Special Issue 30° Luxe Verbier 2016-2017 by district creative lab

t r e n t e

d e g r ĂŠ s

luxury maga zine

Verb ier

T h i r t y

d e g r e e s

luxury maga zine

Andreea Diaconu par Terry Richardson â&#x20AC;&#x201C; messika.com

Collection Calypso

Collection My Twin

Explore The Energy of Creation

SHAMBALLA BRACELET 9,33 ct Solid Faceted White Diamond, White G/vs Diamonds, Ruby, Granite, 18K White Gold www.shamballajewels.com

E di tor i a l Y

ear after year, winter after winter, Verbier maintains its place as one of the very best of Alpine resorts. Its biggest attribute? A ski area with something for everyone, one that is virtually without equal and can meet even the most outlandish of expectations. Family-friendly Verbier means guaranteed top-class skiing, of course, but also the legendary Bec des Rosses and the prestigious Freeride World Tour. In short, it is an Alpine Alaska, a place where the slopes are as virgin as they are steep. Echoing from the white blanket that cloaks the resort is the sound of fun-filled nights. Verbier knows how to enjoy itself—and in English if need be—before retiring behind the burnished-wood walls of the large chalets that line the centre of the village. Chalets that sit at the foot of the slopes, amid lofty pines that almost hug them with their long snow-laden arms. These superchalets have made an undeniable contribution to Verbier’s success: the quality of accommodation they offer is unrivalled and sets the standard for the Alps as a whole.

This, the fifth special issue that 30° luxury magazine has devoted to Verbier, follows the selfsame recipe that has made the resort such a success: tradition and constant renewal. Along with beauty, the eternal, and time and snowflakes hanging in the air as Christmas and its promise of small pleasures approach, there is action, yearnings, innovations, trends and the rumble of the turning world, a distant sound that is discreetly muffled on the slopes of the Val de Bagnes. You will see all that for yourself in picking up this issue, which has been put together in the style of a coffee table book, with design, luxury, fashion and the ethereal all an intrinsic part of its identity. Our aim in doing so? To reflect the very essence of Verbier and cast our voices over the mountaintops of this pure and pristine land. Christian Bugnon P u b l i s h e r & E d i t o r- i n - c h i e f w w w. 3 0 d e g r e s . s w i s s

Contents News Verbier 12

Extr aor dina ry Ch a lets Love at first sight in Verbier 19

Interv iew Jean-Claude Biver 30

HIGH JEWELLERY A bejewelled wonderland 34

Va lér ie Messik a Delicate diamonds 63

fr eer ide The mecca of off-piste riding 64

L a cor dée des A lpes Exquisite luxury and charm 68

Tr ends Watches

Télév er bier Verbier’s men of mystery

V er bier Festiva l A promising edition

THE WHITE K NIGHT of cheese and friendship

V er bier Ch a r ity Night 10 th edition

Sport Trends

Tr ibute Estelle Balet

SKI TOURING Make the break

Portfolio Yves Garneau

Design Trends

Lu xury m aga zine v er bier w inter 2016-2017 I IMPRESSUM 30° degr ees (since 2002) Editing, administration and adversiting CB Communication sàrl I Rue du Simplon 20 – Case Postale 386 I 1001 Lausanne - Suisse I info@cbcommunication.swiss I www.cbcommunication. swiss I Tel: +41 21 312 41 41, Fax: +41 21 312 41 11 Editor-in-chief Christian Bugnon: christian@cbcommunication.swiss Assistant Mélissa Hertzeisen: melissa@cbcommunication.swiss Writers (in order of appearance) Frédéric Rein, Claude Hervé-Bazin, Nathalie Cobos, Guy Michel, Laurent Grabet, Sophie Dorsaz, César Deffeyes, Christian Bugnon Photographers (in order of appearance) Peter Charaf, Yves Garneau, Verbier Promotion, Swatch Freeride World Tour/D. Daher, Daniel Lopez-Paullada, Fred Merz, Nicolas Bordard, Aline Paley, Roulin Thomas/alpimages@verbier.ch, Melody Sky, Mark Shapiro, David Carlier, David Ferrua, Grant Gunderson, Philippe Blanc Graphic design Florian Blanchard: florian@cbcommunication.swiss I Sophie Cattin: sophie@cbcommunication.swiss I Christian Bugnon (DA): christian@cbcommunication.swiss I Johann Terrettaz English translation Simon Till, Paul Subrenat, Laurène Cabaret Photo-offset printing Images 3 Publicity Ralph Elkhuizen: ralph@cbcommunication.swiss I info@cbcommunication.swiss Copyright © 2014-2017 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) I Magazine printed on FSC-certified paper. This issue is also available free of charge on the iPad and on www.30degrees.tv | Cover: Photo David Carlier | Next issue: June 2017

n e ws LDD

winter 2016

JEWELLERY

A pr ès-ski, Mich aud sty le w w w.michaud.ch

LDD

When it comes to expertise and tradition, the Michaud family have it all. Standard bearers of Neuchatel craftsmanship, they have been fashioning timepieces and jewellery for four generations. In 2011, the firm opened its Verbier store, where its finest pieces are showcased in a stylish Alpine setting complete with skis on the wall, a chunky wooden table, stone and bare beams, giving it the cosy feel of a superchalet. It’s the perfect place for admiring designs by Cartier, Breitling, Hublot, which has its own dedicated area, and Zenith. On the first and last Thursdays of the month there’s even a little live jazz or classical music for customers to enjoy.

Mode

h a nro, M ADE IN SWITZERLAND w w w.fellay-verbier.ch

l aunches its Gr a nd V intage 2008 w w w.moet.com

The Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage represents a year like no other in the Champagne region, with the cellar master declaring a vintage harvest on the basis of truly exceptional grape quality. The Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2008 is the 72nd of the maison’s vintage champagnes. 2008 was a cool year, with a mild winter giving way to a wet and cloudy spring, followed by a cool, dry summer. September proved a crucial month. Beginning with a spell of rain followed by strong northwesterly winds that aerated the grapes and prevented rot, it ended with warm, sunny weather that gave the grapes every opportunity to ripen: all in all, perfect conditions that have conspired to make Grand Vintage 2008 a champagne of unique intensity.

LDD

Moët & Chandon

Hanro has been making lingerie, nuisettes, nightgowns, camisoles, and T-shirts of unequalled sophistication since 1884. While their know-how is ancestral and the materials used invariably the finest, the technology and style could not be more modern. And as if that wasn’t enough, close attention to detail and total comfort mean their clothes are made to last. An absolute joy to wear! Available exclusively in Verbier from Fellay Mode & Sport.

Peter Charaf

FREERIDE

XTREME V ER BIER, THE HIGH POINT OF THE SEASON w w w.freerideworldtour.com

Yves Garneau

Xtreme Verbier has been around pretty much as long as freeriding has. This amazing competition has been bringing together the world’s most daring freeriders for over 20 years now and is the last port of call on the Freeride World Tour. Just as they do every year, the future champions of the world will be heading to the dizzyingly steep and rocky slopes of the globally famous Bec des Rosses for this season’s finale, which next year takes place on 1-2 April.

ALTITUDE RESTAURANTS

SEE YOU AT THE MOUTON NOIR w w w.lemoutonverbier.com

HOTELS

LE NEVAI – MORE ALPINE THAN EV ER w w w.hotelnevai.com

The only Verbier establishment to feature in the select band of Design Hotels, Le Nevai is a winning combination of contemporary architecture and stylish comfort. In a bid to blend in even more seamlessly with its Alpine surroundings, it has received something of a makeover for the coming winter and is now bedecked in aged wood, cedar, terracotta and faded reddish hues. A warm, relaxed ambience is the order of the day at Le Nevai. Taking up residence on a covered terrace, its new solarium is the place to get away from it all, while another room has been added to the spa, where Monoi oil treatments and ginger salt rubs are proving ever so popular.

Looking out to the peaks – 2,200 metres above sea level at Les Ruinettes – the Mouton Noir’s two vast south-facing terraces double up as huge dancefloors. Party-goers will be heading there in numbers on 9-11 December for the season-opening Polaris Electronic Music Festival, and they’ll also be making it their bolthole of choice during some fun-filled days on the slopes. As well as a crêperie, the Mouton Noir boasts two restaurants run by the same chef: a top-end self-service eatery and a high-class establishment serving mountain produce. DJs are on hand to make sure the party animals return when the sun goes down.

n e ws LDD

LDD

winter 2016

Les Elfes

Inter nationa l summer a nd winter ca mps w w w.leselfes.com

Hotels

THE MONTPELIER – THE MOST LU XURIOUS OF 3-STARS w w w.montpelierverbier.ch

Verbier Promotion

LDD

What makes the Montpelier so special? A warm yet professional welcome, high-quality services, a hearty breakfast and guaranteed comfort at affordable prices. A relaxing haven, the Montpelier boasts 47 spacious rooms that are home to warm and inviting beds and exude the very best of Swiss tradition. Guests will also find a ski shop, a ski room with boot dryers, a spa with a hammam and sauna, an indoor counter-current swimming pool with panoramic views of the mountains and a burger bar where local produce takes pride of place. What’s more, the bus service to the slopes is just outside the door.

Based in Verbier with resorts in La Tzoumaz and Crans-Montana, Les Elfes has been organising winter and summer camps for 7-18 year olds successfully for the last 30 years. From the beginning of December to the end of August campers from 65 different countries within an international atmosphere experience outdoor sports, languages, personal development and cultural excursions. The perfect way to progress in sports and improve one’s language skills, as well as meeting new people in a fantastic environment.

FESTIVAL

FOOD AND DRINK

V ER BIER IMPULSE: A FINE BLEND OF POP, ROCK AND SKIING

LOCAL PRODUCE AT ITS BEST

w w w.verbierimpulse.com

Few areas in Valais do more to showcase the best that regional food and drink has to offer than Val de Bagnes. For starters there is its famous dried meat, which boasts protected geographical indication (PGI) status, accompanied by rye bread, itself the subject of a protected designation of origin (PDO). Another local star is raclette, which is prepared by melting the side of half a round of Bagnes cheese and then carefully scraping the melted cheese on to diners’ plates. The dish owes its name to the French word for “scrape”: “racler”. Tradition holds that raclette should be served with a local white wine called Fendant, though Valais’ reds, such as Humagne, Pinot Noir, Cornalin, Dôle and Gamay are also a perfect match for cheese dishes. And to round the meal off on a fruity note, try a drop of the local fruit brandies Abricotine and Williamine, which also possess PDO certification.

