Travel

I’ve got the powder!

NO BUSINESS LIKE SNOW BUSINESS: Ski jump like European royalty in Switzerland. (Alamy)

It’s that time of year again when we set our clocks back an hour, replace our warm-weather clothing with heavy-duty layers and plan our next escape to a snow-capped mountain far, far away.

And while much of the haut monde is migrating to exclusive spots like Megève, Courchevel and St. Moritz, we think it’s time to set our clocks way back — to, say, the 1960s, when Gstaad became famous for its crowd of fashion moguls, movie stars and European royalty.

Over the years, the Gstaad set has included everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Roman Polanski (who endured his house arrest here) to Roger Moore, and many A-listers including Formula One boss Bernie Eccelestone still spend winters in this southwestern Switzerland destination.

And now Gstaad’s back with a vengeance like James Bond, thanks to the unveiling of its first new five-star resort in over a century. So pack your Louis Vuitton suitcases and get ready to bundle up with the international jet set.

SKI Designed by architect Mario Botta, Glacier 3000 is the only glacial area in the Bernese Oberland that offers skiing and snowboarding from November to the beginning of May. Start by taking a jaw-dropping two-stage cable car up to the restaurant/refuge perched between the peaks and Les Diablerets glaciers. For an adrenaline rush, go for a ride on the world’s highest bobsled track or heli-ski on the Wildhorn Glacier from sunset to full moon during the off-piste season. glacier3000.ch/en/winter

STAY The five-star Alpina Gstaad, with 56 rooms and suites, opens Dec. 1. A contemporary interpretation of time-honored Alpine style, the resort has been crafted with local materials including stone from the Alps and weathered timber from Bernese Oberland farmhouses that date back centuries. Amenities include a 21,500-square-foot Six Senses Spa, two swimming pools, a private cinema, a wine-tasting room and a cigar lounge. Alpina Gstaad is also home to Restaurant Sommet with Michelin-starred chef Marcus Lindner at the helm. The other two restaurant options are the first European outpost of Megu and a Swiss Stubli with a traditional Alpine feel. Rooms range from $900 for a deluxe double during the low season to $22,300 for the Panorama Suite during the high season. All rates include taxes, Wi-Fi and a $320 daily credit to be used anywhere in the resort. thealpinagstaad.ch

EAT For lunch, swoosh over to either Snoasis (snoasis.ch) or Sonnenhof (restaurantsonnenhof.ch), hip restaurants where you can enjoy local Swiss cuisine while basking in the sun on their terraces.

And when you want a snack, be sure to hit up the outpost of Ladurée in the five-star Grand Hotel Park, which offers exclusive seasonal flavors of its famed macarons.

For the ultimate in dining debauchery, La Formagerie (palace.ch/restaurants-bars/la-fromagerie) in the five-star Gstaad Palace is your spot. Indulge your Champagne wishes and truffle dreams with the fondue au champagne et truffe noire, Or head over to the cozy and classic Olden eatery (hotelolden.ch), known for its spaghetti and a VIP clientele including Valentino.

DRINK After a long, intense day on the slopes, it’s time for après-ski. Locals tend to pack Richi’s Pub (cafepernet.ch ), but to see and be seen head over to GreenGo (palace.ch/restaurants-bars/greengo) with the rest of the glitterati. Split (splitgstaad.ch) is also a sexy alternative for drinks and dancing the night away.

SHOP Silver Sport (silversport.ch) is the main spot for all your action apparel needs so you can look like a pro when you’re on the slopes. The Antonella boutique offers anything and everything cashmere for those cold winter nights. Trois Pommes (http://www.troispommes.ch) carries designers such as Moncler, Roberto Cavalli and Prada so you can keep up with the fashion elite.