Special Issue 30° Luxe Verbier 2015 by district creative lab

t h i r t y d e g r e e s s p e c i a l i s s u e v e r b i e r 2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5 | w w w. 3 0 d e g r e e s .t v

special issue

VERBIER

Eric-a. balet

General Manager, Téléverbier S.A.

JoËl Sciboz

Director, Verbier/Val de Bagnes Tourist Office

A fresh start for Verbier-still anchored at the heart of the Four Valleys ski areas

Thrills, spills and lots of fun

Despite the difficulties that recently threatened the Four Valleys ski area, Verbier is pleased to confirm that its loyal winter clients will continue to enjoy unrestricted access to Switzerland’s largest resort. While the quality of Verbier’s slopes cannot be denied, any downsizing of the overall skiing area would obviously have negative repercussions in terms of international guests. This justifies the considerable efforts we have gone to. More than ever, our clients are our central focus. This summer, we spent CHF10 million in maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure – the uncertain situation leading us to adopt a prudent approach to investment. For guests, the most visible changes will be the new run between Les Planards and Les Esserts, Chalet Carlsberg’s new covered terrace, and improved snowmaking at the bottom of the slopes. Many other projects are on the go, and will be worked on over the winter season. Priorities include the link between Les Esserts and Savoleyres, which is currently on hold due to a private dispute.

Verbier is a cosmopolitan ski resort in its own right, but it also sits amid a wider tourist destination, Val de Bagnes, a place of living traditions with a finely preserved natural environment. From 6 to 12 February 2015, this exceptional setting will host the World Championships of Ski Mountaineering, a booming discipline and one which has long been dear to Val de Bagnes natives. Crosscountry skiing certainly requires a bit of effort (to say the least!), but spectacular panoramic views and entirely untouched slopes of powdery snow make it worth every penny. Val de Bagnes offers a myriad of possibilities of this kind, with vertiginous and prestigious peaks just a few hours’ hike from the skiing areas of Verbier, Bruson or La Tzoumaz. As an added bonus, those wishing to hit the snow without a difficult ascent will find idyllic freeriding spots easily accessible by ski lifts. And, of course, we can’t refer to freeriding without mentioning the flagship event of the winter, due to take place on 28 March 2015 on the legendary Bec des Rosses: Xtrême de Verbier, celebrating its twentieth year! While Verbier’s reputation for being a top-notch winter resort is well established, the summer season is also gaining ground, thanks in particular to a growing number of accommodation facilities that cater to a wider range of people. This new vocation is founded on the hosting of international events and the availability of an impressive array of activities, including golf, paragliding, hiking, climbing and, above all, the development of mountain-biking facilities - extending the spirit of freeriding across the entire summer season.

We hope you have a great winter!

So, welcome to Verbier … all year round!

en vente chez:

place centrale â&#x20AC;&#x201C; VERBIER www.xtremesports.ch

KJUS. uncompromising.

Photo: Stefan Schlumpf

kjus.com

EDITOrial A new winter is here, full of promise, snow, and ski! And when spirits are low and temperatures even lower, when darkness falls and winds howl, a hope within still glows: the thought of days of glorious freedom in deep powder, through silent forests and down alpine peaks. Followed, perhaps, by an evening around the fire before tucking into a soft cocoon, rocked gently to sleep by feelings of contentment and the soft sound of gathering snow. Where better to live this glorious mountain winter than Verbier? Indeed, where better than at this lovely resort that brings together the crème de la crème of freeride, business and entertainment? The most beautiful runs, the most incredible chalets, the most seductive après-ski, the most enrapturing soirées. Are you in? Perhaps, you say. But the truth is, how can you resist the pull of Verbier, and perhaps even to one day declare, «I’ll never go back down to the valley again.» This year, the five resorts in the Four Valleys declined to write a new chapter in their historyone where each resort continues on its merry way alone. But finally, the third largest skiable domain in Europe will continue to be preserved in its entirety, to the delight of snow sport lovers everywhere. What

a relief, quickly followed by a burning desire to make the most of these mountains. To link one run after another, non-stop. To make the gondolas swing on the way up La Chaux, savouring a foretaste of even greater joys to come. To glide towards the gorgeous 360° alpine views offered by the resort’s peaks. To climb the stairs of paradise up the appropriately named Stairway to Heaven, a delirious off-piste route at the foot of Mont-Gelé. To be carried away by the immaculate great white of the Backside MontFort (experts only). To fly down the longest sledge run in French-speaking S witzerland. Or perhaps to simply put on snowshoes and head towards the Chapel of Saint-Christophe, amid the sounds of the forest and glimpses of chamois or ibex. And these are just a few ideas among literally thousands. To each his own! If there was still any doubt about it being one of the world’s finest ski destinations, Verbier will be hosting the Alpine World Ski Championships in February 2015, followed by the Freeride World Tour in March. A line-up of events that speaks volumes about the quality of Verbier’s snow and slopes. To the pistes! Merry Christmas, and happy winter.

C h r i s t i a n b u g n o n _ Publisher & Editor-in-chief www.30degres.tv

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Contents 44 News

FEATURE The rarefied world of super chalets

Verbier the 4 valleys A world of possibilities

THE INCREDIBLE Fellay family saga

Ski touring The freedom of the slopes

Portfolio Tero Repo

Freeride Awash with white gold in the 4 Valleys

Interview Marcus Bratter, the Aussie who… made good in verbier!

the MoranD distillery celebrates its 125 years. Cheers!

Miele Leaders at the top

Emilien Badoux A true champion

The Xtreme Verbier hits 20

ski test Make this winter unforgettable

Sport Is Verbier set to become the Mecca of ski mountaineering?

David Carlier “We want to show how incredible Valais is!”

Michaud jewellery store A true gem

Verbier Festival Hitting musical heights

the Pierre Gianadda FOUNDATION Bringing great art to Martigny

Trends: watches

Trends: sport

Verbier Charity Night A night out with the stars

Trends: design

26 DELUXE SPECIAL WINTER ISSUE 2014-2015: VERBIER | IMPRESSUM 30° Degrees (since 2002)

Editing, administration and adversiting: CB Communication sàrl | Rue du Simplon 20 – Case Postale 386 | 1001 Lausanne - Suisse | info@cbcommunication.com | www.cbcommunication.com | Tel: +41 21 312 41 41, Fax: +41 21 312 41 11 | Editorin-chief: christian.bugnon@cbcommunication.com | Assistant: melissa.hertzeisen@cbcommunication.com | Writers (in order of appearance): Claude Hervé-Bazin, Sophie Dorsaz, Serge Greter, Frédéric Rein, Jean-Marc Sueur, Guy Michel, Christian Bugnon, Charles Robinson | Photographers (in order of appearance): Peter Charaf, Yves Garneau, Lionel May, Jean-Pierre Besse, Famille Fellay, David Carlier, Tero Repo, Melody Sky, R. Hofer, Thierry Sermier, ©FreerideWorldTour/ www.jeremy-bernard.com, ©freerideworldtour.com, Gerard Berthoud, Nicolas Brodard/Verbier Festival, Photo 2000 ©Cartier 2013, Roulin Thomas/alpimages@verbier.ch, Matt Hollis/www.timelinemissions.com | Graphic design: florian.blanchard@cbcommunication.com | (DA) christian.bugnon@cbcommunication.com | (Junior) laura.calabro@ cbcommunication.com | English translation: Simon Till, Paul Subrenat | Photo-offset printing: Images 3 | Printing: IRL plus SA | Publicity: info@cbcommunication.com | Copyright: © 2014-2015 30° degrees magazine all rights reserved. All text and images published are protected by copyright. Unauthorized duplication/copying of all or any part of this magazine is strictly prohibited without the express prior permission of the rightful owners. 30° magazine, a media partner of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) | Magazine printed in Switzerland on FSC-certified paper. This issue is also available free of charge on the iPad and on www.30degrees.tv | Cover: Photo Goldbergh Luxury Sportswear | Next issue: December 2015

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THE WENGER ESCORT’S SOFTLY ROUNDED CUSHION SHAPED CASE BRINGS A NEW DESIGN ELEMENT TO THE WENGER COLLECTION.

WWW.WENGER.CH

Peter Charaf

NEWS

Film – Le Bec des Rosses hits the big screen Le Bec des Rosses owes its intimidating reputation to the sheerness of its northern face, which poses a major challenge to the world’s best freeriders. Peter Charaf pays tribute to it in “Le Bec des Rosses, montagne de légende” (Le Bec des Rosses: A Legendary Mountain), in which local stalwarts and mountain guides help retrace the coming of age of this unique mountain. Offering a fresh perspective on the peak, the documentary picked up an award at a Los Angeles film festival and will be shown at the cinema in Verbier throughout the winter, in both English and French. The DVD is due for release on 8 December.

