Saanen (winter resort)

8km/5mi northwest of Gstaad is Saanen (1,020 m/3,348ft; pop. 1,600), chief town in the Upper Saane valley, a climatic and winter sports resort (ski-lifts) surrounded by many isolated farms. Church (rebuilt in 15th C.) with a fine tower and 15th C. wall-paintings in the choir. A prosperous stock-farming and dairy-farming area, notable for its cheese (Saanen, a grating cheese).

To the north of the town rises the Hugelirat (1,902 m/6,240ft; three hours), from which there are superb views. From Saanen it is possible to continue to Lausanne, by either the Col des Mosses or the Col du Pillon.