page 5 - GstaadLife print edition

Friday, July 20 2007
No. 12
gstaadlife.com
Saving
farming to
preserve our
landscape
Lauenensee
under threat
Hans-Ruedi Steiner
New era for
regional dairy
What would happen if
Saanenland’s farms disappeared?
We posed this question to Hans-
Ruedi Steiner, interim operations
director and current board
president of the Gstaad Molkerei,
the co-operative that processes
milk from more than 100 farmers,
and which was the center of
the recent cheese scandal. Besides
secondary residences replacing
year-round homes, schools
shutting continued on page 3
If one is to let nature take its toll,
Lauenensee is set to disappear in
the near future. This idyllic
mountain lake tucked away in a
remote corner of Saanenland,
surrounded by mountains and
waterfalls is currently barely three
meters deep. Over the past
decades the lake has become a
natural landfill for rock, soil and
mud, continued on page 7
Now online…
Classic Endurance Racing
with the Gstaad Auto Club
and much more at gstaadlife.com
page 1/3
The action from the 2007 Beach Volleyball World Championships starts this Tuesday in Gstaad.
Beach Volleyball World
Championships in Gstaad
96 teams competing for $1 million in prize money by Diana Oehrli
Following months of preparation,
Gstaad is ready to host the 2007
SWATCH-FIVB beach volleyball
world championships which begin
next Tuesday. During the six-day
event, 100,000 spectators are
expected to arrive in Gstaad to
see the top 48 men’s and women’s
teams compete for the world title
and $1m in prize money. The
Guiseppe Colella
New chef at
the Park
page 5
tournament is the most important
international qualifier for the
2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Infrastructure on center court
The infrastructure used for the
beach volleyball championships is
largely the same used for the
Allianz Suisse Open. “For the
next three years, we are responsible
Nancy Holmes
Photographer
and writer dies
page 7
for setting up and dismantling the
infrastructure of both the tennis
tournament and the beach
volleyball event”, explained
Ruedi Kunz, beach volleyball
tournament director. The only
difference is the extra 2,000 seats
needed for the FIVB world
championships. Organizers say
that continued on page 4
Copyright: FIVB

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Photo: raphaelfaux.com Frenchman
July 20 2007 · gstaadlife.com
Page 3 Local news
Mathieu wins
Swiss Open
Paul-Henri Mathieu, winner of the
2007 Allianz Suisse Open Gstaad.
continued from page 1
down, open spaces diminishing,
and the authenticity of Saanenland
fading, one important consequence
Steiner brought to our attention
was the effect disappearing farms
would have on our landscape. In
a poll carried out in 2001 by Bern
University, summer and winter
tourists rated environment and
landscape as Gstaad-Saanenland’s
most appealing feature. “Securing
the future existence of our
farming families is crucial to the
landscape,” Steiner said. “To
maintain our landscape is in
keeping with our visitors’ desires
as well as crucial for our local
economy.” If one considers that
farmers cultivate, shape and tend
to nearly 40% of the total area of
Switzerland, then one can begin
to understand how farmers play
an essential role in preserving the
visual impact of our region. If
farmers were to stop cutting the
grass, our green hills would turn
yellow and brown after just a few
years. Indeed there has been a
31% decrease in the number of
Swiss farms in the last 15 years.
by Tim Kilchenman
Frenchman Paul-Henri
Mathieu (ATP 28) has
won this year’s Allianz
Suisse Open in Gstaad.
After a shaky start, the 25
year-old needed three
sets to overcome fierce
resistance from Italian
player Andreas Seppi.
After playing in Gstaad
for five years, Mathieu’s
6-7(1-7) 6-4 7-5 victory
in the Roy Emerson
Arena in Gstaad is his
fourth ATP title, and his
second this year after
winning the tournament
in Casablanca.
In June, the government lifted
milk production restrictions
allowing farmers to sell as much
milk as they want. Many fear
a decrease in milk prices.