Having fulfilled all expectations in its inaugural edition, the Verbier Impulse Music & Ski Festival will be returning to the slopes of Verbier over two weekends at the end of the season: 8-10 and 15-17 April 2017. Also featuring a series of sporting events (among them the famous Verbier High Five by Carlsberg), the festival bill includes leading Swiss and international acts such as Texas, Charlie Winston and 77 Bombay Street, who also played at the Arène des Attelas in 2016. Admission is free for the holders of Verbier and 4 Vallées ski passes (which start at CHF66). Three- and six-day passes are also available for between CHF100 and 190.

www.mountainforce.com

available at / en vente chez:

place centrale Âˇ Verbier www.xtremesports.ch

n e ws SKI MOUNTAINEERING

LDD

winter 2016

ALL EY ES ON THE INTÉGRALE DU ROGNEU X w w w.rogneu x.ch

LDD

Test your limits: that’s the ethos behind the Intégrale du Rogneux. Founded by the Ski-Club Grand-Combin in 2009 and open to two-person patrols only, the race is staged every two years and will be run for the fifth time on 18 February 2017, when several thousand participants will take to the start line in Lourtier, Val de Bagnes. Ahead of them lies a route with an altitude gain of around 2,000 metres and leading all the way to the top of Mont Rogneux and back down again. And just as they have done at every previous race, the locals will be out in force to cheer the runners on in the exciting sprint finish in the village.

SHOPPING

WINE HEAV EN AT M ACBIRCH w w w.macbirch.ch

Macbirch is devoted body and soul to wine, the passion of Bacchus. Situated in the heart of the resort, at 49 Route de Verbier Station, this specialist store has been selling fine wines and spirits for more than 35 years now. As well as stocking 700 wines in its cellar, it also caters for cigar and chocolate lovers, and offers a full range of services, including free delivery to chalets, expert advice, catering and tastings.

NIGHTLIFE

SEE AND BE SEEN AT THE FAR M CLUB w w w.hotelnevai.com/fr/nightclub.htm l

Swatch Freeride World Tour/D. Daher

The focal point of the resort’s nightlife, the Farm Club is to Verbier what the Moulin Rouge is to Paris: simply unmissable. Opened in 1971, it is still going strong and remains a watchword for glamorous nights out in Verbier. The big night out on 30 December will provide one of the season’s high points and a prelude to the madness of the New Year Party, when the fun will go on well into the morning. Following the holiday season, the Farm Club closes on Mondays and Tuesdays.

SKI DOMAIN

NEW CHAU X II CHAIR LIFT NOW IN SERV ICE w w w.verbier4vallees.com

SNOWBOARD SHOP

THE LEGENDARY STEV E KLASSEN COMES TO TOW N w w w.waveravesnowboardshop.com

Before winning the inaugural Xtreme Verbier and becoming a world-famous freerider, Steve Klassen was already dispensing sound advice to riders at his Wave Rave Snowboard Shop in Mammoth Lakes, California, which he opened in 1988. Nearly 30 years on, the grand old man of snowboarding – who is still competing today and came in sixth at the 2015 Xtreme – is set to open a Wave Rave Snowboard Shop in Verbier. It was an obvious choice for Klassen, who has grown very attached to the area over the years. His two-floor store will stock all the big-name winter sports labels, among them Burton, Volcom and Dakine.

Téléverbier invested more than CHF9m this summer in replacing the four-seater fixed-grip Chaux II chair lift with a new detachable-grip, six-seater installation. Located at an altitude of 2,200m and 1,100m long, the all-new Chaux II will carry 2,000 people an hour, nearly double its previous capacity. One of the features of the new chair lift is that it is side-loading, thus increasing occupancy rates, which can reach as high as 100 percent in busy periods. The new facility has been moved slightly to free up the centre of the pistes.

cartier.ch

L E N O U V E A U PA R F U M M A S C U L I N

E x t r aor di na ry C h a l ets Love at first sight in Verbier

At the foot of the mountain, nestled under a blanket of snow, beats the heart of Verbier. There, scattered among the spruce, stand two large mansions clothed in dark wood discreetly moored to the slopes, their façades bearing balconies that promise breathtaking panoramic views. On the side of Savoleyres, the Annelies chalet plays a symphony of aged alpine woods and notes of velvet chandeliers. On the Medran side, the sumptuous Bella Coola echoes in reply with a surprising Oriental style. Two worlds – different but complementary – that have opened their doors to give 30º readers a unique look.

Admire the sun as it sets on Les Attelas while comfortably relaxing in a vintage bathtub.

Chalet annelies

T e x t Frédéric rein l P hot os Yves Garneau

he feeling of luxury is underlying and inconspicuous. There is nothing ostentatious or flashy here. The high-quality materials and studied layout of the furnishings suffice in themselves to encapsulate an idea of beauty which brings a welcome sense of serenity. These exclusive chalets of great character have been boldly renovated, yet without sacrificing their historical heritage or the soul of the site on the altar of modernity. Quite the contrary… traditional features have been preserved and brought to the fore. The architects have made use of exposed beams and stone walls to redesign the living areas, in which flat screens, multiple-jet baths and hand basins with flowing contours all conspire to delight the eye. Harmonious tones and materials create a delectable cocoon-like atmosphere. What would you not give to curl up in front of one of these majestic fireplaces? Who would not love to gaze out through one of these large glass eyes sensitively positioned to look out over the mountain scenery as it basks in the last rays of the sun? Outer beauty, inner beauty: the perfect union. Chalet Annelies is from the extensive collection of luxury chalets and apartments operated by Bramble Ski in Verbier. The chalet is offered on a full service basis with chef, hosts, housekeeping, private ski instructor and chauffeur. www.brambleski.com

1. As night falls, the Annelies chalet gently dozes off inside its cocoon of wood and light. 2. Up here, each room is a world of softness encased in wood bearing promises of sweet rest. 3. The ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coat of arms adorns some of the furniture and finishes, testament to the attention to detail and expert craftsmanship. 4. What could be better on a cold winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night than a cosy corner to enjoy good wine and delicacies among friends?

The sumptuous open-style sitting room with huge picture windows that lead to an attached balcony is the nerve centre of this chalet. The perfect place for hosting or being hosted.

The chalet has been built around the extraordinary stone wash basins in the bathrooms.

The lustrous wood and stone of the fireplace is surprisingly complemented by a canopy of bold Indian rose â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an invitation to an exotic place where the Orient is a guest of honour under its alpine roof.

b e ll a c o o l a

T e x t Claude Hervé-Bazin l P hotos Yves Garneau

t is a name that whisks you away to other climes. To enlightened heli-skiing lovers, Bella Coola is a wild and majestic valley in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Here, however, beneath the typically Swiss roofs of this fabulous four-floor chalet, we are taken in an altogether different direction: to the exotic world of the East and its mysteries. With its intricately carved Indian doors, colonnaded indoor swimming pool, miniature elephant heads adorning the entrance hall, and saffron yellow champagne buckets, it draws the eye to horizons that stretch far away from the ambience created by the use of alpine wood. Voted Switzerland’s Best Ski Chalet of 2014, this is a place that is decidedly exclusive, eclectic and off-the-wall. The tone is set by the Latin motto on the arch before the majestic staircase, which reads “pax intrantibus, salus exeuntibus, benedicto habitantibus” (“Peace to those who enter here. Health to those who leave. Blessings to those who stay”). Its steps lead straight to the huge living room, flanked with bay windows and, not surprisingly, a panoramic terrace. The vast expanse of space is needed to house the large wood-encased open fireplace, which is topped by a delicate oval mirror, and overlooked by 2.5-metrewide fossilised antlers, discovered in an Irish peat bog last century. Facing them are two luxurious sofas, in elephant grey and dark pink. Heading down a floor, we find four snug and inviting bedrooms promising restful sleep and sweet dreams, one of them featuring an impressive colonial-style Anglo-Indian bed. Our visit ends on a high note, as we drop down another floor to encounter a yellow portico and a very large swimming pool, positioned beneath a light well and opposite yet more bay windows. On one side lies the garden; on the other a Hammam and a champagne bar bathed in light and whose white, golden yellow and light pink décor would not look out of place in a maharani’s boudoir. Add a collection of sculptures comprising Baroque and contemporary pieces and the resplendent scene is complete. www.brambleski.com

1. Start the day off right with breakfast while looking at the mountains! On the menu: fine fare of all kind served with a large portion of panorama. 2. At the top of the building the parent bedroom sleeps soundly under powerful wooden arches. Tails: two night dressers, one for him, one for her. 3. Heads: let your eyes be drawn through the glass doors to an expansive balcony, nestled among large pines and offering a splendid view. 2

1. With a host of cushions, comfortable furnishings, the cordiality of wood and a fireplace, the main room at the Bella Coola is where warm memories are born. 2. Each room, without exception, is clothed in wood from head to toe, in the spirit of a true alpine chalet.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY YVES GARNEAU

H A PPY HOLIDAYS

REDEFINING T HE LU X URY CH A LE T E X PERIENCE

+41 22 534 9774

www.brambleski.com

Daniel Lopez-Paullada

Jean-Claude Biver knows Verbier well, heading to the resort every winter and summer to recharge his batteries and get away from the demands of being a very busy entrepreneur.

Interview

A businessman and tireless entrepreneur, Jean-Claude Biver is a key player in the watch industry and one of the most visible of ambassadors for Swiss culture and tradition. The head of LVMHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Watch division, the president of Hublot since 2004 and the CEO of TAG Heuer since late 2014, Biver is a man who is always on the move. And whenever he needs to recharge his batteries, he makes a regular beeline for Verbier, a place especially close to his heart. We spoke to him about his passion for the resort.

BASELWORLD.COM

The one unmissable trendsetting show for the entire watch and jewellery industry, where all key players unite to unveil their latest creations and innovations. Be a part of this premier event and experience passion, precision and perfection in action.

