Special Issue 30° Luxe Verbier Summer 2015

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special issue

VERBIER

Explore the Energy of Creation

TENNIS BRACELET

White G/vs Diamonds, 18K Rose Gold

E N E R G I Z E Y O U R S U M M E R !

www.verbier.ch

Explorez nos 500 km de chemins balisés cross-country, 21 itinéraires Enduro, un bikepark avec 7 pistes de descente, Le Tour du Mont-Fort en formule pro ou easy ride, un dirt-park et tout prochainement un pumptrack !

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“Verbier Connect”

Come and explore 500 km of cross-country itineraries, 21 Enduro trails, a bike park with 7 downhill tracks, the “Tour du Mont-Fort” for pro or easy rider version, a dirt park and, very soon, a pumptrack!

JoËl Sciboz

Director, Verbier/Val de Bagnes Tourist Office

Verbier is a mountain bike paradise, too Verbier in summer means a wide range of activities and events, plus a playground – the Val de Bagnes – as vast as it is beautiful. Whether adventurous or cautious, active or contemplative, a homebody or restless, looking to rest up or work out, to spend time as a family, couple, solo or with friends – at Verbier you’ll find what you’ve been looking for.

Over 500 km of hiking trails let you explore the natural diversity of the Bagnes valley, while at the Heritage Houses of the Bagnes Museum you will discover the culture, artisanship and history of the alpine peoples. Take the ski lifts up to the top of Mont Fort at 3330 metres above sea level, and admire the magnificent panoramic view extending from the Matterhorn to the Combins to Mont-Blanc. Golf, gourmet dining, spa, yoga, paragliding, horse riding, karting on ice, rock climbing... the list of options is indeed long, but would not be complete without mountain biking.

In Verbier, mountain biking is liberating and boundless. With exceptional descent trails and hundreds of kilometres of endurance and cross-country routes through breath-taking landscapes, there’s enough to keep a smile on the face of any MTB enthusiast from June to October. In addition, by hosting the starting point of the Grand Raid, the 4th stage of the MTB Descent Swiss Cup, and the 2nd Swiss Epic competition, Verbier and the Val de Bagnes are cementing their place in the hearts of dedicated cyclists and rising in the rankings of top MTB destinations.

And if cycling is not your cup of tea, come and discover, or rediscover, your own favourite Verbier full of fun, energising and inspiring experiences offered by the Tourism Office and other operators in the region. Because Verbier means summer too!

Eric-a. balet General Manager, Téléverbier S.A.

Should Téléverbier bet more on summer?

Traditionally, summer has always been a low season compared with winter in terms of investment in tourism-related equipment.

It’s no surprise, considering that Téléverbier’s summer revenue is only 2% of its winter turnover, or little more than a regular weekend in January!

And yet, Verbier has everything summer holiday goers could wish for: challenging golf, dozens of hikes at mid and high altitudes, endless itineraries for mountain bikers of all levels, several mountain lakes with great trout fishing, and especially Mont-Fort, towering 3330 metres high and with a breathtaking panoramic view.

Have you ever seen the sunrise from the top of Mont-Fort? To drink in the beauty of such a spectacle is more than enough reason to get out of bed earlier than usual! The 360° view enjoyed from on top encompasses roughly 30 peaks over 4000 metres high from the Valaisian and Bernese Alps, half-way between Mont-Blanc and the Matterhorn. One can’t help but be seduced by the softness of its pastel hues, so characteristic of a cloudless dawn. It’s arguably the most beautiful panorama in all of French-speaking Switzerland.

As such, the entire region would benefit from an improvement to the Mont-Fort belvedere. An observation platform worthy of this name will have no difficulty standing shoulder to shoulder with Titlis, Righi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn, overlooks which are the pride and joy of certain resorts in German-speaking Switzerland.

There’s no doubt in our mind: Verbier and its region must bet on and invest in summer. It must design a project that is ambitious but also sustainable and respectful of the environment.

We wish you all a lovely summer!

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EDITOrial Verbier: glorious summer

T

he stillness of the crisp morning air breaks with the echoing splash of a stone dislodged by a solitary chamois as it darts through the forest. Then, silence falls once more as dawn begins to rise. The sky, with its gilded edge, slowly unveils its canvas painted against the glorious shadows of the Combins summits and the glimmering highlights of the glaciers. As temperatures rise, the sweet smell of dry hay fans out across the region like fire on a mountain pasture. Bells ring out and echo in reply, as if gently rocking to a sweet mountain tune. And then there is the mountain, more beautiful, more immovable than ever; the very essence of Switzerland itself.

Verbier, winter. Verbier, summer. This very first 30 Degrees summer special edition dedicated to the famed resort has set for itself a lofty challenge indeed: to attempt to transcribe onto glossy paper the boundless beauty of this mountain as it appears without its pure white coat. Against this backdrop, the season often starts much earlier than one might imagine. Up on the heights, legendary and memo-

rable trails carry their devotees from June all the way to the twilight of September.

Yes, the Verbier summer is long, and spoils its guests with a thousand choices. While on hikes punctuated with encounters with marmots and ibex, one discovers the first and most amazing mountain biking areas in Europe (and its Bike Fest!), not to mention a golf course, via ferrata, canyoning down alpine torrents, and paragliding for a true bird’s eye view of this magical little world, just to name a few. Verbier brings joy to families and extreme sports enthusiasts alike, with trails and activities at all levels. As for lovers of all things fine, they have commandeered the resort as one of their headquarters. From the enchanting and emblematic Verbier Festival, favoured by prodigies and giants of classical music, to gourmet encounters blessed with Valais wine and Bagnes cheeses, the senses are treated to delight after delight.

What is Verbier? A touch of luxury, a zest for adventure, and a timeless mountain on which to spend the summer. Its call is impossible to resist.

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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Each subscriber has access, 24/7, to a multitude of bonus content on their tablet, Mac or PC. Embark on a journey within a journey that takes you further and deeper, with back issues, full picture galleries, HD videos, and additional reports and news that broaden the picture and enrich the content. Not just images, but motion. Not just words, but sound. Not just paper frozen in time, but living, breathing content. Not just a magazine, but a 30º multimedia experience. Now that’s what we call added value!

Contents 64 News

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FEATURE The rarefied world of super chalets

18

Verbier Festival The future lies in upcoming generations

30

HIKING Le Haut Val de Bagnes, where mountain goats look down from on high

36

golfing alpine style

43

Mountain biking More than 800 km of trails

44

portfolio Sébastien Albert and an Alpine love affair

48

La cordée des alpes A contemporary hotel where traditions hold firm

56

THE JUMPING INTERNATIONAL DE VERBIER raises the bar high

63

The Swiss Epic helping to put Verbier on the MTB map

64

Géraldine Fasnacht Verbier’s all-action ambassador

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The TRAIL VERBIER ST-BERNARD Legendary status awaits

71

Richard Beaulieu A Quebecker in Verbier

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WINE AND VALAIS A long and fruitful love affair

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Trends: watches

76

Trends: sport

78

news

80

Trends: design

82

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80 DELUXE SPECIAL SUMMER ISSUE 2015: VERBIER | IMPRESSUM 30° Degrees (since 2002)

Editing, administration and advertising: 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 | Editor-in-chief: christian.bugnon@cbcommunication.com | Assistant: melissa.hertzeisen@cbcommunication.com | Writers (in order of appearance): Laurent Grabet, Frédéric Rein, Serge Greter, Claude Hervé-Bazin, César Deffeyes, Guy Michel, Christian Bugnon | Photographers (in order of appearance): François Perraudin, Yves Garneau, Céline Ribordy, JAPA, Thomas Roulin/Alpimages, Robert Hofer, Nicolas Brodard, Aline Paley, Valais Tourisme, Christian Bugnon, Alpimages, OT/Mark Shapiro, OT/Yves Garneau, OT/François Perraudin, Sébastien Albert, Laurie Fletcher, www.sepiphot.com, Apix Alex Buschor/Swissepic AG, Tero Repo, Sandro Baebler, Trail VSB/F. Perraudin, Les Vins du Valais/Michel Villars, Les Vins du Valais/Giorgio Skory, SPORTINGPHOTO, JAF | Graphic design: florian.blanchard@ cbcom­munication.com | (DA) christian.bugnon@cbcommunication.com | English translation: Simon Till, Paul Subrenat | Photo-offset printing: Images 3 | Printing: IRL plus SA | Publicity: info@cbcommunication.com | Copyright: © 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 FSCcertified paper. This issue is also available free of charge on the iPad and on www.30degrees.tv | Cover: Yves Garneau | Next issue: December 2015

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Charles Dutoit Renaud Capuรงon

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Valery Gergiev Ton Koopman James Levine Zubin Mehta Daniil Trifonov Buena Vista Social Club

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blossom communication

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François Perraudin

NEWS

Mountain huts - A night of revitalisation at the Mont-Fort Hut Among the many huts in the Val de Bagnes, the Mont-Fort hut is the starting point for many lovely hikes including the Bec des Rosses tour and the Chamois trail (see page 36). Perched at a height of 2457 metres, it is easily accessible via a 1.5 hour hike from the Ruinettes cable car and following a lovely little watercourse. The view of the Combins peaks and Mont-Blanc is breathtaking. Enjoy tasty local specialities, and spend the night plus half board for CHF 78.– per adult. www.cabanemontfort.ch

Yves Garneau

Spa - A plethora of options and a wide range of prices Doing sports is good. Mountain exploits, they’re good too. Relaxing and lazing about – that’s sometimes even better! When it comes to spas, massage and wellness centres, Verbier has everything you need (the list is available upon request from the tourism office). Among others, we reserve a special mention for the spa at the La Cordée des Alpes hotel, which offers a true haven of serenity dedicated to beauty care and open to the public until 3 pm. For families on a small budget, the best option remains making the 20 minute drive to the magnificent baths at Saillon, in the valley. www.verbier.ch and www.bainsdesaillon.ch Places to be - Meet up in the friendly atmosphere of the Ice Cube Perched at 2200 metres in the Ruinettes (accessible via cable car), the Le Mouton Noir restaurant offers its magnificent panoramic terrace for weddings, conferences and seminars all summer long (available on request).

