Winter Issue 2016/17 Gstaad’s top winter events at a glance

GSTAAD PALACE WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

One day in Gstaad winter Hammam Gstaad → 4 events → 6 experience → 12 Winter in the mountains is so much Small village, big program. Find out here All you need to know about our more than . Discover some of our what’s on in and around town. signature spa treatment from the Orient, favourite must-dos of the season. and let yourself be transported to thousand and one nights.

Kids at the New Executive Palace Palace → 14 Head Chef → 18 events → 22 We also want our young guests to have Peter Wyss says goodbye and hands over If you haven’t been to the Palace you fun again this winter. Our kids club to Franz Faeh. We will celebrate his haven’t been to Gstaad. Our very own welcomes you every day and has some fantastic 40-year career with a variety of winter events are yet another reason special program highlights waiting. special events to take place throughout to come by. the winter. One day in Gstaad Gstaad’s top winter events Spa news → 4 → 6 → 9

Skiing evolution in the Saanenland Hammam experience Kids program Photo competition → 10 → 12 → 14 → 16

Photography by Warren & Nick Warren by Photography New website Generation change Forte Village at Gildo’s → 17 → 18 → 19

PERRIER-JOUËT, THE ALLURING CHAMPAGNE Since its foundation in 1811, the champagne house Perrier-Jouët has crafted elegant, floral wines of rare finesse with a Chardonnay hallmark. The elegance of the cuvees echoes that of the Art Nouveau anemones adorning the Belle Epoque bottle and offers moments of pure delight and beauty. New Year’s Eve Palace winter events Sommets musicaux program → 20 → 22 → 24 www.perrier-jouet.com Please Drink Responsibly ONE DAY IN GSTAAD A PERFECT WINTER DAY

Taste some Sommets Musicaux local food experience

One of the best things about a location If you are in Gstaad between January like Gstaad is the possibility to enjoy 27th and February 4th make sure to take locally sourced and authentic food. Jump advantage of the classic music concerts on the train to Château-d’Œx for lunch of the Sommets Musicaux. One particular at Le Chalet. Here you can try and savour highlight is dinner with the main acts products labelled “Pays-d’Enhaut Produits after some of the concerts. For more in- Autentiques”, which is a seal of quality formation contact our reservations or Snowshoeing for food items exclusively produced in concierge team. our region. Taste anything from dairy After a hearty breakfast at the hotel put cow, goat or sheep products, meats, honey on your snow gear and take the gondola or syrup. We promise you will not be up to Mount Eggli. Material for snow disappointed! shoeing can be hired at our shop Silver . The route begins south of the Eggli Mountain Hut, parallel to the winter hiking trail. It will lead you Dive into the world through open fields with majestic views of the mountain peaks, especially Mount of chocolate Gummfluh and Rübli. Follow the signs towards “Vorderes Eggli” from where Switzerland is famous for its chocolate. you will get back to the gondola station. Hence a visit to the Maison de Cailler in Broc should not be missed. Learn all about how chocolate is produced and where it comes from. If you fancy getting creative yourself, book one of the choco- late making workshops. One for the road Not ready for bed yet? Our Lobby Bar is always worth a stop. No matter if you prefer relaxing by the open fire or Diamonds are a getting engaged in some conversations by the bar, our team is pleased to find ­girl’s best friend the right drink (or two) for you. For those not staying with us at the Palace, Once back from your eventful day pam- our concierge is happy to call you a taxi. per yourself to one of our spa treatments­ Good night! by Gemology. Products by Gemology are based on precious gem stones, perfect to get ready for a glamourous­ evening out in Gstaad.