MARCH 23 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30, 2017

T e x t Nathalie Cobos

Long-term parteners with Verbier, Hublot also supports its ski school. What’s the story behind the resort and resort and the brand? The people who are loyal to Verbier are also loyal to Hublot. Having decided to follow our customers wherever they go and whenever we possibly can, it was only natural that we should link up with them in Verbier. Géraldine Fasnacht, aka“The Birdwoman” Is an ambassador for both Verbier and Tag Heuer. What is it about her that appeals to you? First and foremost, her profound love and respect for nature and the mountains. She’s found her niche there and she’s come to symbolise the entrepreneurial woman who knows how to take controlled and well-assessed risks. Géraldine is an extremely generous and endearing person too, and her qualities as a person are in no way inferior to her attributes as a sportswoman. And on top of all that she’s also stayed grounded and humble. The Michaud/Hublot pop-upshop has been opening its doors every december

for years now. What was the thinking about locating it in Verbier? We chose to open a store with our friend Michaud in Verbier because we want to be as close as we can to our customers and to respond proficiently to their requirements and needs. People tend to associate you more with Zermatt than Verbier, probably because you seem to spend more time there. What can you tell us about Verbier though? The fact is I spend as much time in Verbier as I do in Zermatt, though I do more ski touring in Zermatt in the summer, because it’s easier to access the slopes and the altitude’s better for it. Fred Merz

You’re involved in a number of projects relating to Verbier, chief among them la Patrouille des Glaciers. Why Verbier? It’s a resort that attracts a young, connected and trendy clientele, which makes it very receptive to the Hublot brand. As for La Patrouille des Glaciers, it perfectly encapsulates the slogan of TAG Heuer, its partner for the last three years: ‘Don’t Crack Under Pressure’.

A Bej e w elled wonderland

“The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for want of wonder,” wrote the English poet G.K. Chesterton a century ago. Richly alluring and inventive, high jewellery strives to instil desire and wonder at first sight. In unveiling a new section where dreams and beauty are the order of the day, we invite you on a journey into an intimate world of unique pieces, of the highest craftsmanship. Few maisons possess the know-how needed to design, develop and create high jewellery. By their very nature, every stone and every design make each piece truly unique, imbuing them with a history all of their own. Creations that appeal to our senses and arouse our emotions. Let’s listen to what they have to say.

CARTIER

CA RTIER’S M AGICIEN COLLECTION, THE QUETZA L NECK L ACE Cartier has mastered the art of playing with light. With the Quetzal necklace, the Parisian maison has revived an Aztec deity; the feathered serpent. A serpent that winds seductively around the neck, with diamonds set into its scales and feathers. The tips of some of the feathers have been dipped in black lacquer, and seem to quiver and flutter as they shimmer with light. The quetzal takes flight, as if by magic.

CARTIER

Chanel

CA RTIER’S M AGICIEN COLLECTION, THE QUETZA L Bracelet

CH A NEL’S LES BLÉS COLLECTION, THE “FÊTE DES MOISSONS” NECK L ACE

CH A NEL’S LES BLÉS COLLECTION, THE “FÊTE DES MOISSONS” Ring

Light flickers and sparkles, accentuating the rich colour of the two sugarloaf cabochon-cut rubellites that adorn the Quetzal bracelet, while the fluid lines and depth sketched by black lacquer bring the inanimate to vibrant life. Reptile-like curves picked out by diamonds and black lacquer set patterns and colours ablaze as art works its magic: that’s the genius of the Cartier Magicien collection.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel made wheat one of her lucky charms. Chanel has now given new life to this timeless symbol in the shape of a high jewellery collection that celebrates regeneration, prosperity, good luck and endless creativity, with the “Fête des Moissons” necklace recalling wheat sheaves dancing in the breeze.

A stirring ode to the sun, the “Fête des Moissons” ring shimmers warmly in the light. Set with diamonds, ears of wheat joyfully flank a rectangular yellow diamond, mounted above a clutch of smaller yellow and coloured diamonds. Symbolising abundance, this is a creation that pays tribute to summer’s most precious offering.

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

BULGARI

ÉMER AUDE EN M AJESTÉ COLLECTION, THE EMER A LD TWIST BR ACELET

SER PENTI COLLECTION, THE SER PENTI NECK L ACE

SER PENTI COLLECTION, THE SER PENTI Bracelet

Intensely colourful and deeply luminous, the ever mysterious and intriguing emerald is the subject of this alluring homage by Van Cleef & Arpels. Inspired by the torque bracelet, the Emerald Twist borrows from its bold aesthetic, marrying lines and colours in a twist of violet sapphires and diamonds, each end culminating in cabochon emeralds, which pair off to stunning effect.

Both an object of veneration and a symbol to be feared, the serpent captivates and bewitches with its very form. Bulgari pays it vibrant homage by highlighting the power of its gaze through emeralds that sparkle like twinkling irises. A motif used by Bulgari since the 1960s and 70s, the serpent takes the form here of an enchanter, arranged for the first time as a pendant. Set with diamonds, the hexagonal scale motif recreates the natural beauty of the reptile’s skin. The selfsame motif can be found at regular intervals on the gold chain along which the serpent’s head extends.

As if in a hypnotic embrace, the Serpenti bracelet coils itself around the wrist. Its highly delicate diamond -set structure makes this a flowing and timelessly elegant piece. Captivating emeralds only enhance the design, drawing you deeper into the serpent’s gaze, a mirror of the soul.

Watch m a k ing The art of uniting time and beauty

Let us whisk you away to the enchanting world of luxury watchmaking adorned in all of its loveliest finery. Cleverly designed cogs are united with the most precious stones, breathing life into creations that are both timepiece and jewel. Yesterday, today, tomorrow... what matter the seconds that pass as we admire such beauty? Time suspends its flight in awe. Here are five superb models that are as beautiful on the inside as on the outside. A true feast for the eyes.

OMEGA

VOUTILAINEN

Immediately recognisable by the star on its dial and the “claws” on its bezel, this exclusive model is a member of the Omega Constellation collection. The small star is the epicentre of a pattern of mother-of-pearl and diamonds that evokes a supernova. This latest incarnation of Omega’s poetic creation shines with new elegance while retaining its timeless beauty. One step closer to the stars.

A marriage of high jewellery and the grand tradition of watchmaking, the Scintillante puts on the warm shades of autumn for a walk through a world of expertise and fine craftsmanship. The sides of the case are encrusted with stones with sparkling shades of yellow, orange and red. Rubies are centre stage, bringing to life the curves of the crown, bezel, and lug ends. A manufactured manual movement beats in the heart of this truly one-of-a-kind timepiece.

CONSTELL ATION

SCINTILL A NTE

AUDEMARS PIGUET

Hublot

GR AFF

DI A MOND FURY

BIG BA NG IMPACT BA NG

PRINCESS BUTTER FLY

Rebellious, powerful, provocative â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Diamond Fury is made with the spirit of a warrior. It adorns the wrist like a protective talisman in a shell of diamonds. In the purest tradition of mystery watches, the structure of the Diamond Fury hides a secret panel that opens to reveal its dial. Dazzling at all times whether worn as a bracelet or watch, it leaves no-one indifferent in its wake.

The interminably-named Big Bang Tourbillon Power Reserve 5 Days High Jewellery Impact Bang conceals a creation whose explosive design evokes the Big Bang. The tourbillon enclosure gives birth to an explosion of diamonds which create a mosaic of stones of different shapes that interlock with each other perfectly, with a stunningly bold effect. Nonconformist? Absolutely. A limited edition of only 50 pieces.

Like a butterfly delicately settled on a bed of diamonds, the Princess Butterfly only reveals its secret to the initiated. It transforms from bracelet to watch with a single press, unveiling its mother-of-pearl dial. Strands of diamonds intertwine around the wrist, sparkling with the lights of a thousand fires. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find yourself catching your breath for fear of disturbing this lovely creature. Captivating!

2 7 t h S A L O N I N T E R N AT I O N A L D E L A H A U T E H O R L O G E R I E G E N E VA FROM 16 TO 20 JANUARY 2017 OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON FRIDAY 20 JANUARY Prior registration required via sihh.org

sihh.org

T R e n ds watch e s By guy michel

Cartier

Paner ai

hublot

Driv e

r a diomir 1940 gmt 3 days

big Ba ng meca-10

w w w.cartier.com

w w w.panerai.com

w w w.hublot.com

Pure mechanical beauty! A gold cushionshaped and slightly angular case, with a polished bezel and smooth edges, houses a white dial with guilloche engraving and Roman numerals. With its domed crystal, 6 o’clock sub-seconds dial and bolt design winder pin, it has a feel of the automobile world about it. Under the hood, it has the automatic self-winding mechanical movement 1904-PS MC, and displays hours, minutes, small seconds and date. Available at Bijouterie Michaud – Verbier.

Why make things any more complicated than they need to be? Or so seems to be the thinking behind the Radiomir 1940 GMT 3 Days, featuring a second time zone, date and 72-hour power reserve. The dial is incredibly easy to read, especially in the dark, with its luminescent numbers. And, for the sake of style and in the name of good taste, the dial features a Clous de Paris design. Available at Bijouterie Michaud – Verbier.

We all love having a good tinker, putting things together, taking them apart... For anyone who’s ever spent their Sundays doing just that, Hublot brings you the Big Bang Meca-10, a calibre designed to please aspiring mechanics. It’s taken the brand two years to perfect the HUB1201 movement, which comprises 223 parts. Innovative positioning, which can be seen from the side of the dial, reveals the original and bold mechanical interlinking of the power supply. Available at Bijouterie Michaud – Verbier.

Rolex

oyster per petua l air-king acier w w w.rolex.com

As trendy as it is timeless, the new Oyster Perpetual Air-King has a feel of the 1950s model to it, and pays tribute to aviation pioneers and the Oyster’s role in the exploits of flying. It has a solid link Oyster bracelet, 40 mm steel case and the traditional black dial featuring large numbers at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock for the hours and minute markings placed clearly in the foreground. Available at Bijouterie Michaud – Verbier.

hublot

big ba ng jea ns cer a mic w w w.hublot.com

Even in watchmaking terms, denim is synonymous with casual style. A theory backed up by this Hublot watch which uses denim in the design of its iconic Big Bang model. If you like the fast and forceful style of the Big Bang, then you’ll love the denim and ceramic pairing that has been drawn into the Hublot Big Bang Jeans Ceramic. It clocks up the points: audacious, imposing and featuring a movement made in house. It’s a devastatingly efficient work of art. Available at Bijouterie Michaud – Verbier.

