be maintained without an increase in reservoir capacity.

Fighting fire with water

At four times the current capacity, the new reservoir will also accommodate a growing need for fire reserves. Only 240 cubic metres of water are currently held in reserve, an amount compliant with the Office of Water and Waste Management’s requirements but short of the 500-cubic-metre reserve required by Canton Bern.

The General Water Supply Planning Group also had to take into account the supply zone and existing water pipelines. The new reservoir must provide fire hydrants with sufficient pressure, a challenge for those at high altitudes. This figured in the decision to build the reservoir on the 1094-metre-high-Pfyffenegg plot, where meeting the challenge would prove an easier task.  

As the Saanenland grows and prospers in the coming years, the new reservoir will play a key role in maintaining a healthy balance between water consumption and water supply.

Getting married in the Saanenland has never been more romantic – thanks to a new gondola service that allows happy couples to tie the knot as they climb the Alps in a cable car.

Mr and Mrs Saanenland

Getting married in Switzerland is a two-step process: First, there’s the civil ceremony, performed by a city official. For Saanenland residents, this requires a trip to the Zivilstandskreis (Civil Registry District) Oberland West in Thun, where you can file the necessary paperwork and participate in a civil ceremony. Second, you can exchange your vows in a religious ceremony of your choice, once you have fulfilled the state’s requirements in Thun. For couples that do not wish to have a religious ceremony, their only option has been to marry in the registry office, depriving them of the personal, romantic ceremonies that couples of faith enjoy.

The mile-high marriage club

In summer, the Berghaus Rellerli hosts such intimate civil wedding ceremonies in a number of settings. This year, happy couples can choose to exchange their vows in a new, lovingly designed, chalet-style wedding gondola that runs from Schönried to the
Rellerli. 

“With this specially designed cable car, we’d like couples to make their journey to the altar an unforgettable experience,” says Armon Cantieni, Director of Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad, which runs several mountain railways in the area.

 The gondola was fully sponsored by a group of local contributors. Matti Chaletbau provided the wood and equipment at its own expense, while other companies contributed in the form of donations. Interior design and decorations were supplied by Müller-Hirschi of Zweisimmen and Peter Rölli Werbe GmbH of Saanen.

A peak marital experience

Inaugurated in June, the nuptial gondola is a charming addition to the wedding services offered by the Berghaus Rellerli, which has been in the business of matrimony for many years. The gondola can be personalized with floral arrangements or romantic decorations, in keeping with the theme of your wedding and complimenting the beautiful vistas. The Berghaus Rellerli boasts a magnificent Alpine setting for up to 300 guests, including an oversized terrace with a stunning panorama of 2000-metre peaks. The simple yet elegant interior can be dressed up or down to accommodate all styles. 

Book your gondola early

Due to its growing popularity, the gondola should be booked at least six months in advance with the authorities in Thun. 

Author Januaria Piromallo, left, and Countess LuAnn de Lesseps.

By Januaria Piromallo

I'm preparing for my fight from Geneva to New York when I get a last-minute request from a friend. 

“Please bring me a copy of GSTAADLIFE,” begs LuAnn de Lesseps. “I really want to know what is going on in my little alpine town. I miss Gstaad so much.” 

I make sure to pack a copy in my suitcase – and after arriving in the Big Apple I meet LuAnn for lunch at Lever House, one of the trendiest restaurants in “the city,” as New Yorkers call it. She looks even more gorgeous than usual; in her face I can read the contentment of a woman who has fulfilled all her dreams. And they were big dreams.

The Countess from Connecticut

Born to a large family in Berlin, Connecticut, LuAnn Nadeau grew up with six siblings in small-town America. Her father, who owned a construction company, is of French and Algonquian descent; her mother is French Canadian. LuAnn credits her exotic beauty to this Native American and French heritage –and her athletic body to a love of sport that culminated in the captaincy of her high school varsity softball team. She studied to be a nurse, and did work as a licensed practical nurse in Connecticut before moving to New York to seek fame and fortune as a fashion model. 

Modeling led her to Milan, where Gstaad socialite Brigitta Notz introduced her to French nobleman Count Alexandre, a descendant of Ferdinand de Lesseps, the architect of the Suez Canal.

“It was love at first sight,” LuAnn tells me, as she nibbles on lobster spaghetti at Lever House. “We were married two months later.”

That was 1993. As his fourth wife, LuAnn earned the courtesy title of Countess. She had two children with the Count: Victoria, 19, and Noel, 16. The couple divorced 10 years later. 