4 5 GSTAAD’S TOP WINTEREVENTS 10. & 11.2.2017 AT A GLANCE Gsteigs 24h race 24h-skirennen-gsteig.ch

28.2.2017 The Royal Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Live performance from the Royal Opera House 8.12.2016 in London at Ciné Theatre Gstaad The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker cine-theater.ch Live performance from the Royal Opera House 9.3.–12.3.2017 in London at Ciné Theatre Gstaad cine-theater.ch Ride on Music rideonmusic.ch 22.12.2016–2.1.2017 3rd Christmas market in Gstaad winterzauber-gstaad.ch

19.1.–22.1.2017 Snow Bike Festival Gstaad snowbikefestival.com

21.1.–29.1.2017 International Hot Air Balloon Festival chateau-doex.ch/en

27.1.–4.2.2017 Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad sommetsmusicaux.com Tickets +41 33 748 81 82

31.1.2017 The Royal Opera: Il Trovatore Live performance from the Royal Opera House in London at Ciné Theatre Gstaad cine-theater.ch

3.2.–19.3.2017 Elevation 1049 – AVALANCHE elevation1049.org

4. & 5.2.2017 Swiss Championship of Snow Cross Motoneige [email protected]

8.2.2017 The Royal Ballet: Woolf Works Live performance from the Royal Opera House in London at Ciné Theatre Gstaad cine-theater.ch

6 7 FEELING GOOD Jardin des Monts

the mountain herbalist

Perched on the mountains of the Pays-d'Enhaut, a garden filled with the scents of flowers picked seasonally. Plants dried in the traditional ways then blended into unique creations. Made from natural and organic sources.

Made in Switzerland jardindesmonts.ch

Stay fit and healthy with our fitness coach Gady

e love to tempt you to indulge! After all you are This season Gady will focus on winter fitness, meaning on holidays. However, treats and health do not preparing your muscles for exercise like skiing, cross exclude each other. Did you know that most of country, snow walking and others, indoors or outdoors, our kitchen products are sourced locally? That just according to your liking. Should you prefer to means organic, healthy and lean meals which also taste stick to your regular routine of physical and mental good. What more can we ask for? Those of you who want fitness or just want another excuse to have more choco- to go the extra mile in staying healthy can book a session late and cheese, TRX, HIIT and circuit training is also (or two) with Gady, our new fitness coach and trainer on Gady’s list. from Paris. To get more information or to meet with Gady directly, contact our spa team on +41 33 748 50 00

9 THE HISTORY OF SWISS SKIING © Skiclub Grund / Oswald Grünigen, von Käthi Sumi, Grund

Swiss downhill ski Grund with Hansruedi Sumi, championship in Oswald von Grünigen, Heinz Schönried, March 1966: Mösching, Fritz Würsten © Skiclub Grund / Martha Haari-von Grünigen, Bern Third place Skiclub. (carpenter). Martha Haari-von Grünigen in front of the club house Chlösterli in Grund. © Skiclub Grund / Urs Bach, Grund

HE ORIGINS THE OFFICIAL ESTABLISHMENT after the establishment of the first certi- The origins of skiing come OF SKIING fied Swiss Ski School of Gstaad, and from snowshoeing and can be Then in 1882 Christoph Islin, again in 1938 already the second then called traced back to pre-historic from the Canton of Glarus, received a “Funi” was built at Mount Eggli. Firmly times. Snowshoes were used first by Hickory ski from and started believing in the lucrative future of Mongolian tribes in Central Asia. developing the sport together with two , Gstaad again built the Before coming to Europe this means of Norwegians. Finally in 1893 he launched first chair lift of Switzerland in 1945 to moving over snow first moved to North a ski tour from Glarus over the Pragel further develop the offering of skiing. America via Lapland, Scandinavia Mountain Pass to Schwyz. This route But it wasn’t only for these techni- and Greenland, as well as all the way together with a selection of instructions cal advances tourists and visitors were down to Australia. on how to ski was the official start to drawn to the region during the winter. Only from 1870 onwards skiing was skiing as a sport in Switzerland, and soon Popular sport events such as winter first discovered and slowly established after the first ski club of Switzerland horse races, matches and the as a sport. Konrad Wild from the Canton was founded in Glarus. 1928 Swiss ski race assured a current of Glarus in Switzerland first experi- flow of guests to Gstaad. In 1926 the mented with what we now know as skis GSTAAD IS AN INNOVATIVE tourist board of Gstaad even employed a today. This all happened in secret TREND SETTER so called “sports manager” whose task © Skiclub Grund / Urs Bach, Grund though according to the local history Gstaad saw its first ski winter season it was to make sure that there was “some- recordings. in 1907 /08 and in fact the first funicular thing going on” in Gstaad every day. 3rd March 1935: Ski Karl Annen 1897, of Switzerland was built and put in Almost 100 years later the Saanenland tour to Gumm, viewing Arnold Hutzli 1912, practice here, namely at Mount Wispile is still one of the top winter destinations direction to Gummesel, two unknown skiers of in 1935. This happened only two years in Switzerland, offering a large variety Eggli and Muttehubel. the Skiclub Grund. of activities and events for all ages.