Tudor

Tag heuer Ca r r er a Heuer 1

Breitling

exospace b55 connected

Anonimo

w w w.tudorwatch.com

w w w.tagheuer.com

w w w.breitling.com

w w w.anonimo.com

With its domed crystal, prominent winding crown, luminescent coating and matte burgundy aluminium crown, the Heritage Black Bay ticks all the boxes on our wish list for diving models (200 m). This watch comes with a fabric strap which matches the colour of the bezel, infusing a hint of vintage into it. It has a 70-hour power supply - meaning you don’t have to wind it all weekend! Available at Bijouterie Michaud – Verbier.

Sports watches are much more than a mere timekeeper used for measuring performance. They can be also worthy of taking pride of place in the male wardrobe. The Carrera Heuer 1 falls into this category. Its HEUER-01 movement has been constantly improved and optimised over the last five years. The bold case makes a statement. It disrupts rules and trends and is equally at home on the pitch and in town. Available at Bijouterie Michaud – Verbier.

Breitling has taken a somewhat different approach to the design of its smart watch. No screen here, no Android Wear, no keyboard for answering your text messages, but its two digital windows will let you read alerts and notify you of incoming calls or upcoming meetings. The Exospace B55 recharges via a magnetic port and enjoys a battery life of one to two months. Bonus: it is waterproof up to 100 metres. Available at Bijouterie Michaud – Verbier.

These days wearing a bronze watch is a sign of good taste. Anonimo has a long-standing reputation in this regard, and brings us further proof of it with the Militare Chrono. It is the ultimate blend of Italian sports style elegance and Swiss precision, packed into a bronze case featuring a black dial and a black calfskin strap. Add to that the strong personality of this reference timepiece, and you have a recipe for success.

heritage bl ack bay

I 41 I

Milita r e chrono

2017

v e r bi e r f e st i va l a promising edition

Nicolas Bordard

The Verbier Festival, outstanding in so many ways, brings together the most famous names in classical music and upcoming talent from the younger generation, blending classical repertoires with the voices of world music, all underpinned by a strong educational purpose with a refreshingly unorthodox feel. New features and surprises are in store for the 24th edition of the festival, from 21 July to 6 August 2017.

Big symphony concerts, three operas, a piano recital and a number of concert events are included in the line-up at the Salle des Combins

T e x t Nathalie CObos

A n educationa l ev ent aga inst a spectacul a r natur a l back drop

or the first time since the Verbier Festival began in 1994, tickets will go on sale in December 2016, a whole three months earlier than in previous years. “We’re doing this because we want to open up the festival to a larger audience in Switzerland and abroad, and put it on the same level as other major events, which start promoting in December. That way, music-loving families will have more time to arrange their trip to Verbier, and it also makes a great idea for a Christmas present” smiles Marion Grossiord from the Verbier Festival Foundation.

Aline Paley

The 24th edition of the Verbier Festival is set to be one of the best yet. The piano will be taking pride of place, with 10 recitals held by the most talented pianists in an intimate setting at the church, and Evgueni Kissine holding a recital in the Salle des Combins. Symphonic concerts will be another of the festival’s unmissable events, with headline performances led by illustrious conductors like Gianandrea Noseda and Antonio Pappano.

Chamber music will feature strongly in the line-up, with recitals uniting musicians who rarely get the chance to play together offering the promise of unforgettable summer evenings. There will also be two concert versions of Richard Strauss’s operas; Elektra, led by Finnish conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Salome, which will open the festival under the direction of Charles Dutoit as he accomplishes his last year as the musical director of the Verbier Festival Orchestra. Many more surprises are in store for the audience, not

Yuja Wang will be back this summer for three concerts

least the 50th birthday of the legendary violinist Leonidas Kavakos, the Pink Martini party which will be open to a wider public, or, new this year for the 2017 edition, a concert for families specially scheduled in the afternoon to introduce little ones to classical music. As always, there will be much emphasis on the educational slant of the Verbier Festival, through the Verbier Festival Academy which offers a reputed training course for the most promising young soloists, run by the great masters of the music scene. This educational vocation is woven into the programme of the Verbier Festival, including conferences with the artists, cultural walking tours or short sets of around ten minutes held by musicians in the bandstand in the main square - all in the name of presenting new and alternative ways to learn about classical music. Another constant throughout the festival is the stunning backdrop of Verbier and its surrounds. Tickets go on sale online on 15th December from verbierfestival.com or at 0848 771 882

2 5

8 11

1 Marc Ramseier, Christian Bugnon, Philippe Rochat, Jean Troillet and Laurence Rochat 2 Skiers Tina Weirather and Chemmy Alcott 3 Bastian Baker 4 Former stars Pirmin Zurbriggen and Marc Girardelli 5 Etienne Monnier and Laura Chaplin 6 Fanny Smith and Helena Curtoni 7 Bertrand Cardis, Laurent Geninasca and Eric-A. Balet 8 Emilien Badoux, snowboard freeride world champion, and Swiss freerider Jérémie Heitz 9 Estelle Balet 10 Judoka Sergei Aschwanden, olympic medalist in Beijing; Tanja Frieden, snowboardcross olympic champion; beach volleyball player Patrick Heuscher 11 Sandrine Michellod and Chemmy Alcott 12 Olympic champion Dario Cologna, Laurence Rochat and Steve Ravussin 13 Thomas Lüthi 14 Jean-Nicolas Michaud and Sophia Rothpletz 15 Christian Bugnon and Géraldine Fasnacht 16 Eric-A. Balet, Philippe Roux, Emmanuelle and Roland Collombin, Pierre Fehlmann and Gérard Michellod 17 Xavier de Le Rue (freerider) and Corrado Baschieri

X V e r bi e r

Charity Night

The tenth edition of the Verbier Charity Night dinner, marking the end of the skiing season, will take place next 7 April at the Ruinettes. We take a look back at this good-natured yet celebrity-studded event that has become a fixture of the season.

Text LAURENT GRABET

P hotos Roulin Thomas I alpimages@verbier.ch & Melody sky MArk shapiro

n ten years, Verbier Charity Night has become the do-not-miss season-closing event at this famed resort. Held for nine years running, this philanthropic evening has raised more than CHF 415,000 on behalf of the “Right to Play” non-profit organization, which promotes sports and games as tools for child education in underdeveloped countries. For the past two years, it has also donated to Aide Sportive Suisse and the Verbier Freeride Association. The tenth Verbier Charity Night will take place on 7 April 2017 at the Ruinettes. Bernhard Russi, Marc Girardelli, and Anne-Sophie Barthet will be there, along with many others. The Charity Night idea was born from the Verbier High Five – a friendly competition, now held immediately afterwards, which allows all comers to put on their skis and test their mettle against star professional winter

sport athletes. “I wanted to take advantage of the presence of these great champions to host a charity event that combines great food and great company in a friendly and informal atmosphere”, recalls Eric Balet. Each winter, the Téléverbier CEO and his friends work their networks to ensure the presence of two star athletes at each of the 23 tables, which they share with 8 guests who pay CHF 500 each to attend.

year, James Blunt played for us. Another time, it was Bastian Baker. And there was that time when Didier Cuche and fencing champion Tiffany Géroudet improvised a song together”, reminisces Eric Balet. The evening is also fertile ground for improbable encounters, such as when «the young actor Kacey Mottet-Klein was overwhelmed with excitement over meeting his idol, Didier Cuche», recalls Eric Balet with a smile.

Over the years, many winter sports champions have joined in the fun at this mountaintop meal. These include Thomas Lüthi, Dario Cologna, Alberto Tomba, Pascal Richard, Tina Mase, Laurence Rochat and Didier Cuche. Every year two athletes play host to the soirée, as the late Estelle Balet did last winter shortly before her tragic disappearance in an avalanche. The evening is also interspersed with musical performances. “One

Over the years, the evening has become an essential event for the Swiss chapter of “Right to Play“. Adding to that, last summer, “Right to Play Friends“ was launched on the sidelines of the event. “This group, boasting around 40 members at the moment, supports a project for assisting deaf and mute children in Benin“, explains Eric Balet. And there will be others, bringing “Verbier“ and “charity“ together for ten years more!

5 9

11 13

12 15

14 18

1 Armin Niederer, Fanny Smith, Sanna Lüdi and Alex Fiva (Swiss ski-cross team) 2 Mr French Switzerland, Miss French Switzerland, with Enzo do Bue 3 Christian Bugnon (30° publisher), Florent Troillet and Laurent Grabet 4 Philippe May and M. Doron Biran 5 Laura Chaplin 6 François Gard and Henk Touw 7 Yan and Montse Felder 8 Estelle and Marielle Balet with Géraldine Fasnacht 9 The singer Sebalter and one of his musicians 10 Downhill olympic champion Didier Défago 11 The aperitif buffet at Mouton Noir 12 Olivia Ndiaye 13 Helena Curtoni and Luc Alfand 14 Caterina Perrelli, Sophie Bonvin, Elise Ehrenreich, Patrick Poli, Barry Houghton and Marzio Perrelli 15 Florent Troillet in the middle 16 Eric-A. Balet with GP motorcycle racers Tom Luthi and Dani Pedrosa 17 Susie and Issam Alssaban, Ulf and Anja Ljunggren 18 Singer Henri Dès with Eric-A. Balet 19 Christian Sarbach and Sophie Morard

9 14

1 Sarah Dussex-Tharin and Yvan Ravussin 2 Fränzi Aufdenblatten, Tina Weirather, Chemmy Alcott and Wendy Holdener 3 Freerider Jérémie Heitz 4 Ludivine and Philippe Blanc 5 Bertrand Denervaud, Emilien Badoux and Joël Sciboz 6 Albert Bétrisey, former president of the Valais Grand Council and his wife Stéphanie 7 Corinne Coco, Sarah Collombin and Marielle Balet 8 Etienne Monnier, Mike and Anouk Hornung in the company of Eloi Rossier, President of the commune of Bagnes 9 Didier Cuche, actor Kacey Mottet-Klein and singer James Blunt 10 Bastian Baker 11 Ski champion Axel-Lund Svindal and Lolita Morena 12 Philippe Blanc’s table 13 Marc Ramseier, Tanja Frieden, Adrien Théaux, Alexis Pinturault and Romane Faraut 14 Eric-A. Balet 15 The Mouton Noir team 16 Fuzia and Yves Rossi (jetman) 17 Anne Coppens, Marzio Perrelli, Mike Coppens, Caterina Perrelli and Elise Ehrenreich

