An Alps adventure is certain to give your spirits a lift
Switzerland — a land of medieval castles, snow and passionate artisans — is home to the Swiss Alps, one of the most scenic mountain ranges in the world.
While adventurers ski, climb and hike the steep slopes, Switzerland’s Alpine region also offers myriad experiences such as truffle hunting, fondue parties, chocolate tastings and riding motorcycles through the Central European country’s pastoral landscapes.The castle-guarded town of Gruyères, population 55, begs a day trip or an overnight stop on the way to the Alps (Gruyères is considered “Pre-Alps”). Here, travelers are rewarded with locally made chocolate and cheese fondue. La Maison du Gruyère, a commercial cheese cooperative, invites guests to sample cheeses from Gruyères cows that graze on bluebell plants, clover, thyme and violet, giving the Gruyère cheese its distinct taste. Local master chocolatier Richard Uldry owns Chocolaterie de Gruyères, where he makes his sweets, bean-to-bar, in the village. Reserve a demonstration and education in fine Swiss chocolate with Uldry, and feast on treats afterwards.
Dairy farmer and artisan cheesemaker Gerard Biland, who comes from a long lineage of dairy farmers, and his wife Ann own Buvette des Invuettes, a charming gourmet café between Gruyères and the village of Gstaad. Here in Valde-Charmey, one side of the street speaks German and the other side, French, a signature of Swiss culture.
Biland, who fulfilled a 19-year apprenticeship to be