Gstaad () is a village in the German-speaking section of the Canton of Berne in southwestern Switzerland. Part of the municipality of Saanen, Gstaad is known as one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world, and has been the location of Institut Le Rosey's winter campus since 1916. It has a population of 2,500 and is located above sea level.

Tourism

Gstaad is known for its extremely luxurious hotels and shopping, high-society nightlife, fine dining, excellent service, and international stars. Situated in the Berner Oberland, it is home to one of the largest ski areas in the Alps. The middle of the village features a promenade bounded by numerous highly-exclusive shops, restaurants and hotels.

Long known for its walking and hiking trails of varying degrees of intensity, the mountain air and upscale ambiance attracts executives and celebrities from around the world year round.

It was also seen in "Return of the Pink Panther" (and the theme music for Clouseau's arrival in Gstaad was appropriately named "Summer in Gstaad" written and conducted by Henry Mancini) as being one of the red herrings thrown to Clouseau in order to put him off the trail of the Phantom.

Gstaad, named "The Place" by Time Magazine in the 1960s, is widely known for its famous part-time residents and vacationers. Current longtime residents of Gstaad include: Alinghi yachting syndicate boss Ernesto Bertarelli, actresses Julie Andrews and Elizabeth Taylor, Formula One Holdings owner Bernie Ecclestone, legendary French actress Jeanne Moreau, iconic French singer Johnny Hallyday, and columnist Taki Theodoracopulos. Famous residents have included actor Roger Moore, George Soros, Steve Wynn, director Roman Polanski, violinist Yehudi Menuhin, Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly, modern artist Balthus, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and Filip Peters. Famous regular visitors to Gstaad have included Michael Jackson, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, haute couture designer Valentino Garavani, writer William F. Buckley, Jr. , and various members of the House of Cavendish. Other occasional visitors in the past include Margaret Thatcher, actors David Niven and Peter Sellers, as well as King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain. In January 1983, King Juan Carlos fell while skiing in Gstaad and cracked his pelvis, immobilising him for a month.. Richard Scarry had a studio in Gstaad where he draw many of his books.

Regular events

In Gstaad, the following regular events are held:

• the Allianz Suisse Open Gstaad tennis tournament;
• the "1to1 energy open" beach volleyball tournament;
• the "Hublot Polo Gold Cup" polo tournament;
• the "Menuhin Festival" classical music summer series;
• "Country Night Gstaad".
• "ProCivitas week" 10-17 feb

Every December at The Gstaad Palace Hotel, Bonhams auctioneers hold an exclusive Ferrari & Maserati auction which draws in the rich and famous from around the world.

Weather

Notes

External links

• Official Website of Gstaad (in English, French, & German)
• GstaadLife magazine (in English with links to German sister publication, the Anzeiger von Saanen)

category:Ski areas and resorts in Switzerland

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