Yves Garneau

www.lebecdesrosses-lefilm.com

Hotels – Typical alpine charm at Le Nevaï Taking its inspiration from contemporary architecture and embracing its mountainous surroundings, Le Nevaï is pure refinement in a nutshell. The only establishment in Bagnes to feature in Design Hotels’ exclusive range of upmarket accommodation, Le Nevaï redefines alpine charm. Centrally located in the resort and home to 33 elegant rooms and two suites offering breathtaking views of the Alps, this friendly, relaxing hotel boasts a bar and restaurant and the Elemis Spa. All in all, this is a retreat guaranteed to put a smile on your face. www.hotelnevai.com

New for this season – A black sheep on Les Ruinettes Very much a departure from the norm, Le Mouton Noir, with its wooden terrace affording fabulous views, has taken up residence on Les Ruinettes, at 2,200 metres above sea level. This visionary place breaks new ground by serving up exceptional live performances from some of Europe’s most talented musical programmers, and also features a gourmet restaurant complete with a self-service section. The slopes have never been so urban and cosmopolitan.

OSCALITO The success of this enduring line of classy Italian lingerie, founded in 1936, rests on three core values: quality, comfort, and elegance. Made from organza, taffeta, macramé, leather and lace, wool, silk or cashmere, its apparel can be worn on top or underneath, revealed in public for all to admire, or in private for some eyes only. Perfect for looking great on and off the pistes! Exclusively available at Fellay Mode & Sport, on the Verbier town square.

Yves Garneau

Hotels – La Cordée des Alpes, authentic and modern to boot A perfect blend of alpine authenticity, 1920s charm and modern comfort, the four-star La Cordée des Alpes is a very distinguished member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand. A haven of stunningly stylish design, it offers guests a luxuriously warm atmosphere, panoramic views of the Swiss Alps, a fitness room and a Cinq Mondes Spa, complete with a 15 sq. m. pool flanked by a fireplace. With attributes like that, La Cordée des Alpes has what it takes to satisfy even the most demanding of guests. www.hotelcordee.com

Refurbishment – Le Carrefour turns the corner Following its summer makeover, Le Carrefour restaurant-terrace reopens in December. So what’s new? The sunlit terrace has been completely redesigned and now features a warm and cosy décor. It’s all change inside too, with more space being created between the tables. Last but not least, the toilets can now also be accessed directly from the terrace. www.lecarrefour.ch DR

Shopping – The world of wine according to Macbirch Macbirch devotes body and soul to wine, Bacchus’ favourite tipple. This specialist store in the centre of Verbier opened its doors 30 years ago and sells petit and grand cru wines and spirits from Switzerland and elsewhere in the world. Macbirch’s comprehensive range of services includes free delivery to chalets, specialist advice, event catering services and tastings.

NEWS

New for this season – Le Dahu opens a new bar Le Dahu has been delighting lovers of good food and stunning views since 2011. Perched at 2,265 metres above sea level, this cosy restaurant seats 230 diners between its panoramic terrace and mezzanine dining room, which is decked out in light wood and slate. Le Dahu’s latest addition is a small bar on the first-floor, at the entrance to the restaurant, the perfect spot for a drink and tapas. www.ledahu.ch

Hotels – Le Montpelier, the most-luxurious of three-star e stablishments The most upmarket of Verbier’s three-star hotels, Le Montpelier and its 47 quintessentially alpinestyle rooms lies just ten minutes from the centre of the village and next to a bus stop that takes skiers to the slopes. What better way of relaxing after a hard day’s skiing than heading to the pool and chillout area before enjoying a drink in the bar? www.montpelierverbier.ch

Cuisine – Cookery workshop at Chalet d’Adrien Who hasn’t dreamed of stealing into the kitchen of a top chef and discovering some of their prized secrets? One man ready to share them is Mirto Marchesi, head chef at Chalet d’Adrien and the owner of a Michelin star and a 16/20 rating from Gault&Millau. His apprentices for a day will learn how to make the most of seasonal produce and create exceptional dishes, all thanks to his special techniques and recipes, which are handed out to participants at the end of the course. Learn from a master and give your dinner guests a sensory treat.

SPORTALM The Austrian brand from Kitzbühel makes fashion infused with feminine designs that intermingle local and cosmopolitan, comfort and chic. Its top priorities: superior quality materials, and the pleasure felt when wearing their apparel. Sensuality and pleasure are the keywords for this collection that places special emphasis on fur collars and hoods in contrasting colours. Exclusively available at Fellay Mode & Sport, on the Verbier town square.

Gastronomy – Chocolate bares all The idea is both novel and original: exhibit the creations of several top Swiss chocolatiers in a gallery, the Galerie du Chocolat, on the Verbier town square (free admission). “Each year, new artisans will be invited to exhibit,” explains Samy Ladki, the project’s co-founder. “There, the public can admire and taste their creations. There’s no better place than an international resort like Verbier to showcase their work.” We’re licking our lips!

Yves Garneau

www.chalet-adrien.com

EOn-piste climb up to Chalet Carlsberg Located on the Attelas, the Chalet Carlsberg is a must-see paradise for those who like to take a break on the slopes. On a clear day, the panorama is stunning. Guests have the option of the indoor restaurant specializing in meat dishes served on a slate and pastas, or the outdoor Petit Carlsberg bar where they can enjoy a quick snack and a hearty beer while feasting the eyes on the surrounding summits. It’s a place loved by young people and families alike for its great atmosphere and unbeatable prices on the slopes. www.televerbier.ch/fr/restaurants/ carlsberg-0-75

NEWS Ready for an ice climb? A winter sport in its own right, ice climbing takes you into a magical world inhabited by giant stalactites and frozen waterfalls waiting to be conquered. The Val de Bagnes offers many “ice routes” with varying degrees of difficulty. From top-roping for beginners, to hair-raising sections for the advanced, there’s something for everyone! www.guideverbier.com

Books – François Perraudin, not a cliché in sight Stepping down from the peaks and into the valley, the mountain guide and photographer François Perraudin spent six weeks in autumn 2013 trekking across the Rhone plain from Gletsch to St-Gingolph, all with the idea of getting a better view of modernday Valais, his native region. The result is a 243-page book entitled Valais Passions, published by Éditions Slatkine. Using images and words, it takes us on a journey of discovery of around 50 companies and local figures with an active role to play in socioeconomic life in the area. In doing so, the writer steers well clear of the usual stereotypes and clichés. www.valaispassions.ch

ski Safari A ski safari is an incomparable opportunity to truly live the Alps by immersing yourself in its pure-white landscapes and linguistic, gastronomic and cultural diversity. With more than 15 years of experience leading such expeditions, the Verbier guides offer a panoply of options to would-be explorers: A tour of Monte-Rosa, the Zermatt-Chamonix and Klosters-Andermatt routes, scaling from Léman to Jungfrau, and even a 2x2x2 safari, which includes 2 days in each of three prestigious locations: Verbier, Courmayeur and Chamonix (including the Vallée Blanche). www.guideverbier.com

New for this season – Verbier’s oldest bar r enamed La Cheminée This new-look bar, which opens its doors in time for the après ski session, is expecting patrons to come in numbers and let their hair down. Warm, relaxed and inviting, and located right in the middle of the resort, La Cheminée will host themed nights with DJs and offer delicious platters and a wide selection of beverages. All in all, it’s a breath of fresh air for the oldest of Verbier’s bars.

farm-club-verbier

Jean-Pierre Besse

Lionel May

Unmissable – Le Farm Club, still going strong The Farm Club is to Verbier what the Moulin Rouge is to Paris: absolutely essential! This legendary venue has been the focal point of the resort’s cosmopolitan nightlife since 1971. Still very much the place to be seen, the Farm Club is out on its own when it comes to glamour and partying the night away. Are you ready to hit the dancefloor? www.hotelnevai.com/

Technology – a new mobile app Verbier and Téléverbier have teamed up to create a mobile app for the winter season. Accessible offline, the interactive app features a map and useful, comprehensive information on the resort (hotels, weather forecasts, slope conditions etc.). The ultimate aim of the app is to get people away from their phones and bring them together instead.

Complete with a kingsize bed, this bedroom offers mind-blowing views of snowy peaks.

The rarefied world of

super chalets With luxury taken to new heights, two stunning chalets, characteristic of the superb architecture the Bagnes area is known for, beckon us in for an exclusive visit.

One of two outstanding reception rooms â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a perfect spot for whiling away the hours.

