Tradition and history

When the host himself revs up

Andrea Scherz usually pulls up in his official sponsor vehicle, the Ferrari. The boss of the Palace makes no secret of his passion for beautiful cars. That’s why every year, during the last weekend in August, he gets behind the wheel and completes the Gstaad Palace Challenge alongside fellow classic car fans – all of whom are there on invitation only, most of them long-time participants. In keeping with the true Olympic spirit, it’s all about the taking part rather than the winning.

Cultural delights

Of course, the Gstaad Palace Challenge is largely about skill and the art of driving... and also so much more. Up to 30 crews take to the road in their vintage sports cars – all manufactured between 1950 and 1990, from a Aston Martin or Porsche Carrera to a Ferrari 250 SWB. They wind their way through scenic landscapes along carefully chosen country lanes. Here and there, they take a break and sample local specialities such as crème double with meringues in Fribourg, baked ham from the mines of the Val-de-Travers, or piquant, cave-aged Emmental cheese. After all, anyone with an eye for a beautiful chassis, streamlined curves and polished hood ornaments is bound to appreciate the delightful Swiss scenery and everything else the area has to offer.

In good company

Along the way, the distinguished cars are matched by equally select culinary delights and picnics. The whole event is rounded off with a closing dinner at the Palace, accompanied by fine wines from local and international vineyards, as recommended by the Sommelier. Finally, the crews swap their steaming engines for a wonderfully fragrant Havana in what is probably the most beautiful smoking lounge on the north side of the Alps, with views of Gstaad by night. By then, any memories of defeat have long given way to excitement over next year’s re-match.