As for its adjoining cosy bar, the Ice Cube, it remains open to the public throughout the season. Featuring among the region’s “places to be”, this watering hole favoured by paragliders, trekkers and visitors seeking breathtaking views, serves great mojitos and grilled meats, among others. www.lemoutonverbier.com

Yves Garneau

Céline Ribordy

Yves Garneau

Mobility - Two-wheelers in the spotlight Verbier’s mountain environment offers a boundless playground for two-wheeled sports and adventure. Set off to tackle the Tour du MontFort on MTB, or join the Grand Raid route for a demanding but exhilarating ride. There are endless possible routes, and ski lifts let you cut out the climbs! In addition, there’s a bike park which stays open until October. Don’t feel like tiring yourself out? How about renting an electric bicycle? Or for something different, try an all-terrain scooter! To the slopes!

Sophistication - Lounge soirées at the Nevaï Sole representative from Bagnes in Design Hotels’ collection of prestigious international hotels, the Nevaï opens its doors to all this summer. From 5 pm until sunset, lounge soirées will be held on the hotel terrace in an understated, contemporary ambiance. Concurrently, Nevaï’s luxurious 4-star spa, which specialises in wellness, beauty care and massages, is offering a 15% discount off its usual prices all summer long. www.hotelnevai.com

www.verbierbikepark.ch

Luxury - Helicoptered to a glacier for lunch Itching to have lunch on a glacier but don’t feel up to crampons and hours of walking? In Verbier, anything’s possible! Since 2008, Kando, in partnership with Héli-Alpes, will chauffeur groups of 2 to 40 people by helicopter to the Petit Combin and Trient glaciers. Up there, many special moments have been celebrated around a raclette, fondue, gourmet meal or bottle of champagne, including birthdays and marriage proposals with live music. To enjoy this romantic mountain experience, count on spending a minimum of 1500 francs per person. www.kandoverbier.com

JAPA

Arts - Take in culture at the Gianadda Foundation Located only 20 minutes by car from Verbier, the world-famous Gianadda Foundation in Martigny is a must see for anyone passing through the region! It is hosting an extraordinary “Matisse en son temps” (Matisse in his time) exhibition until 22 November in partnership with the prestigious Centre Pompidou.

The foundation’s magnificent “Parc à statues” (statue park) is sure to delight young and old alike, as will its collection of antique cars on display in the lower level. www.gianadda.ch

Living cultural heritage - The international “combat of queens” Herens cows are the pride and joy of the Valaisans and Bagnards in particular, who love to picture themselves in the steadfast and combative nature of these beasts. Each summer – as naturally occurs across the mountain pastures – these matrons confront each other in a variety of tournaments to crown the “queen” of the year. The season traditionally ends with the International MontBlanc Competition which is also attended by herders from Haute-Savoie and Val d’Aoste. This year, the tournament takes place on 26 September alongside the “Bagnes Capitale de la Raclette” festival. The perfect occasion for the Valaisians to take back the title from their Valdotain friends! www.bagnesraclette.ch

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SPA Beauty Care | Massages | Body treatMents HaMMaM | sauna open every day

Informations and bookings: +41 (0)27 775 40 00 | spa@nevaihotel.com | www.hotelnevai.com

DR

NEWS

Thomas Roulin/Alpimages

Relaxation - Laze under the sun in the gardens of the Montpelier This summer, the most luxurious superior three star hotel in Verbier, located less than 10 minutes from the town centre, will open its magnificent gardens to the public. In a relaxed atmosphere, visitors can feast their eyes on unobstructed views of the Combins from the comfort of a lawn chair while sipping cocktails and “chilling” under the summer sun. www.montpelierverbier.ch

Robert Hofer

Discovery - Guided excursions In geological terms, the Val de Bagnes does not lack for interesting finds. These can be discovered on an excursion to the rock garden or simply ad hoc along trails with the help of a jargon-free geological guide available for purchase at the tourism offices in Châbles and Verbier. You will learn, for example, that in just a few kilometres, this piece of land allows one to cross from the European continent to the African one! Learn about continental drift, vanished oceans, and entire mountain ranges on the move in this amazing journey through time. www.geoparc.ch

Apéritifs en musique – “Thursday piano lounge“ Feel like relaxing to some music while sipping a nice drink? “Thursday piano lounge” is for you! Held on the first and last Thursdays of the month from 4 pm to 7 pm, in the cosy setting of the Michaud jewellery and luxury watch boutique (5, rue de Médran) right in the heart of Verbier, these events are sure to delight both your ears and taste buds with jazz, classical music, and free aperitifs! Open to all. www.michaud.ch

Exhibition - Sunsets on the Mauvoisin dam As it has done each summer for the past 10 years, the Bagnes Museum will hold a photographic exhibition on the Mauvoisin dam from 20 June to 6 September. This year, it is held in collaboration with the prestigious Fotomuseum in Winterthur and dedicated to Polish artist Kasia Klimpel and her project, The Grand Tour. The dam, and the landscape into which it inserted itself in 1958, provide a backdrop for these works of art that surpasses in beauty any museum. www.museedebagnes.ch

T R a d i T i o n & i n n o vaT i o n

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NEWS DR

Swimming - Get refreshed at the sports centre Even in the mountains the summer heat can sometimes become oppressive. At those times, a trip to the swimming pool at Verbier can be a wise decision. Outdoors, in a large grassy park, lies a small pool plus a large 25 m one with diving boards. Indoors, a third similarly-sized pool lets you calmly swim some laps before relaxing in the sport centre’s jacuzzi, sauna, hammam or solarium. www.centre-sportif-verbier.ch

Francçois Perraudin

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Leisure - Fun activities led by pros The mountain is beautiful, true; but it can also be dangerous. It’s always best to be assisted by someone in the know. “Les Guides de Verbier”, which counts over a hundred professional guides, is here to help. Among the many fun activities available are zip-lining, via ferrata, via cordata, and a giant swing. Have fun while staying safe! www.guideverbier.com

Refreshments - Nespresso offers a symphony dedicated to the joy of coffee Long-time sponsor of the Verbier Festival, Nespresso will delight visitors throughout the event with the chance to enjoy a variety of coffees before and after concerts, in a lounge with a musical atmosphere just steps away from the Salle des Combins. www.nespresso.com

Fun - A place to have fun as a family Only a two minute walk from the Châble cable car, a “Fun and Family Zone” covering an area of 1500 m2 has just been unveiled.

Families can enjoy a skatepark, a pumptrack, an evolving play area, an urban training course, a marked running track and a meeting area. www.entriders.com/le-parc.html

The rarefied world of

super chalets In Verbier, superchalets are legion. But when it comes to luxury, the Inverno and the Sirocco, crown jewels of Bramble Ski, have few equals! Follow along our exclusive guided tours.

The spa complex comprises swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Hammam/steam room, massage treatment room and a sauna leading through to a glass fronted wine cave and home cinema room.

Drink in the views from Sirocco’s huge windows in the beautiful reception room.

The chalet is situated to take advantage of the vista across the majestic Val de Bagnes.

New winds blowing at

the chalet

Sirocco

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hile it shares the same name as a Mediterranean wind that originates in the Sahara, the stylish and luxurious Chalet Sirocco in Verbier hints at more of a gentle zephyr than a buffeting breeze. Open since last autumn and located in the Sonalon district, it is run on a day-to-day basis by the employees of Bramble Ski, the most exclusive of the Alps’ chalet operators.

Tasteful, aesthetically pleasing and utterly modern, this 583 sq. m. chalet has been built using old timber. Visible on the outside and everywhere on the inside, the material is combined with a light colour scheme and stone, which is most noticeably present in the indoor swimming pool and other spa rooms, helping to create a simple yet opulent look on the chalet’s four floors, all served by a lift.

The first floor, with the entrance, opens out immediately to two of the four bedrooms, which all boast ensuite bathrooms. The other two bedrooms can be found on the top floor. The chalet’s large windows offer panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the valley below, and its various terraces are just perfect for kicking back and relaxing in spring and summer in the gentle Alpine breeze.

A simply stunning spa The second floor is taken up by the living area, which comprises the kitchen, dining room and the lounge, where the fireplace crackles pleasingly in wintertime. The jewel in the Chalet Sirocco crown is to be found on the ground floor, home to one of the most luxurious spas in the entire Alps, a true haven of well-being. The turquoise waters of the swimming pool, flanked by a stone wall, set the tone. By its side sit chaise-longues, while a little further away a jacuzzi bubbles impatiently, beckoning us in for a dip. En route, however, lies a sauna, a hammam, a massage room and a gym, while the cinema room also has the potential to lead us astray, not that that matters. The key word here is wellness, whatever form it takes.