But that wasn’t the end of the Countess from Connecticut. It wouldn’t be long before Countess LuAnn – as she still known informally – took the world by storm.

Keeping it real in New York City

Given her exotic beauty and outspoken personality, it’s no wonder that Countess LuAnn went on to find success on the small screen. Always a force to be reckoned with, she is now a household name, thanks to the hit TV series The Real Housewives of New York City. The popular show has been renewed for a sixth season, with distribution in nearly every country around the world.

I can’t help but ask her. “Are The Real Housewives the descendants of Desperate Housewives?”

“We are better,” she says with a smile. “I am joking. We are different. They had a script. I just play myself. I don’t have to learn any lines. 

Neither did her ex-husband the Count, who also appeared on the first two seasons of the show – a testament to their ability to remain on good terms post-divorce.

“Which role did he play?” I ask LuAnn. 

“He played himself, the Count,” LuAnn says. “But he added his unique sense of humor.”

LuAnn would invite all her friends and family to appear on the show if she could. “Today our lunch could have been part of the show –but unfortunately we don’t start to shoot until next week.” Just my luck.

The real housewives of Gstaad?

You can the girl out of Gstaad, but you can’t Gstaad out of the girl. LuAnn is determined to include her beloved resort town in a show sometime soon.

“We are working on that,” she says. “As you know, it is expensive to move a big production. We need to find some sponsors. Would you help me?”

“With pleasure, my darling.” I am so on this!

Despite all the excitement of New York, I know that my friend is often homesick for Gstaad. 

“Do you miss Gstaad?” I ask.

“A lot,” LuAnn says. “I’ve had many of the best times of my life there. I miss the skiing, the family atmosphere, the pleasures of living in a small town. Please send all my regards to …” 

And LuAnn cites an endless list of people … including Mario, the chansonnier at the piano bar in the Hotel Olden, with whom she often sang her cover version of the hit song “Feeling.”

Of course, I promise to do just that.

Life and love according to LuAnn

There’s a glow about my friend Countess LuAnn that I recognize.

“Are you in love, LuAnn?” I ask.

“I am always in love with life,” says LuAnn. “But to be more precise, I do have a new boyfriend. His name is Jack Azoulay, and he’s a wine entrepreneur. We’ve been together a year now.”

It’s no surprise that this real housewife has found happiness. Countess LuAnn believes in living life to its fullest, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. 

As she tells me over dessert at Lever House: “Drive as if your car is a Ferrari – even if it is only a small Fiat.”

Work has begun on the decade-long renovation of the road from to Saanenmöser to Zweisimmen. Originally constructed in the 19^th century and rebuilt in the 1940’s and 50’s, the road has long been overdue for a full makeover.

Citing drainage difficulties, the potential for landslides and little to no existing shoulder, officials say the 10-year plan will be completed in stages: The first four stages will run from 2014 to 2016 for the Mosenried to Reichenstein portion of the road, while the roadwork on the Reichenstein to Saanenmöser section will run from 2017 to 2022. 

Road to reconstruction

After a building permit was issued by Canton Bern, preparations on the project began – including the successful acquisition of several thousand square metres of land and the demolition of the old Wegmeister operations center in Mosenried. 

The valley side is the first to be tackled. There, retaining walls will be built and the main body of road repaved. New drainage pipes will be installed to minimize future damage from rain and snow, and the side of the road bordering the mountains will be rebuilt to prevent landslides. The danger of landslides is a real one, given that pollution and damage from vehicles and lorries now cause the slope to slide several millimetres per year. This slippage, along with excess water runoff, is enough buckle the pavement severely.

Work has already begun and the first section is expected to be finished no later than mid-December 2013. The road is being renovated in “halves,” meaning one lane will be sectioned off and worked upon while the other lane supports all traffic. Stoplights on both sides of the stretch of construction mean drivers who encounter green lights will proceed directly, while those that hit red could have a waiting time of up to 10 minutes. 

Text and Photo by Januaria Piromallo

Art connoisseur Carol Asscher elevates the art of party giving in Gstaad every time she issues an invitation. Her aesthetic is as evident in her parties as it is in her collection, which graces her elegant villa on Lake Geneva. The French diamond heiress spends half the year in her Gstaad chalet, and the other half in her pied dans l’eau manor between Coppet and Versoix.

In honor of Sylvia Bourne’s birthday, Asscher invited several of her Gstaad friends to Villa Nicolas for a celebratory ladies’ lunch.

