Business Divide-and-conquer marketing The one thing everyone agrees on is that the region offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Compartmentalising the mountain areas by activity will facilitate marketing them to specific tourist groups. Future positioning would label the area from Schönried to Zweisimmen as a family and daytrip location, under the slogan “Family and Fun”. It would feature targeted offers in gas-
tronomy and ski lifts. The western sector, Eggli and Videmanette, would be tailored to longer-term guests who enjoy boutique holidays with gourmet food, services and lifestyle options. Wispile would be family-oriented with sledging opportunities. Rellerli would remain strong as a free-ride and ski-touring zone for advanced skiers. But plans for summer activities are on the table as well. In addition to traditional hiking, bik-
ing is set to become a new focus in the region. Downhill scooters and flyers will also feature prominently in the western area. Future of the mountain Just how BDG plans will help or hinder these divide-and-conquer marketing efforts remains to be seen. But what is clear is that without a viable plan for the future, the economic health and well-being of the Saanenland remains at risk.
Local News
Molkerei Approves Land Purchase for Building Construction BY: GSTAADLIFE
The Molkerei, dairy cooperative of Gstaad, is moving to greener pastures. On Thursday, November 29th the General Assembly voted unanimously to purchase a plot of land on which to build their new production and storage facility. While the group had first decided to buy the plot last June, it was subject to the approval of the construction permit. Now, permit in hand, the entire project is on its way to becoming a reality. The dairy collective’s shop will remain in the village at its current location on Lauenenstrasse. The fate of the portion of the building that will be vacated after the facilities move is yet undecided. Ideas include using it for storage or even rental apartments. Milking them for all they’re worth With a budget of 9.1 million francs, the cooperative will take over the “Chräwel” parcel in Gstaad. The existing structure will be levelled, and a new, three-storey production and storage building will take its place. “The costs are realistic,” states René Ryser, Director of the Molkerei. “The dairy area, where milk is made into cheese in various stages, is the most expensive part of the oper-
Photo: Anzeiger von Saanen
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ation. Luckily we can move this area directly to the new facilities.” Funding for the project comes not only from the cooperative itself; public funds are necessary. The Municipality of Saanen has pledged 160,000 francs but only under certain conditions. To benefit, the project must gain federal and cantonal support as well. “Talks with the Foundation for Agricultural Credit are in the works,” says Ryser. “We are also speaking to three banks.” The Molkerei’s cash cow Despite the stability of milk prices last year, a six percent-decline was noted for
the financial year 2012-2013. The decline in profits was, among other things, attributed to the changing structure of the cooperative. Last year the Gstaad dairy took over the Saanen dairy, which came at an additional cost and increased expenses. However, this year there is no such collaboration. In other administrative news, Board Members Roland Zahler and Alfred Haldi retired but a decision was made not to replace them. This reduces the board from seven to five members. The Executive Board currently includes President Jürg Romang, Vice-Chairman Daniel Hauswirth, Secretary Hansueli Müllener, and Assesors Beat Walker and George Reichenbach.
Gstaad’s Dedicated Snowboarding Shop in New Location BY: GSTAADLIFE
Snowboard shop “pure” has moved from its location on Gstaad’s Promenade to bigger new digs at Umfahrungstrasse 11.
The first and only snowboarding specialty shop in the area, “pure” offers equipment from brands such as Nitro, Carhartt and Burton. In addition, owner and snowboarding
enthusiast David Schmid arranges private lessons, freestyle training, backcountry and heliboarding adventures for daring customers. www.pure-snowboarding.ch