GstaadLife

vgm invest ag is planning the construction of 15 houses on the von-Grünigen-Matte at the entrance to Saanen. At least 1/6th of the usable space is earmarked for locals - errr- let's see at around 16% that should just about solve the local housing crisis; yes, the compassion for local needs is overwhelming. They are also planning underground parking for about 110 to 140 spaces for the apartments and a public parking for 90 to 100 cars (note to the planners, make that 110 and 90 so the spaces can fit more than a Fiat Panda, unlike the Unter Gstaad parking lot). The plan goes before the people of Saanenland in December 2010. 

by Taki Theodoracopulos

The “fin de saison” feeling is like the end of term in boarding school. Bittersweet. At school one was cocooned from the big bad outside world, here in Gstaad, far from the crowds and bustle, one has time to ponder the melting snows and dream about one’s youth. Closing day at the Eagle Club was fun. At the Taki Cup presentation—the overall winner and new record holder was John Taki, in 36 minutes—I reminded the members that the Taki Cup has lasted longer than both world wars combined, which means it is a far more important historical event. Some Belgian people agreed.

The Saanen bypass construction is starting on April 6 so be prepared for the usual inconveniences and traffic lights. But all will be over on August 20.

The restaurant up on Videmanette is winding up for the winter on March 28 with a party after a really not so good season (the cable car has been closed since January). But you can still enjoy the best mountain burger at the Oldenalp on the Glacier where Zeller's skibar is open until May 2.

Picture: Toni-Beat Romang

Did you know that the Gstaad SkiClub has seven ski jumpers? And that two of these gentlemen are younger than 10 years-old!? Our dear British friends are always amazed when they see three year-olds skiing - well don't let them see these guys fly -- kudos!

Piero Converso - or 'Pippo' - is set to retire this weekend. Sunday March 21 is his last day of work and that after 42 years at the Eagle Skiclub. He came to the Eagle Club in 1968 on the recommendation of Angelo Brizzio, then chef de service. Converso grew up in Poirino close to Turin. He actually wanted to become a professor of art history or a priest, but as his parents could not afford university they sent him to the hotel school. After that he traveled around, working everywhere from Berlin to Quebec. He speaks Italian, French, German and English fluently and says that he can swear well in Spanish. When he arrived in Gstaad, he had actually only planned to stay one season - well 42 years later that season is finally coming to an end. He managed to give his two children what he could not do - study - and after he retires he himself is thinking about going to university to finally study art history. He is looking forward to his future, wants to read a lot, hike, fish and go motorbiking. One dream of his: a piece of land with a donkey. He will live with his wife in Cannobio on Lake Maggiore - her home village. And while he could tell many stories, as a waiter of the old school, the only thing on his menu is large serving of discretion. GL.com wishes Pippo a most fulfilling retirement. 

by Taki Theodoracopulos

Gstaad. A lovely liquid lunch in a mountain hut with my friend Nicola Anouilh after two hard runs. Blue skies, gentle winds, a few puffs of white cloud, and the sound of bells from the nearby cow shed. If there’s a better way of communing with nature, I haven’t come across it yet. The natural beauty of the Alps is unspoiled and majestically alluring.  White wine helps one dream and feel at peace with the world, until, that is, we’re back on skis and losing altitude fast.

 

Here are the closing dates for the ski lifts in and around Gstaad: 
21.3. Gstaad–Wasserngrat
21.3. Gsteig
28.3. Château-d‘Oex–La Braye
05.4. St Stephan–Parwengesattel
05.4. Zweisimmen–Rinderberg
05.4. Gstaad–Eggli–Saanen–Rougemont
11.4. Saanenmöser–Saanerslochgrat
11.4. Saanenmöser–Hornberg
11.4. Schönried–Horneggli
11.4. Reusch–Glacier 3000
02.5. Col du Pillon–Glacier 3000

Already closed:
Schönried–Rellerli
Gstaad–Wispile
Lauenen

So not too much time left. It's been an odd year weather-wise but the ski conditions throughout have been surprisingly good. Kudos to the piste prep crews who seem to have surpassed themselves this season.  So get out there over the next couple weeks and enjoy some seriously good (if rather warm -- 17 degrees in Gstaad today) spring skiing conditions.

 
Above: Winner Shelly Nadashi (right) and Ben Claremont who came second

Shelly Nadashi from Israel won the golden cow at last week's GSTAADFILM  festival. But much of the media spotlight actually fell on Harald Reichenbach, one of the organizers of the festival, who read out a letter by Roman Polanski during his opening speech. In this letter Polanski expressed his regret for not being able to be present personally, conveyed is best wishes for a successful festival, and thanked the people of Gstaad for their ongoing support.