And she might not be the only “appalling skier” to fall in love with the world’s most exclusive non-ski ski resort. Gstaad is just as alluring for those who never take to the slopes.
The names of those who’ve visited read like a list of Oscar’s invitees. From Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren and Roger Moore, to Brigitte Bardot and the Monaco Royal Family, some of the world’s most glamorous royalty and movie stars have flocked to the beautiful winter ski resort in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps.
So what is it about the otherwise sleepy (outside ski season) village that has captivated the beau monde for more than 60 years?
It begins with an iconic hotel and its illustrious past: Gstaad Palace.
The epicentre of Gstaad, the Palace first opened its doors in 1913, but the real golden era began in the 1950s and 1960s after the Scherz family took ownership. Renowned as a movie star magnet, its nightclub (now the oldest in Switzerland) was the go-to party place and the same crowd returned year in, year out.
Run by the same family for three generations, staying there still feels like being part of a private club, where many of the staff have remained for several decades and are greeted by guests as old friends.
These days, Gstaad Palace has some class act competitors, as well as some pretty impressive private chalets to contend with – some in the top Oberbort domain, above and around the Palace and Alpina hotels, exceeding €30 million in value.
The Eagle Club is arguably the most difficult membership to get hold of anywhere in the world. And once you get past the 3-year wait, don’t expect to sit at one of their best tables or be seen using a cell phone.
And yet, despite its standing, Gstaad retains an authentic Swiss charm thanks to strict planning laws that only allow low-built, traditional wooden chalets. The gently rolling surrounding countryside is bucolic, with its fairy-tale villages, alpine lakes and meadows that explode with wildflowers in the spring. With beautiful walking trails, horse-riding and water activities, it’s just as lovely in summer as in winter.
In the village itself, you’ll find all the superbrand boutiques such as Loro Piana and Bruno Cucinelli. But for the most part, it manages to avoid coming off as flashy or ostentatious, and besides a week or two at certain times of year, appeals to a “quiet money” crowd – some of whom have children at private boarding school, Le Rosey.
There are some gorgeous restaurant terraces for sunny al fresco lunches, both in Gstaad and surrounding villages like Saanen. And with some of the best hotels in Switzerland, well-appointed spas, heated swimming pools and a choice of excellent restaurants, the low altitude and unreliable snowfall barely matter (1,050 metres). Year after year, its reputation precedes it as the world’s most exclusive non-ski ski resort.
For details on private chalets – many not marketed publicly – connect with us HERE.