There is no question that the Chalet Sirocco is a breath of fresh air in the Verbier property market. www.brambleski.com

Each of the chalet’s four elegant bedrooms have an en-suite bathroom, all decorated in the subtle hues of the mountains. The stone in the spa also compliments the chalet’s mountain setting.

The windows in the central living area of Inverno flood the room with light. The perfect room to daydream in front of the imposing fireplace.

The Inverno

happiness with your tribe

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uxury, peace, and exquisite woodlands at the feet of mountains blanketed in snow or bursting with flowers. Such is the delightful programme offered by the Inverno in Verbier, located in the heart of the famed resort just a few short minutes on foot from the Médran ski lifts. Facing directly south and nestled between the pines, the house is operated and catered by Bramble Ski, the most exclusive chalet operator in the Alps. Its invitation to relax is impossible to resist. Just one look at photos of its interior is enough to make one dream of nestling in front of its fireplace together with family or the pick of mountain-loving friends. Even in summertime, when outside temperatures don’t call for a fire, the chimney, with a proud buck standing guard, beckons to be lit.

Desire and common sense draw you to cuddle up in the voluptuous sofas and let yourself be hypnotised by the flames and the sweet aroma of aged wood, ideally while sipping an aperitif. In the same room, an immense table calls out to be caressed and adorned with a feast of Bagnes raclette, potatoes and cured meat, complemented by a few judiciously selected Valais grand crus.

Feasted and fêted, some will no doubt take in the crisp night air on the chalet’s expansive wooden balcony and muse aloud of the neighbouring peaks, perhaps even lighting up a cigar to better bring their mountain adventures to life. Others will prefer to curl up in the cosy TV corner and watch an old classic. Others will head straight to bed. The soft, downy nature of the chalet’s three bedrooms has an undeniable and inevitable pull. Those nostalgic for their childhood will pick the one with bunk beds while others will prefer the tender and more romantic touches of the master bedroom with its separate balcony. The following morning, as the sun begins to invade through the chalet’s many expansive windows, the seed of a question will begin to germinate in the hearts and minds of those present: why not come back next year? www.brambleski.com

Combining kitchen, dining room and living area all in one creates an open space, ideal for entertaining friends.

The TV snug features soft furnishings from a Ski Chalet collection by Ralf Lauren. Pride of place amongst the beautiful pieces of furniture are two old black leather chairs, the owner’s father was a doctor and the chairs were in his waiting room.

The master bedroom is wired for sound with a Bose music system, as is the rest of the apartment.

The room features French windows opening out onto the terrace and has a beautiful en suite bathroom. Take a book from the library and while away the day in luxury and serenity.

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Nicolas Brodard

Upcoming

generations Aline Paley

Martin T:son Engstroem, founder and director of the legendary classical music event, talks about the upcoming festival, and what lies ahead.

Aline Paley

are the future of the Festival

ii A dramatic view of the village of Verbier, situated 1,500 m above sea level in the Val de Bagnes, in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

i Martin T:son Engstroem, the director of the Verbier Festival, which he

founded more than 20 years ago. f The Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra receives an ovation following a concert in the Salle des Combins.

Nicolas Brodard

p The Ebène Quartet

Nicolas Brodard

performs at the Eglise de Verbier for an audience of more than 500. pp A young violinist from the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra. s The sunlit terrace at the bar on the Esplanade des Combins, before the evening concert.

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Nicolas Brodard

The young Georgian pianist Khatia Buniatishvili accompanied by the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Yuri Bashmet.

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ow apt that this classical music festival should become a classic in its own right! The Verbier Festival, which enters its 22nd season this year (from 17 July to 2 August), has become a must in the diary of any self-respecting music lover. Martin T:son Engstroem, the founder and director of the festival hailed as one of the world’s best in its category, talks to us about the ‘baby’ he has nurtured over the years, and what the future holds.

Which musical highlights of the 2015 line-up are you looking forward to most?

I’m delighted that James Levine will be here. He was our music director until 2008, and is one of the world’s greatest conductors. We’re very honoured that this American maestro has chosen our festival after eight years away from Europe, despite his illness. There’ll also be Thomas Quasthoff, a singer with strong ties to the festival, who’ll be conducting an orchestra for The St Matthew Passion. Emotions will be running high!

Does the Alpine backdrop contribute to the festival’s success, along with the top names in classical music?

Definitely. Besides the amazing views, the place itself is magical.

it’s harder to attract the people on our doorstep than those from the other side of the world!

You spoke about the youth academies. It’s something you care a lot about...

It’s part of our DNA. It’s something we’ve invested a lot of resources in. It’s definitely the area that will develop the most in the future. This sort of education can be done in Verbier, but also through online workshops. For the first ten years, we also had a dance academy and a drama academy. I’d love to start them up again.

How exactly do you see the future?

We’ll carry on doing what we do best: bringing together the greatest classical music artists. The current format, with four concerts a day, strikes a good balance between the performances offered and public interest. So that needs to stretch over 17 days. Our attendance rate is 78-79%, but we’re aiming for 90%. To achieve that we need to attract more people from within the euro zone, and convince them that it’s worth it! www.verbierfestival.com Aline Paley

The Buena Vista Social Club will also be performing. Why this move towards something less classical?

Because I’m very self-centred when I compile the line-up, and hope that the public will like the same artists as I do! We put on a different type of concert each year, like we have in the past with Youssou N’Dour or Angélique Kidjo.

The Fest’Off will take place at the same time...

A lot of the audience come on holiday with their children. As they stay in the resort for around 5 days, we had to draw up an eclectic programme. At that time of year, there are also more than 15,000 people in the resort who don’t have tickets. So as well as classical music, there’s also a lot of jazz and world music. People can also attend the rehearsals of the orchestras or the young academy musicians.

Is it also a way of including Verbier’s locals?

In the beginning, people living in Verbier gave us strange looks. But over the years, many of them have become interested in our work. Ironically though,

Quiet descends on the Esplanade des Combins after the interval. When the concert ends, the spectators will make their way there once again.

Le Haut Val de Bagnes where mountain goats look down from on high

What better place for a meandering stroll than Patiefray, with the Cabane Mont-Fort up above and the Mont-Blanc massif and Trient Glacier providing the backdrop?

Christian Bugnon

Valais Tourisme

Up on the heights of the Val de Bagnes, houses give way to larch forests and steep slopes lined with scree and topped by soaring peaks. Through this wild and magnificent landscape winds the Sentier des Chamois, a mountain path that takes hours to negotiate and where the eye is inevitably drawn to the glistening, snowcovered Combins range.

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summer day dawns, with the cool of the night gently giving way to the heat of the sun. Rolling down from steep slopes and still immersed in deep shadow, the open expanse of the Val de Bagnes has the look of an impenetrable no man’s land. Before long, however, the first rays of sunlight appear from the distant east, from behind mountainous barriers, warming the peaks and revealing walls of lichen-covered rock. High up on an overhanging cliff can be seen a chamois, the figure of which stands out sharply against a brilliant blue backdrop.

Created in 1968 and covering an area of 150 km 2, this nature reserve is often overlooked by holidaymakers transfixed by the panoramic views offered

by Verbier, not least of Mont-Fort. Here, however, lies an authentic, tranquil land of timeless mountains, where chamois mingle with ibex (reintroduced in 1926) and marmots.

Valais Tourisme Christian Bugnon Valais Tourisme / François Perraudin

f The Chamois Path runs by the stunning Lac de Louvie, with gorgeous views of Les Combins on offer. ii The view from the foot of La Pierre-Avoi takes in the Mont-Blanc massif. i Trickling streams at the foot of Le Bec des Rosses: the ideal spot for refreshing tired feet.

Christian Bugnon

Snow, grass, rocks and water (such as the Lac de Louvie, pictured here): the primary colours of Switzerland serve as inspiration to walkers all the way along the route.

www.guidesverbier.com www.louvie.ch www.bagnes.ch/uploads/default/Sentier-des-Chamois-et-tourdes-ecuries-a-voute.pdf

Though the signs can be relied upon, you might want to carry a hiking map. MPA GéoDistribution’s 1:25000-scale map is perfect for the job (www.edition-mpa.ch; 29.80 CHF). An alternative is the 1:25000-scale 1326 Rosablanche national map (www.swisstopo. admin.ch). If you’re looking to spend the night on the route, there are dormitory beds with an evening meal and breakfast available at the Cabane de Louvie for 69 CHF per person (cash only). Book ahead if you want fondue! As for transport, you can take the CarPostal bus back to Fionnay. There are four buses to Le Châble every day, with the last of them leaving at around 17:20.­

Christian Bugnon

Le Sentier des Chamois Etched into the valley’s high northern slopes, the Sentier des Chamois links La Chaux (served by a gondola lift) to the delightful village of Fionnay. Stretching for 13 kilometres and taking between five and six hours to complete, it is not so much a bracing walk as a hike in the true sense of the word, one that winds its way between two imposing mountain ranges: the Mont-Fort, rising high above, and the Combins, which lie opposite.

The first section of the path runs down to the Le Mintset by the old irrigation canal, before climbing back up through Crêta d’Inyé and La Perraire. It’s not too strenuous and all you have to do is follow the white/red/white markers. There are some, however, who prefer to start by branching off to the Cabane du MontFort (2,457 m) and the Patiefray marsh. This mountain hut, with its imposing walls of rough-hewn stone, is the perfect spot for enjoying a mid-morning rest and, in the early summer months, watching tufts of cotton grass dancing in the gentle moist breeze. There is a high risk of falling rocks on the trail back to the main path, however, for which reason it is now staked out with blue markers.

