But for those of us who are more biscuits than biceps, a parasol, picnic, and good book, or dare I say, copy of the new and improved GSTAADLIFE, may be just the things to bring along for the ride. That and a strapping young lad to manage the oars while you glean through our pages and catch up on all the local news you’ve missed.

Watershed Down
April and May are traditionally the quiet months of spring in the Saanenland. But while the off-season saw visitors draw to a trickle, fierce storms left the region soaking wet. Although the rains were welcome after a relatively dry winter, some streams were bursting at their seams. Be sure to read our article on Chalberhöni, which sustained tens of thousands of francs in damages, and–despite a rehabilitation project–still needs work in order to secure its basin.

Flagship Design
Elisabeth Wampfler walked the plank two decades ago and left the Saanenland to pursue studies in architecture and urban planning in Lausanne. Now Wampfler has returned to become one of the region’s shining architectural stars. Ironically, she’s now working on projects here that are larger than anything she tackled in the big city. From The Alpina to Le Rosey’s new campus to the Saanen airport, Wampfler proves that even small towns have room for big ideas.

Speaking of the airport, we have a full page on the upcoming redesign of the Saanenland’s only runway. With a complete overhaul and reconstruction in the works, the project is one of the largest Switzerland has even seen for a regional airport. Word has it there will be something for everyone at the new facility–from the technologically innovative rotating hangar for private planes to an observation deck from which to watch the well-heeled guests fly in.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat
This summer, GSTAADLIFE continues to sail along. Like in all seasons past, the magazine presents several new features.

I’d like to welcome you to our Reader’s Page at the forefront of every issue. Send us your favourite photo of the Saanenland, with a short description and bio, and we may just publish it in an upcoming issue. Congrats to Andrea C., who snapped this photo when she happened upon a family of llamas at the top of Wispile, which is only slightly rarer than catching a glimpse of another famous Lama in these parts.

Bert Inäbnit, who graced our cover two summers ago, is a nature enthusiast and wildlife expert. In a debut series entitled Flora & Fauna, Inäbnit will explore all manner of living creature in the Saanenland. With translation help from GSTAADLIFE’s very own Markus Iseli, we’ll bring Inäbnit’s
extraordinary photographs and profound knowledge of local creatures to you in upcoming editions.

Change of Crew
It’s with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to columnist Mandolyna Theodoracopulos, who generously graced our pages with her acerbic wit and controversial commentary. A mere “thank you” is not enough to express our gratitude, and we wish Mandolyna well, wherever the tide may take her.

However, we are thrilled to welcome back a familiar face–Diana Oehrli–to GSTAADLIFE. Some of you might remember her work here several years ago as Editor in Chief. Now, Oehrli joins our team as a columnist, sharing her views on timely local topics. As a half-American, half-Swiss writer who has lived in the United States, France, Switzerland, and beyond, Oehrli’s unique perspective will have you falling for her hook, line, and sinker.

From Stem to Stern
This issue is packed with stories and images to rock your boat, no matter where you may put down anchor. Here's to wishing you a Bon Voyage! as you row merrily down a Saanen stream to the summer of your dreams.