10 11 1001 NIGHTS AT THE PALACE SPA

he origins of the hammam ritual go back into the 15th century. It is a blend of a roman bath with ottoman customs. The meaning of hammam is “dispensing heat”. With time the public hammam developed into more than a place of cleansing. It be- came a sort of social centre or meeting point, where also communal and some religious ceremonies were held. As private bathrooms became common in residential households the importance of the hammam decreased. However, in many cultures it is still today a regular ritual for relaxation and cleansing. Here at Gstaad Palace we took the most soothing elements of this ritual to create our very own Hammam expe- rience. In more than two hours you can relax in five different stages, combining steam baths, a gentle cleansing ritual based on black olive soap and a comfort- ing aroma therapy massage. The experience can be enjoyed as a couple or alone and has become our most popular signature treatment within our spa.

For more information or bookings please contact our spa team on +41 33 748 50 00

The soft body scrub and massage based on sooth- ing black olive soap will relieve and renew your skin cells.

A thousand and one nights of absolute relaxation. The warmth and the care of this treatment will leave you feel relaxed for days.

12 13 KIDS PROGRAM

etween December 16th 2016 and March 12th, 2017 our Kids Club will be open daily from 3.00pm to 9.00pm. All our childminders are professionally trained. Meeting point is our kids playroom next to the Spa. We are looking forward to seeing you there. Our concierge team is pleased to assist you with further information on our additional daily children’s activities. Updates will also be posted 23.12.2016 on palace.ch. Cooking lessons

from 3.30pm to 5.30pm offered by the Gstaad Palace

Reservations at our Concierge +41 33 748 50 00

31.12.2016

24.12.2016 VIK party Christmas cinema kids activities during New Year’s Eve party, price included in the ticket from 7.00pm offered by the Gstaad Palace Reservations at our Concierge +41 33 748 50 00 25.12.2016 Reservations at our Concierge +41 33 748 50 00 Children’s Christmas

from 4.30pm CHF 70 per adult and per child

Reservations +41 33 748 58 60 [email protected]

15.2.2017 Children’s disco 2.1.2017 from 4.00pm Children’s New Year CHF 80 per adult and per child from 6.00pm Reservations +41 33 748 58 60 CHF 80 per adult and per child [email protected]

Reservations +41 33 748 58 60 [email protected]

14 15 PHOTO COMPETITION NEW WEBSITE

Submit your favourite pictures of your winter season 2016/17 until 12 March 2017

Same Palace, fresh make-up … Our new branding Capturing snow-capped mountain peaks, staad Palace is lovingly hotel glamour is at the core of this tions were introduced to create the foundation romantic sunsets or having fun on the slopes ­referred to as one of Switzer- symbolism. for it all. land’s Grande Dames; and like All our 300 team members and relent- Phase one was the production of our new all great ladies, she wants to less renovations, with our new Deluxe Highlights, flyers and other print material. atch your magic moments in and around the (7000 copies). The person who takes and sends in the change and freshen up her look from Suites and Salle Baccarat being the Phase two will see our new website go Gstaad Palace and let us take part of your most winning photograph will win a night in Gstaad Palace in time to time. latest, are the two all-important pillars online this winter season, which will bring memorable experiences. Submit your favourite a double room including breakfast. The ten most beauti- Speaking to our loyal guests and to keep the great aura of our Palace alive. together all the latest news and information pictures of your winter season 2016/17 until ful images will be published on our Facebook page as long standing colleagues, being “a Expressing this mood of “moving surrounding Gstaad Palace, and it is also where March 12th, 2017 to [email protected] and take well as on the Instagram account of the Gstaad Palace. symbol of tradition but still young at with time but keeping our soul“ in you will be able to book your stay at our best part at this year’s photo competition. heart”, is what Gstaad Palace signifies pictures and only a few words was at the price in just a few clicks. We hope you like it! The best picture will be chosen by a jury and Grab your camera and capture the perfect Gstaad to most of them. Fond childhood heart of our rebranding project. New displayed on next year’s Winter Highlights 2017/18 moment! Good luck! memories, fun nights out and grand images, colours and the use of illustra- palace.ch