Before long, another sparkling obstacle hoves into view: the northern slope of the Grand Combin, lined with blocks of ice that have broken away from the Corbassière glacier and thick patches of powdery snow, all of which means you have to look where you put your feet. The path runs through grassy slopes and steep scree, inevitably slowing down progress, before rising on the long climb up to the Col de Termin (2,648 m), where the landscape becomes increasingly rocky and silence reigns supreme, broken only by the clacking of stones sent careering down the slopes by unsuspecting ibex. While it is not hazardous, the climb to the top is breathtakingly steep, with chains provided to help walkers negotiate two elevated sections.

Right at the foot lies a broad expanse of emerald green, at the bottom of a rocky valley, an oasis known as the Lac de Louvie (2,250 m), which is overlooked by the sunlit terrace of the hut nearby. It’s an ideal stopover for the night, eyes fixed on the Grand Combin. From here there are two hours of strain for the knees to endure on the steep final descent to Fionnay (1,489 m).

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Golfing, alpine style The best things come in small packages. Aside its breathtaking setting, Verbier golf course is also reputed for being technically challenging.

We visit this remarkable course.

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he astounding view over the peaks of the Combin, Rogneux and Mont-Blanc mountains is what strikes you first, so impressive that the course itself almost pales into insignificance. Below the crisp white horizon, Verbier’s golfers have to peel their eyes away from the stunning views above and keep their feet – placed either side of the little white ball perched on its tee, of course – firmly on the ground.

Tear yourself away from the entrancing blue sky, for a short while at least, and turn instead towards the lush green of the dips and swells of the closely clipped fairway. And the 18 holes on the 40-hectare Esserts course most certainly merit attention. “It’s par 69 (the theoretical number of strokes to complete the course) and 4867m long, starting at 1800m of altitude and finishing at 1600m, with a shuttle bus running from the reception to the first hole”, explains Thomas Grech, manager of Verbier Golf Club which counts 685 members and also welcomes licensed tourists. The course takes you from green to green, swing after swing, putt after putt. “It’s quite a flat fairway” continues our expert. “It’s also, however, quite narrow, which makes it challenging even for the most skilled of golfers. It requires accuracy rather than long hits.”

On the slopes So although small in size, its appeal is huge. With its rolling contours interspersed with streams, this course is one of the most extraordinary that the Association Suisse de Golf (ASG) has to offer. Another quirk: it lies between

the ski slopes and the village. Golfers can rest assured though; there’s no fear of an untimely encounter with a straggling skier, as the golf course opens from late May to early November. However such a location has significant implications for getting the course ready at the start of the season. “We have to remove all the mole hills and cover the remaining traces left by skiers,” says Thomas Grech. “It’s a mammoth task. On the upside, we’re bordered by the alpine forest, which provides a certain degree of humidity, so the grass is always green without having to water it, even when it’s really dry.”

And when you’ve finished your round, why not continue to enjoy the view from the authentic, chalet-style club house? Settle down to admire other golfers’ eagles, or try to spot a feathered version in the sky! www.verbiergolfclub.ch

The R么dze track features no fewer than 65 jumps and affords breathtaking views of Les Combins.

OT / Mark Shapiro

more than 800 km of trails

Mountain biking

in Verbier Verbier is now one of Europe’s leading MTB destinations. Its crosscountry routes attract riders of all levels, and with gravity riding very much on the up and up, it boasts 23 all-action enduro routes and seven near-legendary downhill trails. As if that were not enough, there are also a host of bike-friendly hotels to choose from and a season that runs right through to October.

OT / François Perraudin

OT / Yves Garneau

Left: Le Tour du Lac de Mauvoisin leads mountain bikers up to the Cabane de Chanrion, an idyllic spot for a refuelling stop.

Right: With no cable cars or electric motors on hand, tackling those steep climbs requires a lot of hard leg work.

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between the resort and Grimentz and has a gruelling elevation gain of 5,025 m. The 26th edition of this classic event takes place on 21-22 August. For amateur riders, meanwhile, there is the five-stage Perskindol Swiss Epic, running between Verbier and Zermatt on 14-19 September.

Adrenalin rush Verbier has everything the thrill-seeking, committed mountain biker could wish for: descents, climbs, flowing routes interspersed with hairpins, open meadows where it’s full speed ahead, technical sections, the odd bit of bike-carrying and stunning single tracks beneath the larch trees. In total there are 23 steep and technical enduro routes covering 213 km (90 km of single tracks and 75 km of mixed trails along some gorgeous hiking paths) and linking hotspots to the most beautiful scenery.

The trails are also in perfect condition and can be navigated no matter what the weather. Riders have the choice of avoiding 80 percent of the climbs by making use of the network of ski lifts or gritting their teeth and tackling the uphill sections pedal stroke by pedal stroke, as on the trip around the Mauvoisin Dam, with its elevation gain of 1,877 m.

A more classic alternative is the tour of the Val de Bagnes, where three options, ranging from easy to difficult, are available.

As for downhill trails, there is a little less in the way of choice and the level is more demanding to say the least. That said, the seven trails have been shaped in a simply breathtaking manner. The Tsopu (2.4 km) is the only one that is more or less suitable for beginners, while the appropriately named and very technical Woooohhh winds its way through the forest.

The most beautiful of the lot are without doubt the two latest additions, which opened in 2014. The first of them is the Bortabitche, which starts in smooth enough fashion with sweeping turns through the meadows and leads on to a wooden walkway with rocks and scree all around. It’s a flowing trail with enough twists and turns to demand your full attention all the way down. The pièce de resistance is the Rôdze, which overlooks the Val de Bagnes and is famous for its 65 jumps, with the pros spending the whole time in the air during 5 minutes and 30 seconds of pure adrenaline and gravity-free riding. We lesser mortals can tackle it at a more leisurely pace, however. And what more needs to be said about Tire’s Fire, which provided the venue for the European Cup in 2009 and will host round four of the Swiss Downhill Cup on 28-30 August? www.verbierbikepark.ch www.grand-raid.ch www.swissepic.com

The Verbier Bike Park

OT / Céline Ribordy

estling on a sun-kissed plateau, Verbier is a fairytale world of rocky and snow-covered mountains, alpine pastures and forests. Criss-crossing this picture-postcard landscape are more than 500 km of cross-country and all-mountain trails, plotting a course between valley and peaks at an altitude of between 900 metres and 2,800. Some are as easy as it gets, such as the scenic La Planie route, which is just perfect for families and runs for 10.5 km over virtually flat terrain overlooking the resort and looking out to the Combins range.

More ambitious riders will no doubt be keen to take a tour of Mont-Fort. The less strenuous of the two rides on offer makes use of the ski lifts, on no fewer than four occasions, which means that out of the approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes it takes to cover the 48.6 km route, you’ll be pedalling for only a third of the time. It’s a route that offers a near-complete tour of the 4-Vallées resorts as well as stunning views of Mont-Blanc on the descent of the Col des Gentianes. The pro-rider tour, which weighs in at 59.1 km, demands rather more of the calf muscles, boasting as it does an elevation gain of 2,263 m and just the one and entirely necessary ski-lift trip, between Tortin and the Col des Gentianes.

At Verbier, cross-country MTB is synonymous with the Grand Raid, the legendary 125 km race that runs

Run by the trail designer Fabrice Tirefort, aka Trifon, the Verbier Bike Park is open every day from late June through to the end of October.

It organises a number of courses through the summer for beginners, advanced and expert riders. Two enduro camps will be held on 10-12 July and 14-16 August and a downhill camp on 5-6 September. There are also private one-on-one downhill lessons available, and guides are on hand to show visitors the best of the local routes over the course of a day or half a day. Another essential summer event is the Dakine Enduro Camp on 7-8 August, run by biking pros. Admission to the Bike Park costs 34 CHF a day or 244 CHF for the season (220 CHF when prebooked), while the easy rider tour of Mont-Fort costs 45 CHF and the pro rider version 17 CHF.

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It was a case of love at first sight when the Canadian photographer first set eyes on the Val de Bagnes. Setting up in Valais, he has continued to explore the area ever since, tracking down beautiful settings and capturing them for posterity.

Sébastien Albert and an Alpine love affair

Sébastien Albert always has his camera at the ready.

Bathed in gorgeous morning light, Les Clochetons are fascinating rock formations situated close to La Pierre Avoi, in the mountains overlooking Verbier.

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Trop beau” (too beautiful). Those were the words Sébastien Albert uttered on first arriving in Verbier back in 1998, words he would repeat time and again as he discovered the wonders of the surrounding countryside. So often did they pass the Canadian photographer’s lips that he decided to name his little company after them. And so, Tro Bõ Photo was born. For someone who grew up amid the “little hills” of Outaouais in western Quebec, the contrast in landscapes was striking. “I fell in love with Valais straightaway and with the cosmopolitan feel of Verbier. It’s an amazing cultural crossroads,” says the 39-year-old. Over the years he has forged friendships and laid down roots in the region, where he intends to stay forever, having made his home in Chemin-Dessus, in the commune of Vollèges.

Friendship was the reason why Albert came to Verbier in the first place, as he explained: “My friends and I wanted to go snowboarding in Europe. We were recommended a few nice resorts and my pal Yves Garneau, who’s also a photographer, came to Verbier to check things out. He broke his back two months later, so I decided to come out and give him a hand.”