“We are the ladies moooooo, coming from the valley,” joked Libana Obayda to pals Silvia Tattoni, Patricia Low and Brigitta Notz.

Italian model turned fashion designer Alessandra Serra, who splits her time between Geneva and Gstaad, provided the trendy embroidered vests worn by the guests, inspired by Asscher’s vision. The theme was a vision in pink: Pink lilies and gardenias ton sur ton with pink table decorations. Even the food and drink were pink: Pink champagne, sushi, sashimi, and carpaccio in every form, shape, and taste. And the strawberry marzipan cake was the pink icing on the birthday cake.

With the new school year fast approaching, the push is on to finish renovations of the 1880 schoolhouse in Saanen before the first class bell rings. Donated by the people of Saanen to the John F Kennedy School in 2000, the unique historic building has been a source of local pride for well over 100 years. 

The plan to bring the magnificent property back to life – financed primarily by John F Kennedy Foundation’s fundraising efforts – has suffered its share of fits and starts. Progress has not always been easy and renovating the building according to local planning regulations has proved a challenge. Originally due to open in September 2012, the schoolhouse’s makeover has been slowed by the John F Kennedy School’s transition to foundation status two years ago and the need to secure funding 

At this point, the exterior and structural work are substantially finished, which will allow the school to use two full floors of the building. It will, in time, include a new professional kitchen and dining room in the original basement, as well as a large auditorium on the top floor. But completion of the entire project remains dependent on ongoing fundraising.

Everything old is new again

The shared vision of the school and the community is to build a modern, fully functioning schoolhouse that will benefit the entire population. It will serve as a beautiful centrepiece at the heart of the John F Kennedy School as well as a resource that can make all of Saanen’s residents proud.

The renovations are designed to restore the original character of the building while at the same time incorporating modern energy consumption and safety standards. The result: a beloved building still recognizable by locals that is nonetheless ready for the ever-changing face of education today 

“After so many years this building changes the nature of the school forever,” says John F Kennedy School Director Andy Croft. “It allows us to create a strong educational programmes for students up to 16 years of age and to meet internationally recognised IGCSE standards. It makes the school even more appealing to new students and makes it easier to attract boarding students to the area.”

The education of the Saanenland 

With three first-rate international schools in the area, Saanenland has long been known for its support of high-quality private education. World-famous all-boarding school Institut Le Rosey has campuses in Gstaad and Schönried, while Gstaad International School, which is also comprised entirely of students who board, is located between Saanen and Gstaad.

The John F Kennedy School is unusual in that 75% of children who attend the school are day students, which shows the confidence of local families and the value they place on education here at home. 

Since 2011, the school has been run by the John F Kennedy Foundation, a Bernese foundation committed to investing in the school and to the ensuing benefits felt in every aspect of the Saanenland. The school has been part of the Saanen community since 1971, and in that time thousands of children from all over the world have been educated there. 

Photo: Fotolia

By Mandolyna Theodoracopulos 

There is a reason old ladies wear lilac and aqua tones, hideous as those colours often are; it’s quite simply because they make a lady look radiant and a little less like she’s about to die. Women of a certain age should not wear black. At least not unless they are professional mourners, actually in mourning, devoutly religious, or a lifelong goth.

While you don’t often see groups of older ladies in black walking around the Swiss Alps, over in Greece swathes of them can be found hobbling around, even in the heat of summer. Of course for them it isn’t a fashion choice. They are actually in mourning – -often, for years at a time. But all around the world, and certainly in Gstaad during the high season, one will notice that black is most often a woman’s last resort. Not pink.

Black doesn’t require much imagination. It’s easy to wear and goes with everything. But wear too much black and you forget how to wear colour. Who doesn’t love black? It is slimming and can be worn over and over again without anyone noticing you never change clothes. Most women have the ubiquitous little black dress, if not several, black cigarette pants, black skirt, black sweater, black handbag, black shoes, black coat, the list goes on … black black black black black black black.

But black is not for every occasion or a go-to colour for everyday – it’s too sombre. I prefer navy blue. You can imagine my horror when a few weeks ago at a party in London I saw hanging over my host’s fireplace a portrait he had commissioned of his grandmother dressed in head to toe black. Perhaps she was in mourning, I thought. But if she was, there must be some rule about doing something so frivolous during the grieving process? And if she was not, well then in my opinion the black garb ruined a perfectly good portrait. As it happened, the grandmother was also at the party. She didn’t look like a zombie that night. She was not wearing black. 

