Château-d'Œx is a municipality in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland. It is the capital of the district of Pays-d'Enhaut. The Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher and his wife, Jetta Umiker, spent several years of their life there. The Breitling Orbiter 3, the first hot air balloon to circumnavigate the earth, took off here on March 1, 1999. This is a snowy scene of Château-d'Œx. In the background you can see the clear blue sky with large snowy mountains. In the foreground you can see some typical Swiss house-chalets.
Skiing is also a key activity in the area with the ski station of La Braye accessible via telecabin (also open in Summer) from the heart of Chateau d'Oex village. In the month of January each year the world famed 'Balloon Week' is held. Up to 100 balloonists gather in a festival of ballooning.