Chalet makini a name that lives up to its location

Text_C l au d e H e r v é- B a z i n

Photos_Y VE S G ARNEAU

ith a name like that on everyone’s lips in Verbier, we thought we might ask what it means. The answer is “perfect”, nothing other than “perfect”. While the word is Swahili, the setting and its imposing beauty are quintessentially Swiss, as 30° found out when we paid a visit to this most awe-inspiring of chalets. Completed in December 2013, the Makini is one of Verbier’s very latest super luxury Alpine lodges. Nestling on the shores of a shimmering pond, in the upmarket residential district of Le Hameau, it was designed by architect Philippe Bruchez and furnished by interior designer Thierry Dorsaz. We walk through its doors and enter a world of enchantment – glistening, candlelit rooms adorned with old beams, contemporary furniture and objets d’art. The chalet has a definite wow factor. That in a nutshell is the Makini. Seating 12 people – as many as the chalet is able to accommodate – the dining table accentuates the air of architectural refinement. The Makini’s polished, bespoke design extends to the kitchen’s mind-blowing wine cellar, complete with flooring manufactured and imported from London and door handles brought in from Belgium. Everything is just perfect, down to the very last detail. Just a few paces away from the main chalet lies the gorgeous private spa – one of the most stunning in Verbier – which boasts a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, fitness and massage rooms; not to mention mood lighting. Relaxing or funky? The choice is yours. There’s even a carnotzet, a small room that provides the ideal spot for dipping into a typically Swiss fondue or raclette. Just to make the place even more perfect, the nearby path that winds its way through Le Hameau leads to Le Rouge ski lift, the gateway to the whole of the Verbier ski area. Ski in, ski out (snow permitting). Run by a team of Haute Montagne hospitality professionals, the most exclusive chalet management company in the Alps, the Makini is guaranteed to please even the most demanding of guests. Perfect by name, perfect by nature.

ff Fit for a Michelin-starred chef, the kitchen fuses form and function. ffd With not one

but two wine cellars available, finding the right vintage should be easy enough.

f Hanging from a vaulted ceiling, a stylish hand-crafted chandelier overlooks the dining table. s A feature of

every room, huge beams enhance the ambiance.

ii What better place to relax after a hard day’s skiing than the stunning spa and swimming pool? i When night falls, the lounge becomes a cosy home cinema.

Verbierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inviting slopes lie a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw from the impressive chalet.

Privacy glass has been used in the bathroom, allowing guests to adjust the level of opacity.

Chalet Dent Blanche taking relaxation to new heights

Text_C l au d e H e r v é- B a z i n

Photos_Y VE S G ARNEAU

f you’re staying at the Chalet Dent Blanche, prepare yourself for an incredibly warm welcome and a singular experience. Starting from the moment you arrive. Himalayan prayer flags flutter over the impressive solid-wood door, where you will be greeted by your personal butler. The property itself is a harmony of contrasts: so private and secluded, yet a stone’s throw from the village centre; so chic, yet so cosy. Chalet Dent Blanche has an ineffable charm. Is this because of the artwork gracing the various rooms, or is it because of the opulent spa? The spa is decorated with Thai sculptures and statues, and a glamorous black infinity pool opens onto a hammam, sauna, and gym. Expert masseurs are on hand to revive tired muscles. The outdoor, wooden Jacuzzi, where champagne has been known to flow freely, boasts a dizzying view of Val de Bagnes. Come nightfall, the bar upstairs is cloaked in mysterious shadows, created by ornate Moroccan lanterns. A team of Haute Montagne hospitality professionals – who run the chalet on a daily basis – is on hand to serve up delicious cocktails, dressed in immaculate uniforms specially designed by Munichbased company Lodenfrey. This magnificent and luxurious, four-floor chalet, which opened in 2009, is undoubtedly one of the most impressive private homes in Verbier. The bedrooms are spread over two floors and can accommodate up to nine adults and four children. The open-plan dining and living rooms, located on one of the upper floors, are ideal for receiving guests. Sit at the solid-wood table and watch the snowflakes fall; or sink into the cosy couches under the majestic beamed ceiling. This is the perfect place to enjoy pre-dinner drinks with your feet curled up on the plush cream rug, while an internationally renowned chef makes your evening meal. Experience some fantastic skiing – and the best life has to offer.

The relaxing spa has adjustable lighting to suit any mood.

The chalet’s unique style can be summed up in two words – barefoot luxury.

f The chalet boasts stunning southfacing balconies. ff Designed for large formal dinners, the dining-room table can seat up to 14 guests. ffd In the evening, your very own chef presides over the elegant, luxurious and minimalist kitchen.

s Hand-woven

Persian rugs and earth-toned furnishings contribute to the chalet’s relaxed feel.

iiâ&#x20AC;&#x2030; In winter, curling up in the warm and comfortable living room becomes an irresistible temptation. iâ&#x20AC;&#x2030; The master bedroom suite has a sweeping view of Val de Bagnes.

history a n d heroes.

radiomir 1940 3 days automatic (ref. 572)

D o w nl oa d t h e Layar Ap p to d is co ver n ew co n ten ts .

Explore the Energy of Creation

TENNIS BRACELET

White G/vs Diamonds, 18K Rose Gold

La perfection est notre quotidien et La CordĂŠe des Alpes votre refuge au coeur de la Suisse www.hotelcordee.com

Verbier the 4 Valleys A world of possibilities

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rom marked trails to deep powder, carving through forest trees to flying down the steepest drops, the 4 Valleys offers everything you could want in terms of snow experiences. From its nerve centre in Verbier, spreading from Hérémence to Bruson, lies a paradise for skiers and snowboarders alike. From Châble, at an altitude of 820 metres, the gondolas take off towards the resort for an initial stop before continuing their course up to the Ruinettes (2200 meters) and finally on to Attelas (2727 m). Below, a sparkling world blanketed in white gold files by in the crisp air. East, west, up to the peaks or down to the valleys-the possibilities are endless. Glide along the ski paths in the wild and preserved Arbi valley, or take the Chassoure Pass over to Siviez and Nendaz. And to breathe the freshest air in the 4 Valleys and thrill to fantastic vistas, take the Mont-Fort ski lift up to an altitude of 3330 meters. There, on a clear day, you can see the Combins range, the Dent Blanche and

the Matterhorn, to name just a few of the impressive Valaisian peaks. To the southwest, the roof of Europe gives you a wink. All those drawn to virgin spaces and deep powder agree: Verbier les 4 Valleys is the kingdom par excellence of off-piste skiing. With four mountain guide offices spread across the ski domain, the possibilities for getting off the beaten track in tow of seasoned professionals, are endless. Enjoy the wide open spaces and the inimitable feeling of boundless freedom! These days, the reputation of the largest entirely Swiss ski domain, with its sunny terraces and sports events to be enjoyed with family and friends, is set in stone. But as for discovering new thrills on its slopes and in its vales, we’ve still only just begun. Dog sleds invite you to relive the conquest of the Big White North, golf is played on the “whites” instead of the “greens”, and ski outings on the moonlit snow will fill your evenings with nostalgic and passionate tales to tell! www.verbier.ch

www.verbier4vallees.com

Raymond Fellay took second place at the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ampezzo behind Toni Sailer, who won all three gold medals on offer at the Games that year. The Valais skier tied rubber bands around his knees to prevent his pants from flapping in the wind and help him go faster.

Fellay THE INCREDIBLE

FAMILY SAGA

Fellay, a name typical of the Bagnes area, is synonymous in Verbier with sports equipment and clothing. It is also known across Switzerland for having made one of the country’s finest skiing achievements – the Olympic silver medal won by Raymond Fellay at Cortina d’Ampezzo in 1956. We recall his exploits.

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Photos_Famille fellay

n the heart of Verbier, the name Fellay stands proudly above the 750 sq. m. clothing, sportswear and lingerie store in the ski resort’s main square, and above the sports equipment rental store, located at the foot of the Médran ski lift. It is also a name that resonates in everyone’s mind in the Bagnes area. Fellay, Raymond Fellay, who passed away 20 years ago, was the local boy who made his name on the global sporting stage in 1956. It was an outstanding year for his skiing career, one in which he won Olympic and World Championship downhill silver medals, both at the Italian resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Not content with that, the young skier and his wife, Monique, opened their first store in Verbier that same year. “My husband wanted to do the downhill at the Olympic Games but they went for another skier,” she recalls. “Instead he competed in the giant slalom, where he finished 14th, and in the slalom, where he fell. He was out partying when they called him up for the downhill the following day, in place of the other Swiss skier, who had had to pull out due to injury. There was no TV in those days and I didn’t even know he was taking part until after the race. The customs officials at St-Gingolph rang me to tell me he’d come second. I thought they were playing a joke on me until I saw the news for myself in the papers!” Legends of Swiss skiing A multiple Swiss champion, Fellay became a legend of Alpine skiing that year, in winning what would be his only international medals. His feat was emulated 16 years later by fellow Bagnes skier Roland Collombin, who won Olympic and World Championship downhill silver medals in Sapporo, Japan. Another local downhill racer to excel on the international stage was Philippe Roux, who took fourth place at the 1976 Olympics in Innsbruck. “Those two medals added a little prestige to our store, though we still had to work hard because you can’t eat a medal,” jokes Monique Fellay, who is now into her eighties and the proud mother of five children, with five grandchildren aged between three and 32. “I still do a little work alongside three of my children, who have taken over,” she added. “One of my grandchildren also helps out with graphics. I hope the family tradition will be kept alive through the generations. It would make me very happy, though you never know what life has in store for you.”

Pictured here in the 1950s with an English client, Raymond Fellay’s father Paul (left) was one of Verbier’s first ski instructors and the owner of the resort’s first bakery.

