Tomas Berdych.net

                       

              

Gstaad is a village with a population of 2,500 located 1,050 metres (3,400 ft) above sea level, in the German-speaking section of the Canton of Berne in southwestern Switzerland. Gstaad, part of the municipality of Saanen, is known as one of the most exclusive and expensive ski resorts in the world, and has also been the location of Institut Le Rosey's winter campus since 1916.

Gstaad is known for its extremely luxurious hotels and shopping, high-society nightlife, fine dining, excellent service, and international stars. It is also one of the largest ski areas in the Alps. The town is located in the canton of Berner Oberland, in the Swiss Alps.

Long known for its walking and hiking trails of varying degrees of intensity from beginner to expert, the mountain air and upscale ambiance attracts executives and celebrities from around the world each summer as Gstaad has become increasingly a year-round destination.

The central areas of the town were made a car-free zone back in 1997 and so there is a safety and cleanliness about the shopping parts. Also dotted around are a number of traditional chalet style houses which join many of the hotels and other aspects to create a typical Swiss culture which visitors can soak up and become involved in during their stay.

Famous regular visitors to Gstaad have included Michael Jackson, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, writer William F. Buckley Jr., a highly publicised romantic ski holiday of Paris Hilton and Greek shipping heir Paris Latsis in December 2005 and various members of the House of Cavendish. Other occasional visitors in the past include Margaret Thatcher, actors David Niven and Peter Sellers, real estate entrepreneur Richard White as well as King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain.

A favorite hot spot for superstars who visit Switzerland and those who are simply rich and off the papparazzi radar, Gstaad is legendary for its exclusivity. It's one of those places that raises everyone's eyebrows. If you fall into the category of the average tourist visiting Switzerland, you've probably thought of visiting Gstaad just out of curiosity, and so you should but be warned that as a regular tourist or ski lover, you're better off spending just two or three days maximum unless you want to go bankrupt. Internationally known for its super-rich loyal visitors, luxurious services, first class hospitality and ofcourse the skiing because it is a ski resort after all, Gstaad is basically Monaco with snow.