5 8

1 Christine Gorte and Marcus Brater 2 Henk Touw, Philippe Roux and Roland Collombin 3 Orly Biran, Christian Burrus 4 Elena Curtoni 5 Eugène Eugster with former pro skiers William Besse and Marc Girardelli 6 Marc Girardelli, Charles Egli and Didier Fischer 7 Xander van Meerwijk, Mariette Touw, Henk Touw and Barbara van Meerwijk 8 Sabine and Didier Défago, Frederica Brignone, Luc Alfand 9 The terrace of the Mouton Noir 10 Chemmy Alcott 11 Anne-Michèle Lack, Tanya Bruchez, Laetitia Lehner, Line Roduit 12 Fanny Smith 13 Christian Hagin, Laurent Vaucher and Gilles Cottet 14 Didier Défago, Frederica Brignone, Luc Alfand and Sandrine Aubert 15 The cook at the Cristal 16 Sophia Rothpletz and ski-cross pro Sanna Lüdi 17 Olivier Keller 18 Sébastien Méténier and Sanna Lüdi

D i s c ov e r yo u r v e r b i e r w i nte r b r eAK s i n tH e sw i s s ALP s

Luxury

Style

Value

hotelcordee.com

hotelnevai.com

montpelierverbier.ch

“ E st e l l e l ov e d sh a r i ng” Tribute

A few months after Estelle Balet’s tragic death in an avalanche on Le Portalet, her father agreed to speak to us about her. An interview which portrayed the endearing character of this much-loved and fondly remembered Freeride World Tour champion. Tex t Laurent Grabet

P ho tos David Carlier

ovable, full of energy and as authentic as they come, Estelle Balet loved life and people. She treated everyone the same, no matter whether they were the CEO of one of her leading sponsors or a young autograph hunter. Her simplicity and kindness was plain for all to see. “Our daughter loved life like few others do,” says her father Eric-A. Balet, holding back the tears but unable to conceal his obvious pain. “She will be remembered as a straightforward, approachable and happy-go-lucky girl. She was a ray of sunshine who shared in what she loved and in what she was.” The day before I met with Balet, the Téléverbier CEO, in his Medran office, a group of his daughter’s close friends laid a plaque at the summit of one of her favourite local mountains. It reads “Ride for Estelle”, an inspirational message aimed at freeriders before they launch themselves down the slope. Six months after his daughter’s death in an avalanche, Balet has agreed to speak to us and tell us what the champion freerider was like. In doing so, he reveals the mark she has left on his heart and those of all the people who loved and followed her.

her loss. “The return of winter and the snow bring back even more painful memories of Estelle. We were very lucky to have had such a bright light in our lives, though she has left a chasm behind her.” Above his desk hangs a yellow Freeride World Tour (FWT) bib bearing the words “Current leader”, and a photo of a mischievous and radiant Estelle holding a fish in each hand. “That was taken very early one morning,” recalls Balet. “We’d gone fishing to the Lac de Moiry. Estelle loved doing different things, and there was more to her life than just freeriding. Everything she touched turned to gold because she put her heart into the things she did.” He then points to a rather inspired picture of the Matterhorn, painted by Estelle.

fully campaigned against unequal pay and the fact that female riders competed on less steep slopes at the Xtreme Verbier than their male counterparts. A highly accomplished athlete w ith a n ey e for deta il

As a sportswoman, Estelle was, in the words of her father, “an extremely precocious force of nature”. In 14 Freeride World Tour races she missed a podium place just twice. A gifted skier, she took up snowboarding at the age of 11, following an injury she sustained on the slopes. Under Fasnacht’s wing, she began competing five years later, and by the time she was 18 she had broken into the highly competitive world of FWT. “She was the youngest to do that and to win a world title,” explains Balet. “She’d spend the pre-season working every day on her fitness, and doing weight training in the gym,” he continues. “And when she competed, she would take great care in picking out her runs with a pair of binoculars, not so much because she wanted to beat her opponents but because she was a perfectionist.” As a result, she had achieved all her sporting goals by the age of 21, the most important of them – in her eyes at least – coming just before her tragic death, when she won the Xtreme Verbier. It was something she had dreamed of doing since she was a young girl, watching Fasnacht ride to victory on the legendary Bec des Rosses.

“Estelle loved doing different things. Everything she touched turned to gold because she put her heart into the things she did.”

On top at 21

Balet would give everything he has to go back to that fateful day, 19 April 2016, and alter its tragic course of events. It was on that morning, just as he was preparing to compete in the Patrouille des Glaciers with his friends, that his 21-year-old daughter, who had won the snowboard freeride world title for a second time just two weeks earlier, set off down a slope on Le Portalet, just above Orsières. She was shooting a film with her mentor and friend Géraldine Fasnacht, who had just negotiated the selfsame slope, blanketed with 30cm of powdery snow, with the aid of a guide. Fasnacht had a problem-free run, but when Estelle took her turn, a wind slab came away and took her with it. “That’s destiny,” shrugs Balet, who flew over the spot a few hours after the accident. He and his family are still coming to terms with

Multi-ta lented a nd a lways on the go

The youngest of three children, Estelle was, in the words of her father, “a sunny and extremely active child who could turn her hand to anything”. Recalling her with obvious fondness, he adds: “She really loved cooking for family and friends. Her macaroons were especially good.” A keen traveller and gifted student, she spoke fluent English and good German. “She passed her maths schoolleaving exam at the age of 19, despite her frequent absences on the Freeride World Tour. That was a real turning point for her. It made her even more of a fighter than before.” The two-time world champion had been due to start studying at an international marketing school in Geneva this year, having earned a place largely thanks to the way in which she handled her career and everything it involved, from travelling to all her sponsorship agreements. Estelle was so mature for her age, in fact, that she was affectionately nicknamed “Mum” on the FWT. She was also something of a rebel too. A staunch advocate of women’s rights, she forcefully but respect-

Balet loves to talk about his beloved daughter, though having to use conditional and past tenses to do so is hard for him to bear. The time has come to wrap things up. “Unlike most of us, Estelle dared to make her dreams come true, and what she achieved in freeride is unique,” he says. “Despite what some may believe, she didn’t take risks just to get extreme shots and please her sponsors. The film she was shooting when the accident happened was her own. She wanted to show that Valais is home to some of the best spots in the world. Make no mistake, it’ll be coming out soon.”

Y v e s ga r n e au portfolio Bringing Bagnes to life through a lens

A ski instructor on three continents, Swedish freerider Anders Fritzon is a big-mountain lover who knows his stuff. Here he is, leaving his mark in the heart of the wild open spaces of Verbierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s off-piste domain.

Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Canadian freerider Felix Tanguay makes his way through the Arolla sector, east of Verbier.

Verbier is not exactly short of virgin slopes to explore.

A compatriot of Yves Garneau’s and his favourite model to boot, Tanguay has a reputation for thrill-seeking and landing huge jumps.

Quebec-born photographer Yves Garneau is just as much at ease on the resort’s snowy slopes as he is in its luxury chalets, where he works his magic in long and perfectly polished photoshoots, playing with light to enhance the reality of both environments, as this photo gallery shows.

T e x t Laurent Grabet

ves Garneau first came to Verbier in the winter of 1997, his head full of images and yearnings of powdery snow and off-piste slopes. The son of the astronaut Marc Garneau, the first Canadian in space, the Quebec-born photographer planned to explore the area for a season or two and return home to train as a helicopter pilot. Twenty years on, he remains in the Val de Bagnes, with his Swedish wife Carina, whom he met here, and their two boys, aged seven and nine. In the meantime, the 40-year-old Canadian has established himself as one of the most talented photographers in a part of the world that is not exactly short of them. A ll dow n to a n accident

“I only got into photography so I could share all the incredible things I’ve experienced in the mountains with my friends,” says Garneau, a passionate freerider. “I hadn’t been in Valais long, though, when I fell on my back in the snowpark and broke a vertebra. That meant no more snowboarding for the rest of the season. I was still able to walk, though, and I decided to devote all my time to photography.” The shutterbug started out by taking photos of his friends.

P h o t os Yves garneau

Before long, his services were in demand among the semi-pros, which is when he decided to invest the money he had set aside for his pilot training in some top-ofthe-range equipment. Despite his boundless enthusiasm, it was nearly two years – during which time he took on one small job after another – before one of his images finally made it into a magazine. “It was a photo of the freestyle skier Tanner Hall, which appeared in Skieur. Things began to snowball from there and I gradually built up a reputation.” To make ends meet, however, Yves had to draw on his culinary skills as a part-time caterer. “I just kept coming up with the same five nice recipes that I’d learned when I worked in the hotel trade,” he explains. Photography began to take up more and more of Yves’ time, though, with commissions regularly coming his way from the ski world, including photoshoots for the prestigious Swiss brand Movement. Finding a niche

The turning point in his career came in 2007, when luxury chalet rental firm Bramble Ski called on him to photograph its properties.

Despite lacking experience in the field, Yves accepted the challenge. It proved to be a wise decision, with real estate photography having now become his speciality, bringing him a living and taking him on his travels. “I’ve been devoted to it full-time since 2014. I had my mid-life crisis ten years early, turning my back a little bit on skiing photography and the dangers that come with it, especially avalanches and the fact that they could have deprived my children of their father.” Whether he is shooting a luxury chalet or hotel in Verbier, Zermatt, Mallorca or Gstaad, or delving deep into the Bagnes countryside for the local tourism office or putting drones up (chiefly for videos), Yves has an obsession: “To find the best angle and the best light and make the end result better than real, but without seeming unreal either.” His main aim is to make people dreams, and where better to do that than in Verbier, in a little country where “sublime light reshapes the mountains every season and keeps drawing you back there”? The images below only serve to prove him right. www.g1photo.com

2. Freerider and jazz lover Evariste Berney churns up icy clouds as he cuts his way through the powder on the lower slopes of Mont-Fort. 3. Braving icy winds and blizzard conditions, English freerider Andy David makes for the top of Bruson in search of virgin slopes. 4. The passion for powder knows no bounds: Evariste Berney, Ilir Osmani and Gavin Mackay haul themselves up the slopes above ChampĂŠry.

