California Dreamin' on Such a Winter's Day
For the shortest month of the year, February can last a long, long time. Winter has dug in, and spring seems a lifetime away. At least that’s how this California girl feels right about now.
But the good news is, in Gstaad there’s so much to do inside and out that even if you’re longing for a sandy beach and a margarita, you can sing the cold weather blues right here and have a good time doing it.
In this edition of GSTAADLIFE, we’ll go behind the scenes at some of the new, old, and potential institutions that make the Saanenland the place to be – no matter what the time of year.
Like a Rolling Stone
When you’re in the mood for blues, there’s only one place to go: Le Grand Bellevue, where legendary blues pianist Al Copley is hard at work tickling the ivories for your listening pleasure. Copley is like a fine wine – he just keeps getting better with age. Playing the season here in Gstaad was a welcome home for the celebrated musician, who spent the better part of the 1980s and 90s at the Chesery bar. You can relax in style with his classical and standards repertoire at High Tea in the hotel lounge, or boogie after midnight to 50s and 60s rock hits in the club downstairs. Either way, you’re in the presence of a master – this man can play.
Schoolhouse Rock
By February most kids are sick of school and counting the days until their weeklong ski holiday. But the students lucky enough to attend one of our region’s many private schools don’t have to leave town to enjoy the best in winter fun. That said, riding herd on teenagers is never easy, regardless of the season. In this issue, we talk to the people who run these educational institutions – starting with Director Philippe Gudin and his son Christophe of the world-renowned Le Rosey. Januaria Piromallo had the pleasure of interviewing this father/son “odd couple,” during this exciting time of transition, when Gudin senior will hand the elite boarding school over to Gudin junior.
Beautiful bovines are nothing new here, so it’s no surprise Gstaad’s “cash cows” are beloved by all. Newest contributor to GSTAADLIFE, Sophie Green, takes a thorough look at the four international private schools that grace the Saanenland. These institutions boost the local economy by drawing in families from around the world, and happily impart a lifelong love of Gstaad on students.
Daydream Believer
Dream big, they say – but how big is too big? The people behind Les Arts Gstaad certainly believe that bigger is better, but critics of the proposed cultural centre insist that both the design and scope of the project will blot out the historic charm of Gstaad.
Now that municipal and cantonal authorities have given the project a preliminary stamp of approval, we take a serious look at the ambitious project that could secure our region’s future and save us from a Saanenland slump – or fail miserably and have us singing the Saanenland blues for the foreseeable future.
But not everyone believes that Gstaad is in decline. In fact, recent events like the Casiraghi wedding and Madonna’s purchase of a chalet have put the region firmly back on the celebrity magazine maps. Columnist Mandolyna Theodoracopulos explores the popularity of Gstaad, and comes to this conclusion: “If this is what decline looks like, I can’t wait for it to go completely bust.” Amen, Mandolyna.
Hotel California
Believe it or not, this is already our last issue of the season. Never fear, as the season doesn’t officially end until late March, GSTAADLIFE will continue to post articles online at www.gstaadlife.com. While we wait patiently for our new platform and app to be finished, I thank you for bearing with us.
I’m hoping to relax and enjoy the snow through March, at which point I’ll hop a flight with my sights set on that sandy beach and a margarita. But when I’m done trading lakes for the ocean, fondues for tacos, and furs for bikinis, I’ll pack my bags and return to the Saanenland.
Mark my words – I’ll be back!
Best regards,
Alexis Munier
Editor in Chief