16 17 GENERATION CHANGE FORTE VILLAGE AT GILDOʼS CHEF PETER WYSS HANDS OVER TO FRANZ FAEH

fter more than 40 years our Executive Head Chef Peter Wyss hands over the reigns to Franz Faeh. Throughout the winter season Wyss, together with his right-hand man Hugo Weibel, will say goodbye to guests and friends during various culinary evenings at the hotel. For non-residents, he is still available for chalet caterings in and around Gstaad. Franz Faeh and his Sous Chef Luca Gatti have been leading the kitchen team since October 1st, 2016 after having worked at the Palace for many years. They will serve up in usual Palace style and standard in all our restaurants. The Palace family says a big thank you to Peter Wyss and Hugo Weibel, and also extends a warm wel- come to Franz Faeh and Luca Gatti.

New Year’s Eve 1986: Hugo Weibel, Peter Wyss, Wolfgang Weissert and Peter Wyss during a detail are two of Wyss’s the chimney sweeper. cooking lesson with our main ingredients for guests. Excellent prod- every dish. ucts and an emphasis on

or the first time this winter our legendary Italian Cocco discovered his passion for cooking at a very young restaurant Gildo’s will host Chef Alessandro­ age when he started preparing meals for himself after Cocco and his team from the well-known Forte school. Born and bred in Sardinia, his vita not only in- Village Resort in Sardinia. cludes professional experience in Italy, but also distant Cocco and his team will prepare dishes that reflect fresh places like Antigua and Switzerland. His menu at the Mediterranean flavours with influences from different Palace will contain a great variety of hearty, yet sophisti- Italian regions. One can rest assured that they will satisfy cated dishes, embracing elements that will take your the desire for diversity but also the authenticity that taste buds away from our winter wonderland and trans- Gildo’s Ristorante is known for. port them into a lush Italian summer garden.

Buon appetito!

18 19 NEW YEAR’S EVE

Motown at Gstaad Palace The sound of young America

he evening starts at 8.00 pm with cocktails New Year’s Eve gala dinner and after party: and canapés in our Lobby Bar and GreenGo CHF 1,250 for resident guests nightclub, followed by a gala dinner. Our CHF 1,350 for non-resident guests ­popular Dora Live Band and JP Verdolini will CHF 600 for resident children under 12 years make sure your dancing shoes are put to use whilst CHF 650 for non-resident children under 12 years celebrations will continue until late. A special children’s program will be provided at our Salle Piero from 8.00 pm. For reservations please call our reception Dora Live Band – team at +41 33 748 50 00 the New Year’s Eve Dress code: Strictly black tie (with a touch Soul Diva. of Motown) Tickets for dinner must be ­collected in person from Gildo from December 26th, 2016 onwards and tickets for the To make this night as glamorous as possible men are after party can be purchased at the reception. requested to wear a dinner suit/tuxedo and women a long gown for dinner and after midnight a cocktail or long dress.

20 21 PALACE WINTER EVENTS

16.12.2016 28.12.2016 Every Sunday in February Season opening The Evolution Seafood buffet** GreenGo night club at the Lobby Bar In our Le Grand Restaurant from noon CHF 125 per person For further information on the GreenGo CHF 60 per child under 12 years program and opening times please visit 31.12.2016 greengo.ch Reservations +41 33 748 58 60 New Year’s Eve [email protected] 16.12.2016–12.3.2017 party 3.–26.2.2017 The Latins Band Cocktail at the Lobby Bar and GreenGo from 8.00pm. Dinner in all restaurants at the Bar du Grill Youri Farkas and from 9.30 pm with Dora Live Band, The Latins Band and JP Verdolini his Tziganes