1. Separated from humanity by a thick sea of clouds wedged in the valley and viewed from the heights over Verbier, the highest peaks of the Mont-Blanc massif tower over the horizon.

Freerider Ben Walker explores Stairway to Heaven, one of Verbierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous runs. A wide, steep couloir, it is home to plentiful supplies of powder right through to spring.

Militare Chrono Chronograph Bronze case Automatic movement 43.4 mm diameter Swiss Made

www.anonimo.com/store-locator

W Hotel Verbier Rue de MĂŠdran 70 1936 Verbier

Alpine Ski School Zermatt Metzggasse 9 3920 Zermatt

Saegesser Bijoux Rue Centrale 60 3963 Crans-Montana 2

Valérie Messika’s stunningly simple designs are all about the diamond and make a perfect match with Verbier (available at Michaud). Valérie Messika is wearing a Glam’Azone cuff and an Amazone double ring.

Va lér ie m e ssi k a

DELICATE DIAMONDS

For Valérie Messika, diamonds have always been a family affair. As a young girl, she used to have fun identifying and playing with them, all under the watchful eye of her father, a prominent figure in the diamond business. Out of that playful and entirely uninhibited relationship with these precious stones emerged a philosophy at odds with the stuffy traditionalism that prevails in the industry. Valérie seeks to break with the image of diamonds as jewels for special occasions only, set in an engagement or wedding ring. In her eyes, they should be worn every day, both with jeans and evening wear.

Danni Hammersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sw Souvenirs Rue Medran 6 1936 Verbier

T e x t Nathalie Cobos

Having founded the Messika brand in 2005, Valérie specialises in doing diamonds differently, making them the focal point of bracelets, rings and pendants in playful, airy designs in which they have the freedom to move. Gems take pride of place in her discreet pieces, which move with the wearer, and adapt to their bodies. In her collections, Valérie Messika strives for fluid, skin-hugging pieces that can be worn almost like tattoos and which have the merest of presences. In mixing genres, she takes the breath away, fashioning works of art that resemble fabrics woven from diamonds; flexible and light in nature. It is a gamble that has paid off. Valérie has created and imposed her own style, projecting her personality while remaining faithful to the diamond itself, an integral part of her genes. We spoke to a multifaceted businesswoman. With Messika, you’ve made diamonds more rock ‘n’ roll. Is that a reflection of your personality? Yes. The people I work with often say that the brand is just like me. When I started Messika, I made choices and pursued avenues that broke with the landscape usually associated with diamonds. I’m doing what I love now. I’m lucky enough to have a job that I’m passionate about, which gives me a whole lot of freedom.

P ho tos David Ferrua

The Messika Emotion line features a drop bead diamond on a ring. I’m pleased you’ve mentioned that collection, because we don’t tend to showcase it the most. It’s only available in Messika stores, so we don’t talk about it as much. It’s all to do with movement. You can’t make diamonds move with a solitaire so I wanted to add a drop bead, which does move and follows the wearer’s movements. It’s an intimate detail that only she will see and appreciate. It’s like a signature. You seem to attach great importance to symbols, to be very sensitive to emotions. I am an emotional and sensitive person. Symbols mean a lot to me. I love details. They fill me with wonder. When we created an illuminated jewellery case a few years ago, I took inspiration from my own experience, when my exhusband proposed to me on the beach at night. He put a light on my head so I could see what was in the case. It was a very symbolic moment and it made me want to design a case that was a little bit different, one that showcased the diamonds and allowed men who weren’t particularly romantic to do something out of the ordinary. You can give a diamond to someone anywhere and at any time: that’s the message we wanted to get across.

“I’m lucky enough to have a job that I’m passionate about, which gives me a whole lot of freedom.”

I have a very special and very emotional connection with diamonds. It all goes back to my childhood days and it’s linked to my family. When I was young, I’d sit next to my dad and play with them. The concept of movement is absolutely essential in my eyes. I wanted to bring diamonds out of confinement, to free them from the sanctified straitjacket they were in, while also maintaining their aura, as they’re the most beautiful of stones. And that’s how Messika came into being. Your designs are worn like a second skin. They’re fluid and very, very comfortable. What is it that guides you in your creative choices? The basic idea can be found in every Messika design: it’s about bringing lightness to diamonds and making them wearable on an everyday basis. Let me give you an example: the diamond necklace is to jewellery what the little black dress is to fashion: an essential eveningwear item. The challenge we set ourselves was to make it wearable for every occasion. We’ve reworked the diamond to create jewellery that sticks to the skin, like a tattoo, and which responds to its movements. We used small diamonds and we’ve come up with a very delicate structure featuring springs. One of my ground rules is that the structure should be invisible and enhance the stones. It took more than a year of development to come up with this result: skin-hugging pieces, which have become our trademark.

You’re a businesswoman and a mother to two young girls. How do you manage to balance the two? I’m lucky enough to love what I do. It’s also my passion. I travel a lot, it’s true, but I do try to be very organised, which is a pretty big challenge as I’m not really an organised person at all. Fortunately, I’ve got some good people around me, especially my assistant, who’s helped me so much. Family and work are one and the same at our house, which is an advantage. I make the most of long holiday weekends to go and see my family in Israel, and I work with my husband and my cousin. Being together makes it easier. How do you switch off from your work? Are you sporty? I go running and swimming. I don’t enjoy it that often but I do feel a sense of being at one with nature. I often go running on the embankments in Paris. That’s when I hit the pause button. Things come to a stop and I take time to breathe. I also go for walks in the woods a lot. Colours inspire me. I get to notice things I don’t otherwise see when I’m working. I also ski a bit too. I’m not a great skier but I do love it. I ski for fun, not performance. I love the sensation of gliding on the snow and being high up. I find being free inspiring. Ideas come more easily to me when I get away from work and the worries that come with being a mother.

V er bi er the Mecca of Off-Piste Riding

Famous for its backcountr y runs, Verbier is a magnet for lovers of deep powder with idyllic panoramas. But while these adventures off the beaten path are easily accessible from the regular ski areas, they nevertheless require a good understanding of the mountain itself.

Grant Gunderson

When fresh snow falls, the white blanket enveloping the slopes around Verbier gives itself over to trailblazing freeriders, who take great pleasure in whipping up a powder storm.

David Carlier

In the space of a few short years, Verbier has become the freeride capital of Europe. No other ski domain has so many options to offer, and jaw-droppingly beautiful ones at that.

T e x t Sophie Dorsaz

arve down powder slopes without sweating the climb up? Yes, you can-at Verbier! Many freeride areas, including Backside Mont-Fort, Creublet, and the Mont-Gelé, are within easy reach of the lifts. Here’s a quick (non-exhaustive) tour of the hotspots of this powder-filled resort. Easily spotted from the Funispace (leading up to the Attelas), the wide corridor of Creublet may be a popular run, but it’s always a sure bet after a good snowfall. To reach it, simply follow the ridge to the left upon exiting the gondola.

As thrilling as it may be, freeriding is a sport that demands a solid understanding of the mountain. It’s a good idea to head down one of these routes in the company of a mountain guide or experienced rider. Additionally, a visit to the Park DVA (Avalanche Victim Detection Centre) is highly advised. Located at La Chaux, across from the snow-park, safety instructors can help you become familiar with, or get a refresher on, skills that could save a life. Shovel, probe, and avalanche victim detector in hand, a search and rescue practice routine makes for a great early morning warm-up!

For a more technically challenging run, the “Backside Montfort” offers one of Verbier’s classic freeride descents. Its English name is unsurprising given the resort’s long history of British influence. Rising up to 3300 metres high and set against the stunning backdrop of the Matterhorn and Mont-Blanc, Mont-Fort offers an unbeatable panoramic view with a fairly long and steep run down its eastern face. A somewhat tricky crossing over the unavoidable rocky overhangs leads to the top of two clearly identifiable corridors. Often offering excellent conditions, with a slope of 35° to 38°, they will speed you down to the dam of Cleuson, and then on to Siviez.

Yves Garneau

A notch higher up, the Mont-Gelé overlooks the Attelas. The site, accessible by ski lift, offers a range of excellent corridors to choose from depending on the weather and time of day. For example, the south side leading to La Chaux is a bit capricious and warms up quickly; it’s best to take it first thing in the morning. As for the north side, it has several steep corridors that lead to one of the most popular off-piste runs in Verbier, “La Mouche”, heading towards Tortin.

Taking on these daring leaps requires just a little bit of training.

L a cor dé e de s Al pe s Exquisite luxury and charm

Bathed in the soft glowing light of a big mountain chalet, this fourstar superior member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World is preparing to celebrate its 5th anniversary in 2017. On the menu: all the services of a prestigious establishment, including a gourmet restaurant and a truly fabulous spa.

T e x t Claude hervé-bazin

P ho t os Yves Garneau & Thomas Roulin - Alpimages

e may be up among the snow-capped peaks, but we’re a million miles from the rustic comfort of the average mountain refuge. At La Cordée de Alpes, it’s more about discreet luxury in inviting surroundings which cater to your well-being. The décor is discerning; contemporary interiors infused with subtle touches of nostalgia harking back to the Alps of times gone by. A pair of old, weather-worn skis lean delicately against the wall, old wooden panelling and furniture feature throughout, and the intricacy of the carved balconies is akin to lace. “We drew inspiration from old hotels from the turn of the last century. But that doesn’t mean we’ve overlooked the requirements of a modern hotel!” explains Marcus Bratter, the Swiss-Australian who owns this establishment, as well as the Nevaï nearby.

A little piece of Ita ly at L a Cor dée

The journey of the senses carries on into the evening in La Cordée’s fine dining restaurant, a blend of urban brasserie, cosy booths, exposed beams and shuttered windows which lay claim to its Alpine identity. The bar is the best spot for observing the chef Marco Bassi and his Italian team as they go about preparing their wares in the large open kitchen – a show worth watching! The menu presents light, wellbalanced seasonal dishes, strongly inspired by local products with a transalpine influence which turn simmered, sautéed, confit and aromatic vegetables into a celebration. Gault&Millau’s verdict: 14 out of 20. In high season, you’ll need to book three days in advance. Hotel a nd r esidence

The cosy chalet-style décor makes you instantly feel at home – but better! In the 32 bedrooms and suites, the quilts are plumped up like clouds, the pillows dreamily soft, and cosy rugs yearn for you to wrap yourself up in them – an unadulterated invitation to kick back and relax. We continue our visit to discover a lounge area with a fireplace, a huge bathroom and a balcony offering a panoramic view of the mountains.