The freedom

In Val de Bagnes, cross-country skiing is all about freedom, peace and tranquillity. Around Verbier and in the neighbouring valleys, a variety of routes, suitable for all levels, offer a taste of the joys of touring on skins. A few suggestions from our editorial team.

of the slopes

Beyond the largest skiable area in Switzerland awaits another world, one of untouched peaks and solitary, snowy slopes. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go!

Every backcountry skier’s dream: making their own mark on fresh snow

Text_S o p h i e D o r sa z

Photos_David c a r l i e r

et’s begin with a classic starter – one which is safe but nonetheless picturesque. Leaving from Levron, a little village with a population of 400 located above Vollèges, the “Blisiers” route offers a great warm-up in the early season, against a magnificent panoramic backdrop. The snow-capped peaks of Val de Bagnes, Entremont, and Mont Blanc loom on the horizon. Involving a 650-metre climb, the route first brings skiers zigzagging across fields, above the village, before slipping into a larch forest. Once beyond Lein pass, the path follows the ridge – a shoulder of the impressive Pierre Avoi mountain – to the summit. The slope never exceeds 30 degrees, making this route safe and feasible in all conditions. In heavy snowfall, the descent becomes particularly enjoyable in the thick powder which adorns the undergrowth. In the heart of the 4 Vallées, Le Métailler, a favourite of more experienced cross-country skiers, can be reached by following the irrigation channel from Chervé to Siviez, or by taking the Backside Mont-Fort route. At 3248 metres, this summit is the highest along the crest which runs from Val de Nendaz to Val d’Hérémence. First skiing along Backside Mont-Fort, then heading for Fenêtre d’Allèves, skiers cross a great plateau of white gold, at times zipping along, at times making their way up step by step. Once at the summit, several descent routes are possible depending on snow conditions and individual abilities. The most popular route, down the west slope, leads directly

to Siviez, while the north face, steeper and glacier-covered, attracts the more seasoned types. But take care, Le Métailler is an Alpine peak, and its slopes all exceed 30 degrees. It is therefore advisable to tackle it in the company of an expert or professional. For greater tranquillity and a breath-taking view, Crêta di Vella, which overlooks the village of Liddes, offers an ideal setting for cross-country skiing. The ascent begins in the meadows, continues through the forest, and ends on the crest – which requires a little extra final effort. Less busy than the summits closer to the slopes of Verbier, this route often enjoys excellent snow. The lower depths of Val d’Entremont are indeed well known for their fresh winter conditions. Whatever paths are taken, cross-country skiing is done outside secured and marked routes. To fully enjoy the tranquillity of the landscape and the peace of the natural environment, it is therefore best to make use of the services of a professional mountain guide. More info for preparing your trips: p www.guideverbier.com p www.meteosuisse.admin.ch p http://map.geo.admin.ch/ (topographic maps) p www.slf.ch (avalanche reports)

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Ter Rep

Tero Repo comes from a cold part of the world, and whenever he can, he returns to his natural element. The Finnish photo grapher’s love for skiing-and for a young Swiss-Australian who has since become his wifetook him to Vollèges, on the outskirts of Verbier. His world revolves around big mountain skiing and freeriding. We pay a tribute to his talents and those of his favourite subjects.

Text _Claude Hervé-Bazin

Photos_Tero Repo

is images stop you in your tracks. Where is the top? And the bottom? Where is the snowboarder? Is that him, there, lost in this vast frame mainly filled by the mountains? Tero Repo loves huge peaks, preferably high, steep, shrouded in white and wreathed in sunlight. “For me, action is not the most important thing,” he explains. “It’s the way light plays with a picture. And freestyle gives me that little bit of freedom to bring it to the fore.” You would almost think the freeriders are hurtling down the slopes on a sudden impulse, that the photographer just happened to be there. But far from it. Everything has been planned in advance, calculated, assessed. Tero is a hard worker, who leaves nothing to chance. The position is carefully chosen, the route mapped out with the freerider depending on the time of day and-always-the light. “Out of 60-70 days of shooting per year, I have maybe two or three good days in all,” reveals the photographer. “Every time I go out, I try to bring back at least one good image, but nothing is guaranteed. It’s all about patience.” So what are his favourite spots in Verbier?

“Difficult to say. The region has been photographed from every angle by some of the best… there is stiff competition. I would say Les Attelas-and some places which aren’t necessarily ultra-spectacular, but which inspire me.” Tero has worked with some of the best: Xavier de Le Rue (whom he follows closely), Samuel Anthamatten, Sam Smoothy, Phil Meier, Andreas Fransson, and Candide Thovex, among others. And what about the risks? The experience of being pulled with great difficulty from an avalanche by a friend has, he says, taught him to take greater care. Heavy equipment makes it difficult to move around on steep slopes, and you need to be armed with crampons and ice axes to secure your hold-even if the best view points are often found on a neighbouring ridge or from a helicopter. “Safety is vital,” says Tero. “We never take unnecessary risks. We wait for good conditions. Sometimes, an image even proves impossible to capture.” Whatever happens, Tero is philosophical-and patient. And he can always let off steam on the hockey pitch, as a player for the Verbier Polar Bears! www.terorepo.com

A truly unforgettable session: Samuel Anthamatten appears to defy the fundamental laws of physics as he hurtles down a sheer wall of ice streaked with narrow strips of snow

Xavier De Le Rue makes his way towards the couloirs of Les Attelas, in Verbier, hoping to find a way through.

i It is difficult to get any higher than Verbier’s panoramic views. Here, the whole Alpine chain stretches out from Bec des Rosses to Le Trient. p A true winter sports enthusiast, Phil Meier glides down the slopes of Verbier almost every day. Here, he tackles a daunting, dark and narrow couloir.

As a close friend of Xavier Â De Le Rue (alias Speedy Gonzales), Tero Repo has followed him as far as Antarctica, for a sessionâ&#x20AC;Ś on an iceberg!

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Awash with white gold

in the 4 Valleys Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s THE place to freeride! Every year, Verbier and the 4 Valleys attract a host of ski lovers looking for wild itineraries and endless powder. Easily accessible from the skiable domain, these off-piste adventures nevertheless require a solid knowledge of the mountain. We take a quick look at some routes that should not be missed.

Nat Segal launches himself down Backside Mont-Fort, beneath a ridge topped by a white fin, in granular powder puff as rough as a sharksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; skin. What could be more natural for an Australian?!

It would be hard not to smile when marvelling at such a beautiful blanket of snow. Backside Mont-Fort, THE place to freeride!

Text_S o p h i e DO r s a z

Photos_M e lo dy S k y

t’s one of the great Verbier classics – and with good reason! Its name alone is a promise of paradise. Accessible from the Col des Gentianes, the Stairway to Heaven starts with a short crossing on skis followed by a 15-minute portage up a steep couloir with steps that remain carved into the snow all winter long. The place is well known and well frequented – so best to rise early if you want to lay fresh tracks down its two northern faces! The descent takes you on the route to Mont-Gelé and then to the lifts at Tortin. From the Gentianes, a variant baptised the Highway takes you up a large northern slope at 35% and continues the crossing from the Gentianes without any portage. Less arduous than the above-mentioned itinerary, the Marlène is an easy and fun off-piste route located in the Savoleyre sector – overlooking all of Verbier. Its southeastern slope is best skied in the depths of winter, when the snow is most plentiful, or as the first run of the day in spring, when the sun’s rays

warm the snow pack’s top layer. At the top of the ski lift head for the electric pylon, where you can swing over to the desired slope. There, the wide, rolling face will take you down to the cabins of Savoleyre. Winter’s loveliest days allow you to ski all the way from Verbier to Chable. The 1400 metre descent from La Chaux passes through the Mayens de Sarreyer, combining freeride with the discovery of a venerable pastoral heritage. But be forewarned, the zigzags between the old raccards (traditional granaries) can easily swing you over into an adjacent valley with no way out! To find your way down this majestic descent without getting lost, it’s best to be accompanied by someone well acquainted with the area, or a professional. As amazing at it is, freeride is nonetheless a sport that requires a solid knowledge of the mountain. And of course, like any self-respecting ski resort, Verbier has an AVD Park. Located at La Chaux, across from the snowpark, it’s the perfect spot to practise a drill that could save a life. More information for planning your treks: p www.guideverbier.com p www.meteosuisse.admin.ch p http://map.geo.admin.ch/ (topographical maps) p www.slf.ch (avalanche bulletin)

R. Hofer

Working towards a career objective is a little like scaling a mountain. Just ask Marcus Bratter. A former elite athlete and a sportsman through and through, he is drawing on the perseverance and courage that served him so well in the sporting world to make his way in business.

Marcus Bratter

the aussie who… made good in verbier! Marcus Bratter wound up in Verbier entirely by chance. Starting out with absolutely nothing, the selftaught Swiss-Australian now heads up a little hotel empire. An adopted son of Bagnes, he tells us about his love for the area.

