New Chalet Chic in Rougemont

Through the window of the GoldenPass, I admire the snow-covered mountain landscape that passes us by. On this day, the train is well filled with winter sports enthusiasts who are on their way from Zweisimmen in the direction of Schönried and Gstaad, as well as tourists who want to see a piece of the Swiss mountains on the panoramic journey to Montreux. For us, it’s neither one nor the other. Our destination is located on the Röstigraben in the middle of the Vaud Alps in the Pays d’Enhaut. In the historic village of Rougemont, a new, pretty hotel has opened its doors at the beginning of the winter season. After intensive phases of planning and implementation, the Hotel de Rougemont fills a gap that arose after the demolition of the former hotel in the same location.

It’s a short walk from the Rougemont train station to the hotel, which blends into its surroundings as if it had been standing on this southern slope for years. The route passes by the church of Rougemont, built around 1080 by the monks of Cluny. It is worth taking a look inside the church as you pass by.

Homely atmosphere

“Chez Nous, Chez Vous” is the philosophy of the management couple Christine and Alexander Perper. That hits the nail on the head. The lobby exudes a casual informality and an attentive “Bonjour” sounds from the reception. The guest should feel comfortable, enjoy and relax here. Quasi chalet holiday feeling in the boutique hotel. In between, I like to be inspired by successful architecture and appreciate the finesse. For example, the fact that only reclaimed wood was used for the interior decoration of the walls and ceilings. In some places, old carpenter’s signs can still be discovered. The Hotel de Rougemont meets my taste with the consistent use of natural materials and attention to detail through the belt.

The rooms and suites are spread over two chalets named after the opposite mountains – Le Rubli and la Videmanette. The penthouse suite at the top of “la Videmanette” is waiting for us. Ohlala, this is a place to be. First and foremost, of course, my gaze is on the panorama, which can also be seen in snow flurries. The room is dominated by an earthy tone. Only in the bathroom was a contrast created with the glass elements and the black ceramic coatings. Now all that’s missing is the fire in the fireplace to spend the rest of the afternoon snuggly on the sofa with a view of the thick snowflakes outside, reading a book or playing dominoes.

Winter fun between Gstaad and Château-d’Oex

But actually we didn’t want to just laze around on the sofa in the afternoon. Our original plan was to make a detour to the Festival International de Ballons in Château-d’Oex, ten minutes away. But with such intense snowfall, the balloons unfortunately have to stay on the ground. Instead, we first walk through the idyllic core of Rougemont and marvel at all the pretty chalets and then make a detour to the Saane. From Château-d’Oex via Rougemont to Saanen there is a beautiful snowshoe hiking trail. The Röstigraben is located where there is no path.

The ski bus stops every 15 minutes in front of the hotel and takes guests to the Rougemont – Videmanette gondola lift in just a few minutes. By the way, an insider tip for skiers; In the vast majority of cases, there is no need for annoying queuing. The ski area is connected to Eggli in Gstaad via Chalberhöni (day ticket adults 62 CHF – I find it a bit unpleasant that no matter which ski area you choose, you always have to buy the Gstaad Mountain Rides ski ticket…). There is also a cross-country ski trail along the Sarine. As you can see, the region has a lot to offer. Both for active winter sports enthusiasts and for leisurely walkers.

Pure relaxation

With red cheeks and wet feet, we return to the hotel. Off to the spa! The Hotel de Rougemont has a small, fine wellness area. The centrepiece is the relaxation area in front of the elongated pool. Through a window in the ceiling you have a direct view of the mountains from the pool. Sauna and steam bath complete the offer. The sauna takes some getting used to. Instead of the usual wood, only a glass wall separates from the outside world.

After this snowy day, I am pampered with a 50-minute massage. In the spa of the Hotel de Rougemont, Pure Altitude care products are used, consisting of alpine plants. With the Rituel Corps Pure Altitude (150 CHF), the body is gently massaged from head to toe with an oil tincture, pressure points are released and muscles are loosened. Wonderfully relaxing and invigorating at the same time. Just the thing after a strenuous day in powder snow.

Uncomplicated enjoyment

If your stomach growls as much as I do after a day in the mountains, you can go to the restaurant “Le Roc”. The reins are in the hands of Belgian chef Jean-Luc Daniel. You guessed it, Belgian fries play a central role here. Regionality meets internationally inspired delights. The menu includes moules-frites, rustic stews and grilled meats, or from the fireplace, which completes the rustic alpine atmosphere. I choose a tuna tartare for starters and opt for half the chicken, which has been roasted over an open fire as a dish of the day until crispy. Last but not least, we treat ourselves to a portion of “Rougemont Donuts”.

After a hearty dinner, we end the evening in the “Bar Roc”. The central element of the lounge is a mighty fireplace, which stands on a boulder from the Sarine. Throughout the day, you will always meet guests who have made themselves comfortable in the comfortable sofas behind the window front and are reading a book. In the late evening, the crackling fireplace and the cozy atmosphere invite you to a nightcap. The bar team creates new unusual drinks every day. Drink of the day is the Salty Dog. I trust in the skills of the bar manager and let him mix it up a bit as he sees fit. Good choice. I wouldn’t have ordered the Woody Allen cult drink “Moscow Mule”. But oh, it tastes good! I have a new favorite drink.

The Hotel de Rougemont, which has been a member of Design Hotels since the beginning of 2015, has completely met my taste. A great hotel for a romantic weekend for two or for the somewhat more luxurious chalet ski holiday variant. Room rates from 320 CHF/night. Every Sunday, brunch (65 CHF) is served in the restaurant Le Roc. That would be worth a trip.

Note: I have been invited to this stay by the Hotel de Rougemont – thank you very much for this. As always, my readers can be sure that I always represent my views and enthusiasm here.