GSTAADLIFE, 4. August 2017

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LIFES T Y LE

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Issue 5 | 4 August 2017 CHF 3.50

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Hedi Donizetti celebrated her 90th birthday

NEXT ROUND FOR THE RELLERLI Local association tries to save cable car

RUN! Bernhard Tschannen makes people sweat GstaadLife 5 I 2017

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SUMMER DELIGHTS AT THE BELLEVUE 3rd Gstaad Züglete

Outdoor Gourmet Cinema

Real Brunch & Real Cows 2nd September

“When movies and food are truly paired” 6th August - Woman on Top 10th September - Ratatouille

Alpine Yoga Retreat Chantal Soeters returns to share her wisdom of yoga, healthy eating and mindful lifestyle 29th September - 2nd October

Le Petit Chalet‘s delicious Rotisserie Open year-round New from 12.00 noon until 22.30 Menu : Chicken, fries, salad 28 Chf

Afternoon Tea / Great Golden and Curious Cucumber Croquet Challenge Cup Brunch from 11.30 followed by play and Afternoon Tea from 15.00 until 18.00 3rd September

The Live Jazz Lazy Brunch Every Sunday until 3rd September from 11.30 to 15.00

Alfresco Romantic Dinner Composed for two; a private gastronomic moment

Bellevue Garden Picnic Full Moon at Le Grand Spa Spa till late...

7th August / 6th September / 5th October from 20.30 until 23.30

Choose your site and we spoil you with your own picnic hamper full of goodies

Sushi Saturday Rock n‘ Roll your own sushi 26th August from 11.00 until 12.30

Patisserie 1, 2, 3 Three days, three courses, three thousand calories!

10th / 17th / 24th August from 15.00 until 16.30

Thai Buffet Dinner

Le Grand Bellevue‘s 3rd Harley Rallye

Visiting Chef - Mathias Droz 30th September

Hear the motors growl 22nd to 25th September

ART ABOUNDS What better place to be than the Saanenland for people who enjoy encounters with art in all its guises!

When Hedi Donizetti was at the helm of the Olden, she infused the hotel with her singing and painting. A tribute to her 90th birthday.

Lord Yehudi Menuhin's legacy, the Gstaad Menuhin Festival, does justice to the spirit of its founder with splendid concerts and plans to reach out to the young.

Papercutting is often not allowed to rank amongst the fine arts. Regina Martin explains why that would be the right place for it.

And a new creative power recently arrived in the Saanenland. Iranian-born Maryam Owji relocated from London to find inspiration in our mountains.

Thanks to initiative indiviudals the Saanenland boasts a vibrant and diverse art scene. There is room for everything, from local tradition and heritage to the fine arts; something to enjoy and appreciate for everybody.

Best regards,

Markus Iseli, Publishing Director

CONTENTS LOCAL NEWS New fire station in Gstaad

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A good year for the BDG

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“Friends of the Rellerli” are planning a new cable car

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Hotel Solsana is to be sold

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Early Beck takes over Brotbar

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Improved dairy cooperation

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GSTAAD LIVING Gstaad’s surprising role during the Cold War

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All things cheese

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PROFILE 14

Run!

ARTS & CULTURE 16

Saanen à la Janoska

The Gstaad Menuhin Festival reaches out to the young 17

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Cutting a fine form

SPORTS & LEISURE Gstaad tennis – we are family

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After the tennis comes the polo

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LIFESTYLE Sewing thread and paint brush

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Happy Birthday Hedi Olden!

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COLUMN 25

Expat Adventures

Cover Photo: Glacier 3000 GstaadLife, Anzeiger von Saanen, Kirchstrasse 6, P.O. Box 201, 3780 Gstaad, Phone: 033 748 88 74, Fax: 033 748 88 84, www.gstaadlife.com Management Board and Publisher: Frank Müller, frank.mueller@gstaadlife.com Publishing Director: Markus Iseli, markus.iseli@gstaadlife.com Contributors: Anna Charles, Davina Gateley, Guy Girardet, Anne Christine Kempton, Alexis Munier Layout: Epu Shaha, Aline Brawand Advertising: Eliane Behrend, advertising@gstaadlife.com, Phone: 033 748 88 71 Subscriptions: Flurina Welten, subscriptions@gstaadlife.com, Phone: 033 748 88 74

GstaadLife 5 I 2017

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SALES | RENTALS | ADMINISTRATION THE ADRESS FOR YOUR HOME IN GSTAAD SINCE 1970.

Gschwendstrasse 2 | CH-3780 Gstaad Tel. +41 33 748 45 50 | Fax. +41 33 748 45 51 info@gerax.ch | www.gerax.ch

gerax_ins_200x139mm.indd 1

10.02.17 17:00

NEWS Photo: Chaletbau Matti Architektur AG

NEW FIRE STATION IN GSTAAD For many years, Gstaad’s fire brigade has actively been searching for a preferable location. Now, there is big news for these local heroes – not only will a new fire station be built, but it will house both the fire brigades of Gstaad and Saanen. The cantonal police and Ordnungsdienst will also make the move to the building.

The project details were decided last year when on 15 April, 2016, the municipal council approved the entire venture, including a land exchange and an investment loan of CHF 11.663m. Finding a new site was not easy; many locations were tested and finally one site was selected. The municipality of Saanen receives the plot at Gsteigstrasse 12 including the new multi-purpose building, and in return they hand over their share of the property at Spittelweg 7 to Bach Immobilien AG / Matti Immobilien AG. The exchange, however, is not quite equal, and the municipality has to pay an extra CHF 3m.

A three-story building is planned

by Chaletbau Matti Architektur AG. The basement floor will contain a parking area for the police, the Ordnungsdienst, and residents. A cellar, warehouse, and technical rooms will also be located in the basement, while the ground floor will be fully utilised by the fire brigade. This has been accounted for in the design, and the height in the front area will be larger for tall vehicles such as fire trucks. This also allows an intermediate floor in the rear area. On the first floor there will be offices for the

police and the Ordnungsdienst as well as an apartment. The attic floor will provide the police station with space for rest and relaxation, and two apartments will complete the top floor of the building.

Two teams in one

With the future construction, the two fire brigades of Saanen and Gstaad will be consolidated. According to fire brigade commander Christian Brand, this had been considered for some time. By combining the two, planning and coordination will be simplified. “Instead of organising an exercise at two locations in the future, we will only need one location,” says Brand.

The merger will not have an effect on personnel requirements. “But in the future, young people urgently need to take up this responsible job at the fire brigade. We have a number of older members who will leave the service in a few years.”

The Gstaad brigade performs approximately 70 percent of the total 60 to 90 regional deployments per year.

With the merger, operations can be better managed, so that no one team

has a high level of operations while the other has no significantly lower degree of activity.

Many advantages

The new building, located opposite the Rütti school, will have many advantages. It will offer more space for the fire brigade, and allow them to make important acquisitions which were not possible in the past. For one, a twist ladder will be purchased, which was not feasible in either the old brigade buildings of Saanen or Gstaad, but is now due to the new building’s higher ceilings.

“Up to now, we had been dependent on the controllers of the Château-d’Oex fire brigade,” explains Brand. “If we can now buy our own vehicle, we will be able to help each other.”

All objections to the project could now be solved by mutual agreement and construction is set to begin in September. With a projected construction period of approximately twelve months, the fire brigade is likely to move into the new building in Autumn 2018.