Furthermore, the government
plans to open milk and cheese
markets to foreign competition
within the next two years, a move
that could put further downward
pressure on prices. Farmers realize
that change is necessary if they are
to remain competitive. “Farmers
must now decide how, when, to
whom, and at what price they sell
their products,” Steiner said. High
quality regional dairy products
are in demand - L’Étivaz is being
marketed in places as far away as
New Jersey USA - and it is
therefore reasonable to imagine
that AOC Bernese Alpkäse from
Gstaad stands an equal chance on
the international food scene.
Farmers are now ready to look to
the future and put the problems
of the past behind them. Less
than 60 days after Hanspeter
Reust’s resignation as operations
director of the Gstaad Molkerei,
Saanenland’s six milk cooperatives
Teenager dies
following rafting
accident by Diana Oehrli
A 15-year old female student from
canton Zurich died on July 11
following an accident during a
trip on the Saane river organized
by the Alpinzentrum adventure
company of Saanen. The accident
took place at the Vanel gorge
between Saanen and
Rougemont as the girl
was rafting with fellow
students on a class trip.
Although the water was
high after recent rains,
it was below widelyaccepted
safety limits.
The mishap occurred
when two of the three
rafts collided, causing
one to flip over. The
other passengers of the
Saanenland milk cooperatives heads; rear from left: Markus
Bach, Saanen; Hans-Ruedi Steiner, Gstaad; Ueli Bach, Turbach;
in front from left: David Gander, Gsteig; Klaus Teuscher,
Schönried; Jörg Trachsel, Lauenen; Willy Bach, Saanen.
signed an agreement to work
together, something unheard of
in past years. On June 20, they
approved a SFr 250,000 credit for
the study and planning of a joint
milk processing plant. They have
created a mission statement and
have also agreed to discuss the
need for creating their own
marketing strategy. Steiner sees
the three main challenges ahead
as political, emotional and
economical. Politically, zoning
capsized vessel were able to climb
out to safety but the victim’s
lifejacket became caught on a
branch, pinning her underwater.
Guides were able to cut her free
and resuscitate her, but she died
three days later in hospital.
River rafters on the Saane.
regulations will affect the future
location of the milk processing
facility; emotionally, reluctance
to change should not be
underestimated and economically,
the project must make good
business sense. When asked
whether the requirement that
farmers produce silage-free milk
will be an issue, Steiner said: “It
is the client who dictates, not the
producer.”
by Diana Oehrli
Photo: AvS 05/07 Photo: GST

Events
continued from page 1
Gstaad, with its population of
7,000 including surrounding
communities, offers the same
12,000 seat stadium capacity that
will be available in Chaoyang
Park stadium in Beijing where the
population totals 15 million.
Sand from Germany
Five trucks will dump 2,250 tons
of sand in the center of Gstaad to
create eight beach volleyball
courts. For the two center courts,
approximately 650 tons of new
sand was purchased in Germany
and then tested by the official
FIVB examination center in
Canada, which gave the sand an
excellent grade. The same sand
was used for the 2004 Olympics
in Athens. After the event, the
sand in Gstaad will be stored, and
a small quantity will be offered
for sale.
The Swiss favorites
“The competition is wide open,”
said Kunz when asked which
terms were candidates to be the
next world champions. In the
women’s category, American duo
Misty May-Treanor and Kerri
Walsh are his favorites to win the
title. “Nevertheless, the Chinese
are very strong and not to be
underestimated,” he added. Swiss
hopes rest with the new dream
team of Patrick Heuscher
(Olympic bronze medal winner
2004) and Sascha Heyer (world
championship silver medalist
2005). Following several successes
Hands-on Ruedi Kunz, tournament director for beach
volleyball in Gstaad, preparing for the event.
Photo: AvS 04/07/06
Calling Eagle Ski Club Members
August 1 st
Mountain Party
at the Eagle Clubhouse. Depart Wasserngrat 19h30
Book early, last year was a sell-out!
