Gstaad is made up of many different groups of people, all with different interests. Whether you’re a local, a Swiss or foreign transplant, a frequent guest, or simply a weekend visitor, I urge you to step outside your comfort zone.

We can’t seem to agree on much–from the medical center to the BDG–but if we try, I’m certain we can see the big picture rather than only individual challenges. We have so much to be thankful for here. Natural beauty, low unemployment, accessible healthcare, and proper infrastructure are just some of the things we have that many others worldwide do not.

Rather than focusing on what we don't have, perhaps we can focus on what we do have. And if home is where the heart is, shouldn't we make our region a cosy chalet in which to warm up from the cold?

Riding Out the Cold
Speaking of cold, the second edition of the Snow Bike Festival will take place here in Gstaad in January. Not sure what a snow bike is? Read our article to fi nd all out the specs of the various types of winter cycles, and what races will take place during the gathering of snow bike enthusiasts from more than a dozen countries.

Whether you are fresh off the bike trails or the ski runs, you can warm up from the inside out at Charly’s Gstaad. The landmark café is set to change hands in spring, after purchase by an investor group that includes Marcel Bach.

Yet again, there is health care controversy here. Local doctors think it unfair that the municipality has pledged CHF 200,000 in funds to ensure weekend service, when they perform the same services with little to no compensation.

After public letters from several local doctors, we’ve published the latest update in the continuing controversy over patient treatment. Politically, Switzerland made a big move to the right in the last elections, and this is a triumphant moment for the rightwing Swiss People’s Party. The SVP now controls the municipality after many years on the sidelines. For those of you who don’t follow politics closely, this was the group whose posters of a black sheep being booted out from group of white sheep were deemed racist by some. In these times of uncertainty for so many of our fellow brothers, should we not aim to provide shelter from the (metaphorical) cold, sharing the warmth of our fire with those in need?

The Sunnier Side of the Street
Despite the seemingly unending health and political quarrels, there is some common ground where most of us can meet happily and bond over our mutual love of beautiful things–from art and music to food and wine:

Art: When life gave him lemons, Gstaad’s beloved confiseur Michael Villiger made paper cuts. Transforming his career must not have been easy, but as Januaria Piromallo tells us, when Villiger opened up his mind, heart, and hands to something new, he found true inspiration.

Music: Renowned violinist Renaud Capuçon makes his debut as artistic director of Les Sommets Musicaux
de Gstaad, the highlight of the winter music festival scene. This international star will bring his particular flair to the festival, yet manages to honour his predecessor Thierry Scherz by retaining a clear outline of his vision.

Food: The Alpina Gstaad’s Marcus G. Lindner has been chosen to create seasonal menus for its “SWISS Taste of Switzerland” gastronomic concept. When possible, Saanenland products will be used, making our little region available to the wider world.

Wine: Graff Delaire Estate in South Africa’s Cape Winelands is home away from home for Gstaad’s jeweller extraordinaire Laurence Graff. This long-time guest gives GSTAADLIFE an in–depth tour of his prestigious vineyard and lodges, where his many passions meld happily together.

It’s a Wrap
As we say goodbye to 2015 and embrace the New Year, let’s remember all that’s beautiful about life here in the Saanenland, and how lucky we are to enjoy it. That’s reason enough to stand together as we face whatever the future will bring.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy 2016.

Alexis Munier

Editor in Chief