It was then that his new life began, one shaped by the peaks and valleys that he would soon begin

to capture on film. Recording stunning scenes on scenic walks, the self-taught photographer began to make a name for himself, so much so that in 2004, his passion became a profession, the Canadian giving up his career as a custom ski boot maker and swapping the snowboard for cross-country skis.

His love for the mountains has remained intact ever since, a love he conveys by organising courses and workshops in nature photography. Next winter will see him open a store in Verbier by the name of Photo Verbier, where his images will be on display and on sale.

“Mountainous landscapes change from one season to the next and from one altitude to the next,” says Albert. “Whenever you go up or down, the perspectives always change. Nothing ever stays the same. I feel at ease in this Alpine world. It inspires me.” La Pierre Avoi, one of his first summertime haunts in the region, continues to exert a magnetic hold over him, as does the Haut du Val de Bagnes, which he calls “a wild place, home to outstanding flora and fauna”. It is here that he regularly goes in search of perfect light, plays with depth and cloud and nurtures his burgeoning interest in macrophotography, the little details that make all the difference. And all the while, he utters those same words over and over, telling himself that it is all “too beautiful.” www.trobophoto.com

The dizzyingly high Fionnay waterfall, in the Haut Val de Bagnes.

The picturesque path that runs from Les Ruinettes, overlooking the resort of Verbier.

f Hérens cattle graze contentedly, with the Col du Tronc – not far from Verbier – providing a grand backdrop. iii Mauvoisin Lake, in the Haut Val de Bagnes, surrounded by mountains of varying height. Le Pleureur and the tongue of the famous Giétro glacier dominate the scene. ii A young ibex rests at the Plan du Tsenau, not far from Louvie. i The descent to Fionnay from the Lac de Louvie, in the Haut Val de Bagnes, Switzerland’s second-largest nature reserve.

A hiking trail on the plateau of Les Lacs de FenĂŞtre, in the Swiss part of the Val Ferret, with the imposing Mont Dolent in the background.

On the old Bisse de ChervĂŠ, the last rays of the day fall on rhododendrons and a mountain stream, which gushes down to the bottom of the Val de Nendaz, near Siviez.

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La Cordée des Alpes traditions a contemporary hotel where hold firm

57 | 30° special issue verbier

Yves Garneau

Since it opened in 2012, “La Cordée des Alpes” hotel has become “a retreat in the heart of Switzerland” for its wealthy clientele, offering luxury and excellent service. Join us on a guided tour.

Laurie Fletcher Thomas Roulin/Alpimages Laurie Fletcher

Laurie Fletcher

Thomas Roulin/Alpimages

The head chef and his Italian team serve up stylish and authentic cuisine that fuses seasonal flavours and Swiss and Italian influences.

The restaurant opens at midday during the Verbier Festival.

Laurie Fletcher Laurie Fletcher

The hotel’s deluxe rooms cover an area of 43 sq. m. and come equipped with latest-generation TVs, and free WiFi. Some also have a fireplace.

A partner of international brands Cinq Mondes and Karin Herzog, La Cordée’s spa boasts a 15 m swimming pool – where you can relax to the sight and sound of a roaring fireplace – a hammam, sauna, jacuzzi, three massage rooms, a gym and relaxation areas.

Laurie Fletcher

Laurie Fletcher

On arriving in the reception area, where wood and stone combine as one, guest are immersed in an atmosphere that oozes the golden age of mountaineering.

www.hotelcordee.com

Thomas Roulin/Alpimages

Perfection is what we do every day!” This is the unofficial motto of La Cordée hotel, and a visit to the premises soon confirms it to be true. Built in 2012, this superior 4-star establishment, the only one in Verbier, is nestled in the heart of the resort, basking in the southern sun. It represents another dream brought to life by its owner, the successful Australian-Swiss entrepreneur Marcus Bratter. The idea came to him a few years ago in an antique shop when he discovered a vintage mountain rucksack with leather boots still attached to it. “When the project came together, I showed it to the interior designer from the Berlin firm C+C Interiors, commissioned to bring a touch of magic to our hotel.” The challenge was to create an establishment with a contemporary feel, functionally ultra-modern, yet with a firm foothold in the mountaineering and Alpine traditions of the locality. The result is a great success.

From the outside, La Cordée appears to have been built solely from old wood and stone. Inside, a few vintage objects with lots of character are dotted here and there, evoking the golden age of mountaineering while skilfully avoiding any similarity to a dusty museum. In all 32 bedrooms, 15 apartments and other rooms, there is a refined air of luxury without it being overwhelming. For example, the spa, offering international brands Cinq Mondes and Karin Herzog, features a sleek 15-metre indoor pool, sitting between a fireplace and a bay window overlooking the Mont Blanc massif. The service is naturally in keeping with the standards expected by the wealthy English, Swiss, French, Belgian, American and Russian guests who adore the place. “Each member of the team gives 220%, just like a group of mountain climbers all roped together and striving to reach a treacherous summit. Hence our name,” explains Marcus Bratter. It is this spirit which has enabled La Cordée to become the only establishment in the resort listed in the prestigious “Small Luxury Hotels of the World” network.

Paired with the high-mountain restaurant “Le Mouton Noir”, renowned for its panoramic terrace perched at an altitude of 2200 metres, the hotel will add a romantic string to its bow this summer by offering to host luxury weddings. In this regard, La Cordée’s restaurant (open to everyone) is another great asset. In full view in its open kitchen, Italian chef Marco Bassi produces Mediterranean cuisine infused with Alpine influences. The British royal family love it, along with the establishment’s many visitors, all enchanted by its authenticity.

Yves Garneau

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La Cordée aims to make your stay a memorable one, no matter how long it lasts. Under the watchful eye of a well-knit team of perfectionists, the hotel hosts receptions for 100 people and more intimate banquets for groups of 20.

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THE JUMPING INTERNATIONAL DE VERBIER

RAISES THE BAR HIGH

Every summer for the last 18 years the Jumping International de Verbier has been held on the Périn carpark. Top showjumping riders, such as Pius Schwizer from the Canton of Solothurn, love to come and enjoy the setting and atmosphere of this prestigious 3-star competition.

The 18th edition of this prestigious showjumping competition takes place in Verbier on 14-23 August.

We have the lowdown on an event that started out small and has now become very big indeed, generating in the region of CHF 10m for the local economy.

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he Jumping International de Verbier started out by setting the bar high. With the 18th anniversary of the event looming on the horizon, Etienne Monnier, a lawyer and the vice-chairman of the organising committee describes it as “one of the few top competitions where the leading riders accept an invitation without appearance money, and that has a lot to do with the outstanding setting and the atmosphere of the resort.” The event has come a long way since its first year, when it attracted around 20 Swiss riders. Now a three-star international competition with a purse of CHF 250,000, it will this year bring together some 330 riders from 20 nations, with the event taking place on 14-23 August in the Périn car park at the resort’s sports complex. And it’s all free, to the delight of the 20,000 spectators who will attend a magical opening ceremony featuring Jean-François Pignon and his unfettered horses.

Big names on the card The first weekend of the line-up features national competitions, while the second weekend will put on the international events. While Switzerland’s reigning Olympic champion Steve Guerdat will not be riding this year due to the event coinciding with the FEI European Championships, a number of other big names will be making the trip, among them last year’s winner USA’s Laura Kraut and 2010 world champion Philippe Lejeune of Belgium.

Backed by Bagnes Municipal Council and a budget of CHF 1.2m, the Jumping International de Verbier is one of the biggest events of the year in the canton of Valais. According to an impact study conducted by the University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland (HES-SO), it generates nearly CHF 10m for the local economy every year. When he founded the event with a group of similarly enthusiastic friends, the Geneva-born lawyer Mike Hornung could hardly have imagined it becoming so successful. In harnessing the know-how of Michel Darioly, a leading local rider who became the event’s technical director six years after its inception, Hornung, who still runs the show, undoubtedly backed the right horse. www.verbier-cso.com

The Perskindol Swiss Epic is a MTB race taking 2-person teams from Verbier to Zermatt. For Verbier, it is an excellent opportunity to promote this discipline, which is rapidly catching on in the area.

The Swiss Epic

The second edition of the mountain bike race, which takes competitors from Verbier to Zermatt, will take place on 14-19 September. Though still very much in its infancy, the event already enjoys a high international profile and helps make the resort even more attractive to visitors.

Can it do for Verbier in the summer what Xtreme does in the winter?

helping to put Verbier

on the MTB map

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he Perskindol Swiss Epic, the second running of which takes place on 14-19 September this year, might be a new event, but it’s already a big one, just like the mighty landscapes covered by its 600 participants, amateurs and professionals alike. Contested by two-person teams, this mountain bike race takes riders from Verbier to Zermatt, through stunning Alpine scenery. The spectacular setting doubles up as a demanding race route, with competitors racing for six whole days on either a 400 km route with an elevation gain of 15,000 m or a 300 km course with a gain of 8,000 m. It’s a sporting challenge that Verbier, which hosts the prologue and the start of the race, is only too happy to be associated with. “The first edition was a great success, both in terms of the race itself and the number of overnight stays linked to the event, which totalled between 2,000 and 2,500.” said resort manager Joël Sciboz. “We’ll have to wait and see before we can come up with an exact figure on the economic impact, but it’s definitely been positive. Though the growth of the sport faces a few legal obstacles, this region is a MTB paradise in the making and we’d really like to develop it. This event is a great promotional tool for us at an international level.”

