| Issue 4: September 2006 |
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Spotlight on Buddy Bombard’s Swiss Winter Alps6 and 9-day adventures featuring spectacular sightseeing by low level balloon In winter, sleigh bells and strains of Mozart can be heard in the valleys, and clusters of artfully restored wooden chalets, some dating to the 17th century, glisten like sugar-dusted gingerbread among cheery shops stuffed with world class finery, chocolate and local cheese. The undercurrent of Gstaad’s famous social scene flows gracefully through the winter months at private parties, on the slopes, and in fire-warmed gourmet restaurants. This is the setting for Buddy Bombard’s spectacular Swiss Winter Alpine adventure. But the topper is the most colorful winter spectacle in all of Europe, the weeklong International Balloon Festival that takes place in the neighboring mountain village of Chateau d’Oex. The Chateau d’Oex International Balloon Festival has grown from its first event in 1979 with 12 balloons from 5 countries, to current participation of nearly 100 balloons from 15 countries. Each year a different individual or organization launches the renowned event, including Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones of Breitling Orbiter III fame, who took off from Chateau d’Oex in March of 1999 for the first around the world balloon flight in history. 2007 will mark the Festival’s 29th year, and for nearly as long, the invited participation of Buddy Bombard’s balloons during a portion of the week. Bombard trips are based in Gstaad at the elegant Grand Hotel Park, a 5-star chalet hotel perched near the village’s boutique-lined promenade. Guests stay for 5 or 8 nights, depending on the Buddy Bombard trip they select. Each day at 10:00 a.m., the balloon crew takes guests to the balloon field, where they rise in tandem with other Festival balloons to drift in a sequence of color and whimsical shapes through the dramatic scenery of the Alps. Continuous entertainment runs throughout the Festival with professional parachute teams, hang gliders and large hot air dirigibles in a wonderful winter carnival atmosphere. During days where Bombard guests are not flying with the Festival, the company’s private chef prepares an elaborate lunch to enjoy in the balloons, complete with fine wine, as the balloons drift quietly through picturesque villages, charming hamlets and snowy Alpine forests—some of the most magnificent scenery in the world. Evenings are exceptional with Buddy Bombard. Spontaneous happenings often present themselves in a small, who’s-who village like Gstaad—the chance invitation for cocktails at a local friend’s chalet, or perhaps an impromptu party thrown by friends just made at the afternoon’s landing. Among the planned events for each evening are fabulous dinner parties in Gstaad’s most famous premier and gourmet restaurants, featuring French, Mediterranean and nouvelle Swiss cuisines with authentic raclette and flavorful local cheeses. For further information click Swiss Winter Alps or Swiss Winter Alps & Chateau d'Oex International Balloon Festival We’re Pleased to Announce Our Newest 5-Star Hotels!A Buddy Bombard trip is one of grace, luxury, culture, comfort, and indescribable fun. No matter which destination, the company’s first priority is to make guests feel at home. Each program’s hotel is chosen for its historic ambience, unique local charm, and for the exceptional service provided to guests. In 2007, the following exceptional 5-star hotels have been added to Buddy Bombard’s Europe programs.
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