To reserve your table, please contact the secretariat:
tel 033 748 42 32 or email: eagleskiclub@bluewin.ch
gstaadlife.com · July 20 2007
Page 4
This year`s Gstaad beach volleyball event is a key qualifier for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
this year, the pair are now ranked
world number seven.
13 cameras on center court
As well as being a major event
for Saanenland, the world
championships will be the focus
of Swiss television coverage.
Along with a plethora of
international TV stations, TV
crews will report live from Gstaad
bringing the games to billions of
viewers worldwide. With 13
cameras on center court, viewers
will be able to closely watch every
move. In addition, a camera on a
cable 20 meters above ground will
capture the whole area around the
Promenade and nearby streets.
Promenade and Sportzentrum
The Promenade will turn into the
‘Party Mile’ and the area around
the Sportzentrum will become
the festival and concert venue.
Food offerings on the Promenade
will include everything from
Bratwurst to Asian noodles. Many
local associations and hotels are
involved, and the Promenade will
be open daily until 01h00. The
party will then continue until
03h00 in the Sportzentrum.
60% of tickets sold as of July 6
“People wanting a ticket for the
final weekend must get moving”,
informs Kunz. By July 6, 60% of
the tickets were already sold and
Kunz is confident of achieving
the 70% mark before the event
begins.
Park-and-Ride
Half of all ticket reservations were
booked through Rail Away,
meaning that many people will be
using public transport to come to
Gstaad. It is estimated that
approximately 2,800 cars per day
will arrive in Saanenland. “This,
we can handle,” Kunz said. The
parking lots in Schönried and
Saanenmöser will charge SFr 5.-
per day and SFr 20.- per week.
Between 08h00 and 20h00 daily,
a shuttle bus will provide a free
service into Gstaad every 20
minutes.
Security, medical and waste
Because so many well-known
personalities are expected,
including Swiss politicians and
economists, Kunz is placing a lot
of emphasis on security. “A lot of
people are involved”, he said.
There will be uniformed police
officers, but also many in civilian
clothes and beach volleyball attire.
There will also be on-site medical
support throughout the
tournament, including a physician,
nurses and physiotherapists. Based
on past experience and the size of
the event, more facilities and
more people will be deployed to
deal with large quantities of waste.
Reporting by Anita Moser, Anzeiger
von Saanen
For tickets and more information, visit
beachwm07.com.
Eagle Club Summer opening hours from Saturday July 28 th to Sunday August
26 th , Thursday to Sunday lunchtimes and dinner groups upon request.
Copyright: FIVB

Photo: Eva Sailer
July 20 2007 · gstaadlife.com
Page 5 FYI / Events
Kid´s corner
Kids and cuisine come together on the Wispile
by Xavier Ferguson
Mountain dining, a great view
and the kids take care of
themselves. For those of you who
think that sounds too good to be
true, GstaadLife recommends the
Wispile mountain lodge. Now
open for the summer, the Wispile
has one of the best panoramic
playgrounds in Saanenland. But
what’s unique about this
playground is that as parents
saveurs, you have the chance to
relax with a drink in a sun-
Playtime panorama on the Wispile.
FYI
ImPoRtANt NumbERs
Ambulance 144, Police 117
Fire-brigade 118
Saanen Hospital 033 748 02 00
Château-d‘Oex Hospital 026 923 43 43
Car accident service 033 744 88 80
Veterinary 033 744 35 31
Medical emergency 0900 57 67 47
Dental emergency 033 748 02 00
For additional useful numbers please visit
www.gstaadlife.ch/usefulnumbers
For the latest local
weather forecast visit
gstaadlife.com
ChuRCh sERvICEs
st Peter`s English-speaking Anglican
Church: Sunday July 22 17h30 Service,
Mr John Dickson.