Text_F r é d é r i c r e i n

Photos_Y v e s G a r n e au

n his younger years, Marcus Bratter spent six months at the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne before deciding to quit, a decision that left him pondering what to do and where to go. The answer came at Lausanne railway station, where a little poster advertising Verbier attracted his attention. Though the name was new to the intrepid Swiss-Australian, that did not stop him from boarding a train for the resort and embarking on a genuine success story. Born in Sydney to an Australian mother and a father who hailed from Zurich, Marcus describes himself as “spontaneous” and “a person who likes challenges”, which is just as well given the tasks he set himself on arriving in Verbier. In his first season he got down to work washing dishes in a restaurant, and in his second he tried his hand as a ski instructor, a job that suited him down to the ground. “I started skiing at the age of eight,” he recalls. “When the holidays came around, I’d set off with my father for the mountains, which were an eight-hour drive from Sydney. I’ve always loved that environment, and the sea too, as you might expect of a good Australian.” For the next seven years Marcus pursued his passion for skiing in both hemispheres, moving from one to the other every six months and continuing to work as a ski instructor. An accomplished sportsman who also competed in ski acrobatics events and enjoys sailing, cycling and climbing, he eventually laid down some roots, buying a wine store in Verbier and becoming a businessman in the process. Now at the head of a little hotel empire (see inset), he speaks to 30° about his adopted resort.

You first came here 40 years ago. Do you miss the little village it was back then? Well, in the summer months, when the visitor numbers drop off, the place is just as it’s always been. It’s all very quiet then, whereas Verbier is absolutely jumping in winter. I really like that contrast. I’m not the nostalgic type because when I go to Mont-Fort, I come across all these ski-mad youngsters who have come to live out their passion, just like in the old days. So you still love Verbier as much as before? Absolutely, because the mountains are still the same. The resort has become a lot more sophisticated, but I’m pleased about that because I can express myself in a professional sense thanks to the customers who come here. I feel that Verbier is heading in the right direction. You’ve been chairing the resort’s development body for the last three years. Why only now? I just wasn’t ready to get involved in politics before. I was still developing as a person and I wasn’t in a position to devote the necessary amount of energy to it. Now I’m better able to bring my 40 years of experience to bear. I’m a foreigner and I’m bilingual, so I can see both the local and international side of things. I can help the people of Bagnes to understand what foreigners are looking for.

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g Climbers from all over Europe have been flocking to the Alps and attempting to climb its steepest peaks for over a century. “We drew inspiration from that period in designing the interiors of La Cordée des Alpes, a subtle blend of 1910s authenticity and modern facilities,” explains Marcus Bratter. o Fusing the alpine tradition and upmarket contemporary design, the rooms and apartments at La Cordée des Alpes have all been designed with the environment in mind and use high-quality materials and the latest technologies. i Open to everyone, La Cordée des Alpes Spa is partnered by international brands Cinq Mondes and Karin Herzog. It features a 15-metre swimming pool, open-hearth fire, Turkish bath, sauna, jacuzzi, three massage rooms, a fitness room and several relaxation areas. As part of your non-hotel projects, you’ve been helping out children in Kathmandu, Nepal. I’m using part of my company’s profits to fund a foundation in Nepal, which takes care of around 70 children. I first heard about the project from a friend, the first Swedish woman to climb Everest. The location is not important, though. The main thing is to protect children’s rights. Returning to Verbier now. What’s the common bond between the various establishments you own? At each of them we aim to offer customers that bit more quality than they might expect. Another common thread is the passion for skiing and the mountains, as well as our desire to make people happy. You’ve now opened Le Mouton Noir and Le Montpelier. Where are you going to stop? Though we’ve got a big management structure that has allowed us to set our sights on other establishments, we ought to stop where we are as far as Verbier is concerned. We’re now looking into the possibility of opening a seaside hotel.

Marcus Bratter in Verbier 1974 Marcus Bratter arrives in the resort. 1990 Buys the Macbirch store, which specialised in wine and chocolate at the time. The wine section is all that remains today. 1995 Opens King’s Bar, followed by King’s Restaurant two years later. 2001 Rents out King’s Park Hotel and buys the three-star Hotel Rhodania and the Farm Club, which undergoes several refurbishments. 2008 Le Rhodania is refurbished and reopens as Le Nevaï, a four- star hotel. 2012 Opens the luxurious four-star hotel La Cordée des Alpes, after progressively buying around 60 studios in the same building. 2014 Opening of the Hotel Montpelier and Le Mouton Noir restaurant.

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Didier Fischer, Bruno Vocat and Julien Morand

the MoranD distillery

celebrates its 125 years. cheers! This family-owned business from Martigny has learned to draw on its rich history and expertise to reinvent itself for the present day and future. It is already savouring the fruits of its recent necessary yet bold choices – to place consumer habits front and centre!

Text_S e r g e G r e t e r

here are some anniversaries that one can’t help but drink to. And the 125th year celebration of the founding of the Morand distillery, which falls this year, is certainly one of them. So here’s to a long and prosperous life! This family-owned business based in Martigny has reinvented itself and is now enjoying a second life. It’s a makeover that was embarked on several years ago by the Morand board – Olivier Vocat, Jean-Pierre Morand and Didier Fischer, the company’s CEO – and their team. The challenge: make the company’s image, its eaux-de-vie and syrups, more youthful, while preserving the expertise and exceptional quality of its products. “These days, people like sweeter drinks, and they also like to do things together. Drinking is a social affair. For us, it was crucial to adapt to consumer trends by leaving behind our heavily producer-oriented identity and discover a whole new set of clients,” explains Didier Fischer. This strategic change in direction was coupled with a modernisation of the production process, notably through the use of computer-controlled copper stills, which has “enabled a major leap forward in terms of production flexibility together with maintaining the quality standards commensurate with a high-end brand, which is imperative for a family-owned business that upholds AOP values,” explains Bruno Vocat, director of production.

A cultural change The change is primarily one of style rather than substance, since, to use just one example, the distillery’s emblematic 700 ml bottle of Williamine® is still made with an impressive 8 kg of Valais pears! Furthermore, Morand’s line of spirits have been used to create over thirty sWiss® cocktails, shots, and long drinks. The company’s range of syrups has been expanded (from 12 flavours in 2008 to 29 today) and its “Cœur de Distillation” spirits have been marketed as such. The strategy is paying off. sWiss® cocktails are becoming de rigueur for aperitifs and soirées. Their success at the Morand booth at the first Foire du Valais trade fair is a testament to their appeal and the value that consumers place on highly authentic products with a strong local identity. “We don’t have the resources of the large multinational corporations to be able to promote our sWiss® cock-

tails, but we are presently working on making them known throughout Frenchspeaking Switzerland, and will focus on German-speaking Switzerland next. Our interaction with clients has been a highly enriching experience-it’s a mutual discovery!” concludes Didier Fischer. So, let’s toast to this new life! www.morand.ch

“Williams Cœur” and “Apricot Cœur”: fruit and concentration Hail to a truly outstanding product. This is an eau-de-vie (41%) with a concentration of fruit raised to its climax: a 500 ml bottle contains a whopping 14 kg of fruit! “Williams Cœur” and “Apricot Cœur” are produced in limited edition only, and destined for a clientèle devoted to gastronomical excellence. “We produce 1500 bottles of pear and 1500 bottles of apricot a year,” explains Julien Morand, director of marketing and public relations. “These are our two emblematic fruits, grown in our own orchards. We plan to expand the range at a later date.” To be consumed with pleasure ... and moderation, naturally!

Markus Miele and Reinhard Zinkann, the heads of German domesticappliance manufacturers Miele, discuss their love of the mountains.

Miele’s leaders at the top Text_J e a n - m a r c s u e u r

Always at the cutting edge, always better” is the philosophy of German domestic-appliance manufacturers Miele, a near mantra that has been shaping its destiny since the start of the company in 1899. The enterprise has been true to its word, now generating turnover of 3.22 billion euros and employing 17,660 people in more than 100 countries. The empire is headed by Markus Miele, 46, and Reinhard Zinkann, ten years his senior, co-owners of the group and the great grandsons of the company’s founders. Demanding and dynamic, much as their predecessors were, the two visionaries spoke to 30° at the opening of the fully refurbished Miele Gallery in Crissier, Vaud. To get an alternative take on these two influential people, we decided to talk about winter holidays….

What does a good day’s skiing involve? Markus Miele It all comes down to three key moments: the actual skiing, with one or two breaks; a little rest and recuperation (a session in the spa, a swim in the pool or a nap); and a nice meal with a good bottle of wine. That said, it’s the children who often dictate the pace of the day. Reinhard Zinkann I’ll go with Markus’ schedule, though my 19-year-old boy would see it as a day off. He sometimes goes off-piste skiing, but always with a mountain guide. Safety comes first!

