Château-d’Œx, Vaud, Switzerland
Chateau d'Oex is in many ways the quintessential Swiss alpine resort. Nestled on the South side of a valley amongst the French speaking Alps. The town is the picture of a quaint ski village. To the west is the famous cheese making town of Gruyere and approx 15 minutes drive to the east the glamorous town of Gstaad.
Chateau d'Oex has a vast array of activities year round. Skiing and snowboarding are the most popular activities here, with plenty of trails for both novice and the advanced skier.
Perhaps the most exciting time to visit this resort is towards the end of January when the international hot air balloon festival is held. This is truly a breath-taking sight from the top of the slopes across the valley as hundreds of balloons decorate the sky.
With options year round and plenty of them at that Chateau d'Oex makes an ideal vacation anytime of the year. Car is recommended although not essential
Other Activities: ice skating, cablecar, heritage museum, bowling, sleighrides, toboganing, hot air ballooning, whitewater rafting, mini golf, canoeing cheese making,
Golf: Within 1hours drive from Chateau d’Oex, there are 4 golf courses, at Saanenmoser, Villars, Lake Gruyere, and Aigle. The nearest, 20 minutes away, and arguably one of the most spectacular Alpine courses, is Golf Club Gstaad Saanenland, a stunning 18 hole course, (par 70, 5305 metres) at an altitude of 1400 metres, and is open from June to October, after the snow has receded. The driving range has a view to die for! In early summer the fairways weave between protected orchids in a nature reserve and alpine meadow flowers and pine woods. Golf de la Gruyere (par 68, 5058 metres) has views over the lake and to the mountains beyond. Montreux Golf Course at Aigle (par 72, 5828 metres), is flatter and easier on the legs. The green fees vary between £30 and £50, depending on the day you play.
Ski
Thanks to the Videmanette cable way, Rougemont is great for sking and is 20 mins drive . It has a direct connection to the ski area of Gstaad. In winter, the railway also brings winter sports enthusiasts to the nearby ski areas of Schönried and Saanenmöser. The high plateau of Les Mosses – La Lécherette is very popular with cross-country skiers. 35 km of trails lead through snow-covered fields and forests. Further activities and facilities include snow-shoe treks, toboggan runs and winter walking trails.