ALEXIS MUNIER / AVS

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Photo: Anita Moser

NEWS

Matthias In-Albon, Heinz Brand, and Adrian di Camillo are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

A GOOD YEAR FOR THE BDG After a challenging year, the region’s mountain railway company – Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad (BDG) – has released its annual financial statement. Despite adverse circumstances, there was at least some good news to be had; operations could be financed from the company’s own resources. However, turnover did not increase, as it did the year before. In the closing financial year, a slight decline was noted, both in turnover and both operating and personnel costs.

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oss of turnover totalled CHF 600,000 (-2.6%), as compared to the previous year. Part of the reason for reduced sales was a devastatingly unpredictable winter. Snow was plentiful in early season, yet it was followed by the second-largest collapse since the beginning of measurement. During Christmas week, typically one of the highest grossing weeks of the year, many of the slopes remained closed. It was officially the driest December in the past 150 years, as well as the coldest January in 30 years. February saw above-average warm temperatures, and March was drowned out in heavy rainfall.

Personnel expenditure was lowered by 12%, allowing the company to save CHF 1.26m. As dictated in the restructuring concept, management was decreased, and BDG now operates on just one level of offices instead of the previous two. However, there were only two staff dismissals.

“Thanks to the optimisation of personnel deployment, there is big potential,” says In-Albon.

Despite receiving no public money for the operation, total operating expenditures were reduced by CHF 3.6m or 28%.

The purged savings are at an almost double-digit percentage, despite a raise in snowmaking expenses of more than CHF 400,000 for December and January compared to the previous year. Thanks to the refund of the mineral tax on snow groomers, total energy costs were only CHF 100,000 more than the p ­ revious year.

According to financial advisor Adrian Di Camillo, profit before depreciation increased 4.5-fold, from 4.85% to 22.3%. This is the first time in many years that the com-

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pany succeeded in maintaining operations with only its own funds.

“We are still not where we must be in order to be able to stand on our own feet,” says In-Albon.

In total, BDG generated a cash flow of CHF 5.118m and had a symbolic profit of CHF 100,000. BDG continues to move in the direction of the targeted EBITDA margin, a sustainable 30-35%. Management believes that if the winter weather next season cooperates and if they keep costs under control, the compa- “It was a difficult business ny will hit the level of year,” emphasises Matthother mountain railway companies. ias In-Albon, Managing “We have succeeded in Director, BDG, “a year of achieving a good result extremes.” in a not very simple year, with many challenges,” says Brand. “We are now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for the first time.”

The general meeting of the BDG will take place on Saturday, 26 August.

ALEXIS MUNIER / AVS

The Rellerli cable car is due to close in 2019, but a new initiative led by locals is seeking to redevelop it. There are a number of hurdles that first need to be resolved.

Four of the board members: Heinrich Welten, Max Baur, Paul Wheren, and Roland Reichenbach (from left) with a project preview in the background.

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he association, Friends of the Rellerli, was established in March 2017 in a last-ditch attempt to save the Rellerli cable car in Schönried. At their first general assembly on 1 July, held aptly on top of the Rellerli, the proposed plan for redevelopment was presented. There seems to be a lot of support to save the Rellerli, with 150 members in attendance. The association already has 565 members and including donors and others, there are at least 743 supporters in total.

Restructuring plans for the Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad AG (BDG) from 2015 include the closure of the Rellerli cable car. This decision was made at an extraordinary municipal assembly in Semptember 2015. It was also decided that the Berghaus, a restaurant at the top of the cable car, would be sold for CHF 5.5m as well as the rights to the base station.

The aim of the association is to reopen the cable care. In order to reach its goal, the association is dependant on partnerships with the BDG and the purchaser of the Berghaus, Ernesto Bertarelli. President of the association, Max Baur, understands the importance of reaching an agreement, especially with the Bertarelli family, who he plans to meet in August. From the perspective of the BDG’s managing director, Matthias In-Albon, their hands are tied as contracts have been signed and approval

Photo: Anita Moser

NEWS

“FRIENDS OF THE RELLERLI” ARE PLANNING A NEW CABLE CAR

given by the city council. Equally the president of the city council, Toni von Grünigen, has said that they are bound by the vote in 2015.

For Baur, the conversion of the Berghaus into a chalet is unacceptable as well as complicated. Planning permission would be challenging given that the building is located in an agricultural area. Added, access to the proposed chalet may be a problem due to existing easements and the property could possibly only be reached via cable car. However, Baur is optimistic. He believes that a “Win-Win-Win” situation could be achieved, for the municipality, the BDG as well as the Bertarelli family – a ready-made cable car.

The newly developed Rellerli, proposed by the Friends of the Rellerli, would be ready by the winter of 2020 with the projected cost between CHF 10-12m. Association member Ernst B. Frautschi has said that the new facility would use the newest technological innovations. Each cabin

would accommodate up to ten people, with the capacity to transport 600 people per hour. The existing departure station would still be used and a new mountain station could be constructed at the top. The next step would be to encourage the BDG to apply for a period of extended operation and to commence the procurement of funds.

One thing that has become clear is the special significance that the mountains have locally. Cable cars are not only the physical connection to the peaks, but also symbolise a historical reach to the fathers and grandfathers who built them. Tony Steffen, an 80-year-old member, recalls that his father had the idea for the Diablerets cable car but at the time, people laughed at him. He unfortunately died at the Matterhorn, but five years later work began at the Diablerets.

Steffen is optimistic, and believes that all shall be well in the end. www.reller.li DAVINA GATELEY / AVS

GstaadLife 5 I 2017

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NEWS Photo: Anita Moser

HOTEL SOLSANA IS TO BE SOLD Hotel Solsana is up for sale, as the owner association struggles with the high costs of operation in the Saanenland. The hotel belongs to the Swiss Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It is fitted for the visually impaired, and had staff trained to assist such guests. In the past few years, members of the association have been the primary guests of the hotel.

Alfred Rikli, executive board member of the association, argues that it requires specific hotel business experience to run a successful property, which is not the case for the association. “We want to increase our core business,” he explains.

Alternatives to selling the property were tested, including the possibility of turning the hotel into condominiums. However, the association has concluded that the best option is to sell, and the first steps of this process have been initiated. Whether Hotel Solsana will remain open until it will change hands has yet to be determined.

ALEXIS MUNIER / AVS

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GstaadLife 5 I 2017

Working under the same roof: Erika Huber, Assia Raihane, Margrit Flückiger, André Marmet (milk processing cooperative), René Ryser (Molkerei Gstaad), Linda Narayanan-Schwander, Alexander Scherz, and Sathya Narayanan (Ruci Swiss Ice Cream).

Photo: Blanca Burri

Also, the Saanenland is expensive for operations, which renders it difficult to attract a clientele that often has to live on pensions and therefore can’t devote high sums for holidaying.

EARLY BECK TAKES OVER BROTBAR Expanding its baked goods empire, Early Beck will take over

Photo: Blanca Burri

Brotbar at the end of August

Murielle and Eric Oehrli, owners of Early Beck, with a network of stores from Gstaad to Bulle.

2017. Early Beck, the Saanenland’s biggest chain bakery, has outlets across the region and into the neighbouring area of the Pays-d’Enhaut.

Rumours had been circulating for some time that Brotbar might change hands. The bakery was started by Heinz Brand decades ago. In 2004 it was taken over by Charly’s, which was still owned

by Stefan Romang. Unfortunately, losses will not allow the Gstaad tearoom to continue its Brotbar operations, e­ xplains the current manager ­C hrista Hauswirth.

In this current acquisition, Early Beck will rent the shop from owner Heinz Brand and the shop will keep its doors open without interruption.

Since Early Beck has a large production facility in Oey, Saanen, the baking room at Brotbar will no longer be used. Some of the current employees will stay on, while others must seek new employment.