Have you spent any time in Verbier? Markus Miele I’ve had a few days skiing there. I live in Switzerland and making a decision as to where to go is very easy thanks to the webcams shown on TV. I’ve already been to several resorts and I have very good memories of Verbier. Reinhard Zinkann : I haven’t had the chance to go up there yet, but I’ve got friends who have a chalet and they’ve got nothing but good things to say about it. They’ve told me about the ski area and the superb conditions in general. What do you look for in a winter sports resort? Reinhard Zinkann There are four essential criteria as far as I’m concerned: the atmosphere in the village is hugely important because I don’t like places where you have people coming and going the whole time. Then there are the slopes themselves, how good they are and how easy or difficult it is to get from one place to another. At my age, the quality of the facilities on offer in the village also really matters, and that means good hotels and chalets and, above all, first-class restaurants. More than anything, I also value spending time with my friends, so I’ll always choose where they are over anywhere else. Markus Miele I agree with Reinhard, but for me it’s the opportunity you have to actually get out there and ski that matters. I’ve got young children and it’s a key factor for me, as are good restaurants.

A state-of-the-art showroom Miele’s avant-garde approach is reflected in the new Miele Gallery in Crissier, Vaud. Completely refurbished and opened last October, this 800 sq. m. showroom is home to more than 230 of the household-appliance brand’s products, all on display in a contemporary kitchen setting. It is a futuristic world, the centrepiece of which is a 3-D virtual touch screen that allows users to set up their kitchen in real time. Technology at its most cutting edge.

Contemporary style and pure lines: the new showroom in Crissier (Vaud) was designed using the same concept applied to other successful Miele galleries around the world, such as those in Singapore and Moscow.

Each type of household appliance has its own dedicated space, where customers can ask for and receive the advice they need in relaxed surroundings.

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sur la place centrale â&#x20AC;&#x201C; VERBIER www.xtremesports.ch

©FreerideWorldTour / www.jeremy-bernard.com

Valais snowboarder, Emilien Badoux, pictured here at the Italian leg in Courmayeur

a true champion

emilien Badoux The 2014 Freeride World Tour snowboard champion, Emilien Badoux has reached the top by fearlessly throwing himself down the world’s steepest slopes. We talk to the 31-year-old landscape gardener from Valais, a man who is intensely proud of his roots. Text_J e a n - m a r c s u e u r

Photos_T h i e r ry Se r m i e r

milien Badoux’s inexorable rise would not have been possible without his family, who nurtured his passion for the slopes. The seed was sown by his mother, who hails from the mountains, while it fell to his big brother to guide him and show him the way at the start of his climb. The pair were inseparable whenever they took to the peaks, forging the strongest of fraternal bonds. While Badoux looked upwards, he also laid down roots, cherishing the values espoused by his father, who kept careful watch, reminding him that every soaring leap must inevitably be followed by a return to earth. The young Emilien combined his sporting passion with a vocational course in landscape gardening, eventually coming away with a federal diploma that would give

Emilien Badoux in action on the Petit VĂŠlan.

him something to fall back on should the sporting accolades stop coming his way. Having secured his future, he set about fulfilling his love for freestyle and backcountry snowboarding and for laying the foundations for freeriding. By 2009 his dedication to his sport had taken him to the top of the world rankings. Emilien is as far removed as you can get from the stereotypical rebel rider, the type who wears pants bigger than their intellect and who take a frivolous approach to the mountains. He has made snowboarding his trade, the tools of which are discipline, dedication and focus â&#x20AC;&#x201C; qualities that have allowed him to build up a perfect rapport with the world around him. Finding his way He welcomed his Freeride World Tour 2014 title with open arms. Rich reward for a job well done, it is a crowning achievement for many years of hard toil, patience and diligence. Methodically ploughing his own furrow in pursuit of success,

the 31-year-old from Sierre has followed no-oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s path but his own and relied on his own instinct. He has fired the dreams of children, and the stars he sees in their eyes are a gauge by which he can value the recognition now afforded him. It has all taken him back to his childhood years, when he was the protagonist of his own dreams rather than the dreams of others. His world title has also opened up the brightest of futures for him and given him yet more means to derive and give pleasure, an essential ingredient in any success story. As he savours the little pleasures that life has to offer him, he is now in a position to draw on body and mind to live his elite sporting career to the full. And in the future will come a time when the fruit of his wisdom will sustain him and he will reap a rich harvest from the seeds once scattered in soil made fertile by the solid values dear to the Badoux family. It is in that same soil that Emilien will undoubtedly plant strong roots allowing future generations to grow, blossom and scale heights of their own. www.emilienbadoux.ch

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the Xtreme

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Verbier hits 20

2015 marks the twentieth year of a legendary event – the final of the Freeride World Tour. Nicolas Hale-Woods, its founder, takes us back in time. o Nicolas Hale-Woods, founder of the Xtreme de Verbier and director of the Freeride World Tour. i In 1996, the event’s very first year, Steve Klassen takes the highest spot on the podium, ahead of Gilles

Voirol and Jérôme Ruby

Text_Frédéric rein

t’s 1994, on the Bec des Rosses. Nicolas Hale-Woods is busy shooting a film on the highly niche sport of snowboarding. “We filmed with a telephoto lens from the Gentianes pass,” remembers Hale-Woods, who doubled as both producer and snowboarder. “Very soon, about a hundred people turned up to watch what was going on.” An idea suddenly occurred to him, with the speed of a snowboarder hurtling down a pristine slope: why not bring the best snowboarders in the world together in this amazing setting? “So Philippe Buttet and I put together a promotional package for our idea. Téléverbier and the Commune of Bagnes gave us their immediate backing, as did the Maison du Sauvetage (rescue centre), which saw it as a great way to raise awareness about safety and accident prevention, since the riders wore helmets and brought detectors for avalanche victims, probes and shovels with them – quite remarkable in those days. Red Bull, which was launching its drink in Switzerland, also supported us.” In the end, a significant budget of around 200,000 francs (1.5 million in today’s money - Ed.) was obtained for our inaugural event, held in 1996. Year on year, the reputation of the event spread beyond the mountains, and soon over the oceans. The weather was the only thing which ever got in the way. “A few times, we’ve had to postpone the Xtreme for a week, and one year we even had to move it to Mont Gelé due to a huge avalanche, but we’ve never cancelled it.”

Unforgettable moments As for the most memorable moments, Nicolas Hale-Woods takes us back to 1996. “Jérôme Ruby, Steve Klassen and Gilles Voirol really created new lines,” he tells us. The introduction of the skiing event, eight years later, was also an important move… “Thanks to the greater width of the skis, this discipline proved quite spectacular on the Bec des Rosses”, observes Hale-Woods. Among this avalanche of memories, the name of Seb Michaud also rises to the surface. “In 2006, he performed an epic back flip,” remembers Nicolas Hale-Woods. He also recalls how, in 2011, “Xavier De Le Rue opened up an unimaginable new line, which he managed thanks to an unbelievable jump and lots of speed.” There have been some great memories, and no doubt there are many more to come. “Twenty years ago, we could never have imagined what we see today,” stresses the director of the Freeride World Tour (FWT). “The sport is still going from strength to strength, and its athletes are improving at a phenomenal rate, both physically and technically. There’s still great potential: new lines to be opened up, more complex jumps to be performed, so the younger participants have lots to live up to.” The Xtreme de Verbier, which takes place every year as the final of the FWT, still has plenty of thrills in store. From 27 to 29 March 2015, the Xtreme de Verbier will celebrate its 20th year. See the event line-up at freerideworldtour.com

BRINGT JEDE K ÄSEPL ATTE ZUM SCHMELZEN. Fine Food steht für Spezialitäten von erlesener Qualität. Wie der besonders cremige Brie aus der Kartause Ittingen. Dort wird er aus hofeigener Rohmilch von Hand hergestellt. Während der Rei-

Für besondere Momente.

fung verleihen ihm ausgewählte Weissschimmel-Kulturen seinen typisch feinen und dezenten Geschmack. Die meisten Fine Food Käse sind in den grösseren Coop Verkaufsstellen im Offenverkauf erhältlich.

Is Verbier set to become

the Mecca of

ski mountaineering? As the host venue of the world championships in February 2015, the Valais resort is developing its services for the general public, and hopes to become a leading destination for the discipline – as it already is for freeride.

