Fresh air gives you an appetite. A special treat awaits winter hikers on the Panorama-Fondue-Trail above Sch�nried: make your own alfresco fondue with the Sch�nried dairy�s hire package.
In the Saanenland, hikers hit the trail in all seasons where over 140 kilometres of well-tended winter hiking paths lead you safely through the mountains. The latest attraction is the sign-posted fondue trail on the Rellerli ob Sch�nried, 1829 metres above sea level. After a 45-minute walk enjoying panoramic views along the Hugeligrat, hikers can fix themselves a hearty fondue in three places, including an old haybarn, that offer kitchen facilities and outdoor tables. The fondue package includes the hire of all fondue equipment, plus the delicious fondue cheese mixture and bread, all for CHF18 (approx. �8) per person. The total hike takes approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes.
Sleigh bells in the Saanenland
For the adventure minded, why not try dogsledding on the glacier of Les Diablerets or in the nature preserve of Sparenmoos ob Zweisimmen. The more romantic may prefer a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh in the famous Lauen Valley. Book early for one of the popular moonlight rides with local sleigh-drivers Ramona and Lotti.
During the daytime, sledding and tobogganing fans can race down the kilometre-long tracks on Gstaad's own mountain, the Eggli, from the Wispile to Gsteig, from Hugeli bei Sch�nried or from Sparenmoos (Zweisimmen).
To the icy heights
Cool cats climb the ice wall on the Tungelschuss in the Lauen Valley with ice-axe, crampons and ropes, with experienced guides showing the way.
An easier way to reach the Wildhorn Glacier is to take the Pilatus-Porter cable car. Once you�re up above the clouds, the sky's the limit! Strap on your skis or snowboard and enjoy the exhilarating descent down the glacier.
Not quite so fast but equally impressive: a hike on the glacier. Head for the heights in safe hands accompanied by professional guides. Once the hike is over reward yourself with a special picnic at 3,000 metres above sea level.
Bikes and blades on snow
The Snow Games in Zweisimmen are a famous event in the winter calendar. Whether it's the Waterside Contest, Mountain Bike Downhill on snow, BigAir Show or snowblade races, extreme fun is guaranteed. Daredevil carvers rival one another on the tough Skiercross course down the Rinderberg. The SAAB Salomon Crossmax Series 2004 will be held at Zweisimmen from 31 January to 1 February 2004.
Mellow cello
A different kind of winter wonderland is created by the Music Festival "Sommets Musicaux Gstaad", being held for the fourth time from 27 February to 6 March 2004. Elisabeth Leonskaya, the celebrated pianist from Georgia, will delight her audiences with the warm, elegant sound of her music. The romantic surroundings make the select evening concerts a truly special occasion. Great names from the world of classical music such as the Borodin String Quartet, the star cellist Mischa Maisky, Ival Pogorelich, Jennifer Larmore, Antoine Palloc and the Berliner Cellharmoniker provide untold pleasure for winter holidaymakers from Zweisimmen to Gstaad.
Traditional Celebrity Haunt Re-opens
Its reputation is legendary. This is where Roger Moore, Elizabeth Taylor and other celebrities partied in the past. Still steeped in tradition but freshly renovated, Restaurant Chl�sterli will be re-opening its doors in mid-December. Nostalgia and modernism have been cleverly combined in this extensive conversion, with the wood interior enhanced by the use of glass and attractive lighting effects. A fine traditional cuisine featuring Swiss recipes and pizzas is available at midday and in the evening.
A breath of fresh air at Hush
The cult bar Hush, the sister establishment of Hush in London�s Soho, opens its doors again on 5th December, now under new management by Christoph Schmid. The new look and new staff are set to make this a popular, cheerful meeting place. You can eat � la carte with a choice of seasonal creations to satisfy all tastes. Round off your meal with a select glass of wine or an exotic drink at the cocktail bar.
Christmas and New Year Specials in Gstaad
Christmas week 21st � 28th DecemberPackage includes seven nights accommodation in a double room with breakfast, a three course dinner on three evenings, one evening fondue in the "F�rgrueb", a festive four course meal on Christmas Day and a 6-day ski pass CHF997 (approx. �440) per person based on two sharing.Hotel B�ren Gsteig, www.baerengsteig.ch
New Year in the mountains 28th December � 3rd JanuaryPackage includes six nights accommodation in a double room with breakfast, a three course dinner on three evenings, one evening raclette from log fire, New Year's Eve Menu with musical entertainment and a 5-day ski pass.CHF880 (approx. �390) per person based on two sharing.Hotel B�ren Gsteig, www.baerengsteig.ch
Events Winter 2004 Snowgames in Zweisimmenwww.saabcrossmax.ch 31 January � 1 February 2004 Sommets Musicaux de Gstaadwww.sommets-musicaux.ch 27 February � 6 March 2004
Contact Information
Alpinzentrum Gstaad (www.alpinzentrum.ch)Absolut-Activ Gstaad (www.absolut-activ.ch)Experience Gstaad (www.experience.ch)Beat�s Adventure 033 744 15 21Loschadej�s Huskypower, www.huskypower.chHorse-drawn sleigh rides by moonlight Ueli Reichenbach, 079 334 61 58 Sch�nrieder Fondue trail, Sch�nried Dairy, www.bergmolkerei.ch
For more information contact:
Magellan PR on Tel: 020 8875 2850
Email: [email protected]