Gstaad

Gstaad is a village. Population: roughly 9,000 people and 47,000 cashmere throws.

The main street is wooden chalets all the way down, by law — you cannot build anything here that doesn’t look like a slightly enlarged cuckoo clock.

In winter, it’s billionaires in moon boots.
In summer, it’s the same billionaires pretending to hike.

The Palace Hotel sits on the hill like a fairytale castle that learned about hedge funds. Roger Moore lived here. Julie Andrews still does. Bernie Ecclestone has opinions about the cheese.

You will pay CHF 28,- for a rösti.
The rösti will be excellent.
You will not complain, because complaining is for Zermatt.

Yes, it’s June. But the chalet you want in February books in July. The ski instructor with the good English is already half-reserved. Pack a linen shirt for now — and a deposit for later.

Bring: one good coat, zero logos, and the quiet confidence of someone who definitely did not check the prices.