Roman Catholic Church st Josef,
Gstaad: Saturday July 21 18h00 Holy
Mass. Sunday July 22 11h00 Holy Mass,
16h00 Santa Misa (Spanish). Wednesday
July 25 16h30 Rosary, 17h00 Holy
Mass.
lounger or enjoy full-service
mountain cuisine right next to
where the kids are playing.
There’s also a petting zoo
featuring llama and goats, and for
older kids there’s the adventure of
downhill mountain scooters
(known as Trottinets), or a 45minute
trek around the
mountaintop featuring various
climbing and swinging apparatus.
For more information and
reservations, visit gstaad.ch or call
the Wispile mountain
lodge on 033 748 96
32. Be sure to ask
about set menus that
include cable car
rides.
FoR youR NExt stAy IN GstAAd
*****Gstaad Palace: Le Restaurant,
La Grande Terrasse, Snack & Barbecue,
The Lobby Bar, Le Bar du Grill & GreenGo
Nightclub, Beauty & Spa, Outdoor Pool &
Snack, Tennis. Tel 033 748 50 00,
Fax 033 748 50 01, info@palace.ch,
www.palace.ch
*****Grand hotel Park, Gstaad:
99 luxurious rooms, exclusive Guerlain-
Spa Chakra, Restaurants & bars: Marco
Polo, Le Grand Restaurant, Greenhouse,
Chalet Waldhuus, Le Bar and Marco Polo
Bar. Tel 033 748 98 00
www.grandhotelpark.ch
*****Grand hotel bellevue, Gstaad:
GaultMillau Hotel of Year 2003, 114 beds,
2,500 m2 SPA, Restaurant Prado,
Restaurant Coelho with sun-terrace,
Bellevue-Bar, Porsche 911 Club,
Carnotzet. Tel 033 748 00 00
www.bellevue-gstaad.ch
In brief
n Royalty treatment
at the Ermitage
Prince Alexander and Princess Lea of
Belgium spent one week in Saanenland
from June 25 to July 3 at the Wellness &
Spa Hotel Ermitage-Golf in Schönried.
Together with other nobility from Belgium
and France, the couple did not only come
to relax, but they also underwent a fasting
therapy under the guidance of German
doctor Sigrun Chrubasik from the
University of Freiburg. The aim of this
wellness week was not to lose weight, but
to gain increased vitality, together with
improved mental and physical well-being.
Asides from fasting, Prince Alexander and
Princess Lea spent much of their time
doing autogenic training and hiking. King
Leopold, Prince Alexander’s father, came
to Switzerland regularly over many years
seeking the benefits of wellness therapy.
It now seems as if his son is maintaining
the family tradition.
n Terrasse de Gstaad
project dead
Ambitious plans for the creation of a major
new tourist offer in Saanenland will not be
going ahead. La Terrasse de Gstaad (LTG)
envisaged the construction of sports and
recreation facilities, hotels, vacation homes
n FRIdAy, July 20 2007
davidoff saveurs Gourmet Week,
various locales, Gstaad. Until July 23.
Info: Tel 033 748 88 44.
51st menuhin Festival Gstaad, various
venues: classical music festival until Sept
8. 17h00 Garden of JFK International
School, Saanen: Opening Ceremony;
20h00 Concert in Saanen Church: Basel
Chamber Music Orchestra and piano.
Info: Tel 033 748 83 38.
20h30, Folk Evening with yode ling,
Hotel Wildhorn, Lauenen: Heinz Annen
and friends: Tel 033 765 30 12.
22h00, local latin Night Party,
Chlösterli, Gstaad: DJ Chico (Latin).
Info: Tel 033 748 79 79.
n sAtuRdAy, July 21 2007
22h00, Party: brothertunes.ch live,
Chlösterli, Gstaad: concert followed by
DJ. Info: Tel 033 748 79 79.