I will never forget when I was watching the Oscars a few years ago and Vanessa Redgrave and Maggie Smith were up there on screen, one of them looking positively lifeless and the other looking rather fetching for a lady over 70. It was all down to the dress you see, a Valentino red number. Needless to say, the lady in black looked awful. Like she belonged at a funeral. A virtual corpse. Not a good look for a glamorous television appearance. Perhaps she is a method actress, I thought, studying for a role as a professional mourner? 

Stranger things have happened. That there is such a thing as a professional mourner is one of them. Apparently they are big in Asia but the craze is moving west too, according to the Times of London, and the business is growing here on the continent. I’d never even heard of such a thing until I saw the Wedding Crashers movie. The thought of getting dressed in black to do a bit of keening for someone you didn’t know is really rather amusing, especially if you’re getting paid. Or in the case of the Wedding Crashers, picking up girls. I suppose one might make another exception for wearing black over the age of 65 when it is for professional reasons.

But that’s it, ladies! And gentlemen, too! You don’t want to look like an undertaker or an off-duty waiter on the prowl. Men in black, that’s really a big no-no at any age unless required by a professional situation, black-tie event, or because you are into goth culture or music.

With all the depressing news out there, and considering the great big death eventually coming to take us all, perhaps a little more colour would do everyone some good. For God’s sake ladies, paint your veils while you can!

Letter from the Editor

As a California girl, I can’t help but compare the Golden State to the evergreen Saanenland, especially when friends and family ask where the good life is best.

Forgive me, lovely homeland of my youth. Hands down, the Saanenland wins. 

I was reminded of the stark differences between these two very different beautiful places while working on this issue of -GSTAADLIFE.While they are each extraordinary in their own way, when comparing apples to oranges – or should I say avocados – I have to go with Gstaad. 

Gstaad goes Golden State

This month, Gstaad gets a taste of California living with the opening of the GLOW! Healthbar, the first of its kind in the area.Smoothies are mother’s milk to Californians; juice bars must surely outnumber McDonald’s franchises, thanks to the wealth of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in its fertile valleys.

Landlocked Gstaad may not boast its own seashore, but it does have its own share of picturesque lakes high up in the surrounding mountains. And the lack of an ocean view doesn’t stop the town from hosting the active Gstaad Yacht Club, whose exciting high seas training programs for children are detailed in this edition.

Hollywood, Gstaad-style

In Los Angeles, shooting comes in just two forms – drive-by or film. But here, where violence is far less common, shooting is sport. GSTAADLIFE explores the world of Swiss sharpshooting this month, with insights into just how prominently gunning for sport features in this neutral nation.

California may pride itself on its independent women (movie stars and rock stars included) but it hasn’t cornered the market, as you’ll see in our popular columns this issue. Last Word columnist Mandolyna Theodoracopolus takes on the delicate topic of today’s liberated women, encouraging them not to trade the yoke of the man for the yoke of the personal assistant. Januaria Piromallo plays the queen of pop whose staff count is legendary, Madonna, for a day of hands-on treatment at The Alpina Gstaad in our Lifestyle section.

Home is where the heart is

My transition from California to Switzerland was cushioned by my years in Lausanne, known as the “San Francisco of Switzerland.” (Is it the hills? The alternative art museums? The large gay community?) 

But now I’m happy to be relocating to the Saanenland, where the altitude relaxes temperatures and this summer heat wave is more a friendly hello than a California bear hug. Because home is where the heart – and the Hobel cheese – is. 

Best regards,

Alexis Munier

Editor in Chief

Photo: Michael Föhn, Interview: Alexis Munier

GSTAADLIFE had the pleasure to speak with Stan Wawrinka on July 15, just before his appearance at the Gstaad Open. Since the interview took place, Wawrinka was forced to retire from his quarterfinal match against Felciano Lopez after a medical timeout for back pain.

GL: Tell us about your first Swiss Open, when you were only 18 years old.

SW: I remember it well. I had received a wild card and played Jean-Rene Lisnard in the first round. I won the first set, but finally lost in the third set. There were many fantastic players there, like Roger Federer, Alex Corretja and Gaston Gaudio. I was really proud to have played in the tournament. 

GL: This is your tenth time here at the tournament in Gstaad – one for the record books! How do you feel about participating in it again?

SW: I feel great, because I’ve had a good season so far. I managed to win a clay court tournament against one of the best players on earth, David Ferrer. So I hope to play well in Gstaad – and I’m excited to see my fans there again.

GL: What do you appreciate about the Saanenland and Gstaad in particular?