ALEXIS MUNIER / AVS

IMPROVED DAIRY COOPERATION Focusing on consolidating their facilities, the milk processing cooperative in Saanen took on a new space last autumn. The expanded milk production centre allows for ice cream production, cheese processing, and milk collection all under one roof.

Last October, the milk processing cooperative relocated to new premises out of the main village of Saanen, en route to Rougemont.

At the old location in the centre of Saanen the dairy was demolished and a new building with apartments and commercial space is being built.

The new centre is located vis-à-vis the airfield and is both practical and hygienic for collecting milk.

The entrance is covered and therefore weatherproof.

“There is a room with chilled tanks for regular milk and organic

milk, as well as a washing installation for farmer’s milk cans,” explains André Marmet, president of the cooperative.

Because the dairy cooperative currently does not produce further products from its milk supply, it has rented half the facility to Ruci Swiss Ice Cream and the Molkerei Gstaad. Through the move to the new production plant in Saanen, Linda and Sathya Narayanan now produce Ruci themselves, allowing them to respond more flexibly to customer requirements. Keeping the product fresh, milk is brought directly from the milk tank to the ice cream processing machines.

The Molkerei Gstaad moved to the new premises to plane and wrap its Hobelkäse. The container in front of the Käsereifungslager in Grund, where the cheese was provisionally processed heretofore, will be removed.

ALEXIS MUNIER / AVS

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GSTAAD’S SURPRISING ROLE When one thinks about the Cold War, the last place that springs to mind is Gstaad. However, Gstaad was the training hub for Switzerland’s stay-behind resistance and, in the event of a Soviet invasion, would have been one of the last bastions of defiance.

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any events of the Cold War were played out at Switzerland’s doorstep, and the threat of a communist invasion was taken very seriously. Switzerland set in place a covert plan, a stay-behind resistance cadre that would become active in the event of an occupation. Eventually, this top-secret section of the military intelligence agency was given the codename Project 26.

P-26

The organisation had its beginnings in 1940 and was financed through a secret military fund with yearly costs of CHF 3m. When P-26 was dissolved in 1990, it had 320 members in 40 clandestine cells across Switzerland, specialising in sabotage, espionage and propaganda. Members were average citizens with backgrounds such as politicians, editors and artists. They had low profiles but possessed leadership skills, high intelligence and the qualities necessary to operate in an underground resistance network.

The members were never allowed to discuss their involvement, not even with relatives, with a breach punishable

by Military Law. Confidentiality was only lifted in 2009, when members received official recognition from the Confederation. Indeed, it was only at this point that colleagues, friends and even relatives discovered that they, too had been members of P-26. In 1990 the Parliamentary Commission for Investigation (PUK-EMD) uncovered P-26, surrounded by media and public scrutiny.

The Schweizerhof The hidden entrance at the end of the Oberbortstrasse, a popular spot for young mountaineers to practice their climbing skills. After the camouflaged main door follow another set of armoured doors and air locks. Though no longer in use, the whole facility is still protected by a safety system.

In the 1980s, recruited members of P-26 made their journey to Gstaad for training. The training hub was at the codenamed “Schweizerhof”, which is tucked unassumingly behind the Palace Hotel. In a cave-like system, an underground facility was built containing training and medical rooms, accommodation, kitchen and even a shooting range.

It was shrouded in secrecy. For many years local Georges Oberson was responsible for the maintenance of the Schweizerhof, although he never discussed it with anyone, not even his family.

Training

Precise planning was necessary when members travelled to Gstaad. Individuals received a detailed written assignment, with a travel itinerary and where and when to meet

DURING THE COLD WAR

Photos: Felix Nöthiger

Two large Sulzer diesel engines, which can provide electricity and heating, had been put in place to keep the facility going for a whole year off the grid.

their trainer. The assignment provided coded greetings to ensure they met the right person, as an alias was used.

The trainees were even given a cover story so suspicions were not raised.

members themselves truly believed in the cause and would have, in order to prevent capture, adhered to the iron rule – not be taken alive.

Saanen’s airfield

Trainees were accommodated in the Schweizerhof and for four days, they would only come into contact with their instructor, whose identity was hidden. First visits involved basic training on how to survive undetected under a hostile occupation. Espionage tactics were practiced, such as the use of dead letter boxes and covert signalling. In further courses, the relevant members would learn to locate drop zones for nightly supply flights.

If activated, operations would have included an underground newspaper, hiding endangered citizens and sabotaging railways and telephone networks.

Controversy

When P-26 was uncovered, its weapons and explosives came to light as well and raised many questions. The handguns were said to be for self-defence and explosives to sabotage the infrastructure of the Soviet occupier.

However, the existence of a clandestine, highly trained and armed cadre organisation with hundreds of members did not escape controversy. The

In the event where only part of Switzerland was occupied, a command post would have been established at the Schweizerhof. Daily status reports from the resistance in the occupied areas would have then been received via radio at Saanen’s airfield. These updates would be compiled and forwarded to the Federal Council, who at this point would have sought refuge and set up central command in a bunker. This would have been the only remaining link between the Federal Council and the Swiss population under occupation.

MUSÉE RÉSISTANCE SUISSE The Schweizerhof installation is a protected monument and is currently under the care of Pro Castellis, a cultural institution.

The historian Felix Nöthiger is responsible for the Musée Résistance Suisse in Gstaad and is the expert on the Schweizerhof.

He believes that it is of great historical significance and to this aim has been seeking funding for the Musée through the Club of 10, consisting of local public figures and institutions. All the places are for life with five still available. This winter, the Musée will be officially opened by representatives of the Federal Council and other dignitaries.

Due to a protection period, the Schweizerhof will not be open to the public until 2041. Currently, only the employees of the Federal Intelligence Service, some military personnel and Club of 10 members have access.

If all of Switzerland fell under enemy control, the Schweizerhof command would have had to cover their tracks, destroying the transmission system and all documentation. It would have also meant that capture would have had to be avoided at all costs, possibly even by mass suicide. Simultaneously, the mobile leadership abroad, evacuated at an earlier stage, would have taken control of the resistance cells via radio.

DAVINA GATELEY / AVS

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By appointment only Tuesday to Friday 9:30am to 12 noon 2pm to 5:30pm Closed Mondays

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afe passage requires local knowledge,” reads a sign for boaters navigating waterways near Palm Beach, Florida.

Nothing could be truer for those tasked with the cumbersome valuation, insurance, removal as well as

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Photo: Piguet

ADVERTISING

FROM CHÂTEAU TO CHALET: COMMERCE OF ART & ART OF COMMERCE

sale and/or disposal of furnishings in a mountain residence. Piguet, the leading Swiss auctioneer of house sales, possesses both the experience and the expertise for any home, be it a chalet or a château. In addition, skilled Swiss professionals, present at the location to move sales and fur-

nishings, give Piguet a leading edge in their business Moreover, executors and other professional advisors – whether based here and/or abroad – need only delegate and in so doing also profit from “local knowledge” or savoir-faire.

Gstaad offers a host of summer activities ranging from hiking, swimming in mountain lakes plus child friendly distractions. In between it might just be necessary to take a break and enjoy some light-ish relief.

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heese is at the heart of the Saanenland with traditional cheese making beginning in the 1500s. It is almost an art form with many accompanying traditions. There are many local varieties so being cheese literate is essential.

The most well known local cheeses are alpkäse (alp cheese), bergkäse (mountain cheese) and hobelkäse.

