The New Year will begin in style in Gstaad with a series of world-class events launching at the Swiss alpine resort. The Gstaad Winter Games, which includes the highly anticipated Slopestyle Event, will kick things off in January, followed by the Elevation 1049 open-air exhibition. These and a number of other exciting events make Gstaad a must-visit destination for winter 2013-14.

Winter games in Gstaad (14 – 18 January)

Up to 8,000 skiing enthusiasts are expected to flock to Gstaad in the New Year for the start of the first Gstaad Winter Games. Taking place from 14-18 January, the Games include the Slopestyle World Cup Race, which is now an Olympic discipline and involves freeskiers and snowboarders performing acrobatic tricks on jumps, rails and boxes. 64 athletes from 11 nations have confirmed they will participate in these qualification rounds ahead of the Winter Olympics in Sotchi in February. Throughout the four days, guests will be entertained with a program of Freestyle Movie Contests and musical concerts, including a performance from the top German band, Fettes Brot. Visitors can also enjoy a thrilling Freestyle Show on Saturday 18 January.

Exhibition at a height (27 January – 8 March)

Then, from 27 January - 8 March, Gstaad will host Elevation 1049, the first in a series of site-specific exhibitions founded by a non-profit institution in Gstaad. LUMA & Foundation promotes independent artists, combining their work with challenging artistic projects. Olympia Scarry and Neville Wakefield are curating the first exhibition, which is free to the public and will showcase works exclusively by Swiss artists, elevated against the alpine landscape of Gstaad.

Fly high above Gstaad (25 January – 2 February

Those with a head for heights can appreciate the beauty of Gstaad from above at the International Balloon Festival. From 25 January to 2 February 80 teams will take to their balloons leaving Ch'teau-d'Oex behind to colour up the skies. Family-friendly Gstaad also offers a day dedicated to children with tethered flights, creating happy kids and relaxed parents. Children can also be entertained with the Skiing By Night event on 8 January, and for the more experienced youngsters the Ludi Cup Slalom takes place for under-15’s on the same day.

For more information visit www.gstaad.ch

~ ENDS ~

For media enquiries please contact: Kath Kay or Sophie Black at PRCo
Email: kkay@prco.com, sblack@prco.com / Tel: 00 44 20 7259 1100