GstaadLife

World-renowned Scottish mountaineer Jamie Andrew, OBE, will speak Wednesday, May 25, 8 pm at the Landhaus Hotel, Saanen. 

Andrew was the height of his climbing career in 1998 when tragedy struck; a terrible storm in the French Alps claimed the life of his climbing partner and left him with severe hypothermia and frostbite. As a result, Andrew became a quadruple amputee, losing both his hands and feet.  Despite this challenge he has continued to thrive both personally and professionally, continuing his mountaineering career and raising a family. 

 “Our greatest limitations are those we impose on ourselves,” believes Andrew, who focuses on realistic, achievable goals and the power of positive thinking.  He shares his inspirational account of survival and adaptation in Life and Limb—A True Story of Tragedy and Survival.  Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

Sponsored by the John F. Kennedy International School’s Alpine Club and Parent Teacher Association, there is no charge for entry.  Donations, however, will be accepted to cover the cost of the event and further school development projects.

Gstaad International School has just announced plans for a luxurious new campus within Hotel Alpine Lodge.  Located between Saanen and Gstaad, the hotel is is comprised of two chalets, indoor and outdoor pools and a modern fitness centre. In the next few months, it will be partially transformed to integrate bright, spacious classrooms and common rooms. While Alpine Lodge will continue to operate as a hotel, attracting guests throughout the year, it will over time house the school's older pupils.

“The acquisition of Alpine Lodge is a natural step for Gstaad International School,’ commented Mark Malley, CEO of Bellevue Education Group, which acquired the school in 2012. “The school already offers a unique learning experience for its pupils; now they will benefit from unrivalled facilities and accommodation.”

Home to several of the finest international schools in the world, the Gstaad/Saanenland region has been offering a first-class education for over 100 years. While the famed Le Rosey and John F. Kennedy International School host a majority of pupils, the petite Gstaad International School proves good things come in small packages.  The school, which recently became a Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) member, has historically maintained low pupil numbers and small class sizes for a personalised learning environment. 

An open reception will be hosted at Alpine Lodge on Saturday, June 29. Residents are welcome to learn more about Gstaad International School and its educational philosophy at the event, as well as connect with staff and administration. The Gstaad community is very important to the school, insists Executive Headmaster Christopher Sanderson, who hopes to strengthen existing ties by closely engaging with residents and local businesses.

An official public invitation is expected to follow with further details.

A new chapter has opened not only with the JFK international school but also with its previous managers - the Lovell's. Well, Bill, Sandy, Bryce and Vicktoria Lovell started their own company - Lovell Camps which offer boys and girls from around the globe both summer and winter holidays. They told us that these camps combine sport, language, and outdoor and cultural excursions. More after the jump.

BEMO (Bewegte Momente) is happening again - Sunday October 23 2011 from 10h00 to 13h00 at the school sports center between Saanen and Gstaad. They bring out every bit of sports equipment you can think of and the children can use everything for free. Parents are responsible for their little ones so you cannot just dump them there - but lots of fun is guaranteed and they will sleep soundly that night.

The construction markers are finally up for the next monster construction project in Saanenland. The development will be built at the east entrance to the village where 6 duplex and one triplex house are planned featuring about 80 apartments and space for offices. For details and pictures go to gstaad-saanen-site.ch. Any objections?

For years we have waited for someone to come up with a plan and the permission to do something with that old, run-down Hotel La Gare in Saanen. Over the past decade, various architects have tried to get construction permission to rebuild the Hotel La Gare but so far no consensus could be reached. Now Fabian Reichenbach of the eponymous architecture firm based in Gstaad believes he has the answer, and is trying again with what is described as a smaller more 'Saanenlike' project. Coming in midst of the Saanen renaissance, this one feels like it has a chance, so let's hope for some sanity on the planning commission because anything is better than the current eyesore. 

 
Don't miss this great market - lots of stands, lots of food and lots of fun. It starts at 9:00 and goes until 17:00. The Lions Club Gstaad Saanenland will also have a stand there where they collect old reading glasses for SightFirst - so don't forget to bring them. 

Is it getting harder and harder to convince your teenagers to come up and slow down in Gstaad? Well now they don't have to slow down, with the July 16 opening of the new skatepark in Oeyetli-Saanen (on the other side of the field beside the river opposite the Eggli-Saanen skilift). The skateboard club of Saanenland is also holding training sessions for all-comers every Thursday from 18h00 to 19h30. 

The Steigenberger Hotel Gstaad-Saanenland celebrated its 30th anniversary last Thursday. If you haven't payed it much attention so far (chain hotel and all that) we can warmly suggest to give it a try - the view from its terrace is simply amazing and GstaadLife recommends as an insider tip for August 1st fireworks. 

 
The Hotel Landhaus Saanen recently unveiled its newly-renovated hotel rooms. Not bad, not bad, we have to say - we like the local 'Scherenschnitt' art and the use of special materials. Interior designer Andreas von Siebenthal is the man behind this simple but effective alpine chic decor.