Alp cheese is produced from the milk of cows that graze on alpine pastures. It is made daily during summer using the traditional, handcrafted way. There are many different varieties of alp cheese, with distinct tastes resulting from the production styles, herbs and storage methods used. The cheese takes a minimum of six months to mature.

There is a difference between alp and mountain cheese, though they are often confused. Mountain cheese is produced in dairies in the valley throughout the year. Hobelkäse is usually made from alp cheese and needs 18 months or more until it is ready. It is served after being cut into wafer thin, individual rolls.

Ryser, the manager of Molkerei Gstaad. Ryser’s knowledge is unprecedented and with 37 years of cheese making experience he is now a master cheese-maker. He says that the grotto contains “the best of the best” ­Hobelkäse and there is even one that is 150 years old. Cheese tasting and an aperitif are also provided, though appointments should be made the ­ day before.

Cheese grotto: www.molkerei-gstaad.ch Barn tours: www.stallvisite.ch Farm stays: for a list of locations see www.gstaad.ch Adopt an alp: www.adopt-an-alp.com

Barn tours

If you have ever wished to see the interior of a cow barn and see milk production taking place, than this is the perfect chance. An online initiative by the Swiss Farmers Association, the Open Barn Doors programme matches visitors across Switzerland with their nearest participating farmer.

Photo: René Ryser

GSTA AD LIVING

ALL THINGS CHEESE

Farm stays

It is possible to spend the night at various farms in the Saanenland, on the alp or lower down. There are even opportunities to sleep in hay lofts. Many of the farms also provide a cheese making experience and traditional meals such as an alpine breakfast.

Cheese grotto

Adopt an Alp

The cheese grotto is a must see and only a few minutes drive from the centre of Gstaad (see picture). Homed in a converted water storage reservoir, this quite spectacular cheese grotto contains 3,000 local cheeses, sorted by the mountain of origin. After climbing down some steep steps, you are rewarded with a beautiful, candlelit display of Hobelkäse and the sight is cathedral like. You are serenaded by alphorn and given an introduction to local cheese by René

This initiative aims to support Swiss farmers as well as giving people a realistic view of what transhumance involves, which is the movement of people and their livestock for seasonal grazing. It connects purchasers directly with the farmer of a specific alp. Updates are regularly sent from farmers covering the meticulous process involved in producing handcrafted alp cheese.

DAVINA GATELEY

GstaadLife 5 I 2017

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PROFILE

RUN!

The four profile interviews this summer explore different perspectives of innovation and sustainability in the Gstaad region. Bernhard Tschannen is CEO of Glacier 3000, which celebrates the anniversary of an innovative and sustainable event.

On Saturday, 5 August, you are celebrating the 10 th anniversary of the Glacier 3000 Run. How and when was the event started?

I started working at Glacier 3000 after Marcel Bach and other investors bought it in 2005. One of our objectives was to promote summer tourism to this wonderful area; another was to find innovative ways to link it with Gstaad. So we came up with the idea of a race, the Glacier 3000 Run. Starting in Gstaad, the route introduces runners and their supporters to this spectacular mountain scenery and its dramatic changes as they climb from 1,000 to 3,000 metres.

What makes the Glacier 3000 Run special?

For me it’s special for a number of reasons. It’s a very challenging race, beginning at 1,050 metres in the village of Gstaad and ending at Glacier 3000, almost 3,000 metres above sea level. The course is 26km long and gains about 2,000 metres in altitude.

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The scenery all the way is superb and varied.

land and runners will have a total altitude gain of 2,750 metres.

The first part of the race follows the river valley to Gsteig, then it starts to rise. At Reusch the course becomes considerably steeper as the terrain changes from a forest track to an alpine hiking trail. The last part of the course takes place above the treeline on snow and glacial ice. Finally, at the top, runners are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and the Jungfrau.

What route will the marathon take?

Runners can take part in the run either individually, or as a team of two runners doing a relay.

Is it possible to participate if you are not as ultra-fit as these runners?

I understand that this year you are also organising an additional event.

Yes, to celebrate the 10th anniversary, we are including a full 42km marathon. It will be the most difficult marathon course in Switzer-

Marathon runners will follow the traditional route of the Glacier 3000 Run up the valley as far as Feutersoey. There they will diverge from the route and climb up, first to the Lake Arnen and then on up to the Alp Seeberg. This is situated at 1,712 metres and has stunning views over the Lake Arnen. From there they will descend and join the traditional route again where they left it at Feutersoey.

Yes. Those who prefer to hike can take part in the Alpine Nordic Walking Race. It starts at Oldenegg and ends at the Glacier 3000. The course is 6.2km and has an altitude gain of 1,041 metres.

How can families and friends follow the race?

ticularly Vaud. We also have many French and German participants.

How many runners participate in the traditional Glacier 3000 Run?

Photos: Glacier 3000

The first year we decided to limit the number of participants to 500 because we wanted to guarantee a first-rate experience for each runner.

That event was sold out and, over subsequent years, we have gradually increased the numbers. Last year we had 800 participants. This year, with the marathon, we expect between 1,000 and 1,100 runners; this represents an increase of around 30%.

The race quickly turned into an international event. Pictured above is Bernhard Tschannen with the winner of the 2013 race, Joseph Gray from Lakewood, USA.

Spectators are well taken care of.

They have excellent opportunities to see the runners and cheer them on at five different points along the route. Special buses run from Gstaad to Gsteig and on to Reusch. From there they can take the ski lifts to Oldenegg and Cabane, and finally to Glacier 3000.

mer, we hold a debriefing session to see what improvements we can make for the following year’s run. Then in the winter, in January, we start our preparatory meetings for the new year and begin marketing the event in February. Altogether it takes 10 months of the year to organize and wind up.

Is there any provision for families with children?

Is the Glacier 3000 Run becoming an international event?

Each year we organise a fun run for children on the same day. The Gstaad Kids’ Run takes place in Gstaad on the Promenade at 3pm.

Definitely, yes! This year we will have runners from more than 24 countries – not only from Europe but also Israel, Kuwait and Myanmar. In the past we have had winners from Kenya, the United Kingdom and the United States.

How many people are involved in the organization and how long does it take to organize ­t he event?

The organizing committee is made up of seven people, mainly from Gstaad and the event takes almost a year to organise. As soon as the current year’s event is over in the sum-

The Glacier 3000 Run is also an important race on the Swiss calendar.

The largest number of participants come from the German-speaking part of Switzerland, followed by those from the Swiss Romande, par-

Having said that, this type of event is very challenging so we have to limit the number of competitors. Mountain weather is changeable and we take security very seriously. This places constraints on the number of runners we can accommodate.

How many volunteers help with the event?

This year we have 260 volunteers, mostly from Gstaad and the Sannenland. The ratio of volunteers to runners is approximately 1 to 4.

Do you get support from the local community?

Yes, we are very fortunate to have the full support of the municipality and also several local companies sponsor the event. Without their help and the help of the local volunteers the event would not be possible – we are extremely grateful to them all.

One last question: how can people get more details?

We have a website that provides information for both runners and spectators in English, French and German. See http://glacier3000run.ch Bernhard, thank you for making the time to talk to GstaadLife.

We wish you very good luck and hope the race is a great success.

GUY GIRARDET

GstaadLife 5 I 2017

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Photo: Julia Wesely

ARTS & CULTURE

SAANEN À LA JANOSKA

F

or six generations, the Janoska family has produced outstanding musicians. The stars of tonight’s performance, Ondrej, Roman, and Frantisek Janoska, may be brothers, but each has a style and musicality all his own. Although Julius Harvas doesn’t technically share a bloodline, he does share their gift for performing. All members were classically trained and had significant careers in their respective instruments before dedicating themselves full-time to the Janoska Ensemble four years ago – a move that has proved fortuitous for their loyal fan base, who follow them from city to city like rock star groupies. After their Menuhin Festival Gstaad p ­ erformance at the Landhaus Saanen on 27 July, I now count myself among them.

