In the town of Gstaad, in the municipality of Saanen, Canton of Bern, Switzerland

 You might want to make your way to Gstaad -- once described by Julie Andrews as "the last paradise in a crazy world" -- to learn why the town has become such a popular destination.

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(in the German-speaking section of the Canton of Bern in southwestern Switzerland) The town of Gstaad is part of the municipality of Saanen and is known as a major ski resort. The winter campus of the Institut Le Rosey is located in Gstaad, at 1,050 meters above sea level.

+ From the beginning, the history of Switzerland's Gstaad has been the stuff of legend. According to local lore, it was God's resting hand that shaped the illustrious hills and valleys of the Saanenland region where Gstaad is located -- divine intervention seemed the only plausible explanation for such remarkable scenic beauty. Even if you have never heard the name Gstaad, you may be at least dimly aware of its reputation.

 
+ Consider (or just imagine, if you will) the cultural mythology surrounding Alpine villages, of snow-covered chalets tucked away amid a stunning mountain landscape where the world's wealthiest and most famous celebrities have spent their winters in a glitzy wonderland of fine-dining, luxury shopping and accommodations -- that would (in reality) be Gstaad!

+ The Gstaad Palace opened in 1913 as the town's first luxury hotel. In 1942 the Saanen-Gstaad airfield was opened for military and civil aviation. Helicopter rides were added later and in 1980 balloon flights became available as well. Most of the modern resorts and small hotels here are built out of wood (and retain traditional design elements). The Gstaad Polo Club was founded in 1992, and the Gstaad Yacht Club in 1998.

+ Uniformity in exterior designs, with wood facades, gabled roofs, and decorative moldings, helps to maintain Gstaad's beloved "frozen in time" feel. In keeping with its cozy, alpine image, homes are comfortable yet stylish, and possess an understated luxury. Interior living spaces also highlight Gstaad's charm with features like fireplaces, wood accents, or large windows with breathtaking views.  

+ The winter months are when Gstaad truly comes alive (the population grows dramatically around the winter holidays.) Many come for superb skiing or other recreation like cross-country skiing, tobogganing, and winter hiking, while others come to slow down and enjoy the quaint yet bon vivant lifestyle -- in the midst of spectacular scenic beauty.

 + Often considered a winter resort, Gstaad attracts many visitors in the summer as well. People come to attend the large, international events held during the summer months, such as world-class sporting competitions like the Swiss Cup, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup, and the Swatch Beach Volleyball Major -- or popular cultural events like the Menuhin Festival or Country Night Gstaad.

+ Gstaad is also home to the winter campus of the Institu Le Rosey, the most expensive boarding school in the world. Founded in 1880, Le Rosey is often referred to as the "School of Kings."