A global audience The Swiss Epic is already attracting significant media coverage. “We’ve appeared on TV in more than 100 countries,” said a delighted Fabienne Gilliéron, the event’s PR chief. “Last year we also had riders from 28 different nations taking part, with foreign competitors accounting for 36 percent of the field. The weather was perfect too, which put the icing on the cake.” The hope is that the second Swiss Epic will be every bit as good as the first, even if it will be slightly different, as Gilliéron explained: “We want to keep mixing things up and creating sensational routes, and with that in mind we’ve decided to change the course every year. We’ll be changing 70 percent of the course for this year’s event. The race is now among the UCI’s three richest events in the world and we’re expecting more pro riders this time, though the competitor numbers will still be the same as we simply don’t have the logistical ability to accommodate more people.” It’s all a question of quality not quantity, with Sciboz harbouring dreams of the Swiss Epic becoming the summertime counterpart of Xtreme. “The next two editions of the race will stop at Verbier for sure, but we’re really looking to make it a permanent fixture. Obviously that’s going to depend on the organisers (private sector), and on the support of the local authorities, but it goes without saying that the race is a fantastic showcase for them.” www.swissepic.com

Ragged cliffs, glaciers with a hint of blue, traditional mountain villages and delightful forests, vineyards lining the hillsides and majestic peaks… the backdrop to this race is delightful and extremely varied.

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54 | 30° special issue Zermatt

Tero Repo

Sandro Baebler

Géraldine Fasnacht

Verbier’s all-action ambassador

An official face of the Swiss resort since the end of 2014, the extreme sportswoman does not need to change her ways to promote a region that has always been dear to her heart and which has repaid her love for it.

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uch is Géraldine Fasnacht’s all-embracing passion for the region of Verbier that she has had no problem at all in slipping into her new role as the resort’s ambassador. The sheer enthusiasm of the 35-year-old extreme sportswoman, who has made her name in snowboarding, base jumping and wingsuit flying, is proof of that.

No sooner do we meet with her than she is leading us, through a glorious recital, to the top of Mont Gelé, the place where her love affair with the mountains began. “It’s where I learned some of my skills, which have shaped my career ever since,” she says. From there it’s on to another peak, that of Mont Fort, with its 360° views from the Matterhorn right round to Mont Blanc: “I almost burst with energy whenever I go there. The surrounding peaks, like the famous Bec des Rosses, are like magical play areas for me, places where I can just go and ride. The little ridges and Alpine passes you find in Verbier have allowed me to create a solid footing for myself in my disciplines.” One mountaintop leads on to another, and Le Pleureur, one of the highest around, looms on the horizon. “To get there you go on a magnificent three-to-four-hour hike that starts on the flat at Mauvoisin Dam,” she explains. “The views along the way are breathtaking and it’s a wonderful flight in a wingsuit. There are around 20 jumps in Verbier that I love and around that number again in less than an hour’s drive from here.”

Life on the edge, but safety first!

At La Pierre Avoi she invites us to partake in a little climbing. “I climb quite a lot and this is a perfect spot for it. The walk up, from Savoleyres to the foot of the cliffs, is absolutely fantastic. And what can you say about the tour of the Bec des Rosses in summertime? It’s an easy walk that leads to the Louvie Hut, which sits by the side of the lake and serves delicious tarts.” After a spot of paragliding, an activity that the region is famous for and which she dabbles in now and then, we hit the saddle for some mountain biking: “I don’t do it, but it’s booming here and there so much on offer for riders in the summer.”

Exhausted just by the thought of so much physical activity, it’s at this point that we lose track of our guide and the thread of our interview. So what does her ambassadorial role involve exactly? “What I do is talk about this region as a big playground where I love living, recharging my batteries, training and coming up with new projects through which I can fulfil my dreams,” says Géraldine, who is not long back from the Mamont Polar Cup, a ski-touring

race to the North Pole. “I also take part in some of the big events held at the resort, like Xtreme (which she has won on several occasions – Ed), where I’ve done a wingsuit flight with a helmet camera broadcasting the images live. The idea behind demonstration jumps like that is to show people that you need to be very well prepared to do freeriding and wingsuit flying and that you need to know the terrain and how to visualise and memorise the route you’re going to take. You have to be professional about it and not play the daredevil. Verbier is a dream location for doing amazing things, but not just any old how.” www.geraldinefasnacht.com

Géraldine’s favourite summertime haunts Le Dahu: “Located at the entrance to Combimix, opposite the Combins Mountains, this restaurant is superbly located. It also serves excellent, authentic cuisine.”

La Croix-de-Cœur: “Perched on the peak of the same name and sited on the road leading to La Pierre Avoi, La Croix-de-Coeur offers stunning views of the Combins, Mont-Blanc and the Bernese Alps and serves good local food. There’s also an altiport nearby, from where you can take a plane or a helicopter for a flight over the glaciers.”

Le Carrefour: “The oldest mountainside restaurant in Verbier has got a new look; just one more reason to stop by and enjoy its superb grilled dishes served on slate. It’s run by a lovely, passionate owner too.”

Le Fer à cheval: “When it comes to dining out in Verbier, this legendary, family-friendly bar/restaurant is an essential destination and boasts a lovely sunlit terrace. After a slice of pizza washed down with a nice glass of beer, why not try their famous tartare de bœuf?

There’s a very warm welcome in store for you too.”

– Fotos : © Sven Martin

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SKIPPERS CANYON, NEW ZEALAND

www.julbo.com

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LEGENDARY STATUS AWAITS

THE TRAIL VERBIER ST-BERNARD

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Ahead of the seventh Trail Verbier St-Bernard (TVSB) on 11-12 July, we spoke to the event’s co-president Tiphaine Artur about its growing prominence.

Photos_T r a i l V S B / F. P e r r au d i n

he most Alpine of Switzerland’s ultra-trail events, the Trail Verbier St-Bernard is a 111-kilometre race with a punishing elevation gain of 8400 metres in the toughest of its four competitions, the X-Alpine. With a finish line perched 2826 metres above sea level, the event is attracting a growing number of participants, especially from France. Its seventh running, this July, should see that trend continue.

The race has become an essential event over the years. What are you and your colleagues dreaming of achieving with it now?

We’re trying to make it legendary, and with the new X-Alpine reaching the summit of the Catogne, we’ll be closer to achieving that goal. We want it to have the same mythical status as its prestigious big brother, the Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc. The two events are twinned, though the UTMB is longer. With its typically Alpine route, we think we’ve put together a race that can match our ambitions. It reaches a height of 2826m at Orny Hut and runs through some gorgeous scenery, while the runners also show a lot of solidarity with each other, which is typical of this kind of event.

How did the event come into being?

It’s all down to a moment of madness in October 2008. There was a lack of trail running events in Switzerland at the time and several experienced runners wanted to do their first ultra here. So in response to that we decided to create two races (105 km and 54 km) in a region we absolutely love. We had no

idea they’d go on for so long. The number of entrants has tripled since then.

We still have a pretty reasonable budget of around CHF 300,000, but the race wouldn’t be what it is today without the essential and valuable assistance of 350 volunteers.

The TVSB is proving very popular with the French. Why is that?

The specialist trail media has a big presence there and it’s had a big hand in spreading the popularity of our race since its inception. That’s why we targeted the trail running community, which was a pretty small one in Switzerland at the time. More than 30 percent of the 1500 runners expected to compete in one of the four races will come from France.

The TVSB is not reserved for elite sportspeople only.

That’s right. Only a small group of courageous runners will complete the X-Alpine, the biggest race of the four. Weather permitting, they will negotiate the famous Catogne for the first time. The summit was off limits last year due to the damp and cold conditions. The other races have got a lot going for them too, though. There’s La Traversée (61 km and an elevation gain of 4000 m), a race for seasoned runners ready to pound the trails for 12 hours solid, and a lovely “little” 29 km route with an elevation gain of 2500 m running from Liddes to Verbier. It’s the perfect way to get into the sport. As for the youngsters, there’s plenty of fun to be had on specially tailored routes for children aged between four and 14. www.trailvsb.com

ColleCt 30° magazines

Check out previous 30° issues Special Issue The Mountains: CHF 8.–

Special Issue Verbier 2013-2014

Special Issue Zermatt 2013-2014

Special Issue Verbier 2014-2015

Special Issue Zermatt 2014-2015

The Verbier Festival comes of age – The 4 Valleys: A world of possibilities – Gastronomy: Gourmet skiing – Ski Touring: The path of freedom – Patrouille des Glaciers: Destination Verbier via the high glaciers

Ski Touring: Beautiful expeditions around the Matterhorn – Interview: Adolf Ogi – Swatch Skiers Cup: The battle of the giants – Unplugged Festival: Acoustic music at its hippest – Air Zermatt: Flying to the rescue

Future: The rarefied world of super chalets – Portfolio: Tero Repo – The Xtreme Verbier hits 20 – David Carlier: “We want to show how incredible Valais is!” – Verbier Charity Night: A night out with the stars

The Matterhorn celebrates 150 years since its first ascent – Unplugged Festival: Pure sound on pure peaks – Gastronomy: Ivo Adam adds a pinch of Zermatt to his cooking – Heli-Alps: New cinematic heights in Valais

www.30degres.tv/shop

After falling in love with ice at a very early age, Richard Beaulieu went on to play hockey at the University of Quebec, then in Germany and Switzerland, before becoming a coach in the six Frenchspeaking cantons. An adopted citizen of Bagnes, he now runs an international hockey school in Verbier, catering for everyone from children to leading pros.