Tucked inside La Cordée des Alpes are a handful of spacious private apartments, some of which can be hired for the day or by the week. Comprising two or three bedrooms, they can accommodate up to six guests and include the personalised services of a concierge, which can be called upon to arrange meals at the residence or book private ski lessons or a mountain guide. These luxury apartments also have access to the same services as the hotel’s rooms (breakfast, shuttle buses to the slopes, etc.). Ultimate luxury.

The spa; no pr a ise is enough

www.hotelcordee.com

The pursuit of well-being continues in a haven designed for just that, in the basement. We’d gladly sink into the water in the Jacuzzi or do a few gentle laps in the adjacent 15m pool, surrounded by high vaulted ceilings and sculpted wooden screens resembling old-fashioned shutters. A steam room and a sauna round off the facilities. Aching muscles? Succumb to the expert hands of the therapists at the Cinq Mondes and Karin Herzog Spa for an organic massage treatment using aromatic plants from the Napf pastures (near Lucerne). For those aspiring to total privacy, the spa can be privatised. Then collect your thoughts as you recline on a chaise longue by the fireplace as you contemplate the beautiful view of the treetops.

Lounge bar and high tea

The lobby of Hotel La Cordée fills up every afternoon from 3.30 to 6.30 pm. Guests and walk-in customers can now meet up for a true English tea time, where trolleys navigate among the tables laden with sandwich platters! Something more Swiss? Coffee, hot chocolate topped with frothy milk and organic cacao powder, mulled wine with spices and zest will warm you up when you come off the slopes until it’s time to get the real après-ski underway with some long drinks.

www.cbcommunication.com

Le Millénium Restaurant: 027 771 99 00 Rue de Médran, 1936 Verbier www.lemillenium.ch – E-mail: lemillenium@bluewin.ch

El Toro Negro Grill House: 027 771 99 01 Rue de Médran, 1936 Verbier

Annonce_Millenium_230x148.5mm.indd 1

Men’s & women’s clothing Skiwear Lingerie Shoes & boots Luggage Ski & snowboard rental Ski service & repair Schneiders, Marc O’Polo, Brax, Gant, Gran Sasso, NZA, M.Miller, Sportalm, Goldbergh, Gimo’s, Bric’s, Hanro, Aubade, and more...

Place centrale +41 27 771 22 77 Médran +41 27 771 15 88

24.11.16 14:32

V e r bi e r’s m e n of Mystery

The mystery men are hard to spot in the immense expanse of the Verbier domain. Can you pick them out?

T e x t César Deffeyes

P ho t o Yves Garneau

Employed by Téléverbier, two undercover skiers tour the resort day in day out in a tireless quest to find where improvements might be made, doing their bit to maintain Verbier’s status as one of the most highly rated resorts in the Alps. As we explain, however, their efforts are not always appreciated.

lot of work goes into safeguarding Verbier’s reputation among the leading resorts in the Alps. Playing their part are the so-called “mystery men”, who, at the behest of ski lift CEO Eric-A. Balet, have been criss-crossing its slopes since the 2013/14 season. Just as the hotel trade and the aviation industry have their mystery customers, so Verbier has its undercover skiers, who pass themselves off as average tourists while making their way around the resort and inspecting its facilities in depth.

where they dine. Nothing escapes their attention, although they are not exactly popular with the people who staff the ski lifts or the bars and restaurants. “But it’s not about spying on people. Their job is to identify the little details and the things we’re still getting wrong,” explains Balet. “When you put them all together, the improvements we make on the basis of their reports bring us more clients and help ensure they keep coming back.” Every season, Téléverbier invests some CHF 10,000 in this qualitycontrol programme.

W e’r e not snoopers!

This year there are two of them on duty in the Verbier ski area, casting their beady eyes over everything from the cleanliness of the toilets and the condition of the slopes to the welcome received by visitors and the menus of the high-altitude restaurants

The biggest challenge for these “mystery men”, some of whom use code names, is to stay anonymous. That’s the only way to do the job properly. One of the first people to take on the job, Paul-André Dubosson went to the length of changing his skis and

gear regularly to keep his identity secret. He used a pencil and notebook to record his findings, which was perhaps why he was finally rumbled and branded a secret agent by some. Hailing from Le Chablais and a well-known figure in the ski world, having previously coached the women’s national team, the hard-nosed Dubosson is nevertheless proud of the work he did. A number of improvements have been made at the resort thanks to his astute reports, among them better slope markings to prevent people losing their bearings whenever fog comes down. A dr ea m job

Being paid (around CHF 300 a day) to ski at one of the most beautiful resorts in the world and grab a free bite at its slope-side restaurants is what some might indignantly describe as a ‘dream job’. “Yes, but anyone who’s had the privilege of doing it will tell them that it’s also a ‘real’ job, one that requires being vigilant the whole time,” he adds. “And it also involves going straight back to your computer and spending a good couple of hours writing up your report.”

Any Jet,

Anywhere, Anytime! With a choice of the world’s finest aircraft, from ultra-modern light jets to sophisticated VIP bizliners – we cater for every need. Our reputation is based on an exceptional level of service, driven by commitment and dedication. Enjoy PrivatAir’s personalised, competitively-priced private air travel, designed to meet the expectations of the most discerning businesses and individuals. For more information www.privatair.com

Over 40 years of business aviation expertise

For a free quote contact us on: +41 (0)22 929 67 30 sales@privatair.com

T H E W H I T E K N IGH T OF CHEESE AND FRIENDSHIP

At age 60, Philippe Blanc, master cheesemaker, is a time-honoured figure in Verbier. His shop is not only a gathering place for epicureans of all stripes, it is also a place for friendship. That much was obvious during our impromptu visit. T e x t laurent grabet

My life, my heart, and my friends– they’re all here. I wouldn’t leave Verbier for the world!” exclaims Philippe Blanc, as he uncorks a lovely bottle of wine for us and some friends passing through. A few hours spent with the cheesemaker, a native of Sion, and the reason why becomes clear. In the back of the shop, located a few steps from the main square of Verbier, the adopted Valaisian tenderly cares for two of the things dearest to his heart: delicious cheeses, kept in a cellar at a constant 10°C, and, especially, tender friendships, which have often blossomed around a glass of wine and a slice of Bagnes Gruyère. Since taking over the shop from his father in 1976, “La chaumière” has prospered thanks to the authenticity of the master of the house and his deep knowledge of its 200 cheeses, as well as the excellent accompanying products sourced locally and from French-speaking Switzerland. Last year, Philippe Blanc’s skills were rewarded with the French Order of Agricultural Merit, a badge of honour for gastronomical heroes. A small green ribbon, often found in the button-hole of his impec-

P ho t o philippe blanc

cable jacket, bears witness. “My father is the greatest man in the world”, declares his son Léo, who runs the “Milk” bar above the store, without cracking a smile. “He took over the business at the right time and made it grow tremendously. And yet he has never boasted about his achievement.” This notwithstanding, a joke making the rounds maintains that the young sexagenarian was

“I wouldn’t leave Verbier for the world!” at one time the only cheesemaker in Switzerland to drive a Ferrari. Philippe Blanc certainly loves nice things, and good things too, but he especially loves good people, “genuine” people. “Many of the clients who I’ve invited to the back of the shop have become friends. Some of them have even led me to travel to the four corners of the planet”, says the master cheesemaker, with even more than the usual twinkle in his eye. When pressed, he reveals that some were

“kings, presidents, famous lawyers, doctors, industrialists”, but remains unwilling to disclose any names. Nevertheless, the walls of the room at the back of the shop do some of the talking for him. It is covered with photos which immortalise the shop owner’s cherished moments of friendship. Many are anonymous, full of smiles, while others show famous personalities including Guy Roux, Alain Prost, Pierre Keller, and national councillor Christian Lüscher. Further, at the end of a long hallway, in the cellar, lie the master cheesemaker’s secret: wheels of cheese ageing with wine yeast for up to two years. “It protects the rind”, he explains, while paying compliment to a lovely ten year old Gruyère “oozing with savour”. Lulu, his daughter, who fills the cheese shop with her indomitable and contagious joyful spirit, and has given him a little Manon, agrees. To see her smiling, open-hearted as her father, it’s obvious that this love triangle between the Blanc family, Verbier, and cheese, is far from over!

30 YEARS 1987-2017

Sport TR e n ds Winter by christian bugnon

MOUNTAIN FORCE

K ASK

RIDER JACK ET w w w.mountainforce.com

SA FETY IN STY LE w w w.kask.it

Its low-key look aside, this fur-hooded ski jacket is not lacking in style. Nor is it lacking in small details designed to ensure ultimate comfort, with multiple inside pockets, goggle and lift pass pockets on the arm, waterproof seams and zip, a detachable elasticated snow guard, and not forgetting a 12-point system to ensure a snug fit on trousers so you keep as much heat in as possible! On sale at Xtreme Sports, in Verbier’s main square.

Italian ski helmet manufacturer Kask, has two watchwords: comfort and safety. All their research focuses on achieving the best possible balance between weight (700 g in this case) and resistance, synonymous with added protection. With slits on the top of the head for breathability, an XXL field of vision, an ultra fog-resistant visor, and a detachable interior liner shell, they really have thought of everything. Can be worn with glasses. On sale at Xtreme Sports, in Verbier’s main square.

MARC O’POLO

ELAN

SPORTALM

THE CA LL OF THE SEA w w w.fellay-verbier.ch

RIPSTICK 96 w w w.elansports.com

WILD LIGHTNESS LINE w w w.fellay-verbier.ch

Marc O’Polo presents its new nauticalthemed collections in Verbier, “The Seafarer” and “By the sea”. In the line-up: casual pieces inspired by timeless classics revisited with a modern twist. The quality is ship shape! The brand is reputed for using top of the range natural materials from fair trade sources, such as alpaca, virgin wool and yack wool. Available exclusively in Verbier from Fellay Mode & Sport.