Julius Harvas did most of the talking, introducing each piece – which bore little resemblance to the scheduled programme. With anecdotes aplenty, the mood was jolly and the audience enthralled with every word. The double bassist even did a solo dance at one point, trying to prove his feet were as fast as the tune they were about to interpret. He married a Janoska sister,

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joining the musical family in Vienna. Harvas, a Hungarian native, is a third-generation double-bass player and still plays regularly with the Vienna State Opera and other prestigious musical organisations.

Eldest brother Ondrej Janoska doesn’t sport the bold clothing choices of his brothers, but stands out with his talent alone. He began the violin at only four years old, and it was a steady stream of success up until he earned the position of first violin at the Vienna State Opera and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

Paying close attention to the other musicians’ every movement, every breath, every held note, he played with both frenzy and aplomb. Particularly impressive was his solo in Paganinoska, which was one of the show’s highlights. An impressive improvisation arranged by Frantisek on Paganini’s famous Caprice showed off Ondrej’s sweet sound, mesmerising the room.

Roman Janoska, who is one of the preeminent jazz violinists of our day, often took centre stage. The youngest of the brothers, Roman did not show the typical “baby of the family” grab for attention – al-

though I couldn’t take my eyes off his shimmering black sequin shoes.

Decidedly reserved despite his extraordinary playing, he let his emotions appear in Melodie für Melodie, a plaintive tune he composed for his daughter Melodie. But this little girl isn’t the only one of the new Janoska generation to have an eponymous composition.

Next came Rumba for Amadeus, written by Frantisek for his oldest son, who shares Mozart’s middle name. As the pianist explained, all the children of the family’s newest generation bear musically inspired names. Based on the opening bars of Mozart’s Concerto in D Minor for piano, the work then delved deeply into Latin American rhythms and included room for on-the-spot improvisation. More Latin influence came in Astor Piazzolla’s Adios for Nonino. Here the Janoska Ensemble showed their ease in genre-bending music, bringing their classical skills to what is perhaps the mostloved tango of all time.

While each of the musicians is without a doubt top-class, for me it was Frantisek who stole the show.

It’s not hard to understand why

sicians playing on overdrive. Ditto for Frantisek’s version of the Mission Impossible theme song. Taken from his Hollywood in Vienna concerts, this final encore reminded me that the best film scores become even better when played by some of the world’s best musicians.

The group’s distinctive style, dubbed Janoska Style, has been praised by critics and audiences alike. Combining different genres including classical, gypsy music, jazz, and pop, they add improvisation and bravura cadenzas in

arrangements that make this new style a roaring success.

While most Menuhin concerts offer excellent music, it is rare to achieve what the Janoska Ensemble have: two hours of extraordinary talent with equal dashes of humour, ­enthusiasm, and the unexpected. I am now just one of many fans who will be following the group’s parcours, and while listening to their Janoska Style (Deutsche Grammophon) CD on repeat, praying they are invited back to the Saanenland as soon as possible.

ALEXIS MUNIER

THE GSTAAD MENUHIN FESTIVAL REACHES OUT TO THE YOUNG Under the new label “Discovery”, the Gstaad Menuhin Festival provides a range of offers for children and adolescents. The visual appearance is sure to attract the gazes of the target audience. Emojis are singing, smiling and sending kisses from the purple mountains, the main visual element of the festival.

point: “I imagine that music first needs to arrive in one’s body”, she explains. “This is the basis of understanding about what happens in music, and only after this has taken place am I willing to pick up an instrument and play.” Discovery is all about providing opportunities for this initial encounter with music.

In the spirit of the master

While the family concert, which is already well established in the festival, invites young people to take the stage, Discovery focuses on the ­consumption of classical music.

Lord Yehudi Menuhin was convinced that everybody carries art and the ability to master it in ­t hemselves.

He was always eager to act as a mediator between classical music and the young. In this very spirit of the festival’s founder follows the project.

Patrons make it possible

Thanks to the generous backing of two private patrons, the programme

The physical impact of music

Responsible for Discovery is Anne-Christine Cettou. The music pedagogue from Geneva boasts various degrees in the field and is excited about the new offer in Gstaad.

Cettou believes that the physical experience of music marks the starting

Photo: Gstaad Menuhin Festival

ARTS & CULTURE

he won the International Franz Liszt Piano Competition in 2002 – he is a true virtuoso. His easygoing demeanour and exceptional talent is evident in every note he plays, with a striking brilliant sound. With a twinkle in his eye, Frantisek’s hands move more rapidly than any pianist I’ve ever seen; he makes it appear that playing the piano is no harder than walking in time… the sign of a genius. Now a sought-after composer and arranger, his wild arrangement of Strauss’ Fledermaus overture had the four mu-

boasts such a variety of activities and participation for local kids and teens from the Saanenland, Obersimmental, and the Pays-d’Enhaut is free of charge.

Even if classical music may not climb to the top on the iPod playlists of the young participants of the programme, it may find a way into their ears and hearts to plant a seed that will keep growing.

MARKUS ISELI / AVS

Folded papercuttings are sewn or tacked together to prevent them slipping while being cut.

Not all papercutting artists have the same technique: some draw their motifs out in great detail before starting to cut, while others only draw rough sketches and invent the figures as they go along.

The black paper used for papercuttings typically weighs 80 g/m2 and is white on one side. Every papercutting artist has his or her preference when it comes to paper weight. Heavier paper is often used to produce larger cuttings, whereas lighter paper is more suited to smaller ones.

Photos: Blanca Burri

ARTS & CULTURE

CUTTING A FINE F

When creating traditional papercuttings such as an alpine ascent scene, the paper is usually folded in half before cutting begins in order to ensure a perfectly symmetrical image.

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ORM Local resident and president of the Swiss Association of Friends of Papercutting Art, Regina Martin, speaks about the papercutting revival and the plans to establish a permanent papercutting exhibition space in Château-d’Oex.

“

Papercuttings are originally from the Sannenland/Pays-d’Enhaut region. Here the art form is pervasive, regardless of whether it is currently trendy,” says Martin. Born in Lauenen, Martin lives in Schönried, where she enjoys inspirational views of the Rübli, the Gumm and the Oldenhorn from her atelier. With views like this, papercuttings should practically ­ cut themselves.

As president of the association, Martin represents approximately 560 members. “Even though it might not be recognized in the Saanenland, papercutting is much more than just alpine ascent scenes,” says Martin. She explains that it is just as challenging to create a modern papercutting as it is a more traditional one.

Although papercutting requires a tremendous power of observation, a sense of creativity, precise hand eye coordination, and talent, it is often classified as traditional or folk art rather than fine art. “Because of the alpine subjects, native animals and plants depicted in our work, we are often considered old fashioned,” declares Martin. And yet, thanks to the

widespread growth in popularity of local products and culture, papercuttings are currently experiencing a revival.

Today, they are not only hung in museums or on living room walls, papercutting motifs adorn bars and dress window displays. They can be found on puzzles, street lamps, tea lights, and cards. They also decorate train wagons, and roundabouts.

And the popular Swiss musician, Traufer, even had a papercutting motif designed by Martin tattooed on his forearm. According to Martin, “papercuttings are very trendy right now and serve as reminders of Switzerland around the world.”

