Dancing crowds, pulsing beats, and Gstaad’s breathtaking mountain backdrop: the Caprices Festival celebrated its third edition in Saanenland — and not even the weather could spoil the party. Although the much-anticipated Glacier event at 2900 metres had to be cancelled, thousands of festivalgoers partied for three days on the Eggli, with international DJs, local talents, and a cheerful mix of guests from every generation.

The atmosphere was electric — people swaying shoulder to shoulder, the scent of food and drinks in the air, and a crowd that radiated joy. Originally born in Crans-Montana, Caprices has found a new home in Gstaad — and with each edition, it feels more firmly anchored here.

“The festival attracts a very broad audience,” said co-founder Vincent Schwab. “We have 18-year-olds, but also 75-year-olds who come for a couple of hours to enjoy the music. It’s really a generational mix.”

Friday drew spontaneous visitors, while the weekend saw packed crowds. Despite the cancelled Glacier session, the Eggli pulsed with energy until the very last beat.

Supporting Local Talent
The festival’s reputation extends far beyond Switzerland’s borders. “Caprices has existed for 25 years, and every major artist wants to perform here at least once – it’s become the place to be,” Schwab said. Yet among the international stars, the organisers make a point of spotlighting local and national DJs. “It’s important for us to give them this big stage — sometimes it’s their first step into the international scene.”

Gstaad’s Infrastructure as a Game-Changer
Hosting an alpine festival comes with logistical challenges. Instead of helicopters, materials were transported up the mountain by gondolas and trucks. “Gstaad has invested very well in its infrastructure,” Schwab noted. “We can build everything sustainably — no helicopters needed.”

Noise reduction systems and careful stage positioning ensure that the event integrates harmoniously with its surroundings.

A Festival Fueled by Passion

Behind the scenes, the Caprices team is already preparing next year’s edition — with “big changes” planned for 2026. “This isn’t a money-making machine,” Schwab emphasised. “We do it out of passion — for music and for Gstaad.”

And the effort pays off. “This year was our most successful yet,” he said. “We’ve reached the level we were hoping for, with more locals joining in. Caprices has truly arrived in Gstaad.”

INTERVIEW: DJ JayJay

“It means a lot to finally be part of this festival”

DJ JayJay from Lausanne opened Caprices on the Eggli Stage on Friday afternoon. He spoke to GstaadLife about his first performance at the festival — and his ginger-shot ritual before going on stage.

What does it mean to you to perform here?
Friends of my parents were huge Caprices fans, so I came here every year as a kid. To now play here myself means a lot — it’s a dream come true.

Was this your first Caprices set?
Yes, it’s my debut as a DJ here. I’ve always wanted to perform at Caprices, and I feel truly honoured.

How did you get into electronic and house music?
I was inspired by big-name DJs and started developing my own sound. With friends, I founded Collectif 52, a small festival in French-speaking Switzerland, where we also host smaller events with other DJs. It’s always inspiring to watch them perform.

Do you bring your own equipment?
No, the setup is provided by the organisers — four CDJ 3000s and a V10 mixer. Every DJ works with the same gear; you just have to adapt.

How do people react to your sound?
Crowds differ, so I always adapt. If people start dancing, I stay in that groove — if not, I switch things up.

Any pre-show rituals?
Always a ginger shot before I play! And I plan about five tracks, then improvise based on the crowd’s energy. You can’t just press play on 20 songs in a row.

Your goals?
To keep growing — step by step — and perform at more festivals like Caprices.

Article and interview by Paula H. Mittag | AvS | Edited for GstaadLife Magazine
All photos by Fabio ZinggMystical vibes on the Eggli mountain