Travel: Come up to slow down in these lesser-spotted European mountain destinations

‘Come Up, Slow Down’, says Gstaad’s tourism slogan. It couldn’t be more accurate because while Gstaad is traditionally known as a destination for the rich and famous, Gstaad valley and the surrounding valleys of Saanenland are rural idylls where visitors can enjoy a preserved traditional way of life.

The valley of Abländschen – now accessible from Gstaad village via a regular bus service – is like another world, a lovely valley that time forgot. So ...