Despite this, motivating a younger generation to learn the craft has not been easy, she explains. That is why several experienced papercutters started offering classes for children.

And it seems to be paying off. In celebration of the association’s 30th anniversary, its members were invited to present their work at a special ex-

h i bit ion in Château-d’Oex. The exhibition saw a very young artist sell one of her papercuttings, giving the association hope for the future.

Besides it’s anniversary exhibition, the association regularly organizes exhibitions that prove to be very popular. Papercuttings are often lent to the association for special exhibitions or to be displayed alongside its collection. “The permanent exhibition has been in the Restaurant Hüsy in Blankenburg for years,” says Martin. However, there are plans to renovate and extend the museum in Château-d’Oex, in which the association is involved.

“We would like to move our collection to Château-d’Oex,” reveals Martin. The space would house a Swiss papercuttings centre as well as temporary exhibitions. “People really love the exhibition in Hüsy, but we are looking forward to having more space where we can better display the papercuttings and host events,” says Martin.

ANNE CHRISTINE KEMPTON / AVS

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SPORTS & LEISURE

GSTAAD TENNIS – WE ARE FAMILY David Schmid and Michael Tschanz, two long-term employees of the Gstaad tennis tournaments, talk about what makes these events so special and why they keep coming back.

D

avid Schmid is Chief of Staff of the Ladies Championship Gstaad and J. Safra Sarasin Swiss Open Gstaad tennis tournaments. In addition to running Pure, a sporting goods store in Gstaad, he became involved with the tournament six years ago when it was still only a men’s competition. He now also oversees the Ladies’ Championship, which was revived two years ago after being on hiatus since 1983.

Over the two tournament weeks, David manages a total of 450 people across 18 different departments: from linesmen to security, transportation to player’s service, ticketing to ball kids. The staffing mix is approximately 50% local and 50% foreign.

David says that “if someone said to me do you just want to have locals working for the tournaments, I would say no. It’s important that we have the locals, who can relate to the region, plus the people who are not from here, who can take the spirit of the event home with them and sell the region to others.”

Over the years, David has come to see that although the players and the audience are crucial ingredients, he strongly believes in the tournaments’ staffing motto: “We are the tournament”. He says: “This tournament is nothing without the people working here. We really are one big family.” A significant number of staff, including approximately 70 ball kids are essentially volunteers, earning just a little pocket money in return for their

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GstaadLife 5 I 2017

work. And yet, they keep coming back. Many have known each other for years. Some met their partners there, others made lifelong friends, and then there are people like Michael Tschanz, who literally grew up with it.

makes Gstaad, Gstaad. If we were ever to lose the tennis we would lose a lot.” He adds that “it’s also very fun to work at the Gstaad tennis. Gstaad is so small, you can’t help but spend time on and off duty with tournament colleagues.”

Michael, a Gstaad local, started working for the tournament as a bus kid when he was seven years old. His job back then was to open the doors of the VIP shuttles. Twenty-seven years later, Michael is Head of the Ball Kids not only for the Gstaad tournaments but also for Swiss Tennis. Besides recruiting and heading a team of ball kids that works most of the major Swiss tennis championships, Michael also runs his own business, VIP Gstaad Concierge. And yet, like so many tournament staffers, he happily gives up two weeks of holiday time to work for the Gstaad tournaments. “I’m a local and I want to support local events. It’s part of what

As Michael speaks, the Wimbledon tennis final is playing in the background. When asked about his most memorable Gstaad tennis tournament moment Michael immediately recounts how he witnessed a 17-yearold Federer play his first ATP tournament in Gstaad after receiving a wild card. Federer lost against Lucas Arnold Ker, and smashed two rackets in the process. Needless to say, Federer’s performance was not particularly impressive at the time and Michael still finds it hard to believe that that same player won Wimbledon for the first time just three years later, let alone that he has now won it eight times.

There is no denying that having a

Ball boys and girls killing time while they wait for the next match (left).

Photos: Swiss Open Gstaad

(Almost) nobody is too young to lend a helping hand at the tennis tournaments in Gstaad (right).

star player definitely adds a buzz to the tournaments. David and Michael have both experienced the electrifying effect Federer has on the Gstaad tennis. They hope he will come back soon but understand that players cannot participate in every tournament. What is clear is with or without a tennis

superstar, the tournament “family” will continue to come back for more, year after year.

ANNE CHRISTINE KEMPTON

AFTER THE TENNIS COMES THE POLO of the most prestigious sports events for one of the most illustrious crowds, but it’s not just that.

Over two decades this competition on horseback has been taking place on the airfield of Saanen and Pierre E. Genecand has been presiding the event for over a decade now. 2017 marks the 22nd edition, the 12th under the presidency of Genecand.

Four teams will compete from 1720 August, with the traditional parade in the Gstaad Promenade taking place on Friday, an impressive display of horses and players alike.

With over 6,000 visitors, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup is one of the major events during the summer months.

The sponsors are as illustrious as the game itself. And while “the sport is of course the main focus of the event,” Genecand explains that “in Gstaad,

polo takes a whole new dimension thanks to our prestigious sponsors”.

Title sponsor Hublot has been faithful to the tournament for nine years and will of course have its own team.

The other team sponsors are the local, family-run hotel Gstaad Palace, Banque Eric Sturdza, and – for the first time – Riva, an Italian manufacturer of luxury motor boats. The exclusive partnership with Garage Zénith and Ferrari, the car brand with the perfect logo for this event, also continues.

The teams will feature some big names of polo, such as Pablo Jauretche or the brothers Eduardo and Francisco Menendez, all from Argentina, which boasts the highest standard in polo around the globe.

With Cédric Schweri, Piero Dillier, and Andy Bihrer Switzerland will also be represented on the field.

While the VIP area is strictly reserved, everybody is welcome to

watch the games. After substantial improvements to the infrastructure last year, no big changes are planned for 2017. The event includes various attractions for kids, making it ideal for a family outing.

For more information and reservations see www.pologstaad.ch.

MARKUS ISELI Photo: Amélie Bès

The Hublot Polo Gold Cup is one

LIFEST YLE

SEWING THREAD AND PAINT BRUSH For those who say you can’t do it all, one thing is certain – they haven't met Maryam Owji. This multi-talented designer, artist, painter, sculptor, and couturier has just made a life-changing move to the Saanenland, where her artwork is adding a fresh infusion of Persian-inspired design to the region’s buzzing art scene.

Saanenland calling

Recently relocated from her home of four decades – London – she has settled full time in the Saanenland to concentrate on research for projects dedicated to art and culture while exhibiting her artwork in Switzerland. Fleeing the hustle and bustle of the big city, Owji now wakes to the sound of tinkling cowbells and the smell of wildflowers. It’s a change she is thrilled about.

Owji has founded an art association in the Saanenland, as well as two studios in Saanen and Gstaad, where she exhibits a selection of her couture as well as paintings and sculptures, and is able to work with a limited selection of couture clients. From her deep blue oceanscape paintings to sleek bronzes, Owji aims to convey the “poetry” evident in nature around us.

“My work represents emotions,” explains Owji, “I like to immerse my fine art with subtly interwoven philosophy that speaks directly to the hearts of viewers,” she says, with a twinkle in her warm hazelnut gaze.

But there is more to Maryam than meets the eye.

Heart and heritage

Owji was born in Shiraz – one of the oldest cities of ancient Persia – and her love for the arts began at an early age. While mastering designing and drawing, she also studied mathematics and all forms of art, continuously motivated by the beauty of music, painting, architecture, sculpture, and textiles.