A Quebecker

in Verbier Text_C l au d e H E R V E- B A Z I N

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In 1988, and at age 39, Richard Beaulieu’s efforts were crowned with success when his role of coach helped the HC Ajoie team reach the elite ranks of Swiss hockey. A fitting payback for this tenacious player who had to bow out all too early from a sport in which injuries are picked up left, right and centre… For another decade he worked his way through clubs in Vaud and Valais, including Lausanne 4Clubs and HC Sierre. But he had long been turning an idea over in his mind, that of creating a hockey school worthy of the name. Where? In Verbier, of course! “I came to a training camp here when I was young. And I always told myself, if I ever set up a camp, it’ll be here!”

Richard is delighted by their success, but has never neglected his youngest students. “To be honest, I prefer working with young children,” he says, “although it can be odd when I meet kids whose parents I trained twenty years ago.” Richard Beaulieu is well-known and highly popular with the locals in Verbier. Every summer, he sets up his HQ at La Rotonde hotel.

Sport is in his blood, and he certainly has no plans to call it a day just yet: he officiates alongside local veterans, and enjoys spending time on the golfing greens and ski slopes of Verbier – “Mont Fort, but not the north face!” And to make a change, guess who taught him – children of course! www.eihv.ch

An experienced player and qualified sports coach, Richard had another card up his sleeve: François Allaire. This big name in world hockey, also a Quebec Uni graduate and close friend, more or less invented the job of goalie coaching in the 1980s with the Montreal Canadians. So, alongside technical courses for youngsters (age 7-10) and advanced camps for older players (up to age 18 or 19), the International Hockey School of Verbier offers special coaching classes for goalies, which have proven highly popular. More recently, a ‘power skating’ option has been added, “100% focussed on skating, to give you more power on the ice,” explains Richard.

Major players regularly attend the school. Richard fondly remembers the day Martin Gerber, answering his mobile while still wearing his skates, learned during a course at the school that he had been recruited by an American NHL team, marking the start of a great goalkeeping career. Other big names have passed through too, including Jonas Hiller, Swiss goalie at the Olympic Games in Vancouver (2010) and in Sochi (2014), and David Aebischer, the first Swiss player to lift the Stanley Cup.

73 | 30° special issue verbier

Richard Beaulieu’s hockey players sometimes take to mountain biking to explore the region and keep in perfect shape.

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

© Les Vins du Valais – Michel Villars

Nearly 60 different grape varieties are grown in Valais across 5,259 hectares of vines.

WINE AND VALAIS,

A LONG AND FRUITFUL LOVE AFFAIR Valais is Switzerland’s largest wine-growing region and its wines, the best of which can be found in Verbier’s restaurants and stores, have won many an international award. An expert on the subject tells us more.

alcohol. It’s ideal as an aperitif or with a starter,” says Gay with a gourmet’s eye for detail. Fuller bodied than Petite Arvine and initially grown in Haut-Valais, Heida (Savagnin Blanc) is fruity and slightly aromatic (citrus, lychee) and has its fans too, as do niche wines like Amigne, which is virtually exclusive to Valais, and Malvoisie (Pinot Gris), the perfect match for desserts.

As for the reds, Valais’ most common variety is Pinot Noir. “You see it as a varietal or occasionally blended with Gamay to create Dole, which can be described as the red equivalent of Fendant in terms of accessibility and popularity,” explains Gay. Nor should we forget to mention the “vieux rouge du pays” that are Humagne – an outstanding accompaniment to game – and Cornalin, which is fruitier and better suited to gourmet meats and grilled dishes. Both have more structure than Pinot Noir. “Last but not least, there’s Syrah, which is more rounded and polished, while Humagne and Cornalin are more abrupt, a bit like us Valaisans,” jokes Gay.

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One of the best known of the Valais whites is Fendant, a perfect match with a raclette or fondue. “It’s a very simple wine but it’s become more complex of late and is being made with a lot more quality now,” explains the celebrated Valais wine expert Madeleine Gay. Since the turn of the millennium, however, it has been losing ground to Petite Arvine, a variety very much in fashion in the canton, from which it also originates. “With its fruity aromas of citrus, rhubarb, grapefruit and pineapple, it’s more expressive than Fendant and it has more

www.lesvinsduvalais.ch © Les Vins du Valais – Giorgio Skory

T’as où les vignes?” (“Where do you have your vines?”). That question is a common one in Valais, a peculiarly local way of asking someone which part of the canton they hail from. The fact is that people here know a thing or two about wine, which is no real surprise when you consider that more than one in three families in Valais have links with the industry.

The ties between winemaking and the canton go back a very long way. According to the Valaisan Museum of the Vine and Wine, vine-growing can be traced back in the region to 800 BC. Home to no fewer than 5259 hectares of vineyards, Valais is now Switzerland’s biggest winemaking region, one that boasts a continental, mountain-influenced climate and more than 2000 hours of sunshine a year. According to wine industry organisation Les Vins du Valais, some 59 different grape varieties are grown here (26 red and 33 white), most of which can be found on the right bank of the Rhone at an altitude of between 450 and 800 metres. The region produces around 225,000 hectolitres of red wine a year and 155,000 hectolitres of white, while its wines are protected by no fewer than 17 protected designations of origin (appellations d’origine contrôlées) and frequently win awards at major international competitions.

White grape varieties outnumber their red counterparts by 33 to 26 in the Valais region. Pictured: Johannisberg and Humagne Rouge.

trends watches By_g u y mi c h el

H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Perpeptual Calendar Funky Blue H. Moser & Cie. continues to pass its wisdom on to the next generation of watch lovers. This time through its release of the Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Funky Blue, a timepiece that combines design with intelligence. With this edition, the watchmaker has set out to change the minds of those who think that a perpetual calendar watch must always come in a classic look. This bold reinterpretation of fine watchmaking with a sky blue dial and a kudu leather bracelet should win them over. If only the smartwatch of the future looked like this!

Available at Bijouterie Michaud – Verbier. www.h-moser.com

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master Rolex introduces a new version of its nautical Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master, dressed in black and Everose 18 ct gold. The watch is equipped with a certified chronograph calibre (cal. 2236), the patented innovative Oysterflex bracelet, a Cerachrom bezel in black ceramic, large Chromalight hands and indexes with long-lasting blue luminescence. Waterproof to a depth of 100 m, it’s the essential accessory for exploring the marine depths this summer. Available at Bijouterie Jacot – Verbier.

panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Ceramica Measuring 44 mm in diameter and sporting a ceramic case made with zirconium oxide – five times harder than steel and considerably lighter – the new Luminor 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Ceramica exudes full-on masculinity. Its striking design is paired with a sophisticated Panerai P.9100 chronograph movement with a function which allows you to stop, reset, and restart the chronograph with a single movement. Available at Bijouterie Michaud – Verbier.

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon “Black Black” Omega reaches for the stars with this edition that takes its name from an all-black colour code. From its indexes to its satin-smooth Moonwatch hands (coated in SuperLumiNova), to its polished, satin-smooth ceramic face, matte ceramic dial, and ceramic clasp – everything is black. The classic subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock are also matte black, as is the ceramic bezel engraved with a tachymeter and lacquered in ... black!

www.panerai.com

www.omegawatches.com

www.rolex.com

TIssot Quickster Lugano The Quickster line from Tissot is growing with the addition of a new minimalist and elegant model: the Lugano. Sporting colours reminiscent of sunny days out on the water, with a sleek dial and three different bracelet options, this watch radiates happy times with functionality and elegance. Designed for sporty types as well as aesthetes, both will find a material that expresses their style. The game-winning detail? The nautically-inspired NATO bracelet that will be a hot item this summer! Available at Bijouterie Jacot – Verbier. www.tissot.ch

Breitling Superocean Chronograph M2000 The only chronograph in the world that is waterproof and fully operational down to a depth of 2000 m, this limited edition dressed in black draws you deep into the abyss. Its case, with a decompression valve for releasing helium, houses a SuperQuartzTM movement, a chronograph certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres. Its matching dial offers excellent legibility with oversized indexes and hands accentuated with luminescent coating. Ready for the deep dive? Available at Bijouterie Michaud – Verbier. www.breitling.com

Tudor Fastrider In creating its new Fastrider edition, Tudor drew its inspiration from the freedom of spirit of the Ducati Scrambler. Three dials reflect the different versions of the Scrambler: bright yellow, the model’s traditional colour, olive green for a “manly-urban” look, and red for a “retro-chic” effect. The watch comes with two bracelets: one in leather and the other in matte black rubber, intensifying the watch’s technical look and adding a touch of adventure to the Fastrider line.

Available at Bijouterie Jacot – Verbier. www.tudorwatch.com

Cartier Calibre Diver Waterproof down to 300 metres, equipped with superluminova hands and time-control display, the Calibre de Cartier Diver has everything you can expect from an excellent diving watch. Furthermore, its reverse side is engraved with the famous words “Diver’s watch 300 m”.

Its unidirectional bezel (tested 8000 times) is both fluid and accurate, providing an unrivalled feeling of smoothness and safety. Its striking all-black design is a stunner whether on the tarmac or the ocean floor. Available at Bijouterie Michaud – Verbier.

Hublot Big Bang Unico CERaMIC Magic Gold Magic Gold, the only unscratchable gold in the world, was born of the art of fusion.

And the new Big Bang Unico Ceramic Magic Gold is made from it. This unique watch houses a UNICO calibre. Its release celebrates the 10 year anniversary of the Big Bang model, the flagship of the Hublot selection. The brand’s legendary expertise, which distinguished itself through its technical and aesthetic perfection of alloys of classic precious metals and the creation of revolutionary composite materials, is on full display with this new model.