No sooner had it been released, than it scooped an ISPO award! Replacing the Spectrum, the Ripstick 96 firmly secures its spot as the last word in the freeride-touring range. It has inherited its predecessor’s distinctive feature – the skis are specifically designed for the left and right feet, rather than being interchangeable; this is what’s known an Amphibio design. Everything else is new: its shape and ultralight construction using wood and carbon (TNT technology).

The women’s brand from Kitzbühel has earned itself a reputation for teaming comfort with elegance, and its homeland style with cosmopolitan flair. Their bottom line is using good quality materials to make clothes that women enjoy wearing. This season, Sportalm makes a style statement with the Wild Lightness range, featuring snakeskin prints that are sure to turn heads on the slopes. As always, technicity and femininity are assured. Available exclusively in Verbier from Fellay Mode & Sport.

THE SUNNY SIDE OF VERBIER AND LA TZOUMAZ !

R E S T A U R A N T

U H V W D X U D Q W Awarded “Saveurs du Valais” certification for its local cuisine, the Restaurant du Col de la Croix-de-Cœur offers fine dining and superb panoramic views of the Bernese

2174m

Alps to the north, and the Combins mountains and Mont Blanc to the south. WINTER: from December to April - SUMMER: from June to October BOOKINGS: T +41 27 775 25 36 - M +41 79 204 16 78 - Email: lacroixdecoeur@televerbier.ch OPENING HOURS: www.verbier4vallees.com

Sport TR e n ds Winter by christian bugnon

K ÄSTLE

SKIS TX90 w w w.kaestle-sk i.com LAustrian brand Kästle has revamped its offering, redesigned the shape and geometry of its skis, and changed the way they’re built: now with a caruba wood core and carbon inserts making them much lighter. A racy freetouring ski, the TX90 is ideally suited to big powder fields with its 90 mm waist, but it also holds its own in the forest. Basically, this ski is easy to handle, impressively responsive and ultra effective. You won’t be disappointed! On sale at Xtreme Sports, in Verbier’s main square.

KJUS

CUCHE MEN SPECI A L EDITION JACK ET w w w.kjus.com There are murmurings of a revolution. Born of a collaboration with Swiss downhill skier Didier Cuche, the jacket named after him has already won an ISPO Award. Its secret ingredient is Schoeller ©, a fabric with fibres that respond to changes in temperature and activity - they open up as heat builds up and close when it drops! It is also comfortable, breathable, water- and wind-resistant, and has a special mobile phone pocket. On sale at Xtreme Sports, in Verbier’s main square.

SCHNEIDERS

2016/17 COLLECTION w w w.schneiders.com This Austrian brand is celebrating its 70th anniversary! Their strong sense of tradition provides inspiration for their lines - their officer collars are proof of this – and this year Schneiders has appointed itself spokesperson for the 1950s. They’ve dug deep into their archives and pulled out the Dirtl Trench raincoat - named after a famous motorbike champion of the era - which sets the tone for the current collection, all discreet luxury and high quality materials.. Available exclusively in Verbier from Fellay Mode & Sport.

M. MILLER

SK 2221 “JILL” JACK ET w w w.fellay-verbier.ch We love this American brand’s discreetly sophisticated range of versatile items made from the finest materials, where luxury and fashion meet technology – perfect for hitting the slopes or the town! This waterproof jacket is filled with 100% goose down and has a cosy detachable raccoon trim. M. Miller is only available from the best specialist sport shops. Available exclusively in Verbier from Fellay Mode & Sport.

LANGE

XT130 BOOTS w w w.lange-boots.com Lange brings us its exciting new freetour model in the form of the XT130 Low Volume Freetour ski boots with inserts. Designed for proficient skiers who want to head off the beaten track, it makes climbing easier but maintains optimal descent. As well as a cuff boasting a 43° range of motion, its Dynafit-certified over-injected inserts provide improved stability and control. The lining is thermoformed for enhanced comfort. On sale at Xtreme Sports, in Verbier’s main square.

SK I TOU R I NG MAKE THE BREAK

Do you dream of getting away from the bustling plains and crowded ski runs? Take to the backcountry! Val de Bagnes offers endless escapes on skis. All it takes is a little courage, and you will be handsomely rewarded!

Clear skies and untouched slopes shrouded in powdery snow: the climb up to the legendary Bec des Rosses by the northeastern ridge does not disappoint.

MORE VENTILATION

NO FOGGING Thanks to Superflow system the lens can be adjusted by simply pulling it forward away from the frame. This helps reduce heat building and fogging. When it’s time for descent, simply pull lens back towards the goggle and enjoy total comfort.

AEROSPACE

Up and downhill goggle

AIRFLUX

Ultra-venting for all

julbo.com

OFF

Only a few steps more to the summit of Bec des Rosses. In sight on the mountain’s dark side lie long and inviting stretches of pristine powder.

T e x t e Sophie DOrsaz

o set out on the mountain – whether on skis or snowshoes – is to drink from the cup of nature’s pleasures, to revel in its silence and glory in richly rewarded labour. Nothing can replace the rapture of a hardwon ascent followed by carving down the mountain through immaculate fresh powder. Of course, outside the marked trails, the mountain makes the rules. To enjoy the landscape and its serenity to the full, it’s best to venture out in the company of a guide or experienced skier, equipped with proper safety gear (shovel, probe and AVD).

P ho t os David Carlier

swing over towards the Val d’Entremont. But don’t forget to carefully plan your drop! Once out in the wide open space, man-made structures will become nothing but a memory. Further into the Vallée de Bagnes, and a must for anyone wishing to pursue their quest for silent, authentic nature, is a route beloved of novices and experts alike: the forest path leading to the Brunet Hut above Lourtier. This place, accessible in nearly all weather conditions, is frequented by many locals, who

make the trek to enjoy the fondue prepared by Sonia, its genial keeper. For beginners, it makes for a worthy goal; for others, it represents a nice stop on the way to Rogneux. On the menu: 800 m of gradient. More information for planning your treks: www.guideverbier.com www.meteosuisse.admin.ch http://map.geo.admin.ch/ (topographical maps) www.slf.ch (avalanche bulletin)

Starting out from Verbier, the Col de la Chaux, which hugs the famous Bec des Rosses, can be reached through the Col des Gentianes after only a solid hour. It’s the perfect getaway for those who want to experience a little crosscountry skiing. Hardier folks can continue in the direction of the Col de Momin, at 3015 m, to finally reach La Rosablanche, which rises up to 3336 m. A critical stage in the famous Patrouille des Glaciers race, the Rosablanche has everything a backcountry skier could wish for: a superb view and amazing drops. Count on a good three hours of climbing from the runs, but remember that once you pass the Col de Momin, you’ll be crossing a glacier! In front, above the small, rudimentary Bruson ski resort, towers the Tête de la Payanne. Accessible from the Moay ski tow in an hour at a guide’s pace, skiers can choose to carve down the mountain’s formidable flanks, or

Though these ski tourers have just left the ski domain behind them, the peaks of the Combins massif hove into view already.

T R e n ds de sign Winter by christian bugnon

La Pr airie

Car an d’Ache

Cellul air e R a di a nce

Astrogr a ph limited edition

www.la-prairie.fr

www.carandache.com

Since the dawn of time, gold has been coveted by many cultures and acclaimed for its medicinal virtues. More than 5,000 years ago, the Egyptians would swallow it as part of a ritual to cleanse the body, mind and soul. Researchers at La Prairie have reincarnated this tradition of supreme opulence by including the precious metal in silky smooth creams in the Radiance collection. These products restore a youthful glow, revitalize skin and produce a flawless finish.

The eminent handwriting specialists venture into uncharted territory - that of space travel. In collaboration with watchmaking laboratory MB&F, reputed for their playful designs inspired by childhood dreams, Caran d’Ache reveals a surprising fountain pen inserted in the fuselage of a mini space rocket! A technological gem which requires more than 500 manual operations to produce. A mechanism inspired by flick-knives forms a stabilising tripod base, and a magnetic figurine depicts an astronaut!

Cartier

Aubade

Shamballa

Pa nther Clutch Bag

Ca psule Collection

Sh a mba ll a Jew els

w w w.cartier.ch

w w w.fellay-verbier.ch

w w w.shamballajewels.com

The panther is one of Cartier’s iconic animals, having inspired a host of rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces designed by the jeweller. The feline’s head adorns this long black clutch made from Nile crocodile skin (dimensions: 12 x 24 cm) - which contrasts with the gold-finish engraved clasp and 55 cm long chain which can be looped. The inside is lined with black calfskin.

Aubade invited famous French couturier Christian Lacroix to cast his artful baroquesavvy eye over their collection. The result is an ode to seduction, a feast for the eyes in noble fabrics, with Indian pink and crimson on black. Aubade’s classic Parisian idyll line is revisited through a prism of floral prints, bouquets and arabesques intermingled with blooming Leavers lace. Available exclusively in Verbier from Fellay Mode & Sport.

Attaining serenity through elegance, such is the aspiration of Shamballa Jewels. The luxury brand’s iconic bracelet, first launched in 1994 by the Danish Kornerups brothers - and since adopted by celebrities the world over - combines gemstones and colours in a style which sets out to bring well-being and benefit to wearers. A piece of finest jewellery laden with stories recounting the very essence of life: love, freedom, peace, compassion, and tolerance. On sale in Verbier at Michaud jewellers.

CLASSIC FUSION

# W H ATD R I V E SYO U

DRIVE DE CARTIER L A R G E D AT E , R E T R O G R A D E S E C O N D T I M E Z O N E A N D D AY/ N I G H T I N D I C AT O R 1 9 0 4 - F U M C THE DRIVE DE CARTIER COLLECTION IS ELEGANCE REDEFINED. THE SLEEK LINES OF THIS CUSHION-SHAPED WATCH CREATE A TRULY STYLISH PIECE, BROUGHT TO LIFE BY THE MAISON MANUFACTURE MOVEMENT 1904-FU MC. ITS THREE COMPLICATIONS ARE COORDINATED DIRECTLY BY THE CROWN. ESTABLISHED IN 1847, CARTIER CREATES EXCEPTIONAL WATCHES THAT COMBINE DARING DESIGN AND WATCHMAKING SAVOIR-FAIRE.