SW: I always like to come here; it’s a beautiful region with lots of fresh air. Sometimes I come in winter to train as well. I always stay at the Grand Hotel Park, where I feel at home now.

GL: Do you feel you play differently on home turf in Switzerland than anywhere else in the world? How so?

SW: I’ve always loved playing in Switzerland in front of my public, whether in Gstaad, at the Davis Cup, or in the Challengers. I’m always motivated to play well for my Swiss fans.

GL: Some might say you’ve spent years in the shadow of fellow native Roger Federer. But you’ve taken this time to play and train hard. How does it feel to come into your own now, as your career moves securely into the spotlight?

SW: Switzerland is a small country, and it’s only normal that everyone’s attention was focused on Roger. He’s a tennis god and can’t be compared to any other player. That said, lately things may have changed a little, because he’s won a bit less often these past years than during his record-winning years. I’ve also been winning more in general and playing better matches than before.

GL: Since your stellar game against Djokovic earlier in the season, you’ve said you just need a bit of consistency to reach the top ten. How are you taking steps to improve in this area?

SW: I’m happy to be back in the top ten. My level has improved and I know that there are days when I could beat even the best players. I continue to train hard every day to better my skills and increase my changes against players like Roger, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray–who are still far ahead of the rest.

GL: You have a loyal fan base that adores you – and loves the way you interact with them via social media. How does maintaining contact with your supporters inspire your performance?

SW: I like to stay in contact with my fans and give them updates via Twitter and Facebook. Sometimes it’s interesting to see their reactions after posting photos of my trips and my days on the court. (@stanwawrinka)

GL: You and your family are based near Lausanne, where you grew up. Why have you chosen to stay in the area?

SW: I grew up in Lausanne and my wife lived in Geneva for many years. It’s perfect for us to live between the two cities. It’s a beautiful region and it’s always a pleasure to see the whole family when I come home.

GL: You’re fast becoming a household name – and face – as you partner with advertisers and serve as the spokesperson for public-safety campaigns. How do you feel every time you pass a Visilab or ‘Slow Down’ Police Vaudoise billboard? 

SW: I’m happy to have partners like Visilab and to have had the chance to help the Police Force of Canton Vaud with the road security campaign. I really like to shoot commercials from time to time… it’s fun and I have a blast on set, dressing up in disguises like the Joker, for example.

GL: On that note, you told the SonntagsZeitung that you’d love to drive a race car. Shall we introduce you to local resident Bernie Ecclestone?

SW: Ha! Maybe it’s better not to ask him quite yet. I need to concentrate on tennis. I’ve had the good fortune of partnering with Autocorner in Lutry, which allows me to test drive the latest cars. But I’d like to see a Formula One car someday…why not take it for a spin, if I have the time and opportunity?

Photo: Rudolf Mösching, Serafin Steinemann, Vanessa Schnyder and Stefan Romang.

Two locally trained apprentices, Vanessa Schnyder and Serafin Steinemann, brought home the individual fourth and fifth place titles in the 2013 WorldSkills competition in Leipzig, Germany in July.

Protegés of pastry chef Stefan Romang from Charly’s Gstaad and plasterer Rudolf Mösching of Mösching Gipser and Maler AG, the talented apprentices were part of the combined Swiss team which outscored all of the competition except for Korea, who won first place. Following Switzerland were China, Japan, Brazil and Germany in third, fourth, fifth, and sixth place respectively.

Showing off their skills

WorldSkills International is a non-profit association that promotes vocational education and training around the world. Every two years, candidates from member organisations compete in their respective service industry or labour categories.

“WorldSkills is an excellent place for networking,” says Stefan Romang.

The WorldSkills participants compete in 46 different disciplines and include seasoned young professionals as well as trainees. Among the disciplines are very traditional occupations such as goldsmithing and bricklaying, but in recent years fields like web design and network engineering have also been added. 

“When we win or place well, it’s the best advertisement for our profession,” says Rudolf Mösching.

This year more than 54 countries were represented in Leipzig, with more than 1,000 candidates attending. The event covered a massive 180,000 square meters and 200,000 visitors came to see the young candidates at work.

Candidates and apprentices sent to WorldSkills are traditionally the winners of the national SwissSkills competition. The event requires not only dedication and the highest professional skills, but a large amount of money. Despite partial government financing and scholarships, costs to attend the WorldSkills event are a concern for the competitors. Fortunately, the honour of competing and the potential success of winning keep their dreams alive. 