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Maryam discovered a love for chess in high school and won the junior championships in her hometown in 1972. Her fame grew, and Owji was offered a unique invitation – an internship with Irano-British bank Shiraz Branch, a collaboration of the national bank of Iran and the

British Standard Chartered Bank.

Proving yet again she had both arts and sciences in her repertoire, she developed operations for the computerised banking system with account memory, which was highly unusual for a teenage girl in Iran at the time. Continuing her education

Heeding the call to expand her horizons, she moved with her family to the UK in 1976, where she continued to develop her many talents.

With Owji’s brainy streak evident, she expanded into other areas with a postgraduate diploma from the London School of Journalism and obtained a master’s degree in graphic design from the University of Arts in London.

Dress to impress

Owji cuts a fine figure, dressed in a luxurious silk skirt exquisitely tailored to silhouette her petite stature.

The look is dramatic, yet elegant… and oddly familiar. So it comes as no surprise to learn that Owji’s style should indeed be familiar to anyone who lived through the 1980s. As a couturier, she was the personal designer of none other than the inimitable Joan Collins, the star of the hit American television show Dynasty.

Collins was a fashion legend, sporting form-fitting dresses and boleros in expensive fabrics in that 80s style that is now iconic.

Her couture masterpieces grew in popularity until she was sought-after in international circles. In addition to Joan Collins, Owji’s career as a private couturier in London allowed her to work with Baroness di Portanova, Britt Ekland, Princess Firyal of Jordan, and numerous other European royal family members.

Meanwhile, Owji is taking her life at the pace prescribed by the region’s official motto, “Come up, slow down.”

With time – and creativity – on her hands, she is discovering all Gstaad has to offer, from cultural events to the call of Mother Nature.

“Life in the Gstaad area is really diverse, which gives it a unique ambiance,” says Owji.

It’s this same ambiance that has been drawing artists, musicians, and intellectuals to the Saanenland for nearly one hundred years. She may not be the first, and she certainly won’t be the last, but if her work is any indication, Owji will add yet another beautifully coloured square to the quilt of life here in Gstaad.

ALEXIS MUNIER

Owji’s work can currently be seen during a private viewing at the Mount10 Swiss Reserve, in a rotating exhibit featuring some of her most famous pieces with presentations of her couture in collaboration with artists Bernd Schwarzer and Gabriel Sainz from Argentina in Saanen. An exhibition in The Alpina Gstaad during the month of August 2017 will also be held. www.mount10.ch www.maryamowji.com www.internationalartclub.co.uk

Owji's painting Gstaad Valley (left) with the accompanying poem (below).

Capturing the sunset's reflection The metallic mountain majestically shining As Homer was awake When he wrote the Odyssey.

When everyone is silently dreaming...

Magnificent and Glorious...

The feel of the glory of the mountains the sun from the west shining Like the depth of sunset on the ocean... expressing grandness, so powerful sending firing questions to the heart... with its beauty, silence divine, just divine...

Photo: ???

while working, Owji later graduated at the top of her class with distinction with a degree in couture design from Khayam School of Art in Shiraz and later Banafshe Institute of Art and Design in Tehran.

GstaadLife 5 I 2017

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The Olden is what it is today to a good part because of her, Hedi Donizetti, whom many of our readers will remember. She knew them all, the stars who frequented Gstaad. And she was not only their host but occasionally their duet partner. In July she celebrated her 90 th birthday.

her singing. She often sang for her guests in the Olden bar and the La Cave. And sometimes a guest would quite naturally join in for an ad hoc duet, amongst which we find Al Bano, Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli, Shirley Bassey, and Julie Andrews. Many a memorable evening took place in these days.

In 1957, Hedi Donizetti took over the Hotel Olden with her husband Fausto. She was a gifted host, who managed to make everybody feel at ease.

All frequented the Olden, from the local farmer to the Hollywood star and the blue-blooded royal.

Singing was not the only art form that Hedi Donizetti loved and mastered. She studied peasant arts (Bauernmalerei) and decorated the façade of the hotel with flowers and writings. She also painted the doors, wardrobes, and chests in the entire hotel. She was a real creative power.

Hedi Donizetti had many talents.

She is probably best remembered for

Hedi Donizetti sold the Hotel Olden in 1995. Five years later, she was in-

vited to revive the good old days in the Olden with a concert, of which a CD was recorded. A wonderful memorabilia.

MARKUS ISELI / AVS / GOTTFRIED VON SIEBENTHAL

Photo: Archive AvS

LIFEST YLE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEDI OLDEN!

Hedi Donizetti singing at the Olden, joined by Liza Minnelli, in 1981.

GSTAAD Beautiful apartment spread over two floors •

4,5 rooms

•

162 sqm

•

Well-appointed with considerable attention to details

•

Large terrace and garden

•

Panoramic view over the surrounding mountains

•

Very sunny and calm area

•

Central location

•

2 parking spaces in the garage Réf. B-45G – CHF 2’990’000.-

BARNES GSTAAD VALLEY- PAYS-D’ENHAUT

Rue du Village 40 – 1659 Rougemont 026 925 85 85 gstaad-valley@barnes-international.com – www.barnes-suisse.com

Your local interior decorator. www.staubgstaad.ch

w.s t aubg s t a ad.c h

COLUMN

EXPAT ADVENTURES I remember the day well. It was not long after we had arrived in Gstaad. My husband was at home with the children and I was ­t ravelling on a business trip. We were talking on a decidedly dodgy Skype connection.

“It’s not too deep, but I think it might need a stitch,” he said. “What do you think?”

I craned my neck closer to the screen and squinted. Our 18-monthold son had been playing overly-enthusiastically with his brothers and had fallen sideways into the corner of the coffee table. A scarlet gash glared above his left eyebrow.

Was the injury bad enough to rush him to hospital (wherever that was)?

Probably not, but the cut needed medical attention and we hadn’t yet found our local doctor’s surgery let alone registered.

That was my fault. Expats get used to checklists: find somewhere to live (check), get a job (check), register with the authorities (check), figure out the medical system (ummm… not yet). I simply hadn’t got around to it and now this had happened.

What should we do?

Then I remembered chatting with a Swiss colleague about the excellent pharmacies here. He had been voluble in his praise. Pharmacists undergo regular training, he had told me, they are experienced medical professionals. Could they help our son?

Less than half an hour later the wound had been treated and we were sold.

“When the dog bites, when the bee stings”

Julie Andrews sang about two of

the most common incidents facing pharmacists, but since moving to Gstaad I’ve learned they do far more than help with cuts and grazes.

A few years ago a friend came to stay from the UK. She had forgotten to pack her prescription antibiotics so off we trotted to the pharmacy.

My friend was resigned to making do with an over-the-counter remedy. She explained her quandary to the pharmacist who, after a consultation, prescribed her an equivalent medicine to the one she had left in the UK.

l­isten to the message on the answer machine telling you whom­ to contact.

If you urgently need to see a pharmacist they can arrange to meet you at the ‘on call’ pharmacy there and then. Alternatively they will make an appointment to see you at mutual convenience.

Similarly, if you urgently need to speak to a doctor out of hours, you can call the following emergency number: 0900 576747 (there is a fee for this service).

This was totally unexpected and is well worth knowing. Medicines are often marketed under different names around the world, but pharmacists here have access to a computer system that lists the Swiss equivalents.

Looking Back

Pharmacists also offer a whole battery of tests (cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and so on) and while they will refer you to hospital if your condition is serious, they provide a valuable service.

As for our son, he thinks his tiny eyebrow scar is “pretty cool” and he’s thankfully now safe around coffee tables.

With three active sons, we’ve made numerous trips to doctors and hospitals over the years. But we remain thankful to the local pharmacist for her professional treatment all those years ago.

