GstaadLife

 
by Roger Seifritz, Director Gstaad-Sanenland Tourism.

Adapted & translated from the article in Anzeiger von Saanen 09.10.09. Interesting words considering Polanski was this week released on bail from Swiss jail and, pending further developments in his extradition case, remanded to the custody of his Gstaad home monitored by electronic tag...

The arrest of Roman Polanski has made waves. An outcry of appall went through the country. Many could not understand why Polanski was arrested for an offense he had supposedly committed 32 years ago and besides that, he had been allowed to go in and out of the Saanenland for many years. Our region experienced an invasion of journalists in search of people-stories. Not only were the official sources interviewed, but also locals and visitors who in some cases clearly enjoyed giving out information. In the meantime, everybody knows where Polanski’s chalet is, what a wonderful father he is to his children, how often he skies, how well he dresses, what his preferences are and that Saanenland regrets his arrest. Gstaad is once more a showcase to the world as a favorite destination for the famed. In principal this is not a bad thing.

 
Today's issue of our sister publication Anzeiger von Saanen featured an article from the commune of Disneyland Saanen on its front page in which it asks people to refrain from putting up excessive Christmas lighting. The Bundesgoodtastepolizei requests we leave it at the roof lights, not to use blinking or multicoloured lights, to turn decorative lights on only from mid-December through mid-January, and use roof lights only during the winter season. And while we do feel utterly nannied, sadly enough we could not agree more. In fact maybe somebody can pass this memo on to Charly's and Brot Bar... 

We were wondering what was going on under the plastic cover over the tiny chalet to the right of the Bellevue entrance gate. Now it is out - Le Petit Chalet is the latest addition to the Bellevue's restuarant concept, a new Swiss play where fondue, raclette and other typical Swiss specialities can be savored. Sounds good - Swiss specialities, fireplace - must be intimate considering the size of it. First opening is this weekend coinciding with the lighting ceremony for the Christmas tree.

Some hate it - we love it - the Christmas market in Montreux. Well, if you hate crowds then simply don't bother, especially on the weekend. But it is worth it. This year they are doing a collaboration with Canada - so there will be Canadian crafts, cuisine and culture. There is also a new Christmas village in the mountains in Caux above Montreux. There you will find a live nativity scene, Santa Claus’s animals, games for children and play areas located on an esplanade with a glorious panorama over Lake Geneva and the Haute Savoie Alps. So don't miss it and if you don't want to drive down, treat yourself to the beautiful GoldenPass train - they are running First Class specials for this occasion.

Last Saturday November 20, a 20 year-old man fell into an off-piste crevasse on Glacier 3000.  Thankfully he was rescued, though injured, and was taken to hospital by helicopter. With the weekend coming up again, and no sign of snow in the valley, we want to remind you to stay on piste on the glacier, especially this early in the season, and be careful.

The skibus service between Saanen, Eggli and Wispile will be available again this year from December 19 to March 14.  Now we just need some snow to ski on...

The restaurant Huus am Arnensee received the award "Best of Swiss Gastro". Well, we always loved this place so well-deserved congratulations. Just too bad it's closed all winter...

The cantonal department for police and military has announced that the Berghaus Rellerli will remain one of the few places where civil weddings will be permitted to take place into the future.

We don't know why (yet) but the General Managers of the GRand Hotel Bellevue, Michel Wichman and his wife Ilse, have been abruptly dismissed from the Grand Hotel Bellevue Gstaad. As of this week, Beat Fleischmann (left) is the new man in charge. The hotel is closed for the off season through November 28 and then we shall see what the new management brings. Word is they'll have the unsual (for the Bellevue) task of producing break-even operations. More as we hear it.

UPDATE, November 22, 2009

Just read the insert in Friday's edition of our sister publication Anzeiger von Saanen - an invitation to the Bellevue's Advent cocktail on November 29 from 16h00 on - signed by Michel and Ilse Wichman! Hmm - front page news: New manager in Grand Hotel Belleve. They did not even think to reprint the insert  - is that any way to treat your management? 

Lots of comments on this story at the Anzeiger's webpage:

Thomas Frei an kommentiert "Michel Wichman verlässt das Grand Hotel Bellevue"

Rick Gold an kommentiert "Michel Wichman verlässt das Grand Hotel Bellevue"

yb an kommentiert "Michel Wichman verlässt das Grand Hotel Bellevue"

Gabriela Wolf an kommentiert "Michel Wichman verlässt das Grand Hotel Bellevue"

Niki Rommel an kommentiert "Michel Wichman verlässt das Grand Hotel Bellevue"

rl an kommentiert "Michel Wichman verlässt das Grand Hotel Bellevue"

Rainer Burri an kommentiert "Michel Wichman verlässt das Grand Hotel Bellevue"

Adrian Herzog an kommentiert "Michel Wichman verlässt das Grand Hotel Bellevue"

Alain Bandle an kommentiert "Michel Wichman verlässt das Grand Hotel Bellevue"

Above is the map for the new planning zone in Gstaad. The yellow is where, for the next two years, buildings have to remain the way they are now. Click to enlarge.