If you’ve ever wondered, what it’s like…it is an AMAZING experience, tandem gliding from the snowy Swiss mountains above Villars-sur-Ollon! Rather than just taking a smooth ride, Claudia Peifer, aka ‘Jane Blonde 006 – licence to thrill’, also agreed to doing a ‘wing-over’ stunt ahead of the flight, so please note this swear-word alert, as it does get a bit hairy. Flying with an experienced instructor is the trick, and she flew with the best there is in Villars!  So, if you like a bit of excitement in your life, hit that start button now to find out what a tandem paragliding flight entails – have fun!

TA-DAH TV films in Villar-sur-Ollon in the Swiss Vaud Alps, society hot-spot and one of the locations of the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics 

As big lovers of all things sport and all things fun in the snow, we loved filming the Paragliding Tandem flight taking off from snow off Roc D’Orsay, high above the famous village of Villars. This very chic and ‘very Swiss’ place has been on the radar for the rich and famous since the Hollywood hey-days in the 50s. Extremely understated, this is the playground for celebrities and famous personalities, who want to keep a low profile when on their winter holiday.

Another reason, why this somewhat ‘secret’ place with spectacular views of Lake Geneva is frequented by so many high-profile snow resort lovers, is that there are several outstanding international schools are situated in Villars itself or in Chesières, the hamlet just below Villars. So, with their offspring well looked after at famous schools like College Alpin Beau Soleil, Aiglon College or La Garenne Int’l School, it is always huge fun to visit the kids at a beautiful place with stunning views of the French Alp massifs, including Les Dents du Midi and the Montblanc. Situated just ‘around the corner’ from Leysin and one hour from Gstaad, you really will not be short of first class experiences, including glacier skiing at Les Diablerets , which can be reached on ski just across the valley.

And it so happens, that the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics chose Villars as one of their locations to stage several competitions in the snow-filled valleys above the village. Officially known as III Winter Youth Olympic games, this third edition of the games was held in January, with its base in Lausanne, where all the athletes were housed and prize giving was staged. With the future generation of budding winter sportsmen and sportswomen displaying their amazing skills, this was no-doubt the best games to date! Let’s look at what the games entailed.

The Games

When people think of winter sports, they think of skiing and snowboarding. Don’t get us wrong, they are fascinating sports, but a plethora of other sports were on show for us all! Ranging from bobsleighing to ice hockey, we were in awe of how talented the competitors were across all the various disciplines! Some of the sports on show were:

• Curling – An underrated sport to say the least, this game consists of players sliding stones on ice to try and get them into the target. We gave this a go ourselves and struggled – how the athletes are so accurate is mind-blowing!
• Bobsleigh – You may have seen ‘Cool Runnings’, but actually seeing the athletes fly down the track in a sleigh is surreal! The sheer speed gained as they soar down the snow leaves you constantly on edge! This sport no doubt takes a lot of bravery and mental strength.
• Luge – Potentially the most dangerous sport at the games, this one isn’t for the faint-hearted. Similar to bobsleighing, the athletes fly down a track but this time they are alone and with a lot less protection! Using just a small sled to lie on, this is definitely a sport you shouldn’t try at home!
• Ski Jumping – The infamous Eddie the Eagle gave it a go, but we surely wouldn’t! Don’t get us wrong, it looks like a whole lot of fun, but the heights the jumpers get to seem much higher in real life! Sit back and watch the jumpers gracefully gliding through the skyline and somehow landing perfectly – what an incredible skill set this sports discipline entails!
• Ski Cross – Being a timed race event, ski cross is often considered to be part of freestyle skiing, because the parcours also includes features found in freestyle skiing, like artificial features like big air jumps & high. Banked turns. But natural terrain can also be included in a course, and so it’s important to realise the difference between alpine skiing and ski cross, where more than one skier compete in a single race! Usually it’s 4 racers in total, so you’re not just skiing against the clock, but against real life competition on the slope. Daredevil attitude is a must…

