Gstaad: Go Big or Go Home

  01.02.2016 Magazine

The snow is usually plentiful in February and the sun shining, with little risk of inclement weather. The first half of the month sees the exclusive Rosey weekend, which sets the region abuzz and draws well-to-do parents and friends to a wellspring of glamorous soirées. 

Later on, school holidays begin and the slopes are filled with youngsters from across Switzerland enjoying their Skiwoche, dedicated ski week. And don't forget this year’s big names at Les Sommets Musicaux, which fills the Alpine air with classical music through early February. 

But big doesn’t just mean large or copious; it can refer to expansion as well. Whether that’s of mind-set and ideals or just your waistline, it's all up to you. BDG’s Big Year Life hasn’t always been kind to Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad, the mountain railways company that runs many of the region’s ski installations. We begin the year with a seasonal update on the financial situation and future plans of the beleaguered, yet hopeful, BDG, which has recently sold off major properties to small private investors. And now that former Saanen City Councilman Heinz Brand has stepped into the director’s shoes, we can expect his charisma and insight to bring BDG the clarity of mind–and finances– residents deserve. 

 

Larger than Life 

This month GSTAADLIFE features an interview with the outspoken Taki Theodoracopulos. A long-time guest in our region, Taki has never been known to keep his brash opinions to himself. Some might find his words highly offensive–I know I do–but as Switzerland moves sharply right in its politics, you may find it refreshing to hear conservative beliefs spoken with a hint of intelligence and charm rather than the small-minded drone of Oskar Freysinger, Christoph Blocher, or even Donald Trump. 

 

Big-Hearted Businesswoman 

Women don’t usually enjoy being referred to as “big”, but Delia von Rueti might be an exception. This captivating woman with vast ideas has many strings to her bow: jewellery designer, mother of four, devoted wife, businesswoman, farmer, and humanitarian. Januaria Piromallo writes on Delia’s gigantic career path, down which she has been guided by her husband Patrick von Rueti’s love.

 

24h Little Hours

You’ll learn all about life on the slopes with two articles featuring different aspects of the region’s favourite winter sport. At Gsteig’s gruelling 24h Race, three dozen individuals and teams will ski for a full day and night–8pm to 8pm. It’s an event that requires big dreams, and even bigger stamina.

But remember, big mountains present big dangers. Champion skier Brigtta Notz found that out the hard way, as a ski accident left her injured in a remote area. Lesson learned: no matter the level of your sporting skills, always come prepared for the worst.

 

Landscape’s Largesse

If you don't know the name Ian Wilson already, you certainly will after perusing through his beautiful coffee table book, Oh Saanenland!. In this, the novelist-cum-photographer’s newest publication, the frequent guest presents photographs of his beloved Saanenland, and notably Lauenen, to the world.

If you’re in the mood for more snow, feast your eyes on our Reader’s Page, where artist and GSTAADLIFE July 2013 cover girl Irene Kung has submitted a glorious example of her unique tree portraits. Be sure to join us for the great big opening of her latest exhibition at Chalet Farb in Saanen.

 

The Bigger the Better 

It’s a thick issue this time around, and I sincerely hope GSTAADLIFE will inspire you to dream big, think big, go big, play big … and maybe even live big.

 

Happy reading,

 

Alexis Munier

Editor in Chief


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