I Came, I Saw, I Skied

I’ve skied once every five years for the past 35 years. Which makes me a permanent beginner rather than a ski bunny – and a great annoyance to many a friend stuck ‘babysitting’ me on the green slopes. I can barely manage to walk in 3-inch heels, so the idea of strapping two smooth pieces of wood (what are skies made out of these days anyway?) to my feet and descending a mountain is absolutely frightening. There is nothing more demotivating than watching a herd of four-year olds cruise past me at breakneck speeds. But for someone whose idea of a big thrill is a book and a bubble bath, my pathetic km per hour ratio is justified. After all, Gstaad’s slogan is “Come up, Slow down”! 

Special thanks to the kind souls who found my poles and skis and delivered them to me after I slid down half of the Horneggli on my back, and to the chairlift operator who saved me from being trampled after a nasty fall in the turnstiles. 

Next time, I’ll be wise enough to enlist the help of one of the region’s many fabulous ski instructors. This issue takes a look at several local ski schools and what it takes to make a good ski instructor. Languages, regional knowledge and expert sportsmanship are just a few of the talents needed to succeed in this challenging career.

Dogs and Tigers and Bären, Oh My

Our Local News section opens with a short article on the newly re-opened Bären Gsteig Hotel & Restaurant. Charming young couple Anne-Sophie Jaggi and Lukas Gasser have brought the old “bear” back to life with a surprisingly warm and modern atmosphere.  

They say dogs are man’s best friend and Last Word columnist M. Theodoracopulos agrees. Her look into platonic relationships may make you examine how many of those Facebook friends truly deserve that title – and how many should be swapped out for the more reliable canine variety. 

Speaking of friends, visit our Gstaad Gift Guide if that special someone expects an exquisitely wrapped box on Valentine’s Day. With gifts in several price ranges, you’ll find fresh ideas for the man or woman you think has it all – including you! 

Love, Art and Hospitality

A love of the Saanenland has kept the Scarry family here for three generations. Now artist Olympia Scarry and partner Neville Wakefield have brought a love of their own to the region – contemporary art. As curators of the new exhibition Elevation 1049, they have attracted the best contemporary Swiss artists to create spectacular works in and around our beautiful white winter landscape. 

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we’re honouring the local couple whose love bloomed at work – and whose work bloomed at Hotel Christiania. Known for its unique blend of Swiss hospitality and Middle Eastern flavour, the popular hotel and restaurant reflects the good taste and great stewardship of this multicultural couple. Not to mention our hats are off to any dynamic duo who can work and live together in such harmony.

Happy Valentine’s Day to Nagy Geadah and Isabelle Geadah-Nopper – and to everyone in the Saanenland! 

You’ve stolen my heart. Now if only I could ski….

Best regards,

Alexis Munier

Editor in Chief