23.12.2016–8.1.2017 CHF 1,250 for resident guests at the Lobby Bar or Bar du Grill CHF 1,350 for non-resident guests Youri Farkas and CHF 600 for resident children under 12 years 11.2.2017 his Tziganes CHF 650 for non-resident children under 12 years at the Lobby Bar or Bar du Grill CHF 300 for the after party Dora Live Band at the Lobby Bar Dress code: Strictly black tie for men (with a touch of Motown); ball gown 24.12.2016 during dinner, a cocktail dress is suffi- Exclusive exhibitions at the Gstaad Palace Christmas dinner** cient after midnight. 14.2.2017 ** Reservations +41 33 748 50 00 In all restaurants from 7.30 pm Valentine’s Day [email protected] 19.–23.12.2016 27.1.–9.2.2017 16.–19.2.2017 with the Scherzo Quartet Aperitif at the Lobby Bar from 7.30 pm 3.–7.1.2017 CHF 175 per person* Dinner in all restaurants from 8.00 pm CHF 90 per child under 12 years* Private Art House Chopard CHF 175 per person* 1.1.2017 Dan Roma CHF 90 per child under 12 years* Contemporary art exhibition Watch & jewellery exhibition Reservations +41 33 748 58 60 ** Maker of fine shirts [email protected] New Year’s buffet Reservations +41 33 748 58 60 [email protected] In all restaurants from 12.30 pm 9.–12.2.2017 21.–24.2.2017 with Mariachi 6. & 7.1.2017 17.–19.2.2017 CHF 200 per person 7. & 8.2.2017 de GRISOGONO CHF 100 per child under 12 years 18.2.2017 Seaman Schepps Sciretti High jewellery & jewellery & watch Reservations +41 33 748 58 60 Dora Live Band Women’s jewellery; Men’s cufflinks and exhibition [email protected] Fur pop-up store evening sets at the Lobby Bar

20.1.2017 6.–8.1.2017 14.–16.2.2017

Discovery Day ** included in half board August Laube Vhernier 26.12.2016 ** reservations with the Maître D’ with Gemology Art exhibition Preview presentation of the new ­collection Blue Velvet Cocktail des fêtes For more information regarding events Diamonds are a girl’s best friend – and exhibitions please contact our At the Salle Baccarat or at the Lobby Discover the variety and effect of trace Concierge team at +41 33 748 50 00 Bar from 7.00 pm elements at our Palace Spa from 11.00 am or via [email protected]. You should With Berzosax, by invitation only also keep an eye on our website palace. Reservations +41 33 748 58 90 ch for updates on dates and programs. [email protected]

22 23 SOMMETS MUSICAUX 27.1.2017* 30.1.2017 PROGRAM 2.2.2017* David Petrlik violon Caroline Alexandre Goulding violon piano Kantorow Danae Dörken piano Chapel of Gstaad at 4.00pm Chapel of Gstaad at 4.00 pm Les Siècles: Matthias François-Xavier Goerne baryton Roth direction Leif Ove Gil Shaham violon Andsnes piano Church of Saanen at 7.30 pm Church of ­Rougemont at 7.30 pm Renaud Capuçon violon 28.1.2017* 31.1.2017 Kit Armstrong piano Mariella Haubs violon Irène Duval violon Church of Saanen at 7.30 pm Magdalena Vassilis piano Haubs 3.2.2017* Varvaresos piano Chapel of Gstaad at 4.00 pm Chapel of Gstaad at 4.00 pm Raphaëlle Il Giardino Moreau violon Lauma Skride piano Armonico: Celia Oneto- Baiba Skride violon Giovanni Bensaid piano alto Lise Berthaud Chapel of Gstaad at 4.00 pm Antonini direction Harriet Viktoria Krijgh violoncelle Cappella Andrea Mullova violon Church of Rougemont at 7.30 pm Barca Church of Saanen at 7.30 pm András Schiff piano

