Elite Traveler Winter 2019

elite traveler WINTER 2019 145

EXPERIENCE GSTAAD

FLYING HIGH Gstaad’s microclimate ensures ideal conditions for hot-air ballooning expeditions. That’s why 2020 will be the 42nd time the region has hosted the International Hot Air Balloon Festival, an event that runs from January 25 to February 2. A spectacle that sends 70 colorful balloons up to the heavens daily in Château d’Oex, it’s considered one of the top venues of its kind in the world. Sign up for your own customized flight over the Bernese Alps with Balloon Gstaad. gstaad-balloon.ch

CAPERS WITH COPTERS It’s one thing to hike or ski Gstaad’s mountains, but hovering above them reveals a whole new perspective. Combine fitness and meditation with a private helicopter adventure organized by Le Grand Bellevue. Choose either the newHeli Hike or Heli Qi-yoga, that fly you over the Alps for either a heart-thumping hike or a relaxing Qi-yoga session on the summit. Alternatively, Gstaad Palace offers a ride that doesn’t require boots or snow equipment: having lunch at the Matterhorn. palace.ch, bellevue-gstaad.ch

S-TURN TRAINING It’s said that more than half of those wearing ski clothes in winter in Gstaad don’t actually know how to ski. Don’t be a pretender. Learn from the best during a private lesson with Alpinzentrum. Gstaad’s ski region, also known as Saanenland, stretches across miles of ski-scape, encompassing several villages with various peaks and runs for every level of skier or snowboarder. Alpinzentrum’s guides know the best way to get you down the mountain year-round. alpinzentrum.ch

GET FESTIVE Gstaad itself is a destination, but for those who need another reason to rationalize a visit, come for a festival. There is the Snow Bike Festival in January (an exciting few days of cyclists pedaling up and down the pistes); the Ride on Music festival in March, which brings international artists for slope-sited performances; or the Hublot Polo Gold Cup each August. Gstaad’s party schedule ensures you will never be bored. snowbikefestival.com,

WALK IN THE CLOUDS Get thee to the Glacier 3000, a year-round excursion with riveting views across Switzerland. Take the Peak Walk, a trek across a suspension bridge that links two mountains. On this peak-to-peak challenge, you’ll view 24 peaks in the distance, including the Matterhorn and the Jungfrau. Fitness buffs will enjoy dogsled rides, via ferratas, hiking, Nordic walking or skiing, while gastronomes will want to book Botta, with its panoramic windows, for an unforgettable meal. glacier3000.ch

rideonmusic.ch, polo-gstaad.ch

Photos Destination Gstaad, Switzerland Tourism/Andre Meier