16h00, Chesery Platz Festival,
Cheseryplatz, Gstaad: Featuring Imperial
Jazz Band, Swingin‘ Jazz Circus and Tom &
and a golf course accessible for everyone.
Commenting on the project’s failure, LTG
board member Bruno Kernen said,
“Increasing jealousy and disapproval were
factors once people became aware of
advertising possibilities and the enormous
economic potential. The unique nature of
the project would have earned Gstaad new
status as a middle class tourist
destination.”
n New chef at
Grand Hotel Park
Giuseppe Colella is the new head chef at
the Grand Hotel Park. Colella has worked
at the Four Seasons in Milan, the Adlon
Kempinski in Berlin and has directed the
kitchen staff at the Hotel Amigo in
Brussels for the last four years. Colella
specializes in Italian and European cuisine
and is, according to the Belgian Guide
Delta Maîtres Cuisiniers, 2007’s best
Italian cook in the Brussels region. Even
though Mediterranean cuisine comes first
on his menu, Colella feels inspired by
what the mountains have to offer: the
aroma of alpine herbs and mushrooms;
fresh water fish, as well as quality meat
and dairy products. In combination with
his Italian flair, Colella’s Saanenland debut
promises to be a memorable culinary
experience.
Event corner Friday July 20 until Thursday July 26 2007
the Hymann. Sunday begins at 11h30.
Info: Tel 033 744 43 22.
21h30, beach Party in saanen Pub,
Saanen. Info: Tel 033 744 34 94.
11h00, menuhin Festival Gstaad,
Saanen Church: public rehearsals. 20h00
Saanen Church, Saanen: Klezmer and
Romantic, Menuhin School Orchestra.
22h30 Chapel Gstaad: Nocturne.
Info: Tel 033 748 83 38.
n suNdAy, July 22 2007
11h00, menuhin Festival Gstaad,
Saanen Church: Chamber Music Festival,
Sturm und Drang Days, Beethoven‘s
Opus 1. Info: Tel 033 748 83 38.
n tuEsdAy, July 24 2007
sWAtCh FIvb World Championships
2007, Beach Village, Gstaad: The world`s
most important beach volleyball event
begins. Until July 29. Side events July 23:
Opening party with 'Justtwo'. July 24:
Party with Sonalp, Trybstoff and Schoco
Rocco. July 25: Stress. July 26: Bagatello.
Info: Tel 033 744 06 40.

Photo: AvS 10/07
Local news
Police face criticism
over handling of
burglary by Tim Kilchenman
A spectacular burglary attempt
took place on July 8 at the
Chronometrie Piguet watch store
in Gstaad. Just before 22h30 three
would-be thieves rammed the
boutique with a car before
escaping down the Simmental
with a second vehicle. Police
blockades using spike strips were
of no avail and the culprits
The side display window of
Chronométrie Piguet was
completely destroyed during
the robbery attempt.
managed to flee on foot after
abandoning their getaway car
which had all its tires punctured.
The police have had to face
criticism for not positioning a
patrol vehicle behind the blockade,
as well as for being short-staffed.
In the meantime the burglars have
fled the country. A third car stolen
for their onward journey was
found burnt out in Liechtenstein.
The incident caused damages in
excess of SFr 100,000 but
according to store manager
Elizabeth Worbs nothing was
stolen. Given the numerous
eyewitness accounts she is
confident that the culprits of the
fourth Piguet burglary in just 12
years will be identified and
caught.
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gstaadlife.com · July 20 2007
Page 6
Power companies
warn of rising water
by Alison Chabloz
To inform people of the dangers
of sudden increases in water levels,
warning signs have been placed at
River bank signs warn of
rapidly rising water.
GstaadLife.com
let the conversation begin…
Photo: Xavier Ferguson
certain sites along the Saane river.