The Swiss advantage

With an active apprenticeship culture, Switzerland has traditionally done well in the competitions. In 2011, the Swiss Office of Professional Training and Technology estimated that there were 81,000 apprenticeship opportunities available in the country. According to the agency, young people are looking for more positions in the service, printing, design and decorative arts sectors as well as in the health, medical and social fields.

Switzerland is also known for its so-called ‘dual-system,’ in which apprentices receive practical hands-on training while simultaneously attending theory classes in their disciplines. After earning their diplomas and working for a specific amount of time, they are then eligible to attend university or Fachhochschule, a specialised higher education institution that awards Bachelors or Masters degrees.

An American has died and four others have been seriously injured in a hot air balloon accident near Montbovon in the canton of Fribourg.  Tragedy struck the family on Wednesday August 7, as their hot air balloon hit a power line and plummeted 50 metres to the ground.  The victim, Grant Adamson, was declared dead at the scene.  His wife Terry and two adult daughters, Megan and Lauren, were airlifted to Bern and Lausanne where they remain hospitalised with serious injuries. 

The balloon, charted by the Grand Hotel Park but operated by a separate company, had taken off from nearby Château-d’Oex.  It was manned by an experienced pilot, who also sustained severe injuries in the crash. The village is world-famous for its annual hot air balloon festival and is the starting point for thousands of flights each year.

The Malibu, California family had been vacationing in the Gstaad area and staying at the hotel. The Adamsons were described by Malibu's mayor as "local royalty", with close ties to Pepperdine University and the historic Adamson House, a California Historical Landmark.

Text: Januaria Piromallo · Interview: Alexis Munier  · Photos: Irene Kung

An ancient oak tree glows in the night. Dancing shadows crisscross the Brooklyn Bridge. Long, foamy waves drag the viewer under. 

It’s no wonder they call her “Le Corbusier of the Click”.

Renowned Swiss photographer Irene Kung was born in 1958 in Bern and has since travelled the world in pursuit of the perfect image. Globetrotter Kung is now headquartered full-time in the Saanenland, where she has a farmhouse and adjoining studio 

With a prestigious Hasselblad digital camera around her neck, Kung makes buildings and monuments like the Hagia Sophia, Westminster Abbey, Notre Dame and Milan’s Duomo come alive in her trademark light/dark Caravaggio style. Kung literally invented a genre. Her photographs, taken just before sunset, ensure a smooth range of light and shadow. She uses little colour; the magic is in Kung’s post-production through computer processing that allows for delicate nuances – shades of grey shine as they were silver. 

The celebrated artist sat down with ­GSTAADLIFE to discuss her new home base here, future exhibitions, and why dreams are indeed her reality.

The phenomenon that has swept the world is now finally available in Gstaad--the Saanenland’s first juice bar opened August 1 on the Promenade. Located inside Pernet Comestibles, GLOW! Healthbar is a match made in juice heaven, pairing Pernet’s wide selection of exotic fruits and vegetables and GLOW!’s juicing expertise. 

The new juice bar is the brainchild of local wellness enthusiast Blanca Brillembourg and marketing guru Diana D’Hendecourt, who’ve invited juice guru Jill Pettijohn to headline the opening. Pettijohn, whose New York City clients include celebrities Nicole Kidman and Donna Karan, will be at the juice bar in early August to make à la carte recipes for customers and design bespoke smoothies, mixing the right enzymes and vitamins to meet the customer’s specific needs. 

A chacun son juice

GLOW! offers six signature juices, four smoothies made with fresh hemp/rice/almond milk, and power shots like wheat grass, lemon ginger, goji powder, tahini and collagen. All ingredients are organic and farm-grown in Switzerland, including the kale and wheatgrass that are grown locally in the Saanenland. Freshly made everyday, the juices are blended with JAX coconut water, another product developed by Gstaad residents Jane and Max Gottschalk. All the rage in the US and Europe, coconut water is billed as a hydrating, low calorie drink whose electrolyte level is similar to that of human blood.

To please younger customers whose tastes may not run to the exotic, GLOW! offers the one juice every kid can love: Lemonade. And for calorie-conscious customers, the bar features 3- and 7-day juice fasting programs for safe, effective detoxing. 

So whether you’re looking to juice your way to better health, weight loss, or just good taste, you’ll find your juicing pleasure at GLOW!.

GLOW! Healthbar is open during Pernet’s standard opening hours, Monday to Friday 8:30 to 12.30 and 14:00 to 18:30, Saturday 8:30 –12:30 and 13:30 –17:00.