"Celebrating 20 Years-Chateau-d'Oex, Switzerland"

by Patty Lewis

Europe's premier Alpine Balloon event celebrated its twentieth Anniversary January 17 through 25. Organizer's were furiously working Friday the 16 to bring in snow for the launch field. A trend over the past few years has been a warm spell for this spectacular valley set in the Swiss Alps. The result has been rain even though the mountains are covered with snow. Saturday morning everyone was pleasantly surprised as the rain turned into snow sometime during the night leaving a three inch blanket of fresh snow on the ground. The event began with the best weather an organizer can hope forfresh snow and sunshine.

This event is quite casual for the sport pilot. The corporate balloons are grasping for as much exposure as possible. Balloons are unloaded at one entrance and the equipment is then moved into position on the launch site with sleds. No vehicles are allowed on the field. This is done so the field remains clean and free of mud. Spectators must watch outside the fenced perimeter of the launch field. This is quite helpful for crew members to launch their balloons as well as for photographers to work the field getting that perfect picture without tripping over public and children.

Balloons begin inflating at about 10 a.m. and fly for as long as they like. Many balloons return at 3 p.m. for the afternoon launch. For some, once is enough as the winds can be quite cooperative and flying for two or three hours is quite common.

Sunday the weather began to cooperate with the prior week's wishes and prayers for snow. The afternoon flight was canceled and the snow began to fall continuously until Wednesday-bringing a record snowfall for balloon week. Due to weather, the long distance launch was delayed until Thursday.

Those that listened to every aspect of pilot briefing played it safe and landed short, but safely. Others continued on and had some exciting experiences. Peter Mason flew with Crispin Williams, both from England, and ended up in the hospital with multiple fractures. Crispin's face was a bit scrapped up but he did not get admitted into the hospital and returned to Chateau d'Oex. Paulo Bonano of Italy was lucky to have survived as the house he hit did not fair too well. He returned to Chateau d'Oex as a bandaged mummy that no one dare touch. (Paulo is known for his quick release and other hardware inventions that are currently being used by Cameron as well as Thunder and Colt Balloons.) The remaining days were flyable although quite cold. Sunday ended with a few balloons in the afternoon due to wind speeds in the valley.

This is truly an International event although most of the pilots are from England. Cindy and Rick Wallace of Santa Monica, California were great representatives of the United States. Their balloon, "Rainbow thru Heaven," proudly adorned the American flag. Discover Balloons of Albuquerque, New Mexico represented the United States with a souvenir stand and a large banner touting balloon items from the U.S.A. Conni and Tiemo Von Zweck from the San Diego, California area showed up on Wednesday to visit with European balloonist friends. This is a fun event whether you bring your own balloon or hang out with other balloonists that need crew.

Social activities are available for those that are interested. Each pilot is given two meal tickets for each day that are good for the planned party or a choice of 30-40 restaurants in the area. The first evening is the traditional cheese fondue party at the "Fromagerie." Unfortunately the restaurant is not large enough for everyone to attend, but it is a great atmosphere for a party. Early arrival is the key to getting a table. Monday night is the party at the "Brenner," the facility at the top of the mountain in Chateau d'Oex that hosts dinners for organized groups. It can be a bit cold as the last section of the trip up the mountain is on a chair lift. This year's activities included dinner and dancing to a D.J. that got the crowd going. Dinner couldn't be complete without a snow fight in the restaurant and the torch light skiing or sledding down the mountain. Thursday night's party was a traditional dinner-"Raclette" (this is a must try while visiting Switzerland) which is a cheese meal with melted Raclette cheese, small potatoes and small onions. Raclette is actually gaining popularity in the United States. When planning expenses for this balloon event, expect to pay $30 per person to attend the parties. Hotels can be expensive but some Bed and Breakfast places can be quite reasonable but get all details in writing so the price does not go up while you are there.

For those interested in getting out and doing something other than ballooning are in luck as Switzerland is a sports Mecca. There are many winter sports to partake in such as: downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and paragliding. For those that are more interested in seeing the sights, there are many interesting areas to visit nearby. Gstaad is a quaint village that attracts royalty and the rich and famous. Roger Moore calls this home and the prices reflect it. A section of the main street is closed to cars, it is a great area to shop or take in the pubs. Occasionally you can find some items on sale that are great bargains so I suggest a look around. Switzerland is famous for many cheeses. One of the nearby towns is Gruyere, where you can tour a cheese dairy as well as visit the old village and castle of this well known gourmet cheese region. There are two lovely cities to explore along Lake Geneve that are about an hour's drive, Montreux and Lausanne. While in Lausanne, save time for a tour through the Olympic Museum. As you can see, there are many options available to make a full experience of a Ballooning trip in the Swiss Alps. For more information, contact Patty Lewis or Doug Grimes at Discover Balloons, 205 C San Felipe NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, phone: 505-842-1111 or e-mail: dballoon@rt66.com.

Michelin man Makes His European Debut

Bibendum (French for the popularly known Michelin Man) celebrates his 100th birthday this year and made his European debut at the 20th Chateau d'Oex International Balloon Festival. This will mark the beginning of a tour round the world as a Hot Air Balloon. Saturday, January 24, ceremonies were held for the opening of the Michelin Man tour. The Chateau d'Oex launch field provided the stage as a local band marched on the field towards the 42 meter tall balloon. Michelin Corporate representatives were on hand as the Michelin Man was christened. Shortly following a champagne toast, the waving Michelin Man with his 3 meter high eyes and 4 meter wide smile, launched for a flight around the valley. Also in attendance was a six foot version of the Michelin Man.

Watch for the Michelin Man as a hot air balloon as he will be touring over forty countries on five continents which includes every country in Europe as well as Asia, Australia, South America, the United States and Canada. Four Michelin Men and seven normal shaped balloons will be on tour.

The Michelin Man was conceived in 1898 in Lyon by Edward and Andre Michelin after seeing a pile of discarded tires. They thought the pile looked like a man and named it Bibendum (a popular toast to good health). Instantly he was a success and remains to be one of the world's most recognizable advertising symbols. The worldwide advertising campaign will involve the following Michelin products: tires, maps and guides. An exhibition entitled "1898/1998-The Michelin Man" will travel the world and show the major role played by Michelin in the development of the transport and tourist industries. The promotions will include two games in which products and memorabilia can be won. The Michelin Man will reappear all over the world wearing a Kimono in Japan, ski suit in Switzerland, Austria and Germany or dressed as a deep-sea diver in Australia. Watch for the Michelin Man to also reappear in the United States and the balloons to be spotted in the air. PL