Brief overview of Chateau-d'Oex:
In both summer and winter Chateau-d'Oex presents a diverse range of holiday experiences and sporting activities. The wonderful mountain scenery and old decorated chalets are typical in this area of Switzerland.
Situated at around 1000 metres in altitude, a charming picturesque village situated in-between the resort of Gstaad in the Bernese Oberland and the small town of Gruyères in Fribourg. The holiday region of Pays-d'Enhaut in the region of Vaud is linked to the Lake Geneva region by the Col des Mosses and by the Montreux – Bernese Oberland Railway.
Hot Air Balooning Festival:
Thanks to its favourable micro-climate, Château-d'Oex has developed into a hot-air ballooning metropolis and in January the hot air ballooning festival is held where balloonists from around the world convene to participate in week-long competitions. Passenger flights are available throughout the year.
Summer Activities:
A beautiful pre-Alpine walking area lies south of Château-d'Oex: La Pierreuse, the largest nature conservation area in western Switzerland contains rock areas, forests, abundant flora and flat moors. For both leading bikers and amateurs, the Pays-d'Enhaut offers a large network of marked mountain biking trails along the tracks of the 1997 world championships. You can indulge in white-water sports on the fast-flowing river Saane: canyoning, hydrospeed, canoeing /kayaking and river rafting. One of Switzerland’s most beautiful river rafting routes lies between the wild Vanel and Gérignoz gorges.
Ski:
Chateau d'Oex is part of the Glacier-Alpes Vaudoises Ski area and has direct access to 50km of downhill skiing with 22 individual pistes, served by 10 ski lifts.
Thanks to the Videmanette cable way, Rougemont 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.
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.
Other Activities:
ice skating, cablecar, heritage museum, bowling, sleighrides, toboganing, hot air ballooning, whitewater rafting, mini golf, canoeing cheese making,