Available at Bijouterie Michaud – Verbier.

www.cartier.com

Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tour Auto Edition Zenith is the new official partner of the Tour Auto Optic 2000. From this collaboration was born this limited edition watch of 500 pieces which pays homage to the world of automobiles. The chronograph buttons each carry their own distinctive groove: blue to start the chronograph and red to reset it. In a nod to car racing gloves, the bracelet is made with perforated blue calfskin with a protective lining in black rubber, and blue/white/red lines which extend those on the face. Available at Bijouterie Michaud – Verbier. www.zenith-watches.com

www.hublot.com

trends Fashion & sport By_Christian Bu gnon

FELINE SL LADY – featherweight by DYNAFIT The ultra-lightweight Feline SL Lady shoe is designed for ambitious trail runners on rocky or gravelly terrain. The outer material fits the shape of the foot perfectly and favours natural stride movements over long distances, while the Vibram® sole ensures a solid grip on any surface. It is complemented by a breathable insole that memorises the shape of your foot! www.dynafit.ch

Perfect harmony, by Brax Perfect harmony – yes, that’s what Brax is offering. The German brand which has specialised in trousers and jeans for the past 125 years, is broadening its clothing line-up to include shirts, tops, jackets and down jackets to mix and match together. Now every woman can find the perfect trousers to fit their figure and go with the rest of their outfit. Available exclusively from Fellay Mode & Sport, on the Verbier main square. www.brax.com

SCOTT Genius 720 Equipped with an ultralight HMF carbon frame, the 720 line comes equipped with a custom FOX Nude shock, a FOX 32 Float fork, and patented TwinLoc technology combined with a Traction Control system, offering three separate adjustments to the bike’s geometry and travel based on your needs and the terrain. www.scott-sports.com

Daily Sports, on and off the green Want to be the best-looking golfer on the fairway? How about the bestlooking woman on a walk? Then Daily Sports is for you. Specialising in golf and leisure wear, this Swedish brand is feminine and modern, offering a lovely range of matching outfits that are both comfortable and technical. Available exclusively at Fellay Mode & Sport, on the Verbier main square. www.dailysports.se

Julbo DIRT 2.0 The Dirt 2.0 combines ergonomics with great looks for even better performance. Its thinner frame and curved lenses free up your field of vision. These ultra-stable goggles will stay on your face even when riding over the roughest terrain. www.julbo.com

Sport chic,

by Schneiders The mandarin collars come from the purest of Austrian traditions. The Schneiders line of men’s and women’s apparel incorporates these traditional clothing design codes into an unmistakably modern style.

With lovely cuts and fine materials, Schneiders plays its sport chic card in the world of highquality luxury clothing.

Available exclusively at Fellay Mode & Sport, on the Verbier main square. www.schneiders.com

An ode to feminine curves Aubade, the French lingerie brand that makes women go green and men go weak in the knees, needs no introduction. Its “La meneuse de revue” (Lead dancer) collection is a glorious throwback to the elegantly erotic world of the Roarin’ Twenties. Fringes, glamour and glitz... the designs draw their inspiration from the attire worn by Charleston dancers and evoke memories of the festive, sumptuous, glittering world that was the Great Gatsby. The contrasts between transparent lace and opaque satin with art déco inspired print are perfectly executed. Available exclusively in the lingerie department at Fellay Mode & Sport, on the Verbier town square. www.aubade.com

Scarpa R/EVO TREK GTX Wmn - 510g This shoe’s upper is made with L-Tech, a microfibre material made of water-repellent suede leather equipped with “Sock Fit DV” technology

by Scarpa, together with a Performance Comfort lining by Gore-Tex. A rubber strip protects the shoe while providing flexibility and elasticity. Its “Speed Lacing” system extends to the toes and works great on any size foot. The R/Evo Trek model is equipped with a medium-hard Active Plus midsole and a Penta Trek sole, delivering precision and cushioning. www.newrocksport.ch

Yves Garneau

NEWS

Hikes - Along the bisses, between nature and history Witnesses to the Valaisian landscape of the 14th century, these watercourses, known as bisses, some of which run alongside breathtakingly steep mountain walls, were used to irrigate the meadows. While many have since disappeared, roughly 200 remain, extending a total of nearly 1800 km. In the Val de Bagnes, they are bordered by a unique network of trails, offering families hikes with fabulous views. To be explored include the Bisse de Levron (2.5 hours), the Raye des Verbierains (1 hour), and the Bisse de Ravines in Bruson (2 hours). Enjoy walks among nature and history!

Adventure - A via ferrata loop at Mauvoisin On 1 July, a new via ferrata opens in the vicinity of the Mauvoisin dam, a spot by the name of “Madzeria”. With a high difficulty rating, the so-called “Tichodrome” route takes about two hours to complete.

Its first section, “Saxifrage”, which has already been in place for two years, is more easily accessible and can be climbed solo.

The route traces a magnificent 570 metre loop interspersed with two rope bridges and a long ledge. The starting point is a 20 minute walk from the camping car park which also serves as the arrival point.

Harness, helmet, lanyard and mountain climbing skills are a must!

SPORTINGPHOTO

Event - Verbier Bike Fest, biker rendezvous Chrome will shine and engines will roar. From 4 to 6 September, bikers will gather at the feet of the mountain pastures for the 5th Verbier Bike Fest. This festival with HarleyDavidson overtones includes a bike show with a beauty contest, a rock music stage, and motocross aerial acrobatics. New in 2015: acrobatics on quad bikes. For 3 days, Verbier will truly be rockin’ and rollin’!

Shopping - Grand crus and great little wines at Macbirch Looking for a grand cru or a great little wine with which to celebrate a happy occasion or to simply enjoy the moment and the beauty of the surrounding nature? The Macbirch cellar is for you. Located in the centre of Verbier for over 30 years, this wine shop (selling Swiss and foreign wines) makes home deliveries and provides personalised advice.

JAF

DR

www.verbierbikefest.ch

www.cbcommunication.com photo: Yves Garneau

in the heart of the resort, just a stone’s throw from the slopes Nestled of one of the Alps’ biggest ski areas, the hotel La Rotonde is here to help you making the most of your mountain holiday. www.hotelrotonde.com

trends Fashion & design By_C h ri stian B u g n o n

JOUR D’HERMÈS GARDÉNIA Jour d’Hermès represents the quintessence of femininity as described by Jean-Claude Ellena.

This new perfume from the prestigious French fashion house tells a story that is both unique and universal: that of the birth and rebirth of woman, and of her beauty as accentuated by Hermès. At the heart of this floral bouquet, gardenia is queen, releasing a new and intoxicating sensuality that will leave no one indifferent.

Enhance your beauty at Fellay Mode et Sport Marie Jo, Simone Perèle, Parah, Marjolaine (photo)... lovers of fine lingerie will be delighted to find a wide range of choices at Fellay Mode et Sport. In the lower level of this irresistible store located right on the town square, experienced assistants provide advice on the store’s selection of chic and sensual undergarments as well its equally high-quality swimwear – discretion guaranteed. www.fellay-verbier.ch

Bric’s: elegant and functional travel bags The Bellagio line of bags by Bric’s perfectly combines the elegance of vegetable-tanned Tuscany leather with the advanced technology of Makrolon® polycarbonate which guarantees excellent resistance to impact and scratches in an ultra-lightweight shell. This sophisticated line with its retro style also stands out for its attention to detail, including zippers with rubber covering for perfect fastening, and four wheels that guarantee a smooth and silent 360º rotation. In short, the perfect travel companion. Available exclusively at Fellay Mode & Sport, on the Verbier main square.

http://france.hermes.com

The refined pleasure of coffee to go Nespresso offers its practical and elegant Citiz Travel Mug to coffee lovers who want to enjoy their Grand Cru on the go.

Made from stainless steel and sporting a watertight cover, it can hold up to three Lungo Nespresso capsules and keep your coffee hot or cold, as desired, for three hours (380 ml Citiz Travel Mug) www.nespresso.ch

www.brics.it/en-gb

SHAMBALLA JEWELS Must-have jewellery for the fashion-conscious, the Shamballa bracelet elegantly fuses philosophy and style.

Launched in 1994 by the luxury brand Shamballa Jewels, it has firmly staked its claim as a piece of haute joaillerie. It skilfully connects gems and their colours, each with their unique benefits. Bathed in rich history, it is said to provide a feeling of well-being and serenity, and embodies the fundamental values of life: love, liberty, peace, compassion, tolerance, etc. Available at Bijouterie Michaud – Verbier. www.shamballajewels.com

BIG BANG FERRARI SPECIALE www.hublot.com •

twitter.com/hublot •

facebook.com/hublot

CALIBRE DE CARTIER DIVER cartier.ch

MANUFACTURE MOVEMENT 1904 MC WATER-RESISTANT TO 300 METRES, THE CALIBRE DE CARTIER DIVER WATCH IS AN AUTHENTIC DIVING WATCH. FITTED WITH THE 1904 MC MOVEMENT, IT COMBINES THE HIGH TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE ISO 6425: 1996 STANDARD WITH THE ASSERTIVE AESTHETICS OF THE CALIBRE DE CARTIER WATCH. ESTABLISHED IN 1847, CARTIER CREATES EXCEPTIONAL WATCHES THAT COMBINE DARING DESIGN AND WATCHMAKING SAVOIR-FAIRE.