Text_F r é d é r i c R e i n

Photos_G e r a r d b e r t h o u d

erbier’s hosting of the 2015 Ski Mountaineering World Championships (from 6 to 12 February) represents a real homecoming: Val de Bagnes was in fact one of the Alpine cradles of this sport. Major races, such as the prestigious Patrouille des Glaciers (PDG) and the Intégrale du Rogneux in Lourtier, started out here, as did some of the biggest names in the discipline, including Marie and Florent Troillet. It is therefore entirely fitting that Verbier, after organising a round of the world cup last year, is to become the second Swiss resort (following Champéry in 2008) to host these championships. “We’re expecting 250 athletes from 32 different countries, and hope to see an average of 3000 spectators on each day of the event,” estimates Patrick Messeiller, the championships’ press officer. “The areas reserved for the competition are close to the ski resorts of Verbier and Bruson, and offer easy access to the general public. Spectators and competitors alike will be able to enjoy a sublime setting, with the mountains of Les Combins and Mont Blanc as a backdrop. The Vertical Race will take place in the resort of Verbier itself, while the village of Champsec will accommodate relay and sprint legs. In addition, to facilitate contact between athletes and spectators, public events are to be centralized at the Espace Saint-Marc in Le Châble.” A sport for the future This large-scale event should enable ski mountaineering to take an even greater place in uphill sports. “It’s a very fashionable discipline, for which we have an exceptional and varied site,” confirms Vincent Riba, communications officer for Verbier/Val de Bagnes, through La Tzoumaz Promotion. “Between the PDG, the Intégrale du Rogneux and the Verbier Night Race, we have enough to satisfy every competitor. And in parallel, we’re in the process of organising supervised night-time outings for novices.” The tourist office makes no secret of its wish to capitalise on the world championships. Its dream is to see Verbier’s name clearly associated in the near future with uphill slopes as well as downhill ones! After freeriding and Xtreme, it is now the turn of ski mountaineering. Two faces of the same mountain, so to speak. “It is difficult to estimate the financial implications of the world championships,” stresses Vincent Riba. “But, even if it brings a loss, it’s priceless in terms of the resort’s image. And this discipline is very much in line with the ambitions of the commune of Bagnes, which is currently putting together a master plan intended to reduce its carbon footprint to zero by 2025.” So if we come back in ten years’ time, might Verbier also be the Mecca of ski mountaineering? www.verbier2015.ch

˝We want to show how

incredible Valais is!″ In 2015, the Valais canton celebrates the 200 th anniversary of its entry into the Swiss Confederation. The canton’s officials want to mark the event and promote the region with a series of 13 ˝star projects˝, to tie in with the 13 stars on the region’s flag. For sports, they have selected a film project entitled ″13 Faces of Valais˝. The film, a blend of photos and videos, is the brain child of David Carlier, Communications Manager for the Freeride World Tour and professional photographer. Interview.

During a film shoot in the mountains, FrĂŠdĂŠric Roux, a guide from Bagnes, invites his friend and climbing partner Mike Horn to climb Mont Dolent, a symbolic peak which straddles Valais, France and Italy.

Claude-Alain Gailland and Gilles Janin hydrospeed down a rill of the Aletsch glacier. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the longest glacier in the Alps and a UNESCO world heritage site.

i Carefully planned thrills: Claude-Alain and Gilles examine the rills to plan their ride and assess the risks. o A crane-mounted HD camera is used for smooth tracking shots over the frozen river.

Text_S o p h i e D o r s a z

Photos_David C a r l i e r

David Carlier, your feature-length film «13 Faces of Valais» aims to portray Valais as a thriving sports hub over its four seasons and 13 districts. Your project has taken shape throughout the filming process. Tell us about the concept behind it. Initially we were going to cover professional freeriders, but it seemed a shame to have such a narrow focus. Instead, we decided to broaden the scope to include other disciplines, to show a wider array of Valais’ sports activities between 2014 and 2015. So the concept is to follow 13 people, each showing a different side to the canton. They’re all in different districts and we go up the Rhone river over the seasons, from peaks to plains. It’s all centered around water, which has shaped the canton and underpins the whole film. The word “face” refers to both the mountains and, more specifically, the faces of different people. The main thing for us is that the local people will be proud of their region when they see the film next August. We want to show how incredible Valais is! We’re pulling out all the stops, and using sophisticated technology to show the very best of Valais, such as cineflex cameras mounted on helicopters.

You are originally a professional photographer. How do you combine photos and films in this project? The photos show the making of, and will be used to promote the film. We’ll be keeping the suspense going by posting them on social media and our website until the film’s première next August. After that, we’d like to take the film on tour to different towns, and hold events around it. If we do that, the photos could be used for an exhibition. Filming of “13 Faces of Valais” began last summer; it will be screened in August 2015 during the official bicentenary festivities. www.13facesduvalais.ch

Who are the 13 people we’ll see in the film? I can’t give too much away, but most of them are sportspeople. We’ve got a mountaineer, a hut keeper, a helicopter pilot, and a mountain biker amongst others. Local delicacies and heritage will also be featured, including a wine maker and a Herens cattle farmer. Within quite a small area, we’ve picked out some legendary and very likeable characters. Some of them are wellknown for their sports achievements, others just have a really good story to tell. Their paths cross and become intertwined during filming, which goes to show that it’s like one big family in the mountains, where everybody knows each other, or almost. Did you work with the Valaisan people to produce the film? Yes, we wanted to use local people. They’re part of the core team on the project, but we also bring in specialists depending on what we’re filming. Last summer for example, we worked with Valaisan guides to ensure the team’s safety.

David Carlier captures the action during the filming of “13 Faces of Valais”.

michaud jewellery store

a true gem

The Neuchâtel company’s outlet in Verbier has been designed around a welcoming and refined ‘lounge’ concept. Its director, Jean-Nicolas Michaud, spoke to us about the idea behind it, as well as his emotional attachment to the resort.

Text_S e r g e G r e t e r

he setting is almost as beautiful as the jewels! Michaud’s Verbier store, entirely devoted to some of the finest timepieces and jewellery in the world, feels more like the plush lounge of a luxury chalet than a shop. It is perfectly in tune with the resort’s chic and sporty side, featuring old skis propped against the wall, exposed beams, a solid wooden table, comfy armchairs and sofas. Only a few sparse display units reveal the commercial nature of the premises, without tainting the atmosphere. “Along with my wife Sophia, who attended catering college in Lausanne, we wanted to bring something new - not just a jewellery store, but a meeting place where people could come after skiing or for a coffee,” explains Jean-Nicolas Michaud, great-grandson of the founder of this family firm. That is why we launched our “Piano Lounge Thursdays” last season. “Every first and last Thursday of the month, we host a little jazz or classical music concert. This summer, we began a collaboration with Fanny Monnet, a local virtuoso who performed at the Verbier Festival. We’re obviously not a bar, but all music fans are welcome, and there is no obligation to buy any jewellery! We just want to reach out to people, and to make them feel welcome.” Michaud is a Neuchâtel-based business. Why did you choose to open a second store in Verbier in 2011? It was our emotional attachment to the place. My wife and I often came to the resort when we were young. I learned to ski here, I partied here. We have always loved Verbier. What attracts you to it in particular? We adore the chic and sporty nature of Verbier and all the cosmopolitan events it hosts. It fits wonderfully with our business philosophy.

You love it so much that you have set up home here all year round… Opening a jeweller’s here involved a change of scene. I wanted to immerse myself in the pleasures of local life. Since we have such a strong attachment to Verbier the decision to move here wasn’t difficult for us to take. And if you could do it all again? I wouldn’t change a thing! We really enjoy living here with our son. Verbier has all the facilities you need, even in the summer, when the population of the village drops from 40,000 to 5000! We know the hard-core residents of the resort, as well as the customers, friends and stars who come back regularly. You are a friend of Mads Kornerup, co-founder of Shamballa Jewels… We have become great friends. I’m touched by his quest for peace and tranquillity, and by his truly beautiful jewellery inspired by Buddhism and the mountains. We have also decided this year to design a special part of the boutique dedicated to Shamballa pieces. Speaking of the mountains, what do they mean to you? I’m in love with them. I find calm there, but I also find the energy I need. As well as offering a magnificent playground all year round, Verbier offers me a perfect balance between my personal and professional life. www.michaud.ch

Qui sont-ils?

En vente en kiosque et sur iPad

www.bilan.ch

The staging of Mozart’s opera seria Il re pastore (The Shepherd King) in the Salle des Combins, a reflection of the closer ties forged between the Verbier Festival and the opera world in 2014.

the Verbier Festival

hitting musical heights Founded in 1994 by the Swede Martin T:son Engström and held in Verbier, this high-end classical music festival is staged in a setting of pristine peaks and aims to create a community that brings together great masters and young talents from the world over. The next edition of the festival will run from 17 July to 2 August 2015.

Text_C l au d e H e r v é- b a z i n

Photos_N i c o l as B r o da r d/ V e r b i e r F est i va l

an the Verbier Festival continue to thrill and excite? Can it offer more surprise? Those questions seem to be asked every year, and every time comes the same answer: yes, absolutely! The latest proof of that came in summer 2014, when opera took pride of place. The Verbier Festival – beloved brainchild of Martin T:son Engström, a former artists’ agent – has grown over the years to become a major event on the global music scene. Some of the world’s leading names have showcased their talents here, from Emanuel Ax, Evgeny Kissin and Vadim Repine to Chinese prodigy Yuja Wang. The Festival also has a prominent educational role to play, organising an annual academy that passes expertise and passion on to young soloists through around a hundred piano, violin, viola, cello, chamber music and singing master classes, given by teachers and leading artists.

features free concerts in the main square, street shows, jam sessions, musical lunches and drinks receptions, and cultural walks marrying music and the mountains. Moving away slightly from its traditional jazz theme, this summer’s Fest’Off served up a more eclectic mix of soul, folk and funk, providing yet another reason for music lovers to make the trip to Verbier. www.verbierfestival.com www.medici.tv (concert broadcasts)

On top of all that the Festival also has two resident ensembles, both of them recognised as being among the world’s finest youth orchestras. The Verbier Festival Orchestra is made up of around a hundred hand-picked musicians aged between 17 and 29, who receive training from coaches from the New York Metropolitan Opera’s orchestra. In 2014 some 900 young musicians applied to join the ensemble. Meanwhile, the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra, which was created in 2005 and is comprised of young chamber musicians, gives concerts and goes on tours organised by the Verbier Festival. That is not all the Festival has to offer. Launched in 2013, the Music Camp is aimed at 15-to-17-year-olds, while the Verbier Festival Discovery is a programme of free events and conferences introducing the arts to children and adults alike. And then there’s the hugely popular Fest’Off programme, which

Irish pianist James Vaughan accompanies the world’s greatest opera singers.

the Pierre Gianadda fondation bringing great art To Martigny

A major exhibition devoted to Swiss masterpieces from the Foundation for Art, Culture and History will be held this winter/spring.