Ski Destinations

As good as the games are, the event is bettered by the fact that you can give skiing a go yourself! During the games, several areas across the spectacular Switzerland host some of the games and have brilliant ski resorts to stay at! So, for those who wanted to watch the games and ski themselves, the options were amazing! Some of the best places to go skiing there yourself are:

• Villars
• Leysin
• Les Diablerets
• St. Moritz

Villars – home to the Ski Cross World Champion and Olympic medallist Fanny Smith

Ski Cross is a relatively young winter sport discipline to the Olympic Games, but that means very little, as the contest is fought between 4 racers in the same race, flying down a specially created parcours, entailing jumps, crazy curves and bends and other obstacles, which make the contestant an all-rounder on ski in so many ways. 

Fanny Smith is a freestyle skier and one of the fearless contestants in the feminine category of Ski Cross. Literally growing up on skis, with her father being a prominent paragliding and skiing instructors in the village and excellent skier himself.

Clearly, competitive blood runs in the family: Fanny represented Switzerland at the 2010, 2014 and 2018 Olympics, where she won a Bronze medal. Furthermore, she has 39 podiums in the World Cup, with 60 top ten finishes to her name. So, watch out for Fanny Smith at the XXIV Olympic Winter Games held in Beijing, China, in 2022!

If you feel motivated top get on the slopes due to the games, (like we do!), Villars, as well as the other locations stated above, have stunning views, enthralling slopes to dive into, offering spectacular skiing for all levels – we hope to see you up there soon!

For more information on paragliding from snow and ski cross champion Fanny Smith, visit TA-DAH.TV today!

They came from far and wide for this wine festival in Germany’s beautiful Rheingau area – and we know why: wandering the rolling hills with a nice glass of wine (or five) in hand, sampling the vineyard’s latest crops and chatting to friends, family and absolutely everybody you meet, is indeed the best way to spend the day! We highly recommend it

hattenheimer-winzer.de

A bucket-list-must, it’s H-U-G-E fun for young & old, and the doggies are just A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! They were as keen as we were to get out there. Seeing them jump and howl with sheer joy, eager to get going, the good vibe passes on from dog to human, making this and unforgettable experience for all thrill seekers. Make your dream a reality!

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With many people looking to broaden their horizons this winter season after a tough summer stuck indoors, it’s likely that you’ve found yourself looking for exciting winter breaks to help you break up the same cycle each and every day. There’s a whole host of locations to choose from, but in this post we’re going to focus on one country that really is perfect when visiting in the winter. Iceland is a gorgeous country with more picturesque sights than you could ever imagine, as well as lots of fun activities to take part in that you may not be able to back at home! You can learn more about Iceland by reading on!

Why Iceland?

The first question you might find yourself asking is “Why Iceland?” – admittedly this isn’t somewhere that immediately springs to mind when considering holiday destinations, but we think it’s time to change that notion. Iceland has so much to offer as a holiday location from bustling cities, natural wonders, amazing sights, and even beaches (more about those shortly!).

One thing you may have heard about Iceland is that it’s a hotspot for Northern Lights sightings – this is absolutely true, and you can even take a tour to check out the lights from the best spots on the island! In addition to this, you’ll also have the chance to travel to the dramatic scenery found at both the West and East Fjords, which are rife with photo opportunities and breath-taking views.

One thing to bear in mind when visiting Iceland in the winter is the climate – it can get pretty cold (temperatures can range from 7 above freezing to 8 below, so be sure to pack your woolly hats, scarves, and coats!

The one place you will not need to wear your woolly jumper and gloves are in the hot springs. The most famous one it The Great Geysir, which is the main attraction of Iceland’s most popular sightseeing tour called ‘The Golden Circle’. These hot springs can reach temperatures of between 36 – 44ºCelsius, and wow, that is HOT. They confirm, that Iceland is a country of complete extremes, and yes, they’re great fun to visit and make a day of it, the most special spring being the Hrunalaug hot spring.

