When I returned to Gstaad in the first days of 2020, the beauty of the narrow mountain valley was still as I remembered, though not much snow. In years past when I visited right after Christmas, there was so much snow the pine trees looked laden and heavy.
Gstaad always had the cachet of Jet-Set haven for a Winter escape, but the Summer season also has its charm. The annual Polo tournament in near by villages has become a Rendez-Vous spot in mid Summer. The J. Safra Sarasin Swiss Open Tennis championship attracts top players and enthusiastic tennis fans in July.
This time, I drove along the narrow mountain roads, even though the train ride on the Golden Pass Panoramic Express from Montreux is more scenic. If you want to explore the surrounding villages more, it is better to arrive by car.
Chopard boutique while the Palace Hotel overlooks the village
The appeal of hushed Luxe casts a special Gloss over the village. The buildings have the distinct Swiss chalet architecture that blends into the local landscape.
The pedestrian village street, just off Gueterstrasse, with the upscale shops invited me to linger. Gstaad is not really a shopping destination, but if you travel light, the Ralph Lauren boutique is a good choice for thick lambs wool sweaters or jackets now.
“Antonia boutique” close by, was very inviting with their choice of cashmere accessories and a short fur cover-up.
Sportswear brand Moncler sold outfits for ski and après-ski, to sit by a warm fireplace at your hotel.
Dress up for a party, D&C dresses with rich tapestry
As I wandered along the main street, the elegant Chopard boutique was one of my favorite highlights. Even the Bling is more refined, subdued in Gstaad. The ear jewelry or rings in the display windows were impressive. The sheer size of the Sapphires seemed unreal.
Classic style Emerald jewelry next to modern design. The cabochon in the ring is cut unevenly to complement the irregular ring base. The chandelier ear jewelry designed for a very long necked beauty.
The Jet-Set allure of Gstaad still lingers. The beauty of the setting with the soaring mountain ridges has a timeless appeal.
The impressive Palace Hotel together with The Alpina Hotel, its modern counterpart, both tower high above on steep ridges.
LV boutique street scene
The mountain valley with its winding roads, the different panoramic views, the hotels nestled discreetly along the mountainside, somehow feel more Suisse, more elegant, more pure.
When celebrities, royals, movie actresses or actors, or the Affluent come to Gstaad, they can enjoy private time, they join in the fun. Things are more relaxed.
They can glide down the ski slopes in the morning, have lunch at a rustic Alp bistro near the mountainside, enjoy a coffee, or taste locally sourced cheeses at Charly’s in the late afternoon, indulge in a Fondue or Raclette at the traditional Hotel Olden or the Hotel Roessli for dinner, live just like anybody else.
When I stopped at the ski lift gondola displayed in the main street, I smiled.
The motto printed on the sticker at the gondola is so true…
…”Come up…Slow down.”
My winter escape felt serene. Yet, my eyes were dazzled. The snow crystals sparkled in the sun, they seemed to compete with the diamonds in the Chopard window display.
The diamonds were more Glossy.
Come to Gstaad, have fun…
Jasmin
more information: palace hotel, part of The Leading Hotels of The World, www.ihw.com,
The Alpina hotel, www.swissdeluxehotels.com/thealpina-gstaad
Chopard Boutique, www.chopard.com, ch-gstaad@chopard.ch,
J. Safra Sarasin Swiss Open Tennis championship, www.atptour.com,