ANNA CHARLES

24/7

This extends outside normal pharmacy opening hours. There is always one pharmacy in each region that’s ‘on call’ (Notfalldienstapotheke/ Pharmacie de garde). This changes every two weeks. It’s easy to find out which pharmacy is on call: • Check in the Anzeiger von Saanen newspaper.

GSTAAD PHARMACIES Apotheke Dr. Kropf Promenade 44, 3780 Gstaad 033 748 86 26 Gstaaderhof-Apotheke Lauenenstrasse 17, 3780 Gstaad 033 744 53 60

• Ring your local pharmacy and

GstaadLife 5 I 2017

25

GSTAADLIFE IS AVAILABLE IN THESE HOTELS Gstaad Palace 033 748 50 00, info@palace.ch

Hotel Alpine Lodge 033 748 41 51, info@alpinelodge.ch

Le Grand Bellevue 033 748 00 00, info@bellevue-gstaad.ch

Hotel des Alpes Saanenmöser 033 748 04 50, info@desalpes.ch

Park Gstaad 033 748 98 00, info@parkgstaad.ch

Hotel Solsana 033 748 94 94, info@solsana.ch

The Alpina Gstaad 033 888 98 88, info@thealpinagstaad.ch

Hotel Spitzhorn 033 748 41 41, spitzhorn@spitzhorn.ch

Ultima Gstaad 033 748 05 50, info@ultimagstaad.com

Hotel Alpenland 033 765 91 34, hotel@alpenland.ch

Ermitage, Wellness & Spa Hotel 033 748 04 30, welcome@ermitage.ch

Hotel Alphorn 033 748 45 45, office@alphorn-gstaad.ch

Boutique Hotel Alpenrose 033 748 91 91, info@hotelalpenrose.ch

Hotel Bellerive 033 748 88 33, info@bellerive-gstaad.ch

Golfhotel Les Hauts de Gstaad 033 748 68 68, mail@golfhotel.ch

Hotel Ermitage 026 924 25 00, info@hotelermitage.ch

CLUBS Rotary Club Gstaad-Saanenland Meetings every Monday 12 noon Gstaad Palace (033 748 50 00), President: Rot. Pascal R. J. Rey (079 776 66 02) Secretary: Rot. Markus Iseli (033 748 92 08) Lions Club Gstaad-Saanenland Meetings each first and third week of the month on Thursdays, either at 12 noon for lunch or at 7 pm for dinner.

Meetings in Ermitage, Wellness & Spa Hotel, Schönried, 033 748 60 60.

For details and programme contact Arthur Reuteler, president, 033 744 51 33, info@bikesport-reuteler.ch, gstaad-saanenland.lionsclub.ch.

Soroptimist International President: Ursula Breuninger 033 744 05 80 Programme: Patricia Glauser Edreira 076 426 16 11 Club des Leaders President: Jean-Sébastien Robine www.clubdesleaders.com contact@clubdesleaders.com

026 921 01 01, info@hotelderougemont.com

Hotel Kernen 033 748 40 20, info@hotel-kernen.ch

Huus Gstaad 033 748 04 04, welcome@huusgstaad.com

Hotel Landhaus 033 748 40 40, info@landhaus-saanen.ch

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Hotel Arc-en-Ciel 033 748 43 43, info@arc-en-ciel.ch

Hotel Saanerhof 033 744 15 15, hotel@saanerhof.ch

Ambulance 144, Police 117 Fire 118

Hotel Bernerhof 033 748 88 44, info@bernerhof-gstaad.ch

Posthotel Rössli 033 748 42 42, info@posthotelroessli.ch

Hotel Christiania 033 744 51 21, info@christiania.ch

Sporthotel Victoria 033 748 44 22, info@victoria-gstaad.ch

Hotel Gstaaderhof 033 748 63 63, info@gstaaderhof.ch

Hotel Restaurant Bären 033 755 10 33, welcome@baerengsteig.ch

Hotel Le Grand Chalet 033 748 76 76, hotel@grandchalet.ch

Hotel Geltenhorn 033 765 35 91, brand@hotel-geltenhorn.ch

Hotel Olden 033 748 49 50, info@hotelolden.com

Hotel Viktoria 033 755 10 34, hotel_viktoria@bluewin.ch

Romantik Hotel Hornberg 033 748 66 88, willkommen@hotel-hornberg.ch

Hotel Wildhorn 033 765 30 12, hotel@wildhorn.ch

Hotel de Rougemont

Member of Design HotelsTM

Medical Emergency: 0900 57 67 47 Dental Emergency: 033 729 26 26 Police Station: 033 356 84 31 Car Accident: 033 744 88 80 Zweisimmen Hospital: 033 729 26 26 Château-d’Oex Hospital: 026 923 43 43 Veterinarian: 033 748 08 58 / 033 744 06 61

26

GstaadLife 5 I 2017

CHURCH SERVICES St Peter's Anglican Church English-Speaking, Château-d’Oex Service every Sunday, 5.30 pm www.stpeters.ch Contact: cliveatkinson@bluewin.ch

Ursprüngliches Ursprüngliches gibt Kraft gibt Kraft

URS VON GRÜNIGEN SOLICITOR / NOTARY PUBLIC is pleased to introduce you Mrs

LEA ROMANG Solicitor / Notary Public and Attorney at Law

Molkerei Gstaad Lauenenstrasse 24 3780 Gstaad Molkerei Gstaad Tel: 033 744 11 24 15 Lauenenstrasse www.molkerei-gstaad.ch 3780 Gstaad Tel: 033 744 11 15 www.molkerei-gstaad.ch

who joined his legal office, Chalet Madora, Belairstrasse 2, 3 780 Gstaad, on 1 July 2017.

Mrs Lea Romang gained experience of five years in another legal office.

Tel. 033 744 12 33 I Fax 033 744 43 62 notaruvg@madora.ch

SOL GABETTA

POMP IN MUSIC

CONCERTS IN THE FESTIVAL-TENT GSTAAD Sa 12.8 CHF 160 / 135 / 95 / 65

ORGAN SYMPHONY 7.30 pm, Festival-Tent Fazil Say, piano; Peter Solomon, organ; Gstaad Festival Orchestra; Jaap van Zweden, conductor Saint-Saëns: Piano Concerto No. 2; Wagner: Prelude to „Lohengrin“; Saint-Saëns: Symphony No 3

Sa 19.8

WELCOME JAAP VAN ZWEDEN! 7.30 pm, Festival-Tent

CHF 160 / 135 / 95 / 65

Sol Gabetta, cello; Gstaad Festival Orchestra; Jaap van Zweden, conductor Ravel: Pavane pour une infante défunte; Lalo: Cello Concerto; Tchaikovsky: Symphony No 5

Fr 25.8

ROMA A GSTAAD I – MOZART STRAUSS 7.30pm, Festival-Tent

CHF 160 / 135 / 95 / 65

Diana Damrau, soprano; Nicola Benedetti, violin; Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia Roma; Sir Antonio Pappano, conductor; Mozart: Sinfonie No. 35 «Haffner», Violinkonzert No. 3; Strauss: Orchestral Songs

Sa 26.8

ROMA A GSTAAD II – FONTANE DI ROMA 7.30 pm, Festival-Tent

CHF 220 / 160 / 135 / 95 / 65

Evgeny Kissin, piano; Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia Roma; Sir Antonio Pappano, conductor Bartók: Piano Concerto No. 2; Respighi: «Fontane di Roma», «Pini di Roma»

gstaadmenuhinfestival.ch