Lastly, let’s go back to those beaches we mentioned earlier – whilst it may seem a little odd to be visiting a beach in your coat and snow boots, it’ll all make sense once you see them. These beaches are a sight that need to be seen to be believed; they’re made of black volcanic ash, which gives the appearance of an entirely black beach. These beaches are a great item to tick off of your traveller’s bucket list.

Husky Sledding

One of the most popular activities in Iceland revolves around Husky dogs – this breed is built for cold weather and snow, often being used to pull a sled through the snow in packs!

Dog Sledding is one of the most exhilarating experiences that you can have on your trip to Iceland – zipping across the snow and ice being powered by a pack of beautiful dogs from the island. When sledding, you won’t be in control of the sled – you’ll be a passenger along for the ride; the control of the sled is best left to the experts, who are called ‘Mushers’. Attire is incredibly important when dog sledding – you’ll be out in the open and temperatures can drop to below freezing, so it’s best to dress as if you were going skiing to ensure that you stay warm and safe. Often, the Husky sledding tour operator also provides thermal overalls for further insulation, and boy, will you need those, as the crew found out during the shoot.

Check out this great video from TA-DAH.TV to see some real hands-on dog-sledding clips!

It is indeed a high-flying adventure, staying in a tree house hotel! This whole new craze has been taken to a new level with the Treehotel in Harads, situated in Swedish Lapland: it has 7 uniquely designed accommodations, which all look out of this world incredible. What’s also massively important to their concept, is the fact that ecological values have been considered to the max, making only a very minimal environmental impact on its surroundings. Live your childhood dream, is what we say

treehotel.se

Resident at the infamous Lifestyle & Spa Hotel Jungbrunn, ‘Schranzi’ is cooking up a storm in the kitchen with this clever recipe! It’s easy to prepare, done in 25 mins flat and super delicious – what a clever combo: rabbit, Chanterelle mushrooms, pretzel bread & peach caramel – wow. So give it a try and find out how to prepare this delicious meal exclusively created for TA-DAH.TV by hitting that start button now. Have fun and let us know how you like it… 🙂 …

#redcarpet #charityevent

The Global Gift Gala has achieved so much good since it was founded by Maria Bravo a few years back. Originally from Marbella, the actress & Philanthropist has created a charity event, that has by now raised many Millions in support of children and mothers in need through the Global Gift Foundation!

With the help of her best friend Eva Longoria and countless other famous faces, actors, philanthropists, singers, bands and personalities from sport, fashion and the performing arts, they have provided support for thousands of children and mothers-in-need by hosting one of the biggest society events in the world of charities. They regularly throw high-profile bashes every year and visit capitals and other places of interest like Madrid, Paris, London, Marbella and Dubai. They even have created their own centre in the Spanish city of Marbella on the Costa del Sol, where they don’t just host the gala, but golf events and fashion shows too. (globalgiftgala.com)

Inside Marbella’s Most Glamorous Night: The Global Gift Gala Experience

The annual Global Gift Gala Marbella is a dazzling event that combines glamour, philanthropy, and star power to make a real difference.

When we’re not husky-sledding through Iceland or going hot air ballooning in Marrakesh on our Travel Channel, we love nothing more than donning our glad rags and getting out to an awesome event.

Hosted at the luxurious Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá, the Global Gift Gala is a red carpet event that has become one of the highlights of Marbella’s social calendar. And guess what? Claudia Peifer was on the carpet getting the exclusive star interviews for TA-DAH.TV.

Let’s take a closer look at the magic behind the gala and what makes it a must-attend event.

A Brief History of the Global Gift Gala

The Global Gift Gala was founded by Maria Bravo alongside actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist Eva Longoria, with the goal of raising funds and awareness for various charitable projects around the world.

It may seem like a glitzy evening for the great and the good of Tinseltown to get dressed up and party the night away. But the event is as much about raising money for those good causes.