At times of high water levels,
electrical companies may choose
to release water from dammed
reservoirs upstream even during
fine weather. Although hydraulic
stations do their best to avoid this
happening, it’s important to
respect the following guidelines:
look out for changes in water
levels and leave the area
immediately if you hear a sudden
surge of water; never leave
children without supervision;
don’t park your car or pitch your
tent near to a marked zone. The
risks are minimal for river rafting.
For bathers and groups enjoying
hydrospeed or canyoning
activities, vigilance is necessary.

July 20 2007 · gstaadlife.com
Page 7
Nancy Holmes remembered by Diana Oehrli
A frequent visitor to Gstaad,
writer, photographer, and model
Nancy Holmes died on July 2
2007 at her home in San Antonio,
One of Nancy Holmes’ most famous shots from Gstaad. From left, Nelson Seabra, Denise
Shorto, Charlene Shorto, Charles Benoist d’Azy, Carol and Penny Shorto at the Eagle Club.
continued from page 1
which have been washed down
the mountains by rain or
avalanches. Dredging the lake,
which is a nature preservation
area, requires special permission.
In March, a delegation from
Saanenland visited the cantonal
authorities in Bern to raise the
issue with the help of a petition
signed by 3,930 people in favor of
preserving Lauenensee. Andreas
Rickenbacker, canton Bern’s
finance chief, was greatly impressed
by the concerns of the population
and visitors of Saanenland and
promised to visit Lauenensee
himself in order to gain a firsthand
impression. In late May,
Rickenbacker kept his word and
even went for a rowing trip on
the lake. Residents and lovers of
the region alike are hoping that
this visit will bring about a change
of mind: Rickenbacker was one
of ten opponents who voted
against last year’s proposal. This is
Saanen Gemeinde member Bethli
Küng’s second attempt at saving
the lake. She is supported by
Lauenen residents Rolf and
Cornelia Reichenbach, who are
mostly responsible for collecting
the large number of signatures.
GstAAdlIFE: Editorial: Antoinette de Scheel antoinette.descheel@gstaadlife.ch; Xavier Ferguson xavier.ferguson@gstaadlife.ch; Frank Müller frank.mueller@gstaadlife.ch; Diana Oehrli
diana.oehrli@gstaadlife.ch; Andrea von Siebenthal andreavs@gstaadlife.ch. Advertising: Peter Kuntze-Schneider peter.kuntze@gstaadlife.ch. Publishing, conception, printing: Müller
Marketing & Druck AG, Gstaad. subscriptions: Elsbeth Wyss tel 033 748 88 74.
Texas. She was 86. She is survived
by her son, Peter A Thompson of
The lake is not only an idyllic
retreat for locals and tourists, but
it is also a home to a flourishing
fauna and an ideal breeding site
for numerous water creatures and
migratory birds - a rarity for a lake
at mountain altitude. The shallow
Photo: Nancy Holmes
Tribute
McQueeney and Vail; her daughter,
Brooke Thompson Negley of
Adkins; three granddaughters and
a great-grandson. A memorial
service will be held on July 27 in
San Antonio and another service
is planned for New York City in
September. In lieu of flowers,
contributions may be made to
Last Chance Forever, PO Box
460993, San Antonio 78246,
USA; or National Public Radio,
635 Massachusetts Ave NW,
Washington, DC 20001, USA.
“That Nancy Holmes is no longer
with us makes me sad, because
she was such good fun,” wrote
Valerie Youmans in an email
to GstaadLife. “She would blow
in and out of Gstaad, and always
phone and come to see us.
She was very outspoken and
totally honest. We saw her last in
2003 with her daughter and
grand-daughters. They’ll miss her
as will I.”
water is a threat to the lake’s three
species of fish whose population
is particularly endangered in
summer when water temperatures
rise. Lauenensee is Saanenland’s
only natural lake.
by Gregory Zwygart
Lauenensee is under threat from sediment washed down from surrounding mountains.
Photo: MMD

9110_1143GstaadLive.indd 1 5.12.2006 14:34:55