Breaking the Blue Sky Ceiling

  26.06.2016 Magazine

As most of our British readers know, the UK has spent the past few months gearing up for a so-called Brexit vote on leaving the European Union. I for one am most happy the vote is over for one reason alone. Whether you fancied the winning campaign or not, what’s most important is that we can now remove that awful portmanteau from our lexicon permanently. Brangelina, you can remain. Brexit, please leave.

For the Americans among us, it has been month after month of presidential candidates vying for their respective party nominations. From deranged real estate moguls to aging wannabe socialists, Switzerland has watched with amusement, and perhaps a little disbelief (read: disgust). But with Hillary Clinton as the first female nominee, the United States may finally catch up to dear old Switzerland, which saw its first female president Ruth Dreifuss take charge in 1999.

 

Ladies First

Speaking of firsts, I’m happy to welcome you to this year’s first summer issue of GSTAADLIFE. And now that we’ve got the international stress out of the way, we can relax and enjoy a quiet summer in the Saanenland. If we’re lucky, Mother Nature will be kind, and the biggest breaking news story here will be a sighting of the sun, which must be off travelling with the president at the moment.

 

She’s a Brick House

After the success of our 2015 summer series on animals, I’m proud to present a new collection of pages that will grace our magazine for the next three months. Based on a beautiful hardbound book featuring Saanen’s historic buildings and homes by Bendicht Hauswirth, Saanen – ein historischer Dorfführer is the extraordinary work of a local who has spent his life and career exploring a passion for the area’s architecture. 

It wouldn’t be the first issue of summer without a ubiquitous update of Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad. But unlike in years past, now there’s cause to celebrate, as this spring saw the announcement of purely positive news. BDG has happily announced their renewed commitment to artificial snowmaking, new installations, and last but not least, the renovation of selected existing facilities. They’ve also stated that a new panoramic gondola will be installed on Eggli, which will provide residents and guests a ride full of fantastic views.

 

Climbing Her Way to the Top

Let's give a hand to our Profile interviewee this month, Carla Jaggi, a young mountain guide in training. Born and bred in the Saanenland, this avid climber is one of few women to attempt the strenuous and difficult three-year process of becoming a Bergführerin. In doing so, Jaggi proves that even in this male-dominated profession, a woman’s touch can indeed keep clients in safe hands.

On the subject of women, this year marks the return of Ladies Tennis to Gstaad. As the first women's tennis tournament in Gstaad since 1983, the fairer sex will return to play in Switzerland, when from 9 – 17 July, 2016 the Ladies Championship Gstaad will be held. Now tennis will rank as the region’s top summer sport, with nearly two weeks of game play held annually.

 

Fit to be Tied

One of my favourite women, Mae West, once said, “A dame that knows the ropes isn't likely to get tied up.” So let’s not get tied up in any more debate. Summer is here–and whether you’re donning a bikini or a burqa, I hope to see you enjoying all the Saanenland has to offer.


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