Over the years, the gala has grown from a small, intimate gathering to a series of high-profile events held in glamorous locations across the globe.

What’s The Mission?

Of course, everyone at the Global Gift Gala looks resplendent but, at its core, the evening is about giving back.

The gala helps multiple charitable organisations supported by the Global Gift Foundation, focusing on empowering women and children and providing essential resources for communities in need.

The event not only raises significant funds but also brings together celebrities, influencers, and philanthropists to champion these causes.

A Night of Entertainment and Philanthropy

Beyond the red carpet, the gala offers a night of world-class entertainment. Guests are treated to performances by internationally renowned artists, inspiring speeches, and heartfelt moments that highlight the importance of the causes being supported. The combination of entertainment and philanthropy makes for an unforgettable evening.

Networking Opportunities

The gala is also a fantastic networking opportunity. Attendees have the chance to mingle with celebrities, business leaders, and fellow philanthropists, making connections that can lead to further charitable endeavors or exciting business ventures.

Growing the Gala: Upcoming Events

Not content with just one stellar show in Spain, Longoria and Bravo have developed the Playa Padre event into a must-attend evening on the calendar. Now they’re aim is to grow further by adding even more dates across the continent.

Upcoming Evenings in Spain, France, England, and Switzerland

In addition to Marbella, the Global Gift Gala is expanding its reach with events across Europe:

• Cannes/France,  20 May: The Cannes event coincides with the Cannes Film Festival,  when La Môme Plage gets the special Global Gift Gala treatment and turns on the heat on the Côte d’Azur.
• Marbella/Spain, July: The Marbella Gala is the one closest to Maria Bravo’s heart – not only because it’s her home town, but the organisation has created the Casa Angeles – Casa Global Gift there, a day care centre to improve the quality of life of children with special needs and their families.
• Monte-Carlo/ Monaco, October: what a fabulous evening the Monaco Gala is going to be at the Hôtel de Paris! The glitz, the glamour and the classic elegance of the place will offer up a magical night in aid of charity, headed by Eva Longoria & Maria Bravo.
• London/England, November: London’s Gala is a five-star affair at the Kimpton Fitzroy, combining the city’s historical charm with the modern allure of its vibrant social scene.
• Paris/France, November: The Paris Gala promises to bring a touch of classic elegance and sophistication, with the iconic city providing a stunning backdrop for the event.
• Abu Dhabi/UAE, November: The Abu Dhabi event is a mega glitzy affair,  drawing special guests from all over the UAE! Don’t miss it as it is a huge society highlight there during November
• Tokyo/Japan, December: The gala’s Tokyo event is the last fundraiser for 2026 and will just be the best pre-Christmas affair you could hope for! Expect Japan’s finest to turn up for this glittering finale.

Making a Difference: The Impact of the Global Gift Gala

Whether it’s in sun-soaked Marbella or grand ol’ London town, each Global Gift Gala event supports a range of charitable initiatives.

The funds raised go towards projects that provide education, healthcare, and opportunities for disadvantaged communities. The gala’s impact is felt worldwide, with countless lives being transformed by the generosity of its attendees.

Stories of Change

The true success of the Global Gift Gala can be seen in the stories of those it has helped. From children receiving life-saving medical treatment to women finding empowerment through education and training programs, the gala’s efforts are making a tangible difference.

Behind the Scenes of the Global Gift Gala

Pulling off an event as grand as the Global Gift Gala requires meticulous planning and a dedicated team. From selecting the venue to coordinating with performers and managing the guest list, every detail is carefully orchestrated to ensure a seamless and memorable experience.

That hardwork and string-pulling has not been lost on iconic swimwear designer Melissa Odabash who Claudia caught up with recently on the Marbella Global Gift Gala red carpet:

Get More A-List European Red Carpet Event News on Our Travel Channel

Fancy hearing about more glamorous goings on from across the continent? We can help you there.

Our Travel Channel is bursting with exclusive content from some of the biggest events, shows and locations in Europe. You’re gonna love it!