1.2.2017 Church of Saanen at 7.30 pm

© Miguel Bueno 29.1.2017 Simon Wiener violon violon Eva Zavaro 4.2.2017* Silvia Fraser piano Tatiana violon Music is the universal language Chapel of Gstaad at 4.00pm Maya Levy piano Chernichka Matthieu Idmtal piano Chapel of Gstaad at 4.00 pm Polina Chapel of Gstaad at 4.00 pm et under the theme of the violin Every afternoon at the Chapel of Combine a three night stay with this and under the conduction of Gstaad, a young and upcoming violinist unique cultural experience and we offer Pastirchak soprano Renaud Capuçon, the next edition will interpret a composition of Toshio you one concert ticket for two people David Fray piano of the classic music festival Hosokawa, Composer-in-Residence of as well as an after concert dinner with Jan Philip “Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad” will this year’s festival. The most exclusive the artists at the Gstaad Palace. Gérard Caussé alto take place from January 27th to Febru- experience is offered by concerts given Schulze piano ary 4th, 2017. Internationally acclaimed by the orchestras Les Siècles, Il Giardino For further information on our special Paul Meyer clarinette stars such as Gil Shaham, Viktoria Armonico and Capella Andrea Barca packages please visit the website Church of ­Rougemont at 7.30 pm Mullova, Gérard Caussé, Matthias with András Schiff, that are combined palace.ch Church of Rougemont at 7.30 pm Goerne, Leif Ove Andsnes, Kit Arm- with an after concert dinner at our Salle piano strong, Murray Perahia, András Schiff Baccarat. Around twenty concerts in Murray Perahia and Baiba Skride are going to take you eight days, not to be missed! * for evening concerts only: Church of Saanen at 7.30 pm to the land of emotions and astound you Gstaad Palace at 9.30 pm with the musical range of their concerts. Dinner with the artists at Salle Baccarat

24 25 LET’S GO SOCIAL

Do you follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest and Youtube? Share your magical moments at the Gstaad Palace with us and let us know about your adventures in the surrounding countryside. The most popular post at #gstaadpalace or #inlovewithgstaadpalace will win an overnight stay in one of our Double Deluxe rooms, including half board and complimentary access to the Palace Spa.

FACTS AND FIGURES

AFFILIATIONS BARS Leading Hotels of the World Lobby Bar – Gstaad’s own parlour Swiss Deluxe Hotels Le Bar du Grill – elegant setting with live music

GETTING HERE PALACE SPA Saanen Airport approx. 4 km (10 min) Open daily from 8.30am to 9.00pm Bern Airport approx. 80 km (1 ¼ hr) Treatments from Jardin des Monts, Clinica Ivo Pitanguy, Airport approx. 160 km (2 hrs) Gemology & Sisley Zurich Airport approx. 220 km (2 ½ hrs) The SBB daily train connections to and from Gstaad run GREENGO CLUB approximately once per hour Gstaad’s most famous night club is open every night Limousine and taxi service bookable through our concierge (with a few exceptions during the low season)

ROOMS AND SUITES BANQUET FACILITIES 100 rooms, including Five event and banqueting rooms for up to 250 people – 15 single rooms If required, the entire hotel can be booked – 55 double rooms – 15 junior suites CHILDREN – 4 deluxe suites (1 bedroom and parlour) Two playrooms, kids program and a nanny service – 4 corner suites (1 bedroom and parlour) on request – 2 tower suites (2 bedrooms and parlour) – 1 penthouse suite (3 bedrooms and parlour) on the roof top OPENING/CLOSING The Palace family welcomes you this winter from RESTAURANTS December 16th, 2016 to March 12th, 2017 Le Grand Restaurant & La Grande Terrasse International cuisine Le Grill, Rôtisserie, 16 GaultMillau points Gourmet restaurant with show kitchen Gildo’s Ristorante Authentic Italian food La Fromagerie Typical Swiss specialities in a cozy atmosphere Providing Gstaad Palace with luxury bath and body blends

Discover more at moltonbrown.com

Designed by Charles Blunier & Co. Ltd., illustrations by Daniele Costa, printed by Müller Marketing & Druck AG in Gstaad. Copyright pictures on page 10 and 11 by Skiclub Grund. No parts of this publication may be reproduced without prior approval of Gstaad Palace. All rights reserved. Copyright 2016 by Gstaad Palace. palace.ch +41 33 748 50 00

GSTAAD PALACE Palacestrasse 28 • 3780 Gstaad • Switzerland • Phone: +41 33 748 50 00 • Fax: +41 33 748 50 01 • [email protected] • palace.ch