Encapsulating the Swiss passion for art, the Pierre Gianadda Foundation stages major temporary exhibitions that turn the spotlight on the biggest names in modern art, as well as lesserknown artists. Located in Martigny, this private museum has enjoyed great success since its foundation in 1978, attracting a grand total of more than 9 million visitors.

Text_claude Hervé-bazin

have all paid tribute to crowd-pulling masters, such as Matisse (who will be t all began with the tragic death of Pierre Gianadda in an air crash in 1976. His returning in 2015), Modigliani, Gauguin, Van Gogh and, most recently of all, brother, Leonard, greatly taken aback by this sudden loss, decided to build a Renoir. The links patiently forged with the world’s great museums and collectors cultural centre in his honour. The chosen site was one he owned in the heart have brought many a masterpiece to this small town of 17,000 people, a miracle of Martigny, where the remains of a Gallo-Roman temple-the oldest of its kind that Leonard Gianadda himself struggles to comprehend. Wholeheartedly comin Switzerland-had just been unearthed. mitted to his projects, he personally retraces artists’ careers and even went so far The grandson of an Italian emigrant from Piedmont, who arrived in Switzerland as to fund the restoration of Modigliani’s somewhat neglected tomb. And in 1991 at the age of 13, Leonard is a passionate type with an interest in a whole host of he embarked on a decidedly risky venture in restorfields. A Valais junior athletics champion, he began ing and then exhibiting Chagall’s paintings of the travelling at a very early age and has, in his time, Moscow State Yiddish Theatre, which had not seen overseen archaeological digs, worked as a reporter the light of day in 70 years. It was a global success. and photojournalist for Télévision Suisse Romande The financial success of such blockbusters has also (TSR) and studied at the Ecole Polytechnique de allowed him to put the work of less well-known artLausanne, after which he set up an engineering ists on display and to devote himself to more prifirm and then an architectural firm. The success vate projects. And then, of course, he has Le Parc he enjoyed allowed him, when the time came, to de Sculptures, La Cour Chagall and Le Musée de devote his energies to the Foundation-a project that l’Automobile to occupy him, not to mention his required quite some vision. monthly concerts. “To my mind, music is every bit So why did he choose art? The reasons, as he as important as the exhibitions,” he said. explained, were the Italian blood in his veins, the dazzling memories of a trip he made to Florence and the Pierre Gianadda Fondation 2015 Rome at the age of 15, the fact that there is more to life than making money, and his noble mission to p Masterpieces from the Foundation for Art, make art accessible to everyone. Culture and History, in association with the Leonard’s initial idea was to open an archaeologiBern Kunstmuseum, from 5 December 2014 cal museum highlighting the importance of Roman to 14 June 2015. Martigny on the Via Francigena, which linked Rome p Matisse in his Century, in association with to France. He also wanted “something lively, a livthe Pompidou Centre and Les Collections ing museum”, however. Rather than a succession of suisses, from 19 June to 22 November 2015. rooms, the result was a central space that grabs the p Zao Wou-Ki, from 4 December 2015 to 12 visitor’s attention and immerses them in the exhibiJune 2016. tion, which continues with a series of corridors and Leonard Gianadda, pictured in the Foundation’s www.gianadda.ch spaces reflecting a myriad of ideas and worlds. They Parc de Sculptures in Martigny.

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89 | 30° special issue verbier

1 Olivier Keller 2 Judoka Sergei Aschwanden, Olympic medallist at Beijing; Tanja Frieden, Olympic snowboard cross gold medallist; and beach volleyball player Patrick Heuscher 3 MotoGP2 motorcycle racer Tom Lüthi and Fabienne Kropf 4 Romaine May, Florence Gfeller and Lucette Simon 5 Didier Défago and Tom Luthi 6 Skiers Tina Weirather and Chemmy Alcott

7 Albert Bétrisey, former President of the Grand Council of Valais and his wife Stéphanie 8 Véronique and Patrick Bruchez personally invited motorcycle racer Tom Lüthi and his partner Fabienne Kropf, as well as Dani Pedrosa and his girlfriend Yvette 9 Emilien Badoux, freeride snowboard world champion, and Jérémie Heitz, one of Switzerland’s best freeride skiers 10 Géraldine Fasnacht, legendary snowboarder and base-jumper 11 Sophia Rothpletz and Sanna Lüdi 11

Verbier

charity night A night out with the stars Téléverbier has hosted the Verbier Charity Night for the past eight years. Every April, this exceptional event gives guests the opportunity to mingle with sports stars

Text_Charles Robinson Photos_Roulin Thomas | alpimages@verbier.ch & Matt Hollis | www.timelinemissions.com

hat do Adolf Ogi, Bernhard Russi, Aksel-Lund Svindal and James Blunt have in common? They all love Verbier and have each sponsored a Verbier Charity Night. This charity event, which was launched eight years ago by Eric-A. Balet, CEO of Téléverbier, takes place alongside the Verbier High Five by Carlsberg, a competition giving 300 regular visitors the chance to face off against pros in multiple disciplines. Recent supporters include top skiers Didier Défago, Wendy Holdener, C hristof Innerhofer and Fanny Smith. The proceeds from the Verbier Charity Night are split between two non-profit organisations: Right To Play (which uses sport to encourage development in the world’s poorest countries) and Aide Sportive Suisse (the Swiss Sport Aid Foundation). Each year, the event raises around CHF 70,000.

How does it work? Twenty-two tables for ten are put up for sale at a price of CHF 4,000 each. P urchasers invite their first eight guests; the remaining two are VIPs. For those present, it is a unique opportunity to meet star skiers such as Lindsey Vonn, Tina Maze, Didier Cuche, Didier Défago, Julia Mancuso, Alberto Tomba, Luc Alphand, Christof Innerhofer, Tanja Frieden and Fanny Smith, to name but a few. They may even get the chance to meet Swiss sportp ersonalities like Bertrand Piccard, Yves ing Rossy, T iffany Géroudet, Pascal Richard and Géraldine Fasnacht. The event traditionally takes place at the Restaurant des Ruinettes, on the upper part of Verbier ski resort. In 2015, it falls on Friday 9 April. To register, please send an email to: contact@televerbier.ch.

1 The Italian skiing duo Irene and Elena Curtoni 2 Marc Ramseier, Christian Bugnon, Philippe Rochat, Jean Troillet and Laurence Rochat 3 Jean-Nicolas Michaud and Sophia Rothpletz 3

4 Eric-A. Balet between MotoGP2 motorcycle racers Tom Lüthi and Dani Pedrosa 5 Sébastien Méténier and ski cross star Sanna Lüdi 6 Luc Alfand and Steve Ravussin 7 Florence Gfeller and Romaine May 8 Charles Egli, CEO of SkiData and his wife Renate 9 Didier Défago, Mike Hornung, Luc Alfand, Etienne Monnier, Anouk Hornung, Gérard Michellod and Philippe Roux 10 Mr and Mrs Benoît Bourgon 10

11 Marc Ramseier 12 Ludivine and Philippe Blanc 13 Angela Fetiveau 14 Ian Scapuso, Livio Proserpi and Fabien Delise 15 Estelle and Marielle Balet with GĂŠraldine Fasnacht 16 Elena Curtoni 15

17 Pierre Fehlmann and his wife Nadine 18 Susie and Issam Alssaban, Ulf and Anja Ljunggren 19 Corinne Coco, Sarah Collombin and Marielle Balet 20 Etienne Monnier, Mike and Anouk Hornung with Eloi Rossier, President of Bagnes Commune 17

1 JoĂŤl Sciboz, Enzo Lo Bue and Olivier Keller 2 Eric-A. Balet 3 Andy Wenzel and Hanno Treindl 4 Jeanine Michellod, between Mr and Mrs Christian Guex 5 Singer Sebalter and his band, who represented Switzerland at Eurovision 6 Nadine and Pierre Fehlmann, Philippe Blanc, Roland Collombin, Patrick Bruchez and Corinne Coco 4

7 Estelle Balet, freeride snowboard world vice champion 8 Marzio Perrelli 9 Sylvie and Guido Bernazzi, Mimo Agrusti, Vincent Michellod and Christine Agrusti 10 Bertrand Denervaud, Emilien Badoux and JoĂŤl Sciboz 9

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